497 1 a21-19611_1497.htm 497

Prospectus

May 1, 2021 (as revised July 2, 2021)

Baillie Gifford Funds

Classes of Shares

   

Class K

  Institutional
Class
 

Baillie Gifford Asia Ex Japan Fund

 

BASKX

 

BSASX

 

Baillie Gifford China A Shares Growth Fund*

 

BCAKX

 

BCANX

 

Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund

 

BGCDX

 

BGCBX

 

Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund

 

BGPKX

 

BSGPX

 

Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund

 

BKGCX

 

BGCSX

 

Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund

 

BGKEX

 

BGEGX

 

Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund

 

BGAKX

 

BGASX

 

Baillie Gifford Global Stewardship Equities Fund

 

BGSKX

 

BGSSX

 

Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund

 

BGIKX

 

BINSX

 
Baillie Gifford International Concentrated Growth
Equities Fund
 

BTLKX

 

BTLSX

 

Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund

 

BGEKX

 

BGESX

 

Baillie Gifford International Smaller Companies Fund

 

BICKX

 

BICIX

 

Baillie Gifford Japan Growth Fund

 

BAADX

 

BAABX

 

Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund

 

BGLKX

 

BSGLX

 

Baillie Gifford Positive Change Equities Fund

  BPEKX   BPESX  

Baillie Gifford U.S. Discovery Fund

 

BGUKX

 

BGUIX

 

Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity Growth Fund

 

BGGKX

 

BGGSX

 

* Prior to April 30, 2021, the fund was known as Baillie Gifford China A Shares Fund.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

Each fund listed above (each, a "Fund") is a series of Baillie Gifford Funds (the "Trust") and may offer multiple classes of shares. This Prospectus covers only Class K and Institutional Class shares of the Funds.


Table of Contents

Fund Summaries

   

1

   

Baillie Gifford Asia Ex Japan Fund

   

1

   

Baillie Gifford China A Shares Growth Fund

   

5

   

Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund

   

10

   

Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund

   

15

   

Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund

   

20

   

Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund

   

25

   

Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund

   

30

   

Baillie Gifford Global Stewardship Equities Fund

   

35

   

Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund

   

40

   

Baillie Gifford International Concentrated Growth Equities Fund

   

45

   

Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund

   

50

   

Baillie Gifford International Smaller Companies Fund

   

55

   

Baillie Gifford Japan Growth Fund

   

60

   

Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund

   

64

   

Baillie Gifford Positive Change Equities Fund

   

69

   

Baillie Gifford U.S. Discovery Fund

   

74

   

Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity Growth Fund

   

78

   

Additional Information about Principal Strategies and Risks

   

83

   

Principal Investment Strategies

   

83

   

Selected Investment Techniques and Topics

   

102

   

Principal Investment Risks

   

105

   

Fund Management

   

120

   

Investment Manager

   

120

   

Investment Teams

   

123

   

Shares

   

137

   

Share Classes

   

137

   

How Shares are Priced

   

137

   

How to Buy or Exchange Shares

   

137

   

Restrictions on Buying or Exchanging Shares

   

139

   

Buying, Selling, and Exchanging Shares through Financial Intermediaries

   

142

   

How to Sell Shares

   

143

   

Share Dividends and Distributions

   

144

   

Tax

   

144

   

Financial Highlights

   

147

   

Additional Performance Information

   

173

   

Historical Performance Information for Similar Accounts

   

176

   

Contacts and Further Information

   

179

   

Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Fund Summaries

Baillie Gifford Asia Ex Japan Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford Asia Ex Japan Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

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

Shareholder Fees

(Fees paid directly from your investment)

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
 

None

     

None

   

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

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

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 

Management Fees(a)

   

0.65

%

   

0.65

%

 

Distribution (12b-1) Fees

   

None

     

None

   

Other Expenses(b)

   

16.90

%

   

17.05

%

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses
   

17.55

%

   

17.70

%

 
Fee Waiver and/or Expense
Reimbursement(c)
   

(16.75

)%

   

(16.75

)%

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or
Expense Reimbursement(c)
   

0.80

%

   

0.95

%

 

(a)  The Management Fee consists of an Advisory Fee and an Administration and Supervisory Fee paid by the Fund to Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited.

(b)  Class K and Institutional Class were unfunded as of December 31, 2020. Therefore Other Expenses have been estimated for the current fiscal year assuming Fund assets of $1 million.

(c)  Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or bear Other Expenses of the Fund until April 30, 2022 to the extent that such Fund's Total Annual Operating Expenses (excluding taxes, sub-accounting expenses, and extraordinary expenses) exceed 0.80% for Class K and Institutional Class shares. This contractual agreement may only be terminated by the Board of Trustees of the Trust. Expenses after waiver/reimbursement exceed 0.80% for Institutional Class due to estimated sub-accounting expenses of 0.15%.

Example of Expenses

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, regardless of whether or not you redeem your shares at the end of such periods. It also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. The example below also applies any contractual expense waivers and/or expense reimbursements to the first year of each period listed in the table.

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your expenses would be:

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
1 Year  

$

82

   

$

97

   
3 Years  

$

3,294

   

$

3,327

   

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses" above, affect the Fund's performance. Because the Fund has not commenced operations, it does not have a portfolio turnover rate.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in Asia (excluding Japan) and including the Indian subcontinent.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in securities of companies located in countries represented in the MSCI All Country Asia Ex Japan Index. The MSCI All Country Asia Ex Japan Index includes large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap issuers from a variety of countries including China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand. The economies of many of these countries are considered emerging market economies, and some may be considered frontier markets. The Fund will invest in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund is not constrained with respect to market capitalization and may participate in initial public offerings ("IPOs") and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up approach to stock selection and select companies without being constrained by the MSCI All Country Asia Ex Japan benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 50 and 100 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The Fund aims to hold securities for relatively long periods, which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in


1


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

Principal Risks

The Fund's net asset value and returns will be impacted by the performance of the underlying investments of the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the Fund.

The principal risks of investing in the Fund (in alphabetical order after the first five risks) are:

  Investment Style Risk – Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited (the "Manager") actively makes investment decisions for the Fund through bottom-up stock selection. Accordingly, the Fund will have risk characteristics that differ from its benchmark index. The Manager's judgments about the attractiveness, relative value, or potential appreciation of a particular stock may prove to be incorrect and cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index. There can be no assurance that the Manager's investment decisions will produce the desired results.

  Growth Stock Risk – The prices of growth stocks may be based largely on expectations of future earnings, and their prices can decline rapidly and significantly in reaction to negative news. Growth stocks may underperform stocks in other broad style categories (and the stock market as a whole) over any period of time and may shift in and out of favor with investors generally, sometimes rapidly, depending on changes in market, economic, and other factors.

  Long-Term Investment Strategy Risk – The Fund pursues a long-term investment approach, typically seeking returns over a period of several years. This investment style may cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index or other mutual funds over extended periods of time, and the Fund may not perform as expected in the long term. An investment in the Fund may be more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the risk of short- or medium-term fluctuations in the value of the Fund's portfolio.

  Geographic Focus Risk – The Fund expects to focus its investments in a limited number of countries or geographic regions, and as a result may not offer the same level of diversification of risks as a more broadly global fund because the Fund will be exposed to a smaller geographic area. The performance of a fund that is less diversified across countries or geographic regions will be closely tied to market, currency, economic, political, environmental, or regulatory conditions and developments in the countries or regions in which the fund invests, and may be more volatile than the performance of a more geographically-diversified portfolio.

  Asia Risk – Investing in securities of companies located in or with exposure to Asian countries involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including different financial reporting standards, currency exchange rate fluctuations,

and highly regulated markets with the potential for government interference. The economies of many Asian countries are heavily dependent on international trade and on only a few industries or commodities and, as a result, can be adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls and other measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. Some Asian securities may be less liquid than U.S. or other foreign securities. See "China Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in that country.

Additionally, many of the economies of countries in Asia are considered emerging market or frontier market economies. These Asian economies are often characterized by high inflation, undeveloped financial service sectors, frequent currency fluctuations, devaluations, or restrictions, political and social instability, and less efficient markets. See "Emerging Markets Risk" and "Frontier Markets Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in such countries.

  China Risk – Investing in securities of Chinese issuers involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including, among others, more frequent trading suspensions and government interventions (including by nationalization of assets), currency exchange rate fluctuations or blockages, limits on the use of brokers and on foreign ownership, different financial reporting standards, higher dependence on exports and international trade, potential for increased trade tariffs, sanctions, embargoes and other trade limitations, and custody risks. U.S. sanctions or other investment restrictions could preclude the Fund from investing in certain Chinese issuers or cause the Fund to sell investments at a disadvantageous time. Significant portions of the Chinese securities markets may become rapidly illiquid, as Chinese issuers have the ability to suspend the trading of their equity securities, and have shown a willingness to exercise that option in response to market volatility and other events.

  Conflicts of Interest Risk – The Manager's relationships with the Fund's institutional investor base may give rise to various conflicts of interest, since the Manager will sometimes have an incentive to favor those shareholders over other shareholders in the Fund. In addition, the Manager serves as investment adviser to various clients other than the Fund, some of whom may pursue strategies that are substantially similar or nearly identical to investment strategies pursued by the Fund. This "side-by-side" management may give rise to various conflicts of interest, including, for example, in connection with the fair allocation of trades among the Manager's clients or the sharing of different, more, or more timely information regarding investment performance, portfolio holdings, strategy developments and/or the Manager's general market outlook. Furthermore, if investment personnel of the Manager hold board or other positions at outside companies, they could be exposed to material non-public information potentially impeding or delaying a Fund's ability to buy or sell certain investments, or they could otherwise be restricted in their ability to participate in a Fund's investment process.


2


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

  Currency Risk – The Fund may realize a loss if it has exposure to a non-U.S. currency, and this non-U.S. currency declines in value, relative to the U.S. dollar. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

  Emerging Markets Risk – To the extent the Fund invests in emerging market securities, the Fund may be exposed to greater market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in developed markets.

  Equity Securities Risk – Equity securities may react more strongly to changes in an issuer's financial condition or prospects than other securities of the same issuer. Investing in equity securities indirectly, such as through participatory notes or depositary receipts, may involve other risks such as the risk that the counterparty may default or that the investment does not track the underlying security as expected.

  Focused Investment Risk – Should the Fund focus its investments in related, or a limited number of, countries, regions, sectors, or companies, this would create more risk and greater volatility than if the Fund's investments were less focused.

  Frontier Markets Risk – Frontier markets are those emerging markets that are considered to be among the smallest, least mature and least liquid and, as a result, may be more volatile and less liquid than investments in more developed markets or in other emerging market countries. Emerging markets risk may be especially heightened in frontier markets.

  Government and Regulatory Risk – Governmental and regulatory authorities in the United States and other countries, have taken, and may in the future take, actions intervening in the markets in which the Fund invests and in the economy more generally. Governmental and regulatory authorities may also act to increase the scope or burden of regulations applicable to the Fund or to the companies in which the Fund invests. The effects of these actions on the markets generally, and Fund's investment program in particular, can be uncertain and could restrict the ability of the Fund to fully implement its investment strategies, either generally, or with respect to certain securities, industries, or countries. By contrast, markets in some non-U.S. countries historically have been subject to little regulation or oversight by governmental or regulatory authorities, which could heighten the risk of loss due to fraud or market failures in those countries. Governments, agencies, or other regulatory bodies in any country may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the Fund or the market value of an instrument held by the Fund.

  Information Technology Risk – Cyber-attacks, disruptions, or failures that affect the Fund's service providers, counterparties, the securities markets generally, other market participants, or issuers of securities held by the Fund may adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders, including by causing losses for the Fund or impairing Fund operations.

  IPO Risk – The Fund may purchase securities in IPOs. These securities are subject to many of the same risks of

investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile.

  Large-Capitalization Securities Risk – Returns on investments in securities of large companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of smaller and medium-sized companies. Larger companies may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller and medium-sized companies to competitive challenges or to changes in business, product, financial, or other market conditions. Larger companies may not be able to achieve or maintain growth at the high rates that may be achieved by well-managed smaller and medium-sized companies.

  Liquidity Risk – The Fund's investments may be subject to low trading volume, lack of a market maker, contractual lock-in periods or regulatory restrictions, and the Fund may hold large positions in particular securities. As a result, it may not be possible to sell an investment at a particular time or at an acceptable price. Liquidity risk may be magnified during periods of changing interest rates, significant shareholder redemptions or market turmoil. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. In some cases, due to unanticipated levels of illiquidity the Fund may seek to meet its redemption obligations wholly or in part by distributions of assets in-kind.

  Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk – The value of the Fund's investments could be adversely affected by events that disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global markets such as war, terrorism, public health crises, and geopolitical events and by changes in non-U.S. and U.S. economic and political conditions. As a result of these events, the Fund could lose money, experience significant redemptions, encounter operational difficulties, and suffer other negative impacts.

  Market Risk – The value of the Fund's investments will be affected by fluctuations in the stock markets in which the Fund is invested, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. Declines in securities market prices may reduce the net asset value of the Fund's shares.

  New and Smaller-Sized Funds Risk – New funds and smaller-sized funds will be subject to greater liquidity risk due to their smaller asset bases and may be required to sell securities at disadvantageous times or prices due to a large shareholder redemption. A fund that has been recently formed will have limited or no performance history for investors to evaluate and may not reach or maintain a sufficient asset size to effectively implement its investment strategy.

  Non-U.S. Investment Risk – Non-U.S. securities are subject to additional risks, including less liquidity, increased volatility, less transparency, withholding or other taxes, increased vulnerability to adverse changes in local and global economic conditions, less regulation, and possible


3


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

fluctuation in value due to adverse political conditions. Foreign portfolio transactions generally involve higher commission rates, transfer taxes, and custodial costs than similar transactions in the U.S.

  Service Provider Risk – The Fund will be affected by the Manager's investment techniques, analyses, assessments and employee retention. Similarly, adverse events or performance failures at a service provider, such as human error, inadequate controls or insolvency, have the ability to adversely affect the Fund.

  Settlement Risk – The Fund may experience delays in settlement due to the different clearance and settlement procedures in non-U.S. countries. Such delays may increase credit risk to the Fund, limit the ability of the Fund to reinvest the proceeds of a sale of securities, or prevent the Fund from selling securities at times and prices it considers desirable.

  Small- and Medium-Capitalization Securities Risk – Securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies can be more volatile due to various factors including more limited product lines, financial and management resources and market distribution channels, as well as shorter operating histories and potentially reduced liquidity, especially during market declines, than the securities of larger, more established companies.

  Valuation Risk – In certain circumstances, some of the Fund's portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations by employing the fair value procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board"). This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. There is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time.

Performance

The Fund had not commenced operations as of December 31, 2020. Accordingly, performance data is not included. When performance data becomes available, it will be posted to the following website: http://USmutualfund.bailliegifford.com. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.

Management

Investment Manager

Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited

Portfolio Managers

Name

 

Title

  Year Commenced
Service with the
Fund
 

Ben Durrant

 

Portfolio Manager

   

N/A

   

Roderick Snell

 

Portfolio Manager

   

N/A

   

Purchasing, Exchanging, and Selling Fund Shares

To purchase, exchange, or redeem shares of the Fund through an intermediary, please contact your intermediary directly.

Other investors may purchase, exchange, or redeem shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for trading directly from the Fund's transfer agent, Bank of New York Mellon, by written request, as further described in the sections of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—How to Buy or Exchange Shares" and "Shares—How to Sell Shares." The initial and subsequent investment minimums for the Fund shares are as follows:

Class of Shares

  Minimum Initial
Investment(1)
  Minimum
Subsequent
Investment(1)
 

Class K

    $10 million      

None

   

Institutional Class

   

None

     

None

   

(1)  If you hold shares through a financial intermediary, the financial intermediary may impose its own, different, investment minimums.

The Manager and Baillie Gifford Funds Services LLC ("BGFS"), the Fund's distributor, each reserves the right to waive any minimum in their sole discretion, and to reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason. Additional information regarding restrictions on purchasing or exchanging shares is provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—Restrictions on Buying or Exchanging Shares."

Tax

The Fund intends to make distributions that will be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are a tax-exempt investor or otherwise investing through a tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA or 401(k) plan. If you are investing through such a tax-advantaged account, you may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from that account.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for services the intermediary provides to Fund shareholders. These payments are not primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. In addition to the fees and expenses described in the "Fees and Expenses" section above, your broker-dealer or financial intermediary may charge commissions or other fees on purchases and sales of the Class K or Institutional Class shares of the Fund. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's web site for more information.


4


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford China A Shares Growth Fund

Prior to April 30, 2021, the Fund was known as Baillie Gifford China A Shares Fund.

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford China A Shares Growth Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

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

Shareholder Fees

(Fees paid directly from your investment)

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
 

None

     

None

   

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

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

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 

Management Fees(a)

   

0.72

%

   

0.72

%

 

Distribution (12b-1) Fees

   

None

     

None

   

Other Expenses(b)

   

9.80

%

   

9.80

%

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses
   

10.52

%

   

10.52

%

 
Fee Waiver and/or Expense
Reimbursement(c)
   

(9.65

)%

   

(9.65

)%

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or
Expense Reimbursement(c) 
   

0.87

%

   

0.87

%

 

(a)  The Management Fee consists of an Advisory Fee and an Administration and Supervisory Fee paid by the Fund to Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited.

(b)  While Other Expenses for the last fiscal year were the same for Institutional Class and Class K, Other Expenses for Institutional Class are expected to be higher than those of Class K in the future, since Institutional Class is expected to bear sub-accounting expenses.

(c)  Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or bear Other Expenses of the Fund until April 30, 2022 to the extent that the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding taxes, sub-accounting expenses and extraordinary expenses) exceed 0.87% for Class K and Institutional Class shares. This contractual agreement may only be terminated by the Board of Trustees of the Trust. Because this cap of 0.87% excludes sub-accounting expenses, Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement for Institutional Class are expected to exceed the cap in the future.

Example of Expenses

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, regardless of whether or not you redeem your shares at the end of such periods. It also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. The example below also

applies any contractual expense waivers and/or expense reimbursements to the first year of each period listed in the table.

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your expenses would be:

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
1 Year  

$

89

   

$

89

   
3 Years  

$

2,160

   

$

2,160

   
5 Years  

$

4,010

   

$

4,010

   
10 Years  

$

7,810

   

$

7,810

   

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses" above, affect the Fund's performance. During the Fund's most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 20% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in the People's Republic of China ("China").

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in China "A" shares ("A Shares" or "China A Shares"). China A Shares are common stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in China that are listed or traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, or any other stock exchange in China and which are quoted in renminbi ("RMB"). The Fund expects to access China A Shares through the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect program and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect program (together the "Stock Connect programs"). The Fund also may, in the future, access China A Shares through the qualified foreign investor program ("QFI" formerly the Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor and Renminbi Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor programs) or other means of access which may become available in the future. The foregoing channels are intended to allow the Fund to invest in China A Shares directly. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities indirectly, such as through depositary receipts or exchange traded funds ("ETFs"), especially during extended closures of the Chinese markets.

The Fund may also invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund may invest in any sector or industry, in issuers of any market capitalization, and may participate in initial public offerings ("IPOs") and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up approach to stock selection and select companies without being constrained by the Fund's benchmark, the MSCI China A Onshore Index. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought


5


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The portfolio managers employ an additional due diligence process for Chinese companies in light of the comparative immaturity of the Chinese capital markets and the status of China as an emerging market economy.

The portfolio managers seek to identify exceptional growth companies in China and hold them for long enough that the advantages of their business models and the strength of their corporate cultures become dominant drivers of their stock price. The intended outcome is a non-diversified portfolio of between 25 and 40 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The Fund intends to operate as a non-diversified fund, which means that it may invest a relatively large percentage of its assets in a small number of issuers, industries, or sectors. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5-10 years), which is expected to result in a relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

Principal Risks

The Fund's net asset value and returns will be impacted by the performance of the underlying investments of the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the Fund.

The principal risks of investing in the Fund (in alphabetical order after the first six risks) are:

  China Risk – Investing in securities of Chinese issuers involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including, among others, more frequent trading suspensions and government interventions (including by nationalization of assets), currency exchange rate fluctuations or blockages, limits on the use of brokers and on foreign ownership, different financial reporting standards, higher dependence on exports and international trade, potential for increased trade tariffs, sanctions, embargoes and other trade limitations, custody risks, and potential adverse tax consequences. U.S. sanctions or other investment restrictions could preclude the Fund from investing in certain Chinese issuers or cause the Fund to sell investments at a disadvantageous time. Significant portions of the Chinese securities markets may become rapidly illiquid, as Chinese issuers have the ability to suspend the trading of their equity securities, and have shown a willingness to exercise that option in response to market volatility and other events.

  Investment Style Risk – Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited (the "Manager") actively makes investment decisions for the Fund through bottom-up stock selection. Accordingly, the

Fund will have risk characteristics that differ from its benchmark index. The Manager's judgments about the attractiveness, relative value, or potential appreciation of a particular stock may prove to be incorrect and cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index. There can be no assurance that the Manager's investment decisions will produce the desired results.

  Growth Stock Risk – The prices of growth stocks may be based largely on expectations of future earnings, and their prices can decline rapidly and significantly in reaction to negative news. Growth stocks may underperform stocks in other broad style categories (and the stock market as a whole) over any period of time and may shift in and out of favor with investors generally, sometimes rapidly, depending on changes in market, economic, and other factors.

  Long-Term Investment Strategy Risk – The Fund pursues a long-term investment approach, typically seeking returns over a period of several years. This investment style may cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index or other mutual funds over extended periods of time, and the Fund may not perform as expected in the long term. An investment in the Fund may be more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the risk of short- or medium-term fluctuations in the value of the Fund's portfolio.

  Non-Diversification Risk – The Fund is classified as a "non-diversified" fund. A non-diversified fund may hold a smaller number of portfolio securities, with larger positions in each security it holds, than many other mutual funds. To the extent the Fund invests in a relatively small number of issuers, a decline in the market value of a particular security held by the Fund may affect its value more than if it invested in a larger number of issuers. The value of the Fund's shares may be more volatile than the values of shares of more diversified funds. See also "Focused Investment Risk."

  Geographic Focus Risk – The Fund expects to focus its investments in a limited number of countries or geographic regions, and as a result may not offer the same level of diversification of risks as a more broadly global fund because the Fund will be exposed to a smaller geographic area. The performance of a fund that is less diversified across countries or geographic regions will be closely tied to market, currency, economic, political, environmental, or regulatory conditions and developments in the countries or regions in which the fund invests, and may be more volatile than the performance of a more geographically-diversified portfolio.

  Conflicts of Interest Risk – The Manager's relationships with the Fund's institutional investor base may give rise to various conflicts of interest, since the Manager will sometimes have an incentive to favor those shareholders over other shareholders in the Fund. In addition, the Manager serves as investment adviser to various clients other than the Fund, some of whom may pursue strategies that are substantially similar or nearly identical to investment strategies pursued by the Fund. This "side-by-side" management may give rise to various conflicts of interest, including, for example, in


6


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

connection with the fair allocation of trades among the Manager's clients or the sharing of different, more, or more timely information regarding investment performance, portfolio holdings, strategy developments and/or the Manager's general market outlook. Furthermore, if investment personnel of the Manager hold board or other positions at outside companies, they could be exposed to material non-public information potentially impeding or delaying a Fund's ability to buy or sell certain investments, or they could otherwise be restricted in their ability to participate in a Fund's investment process.

  Currency Risk – The Fund may realize a loss if it has exposure to a non-U.S. currency, and this non-U.S. currency declines in value, relative to the U.S. dollar. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

  Emerging Markets Risk – To the extent the Fund invests in emerging market securities, the Fund may be exposed to greater market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in developed markets.

  Equity Securities Risk – Equity securities may react more strongly to changes in an issuer's financial condition or prospects than other securities of the same issuer. Investing in equity securities indirectly, such as through participatory notes or depositary receipts, may involve other risks such as the risk that the counterparty may default or that the investment does not track the underlying security as expected.

  Focused Investment Risk – Because the Fund focuses its investments in a limited number of companies, its investment strategy could result in more risk or greater volatility in returns than if the Fund's investments were less focused.

  Government and Regulatory Risk – Governmental and regulatory authorities in the United States and other countries, have taken, and may in the future take, actions intervening in the markets in which the Fund invests and in the economy more generally. Governmental and regulatory authorities may also act to increase the scope or burden of regulations applicable to the Fund or to the companies in which the Fund invests. The effects of these actions on the markets generally, and Fund's investment program in particular, can be uncertain and could restrict the ability of the Fund to fully implement its investment strategies, either generally, or with respect to certain securities, industries, or countries. By contrast, markets in some non-U.S. countries historically have been subject to little regulation or oversight by governmental or regulatory authorities, which could heighten the risk of loss due to fraud or market failures in those countries. Governments, agencies, or other regulatory bodies in any country may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the Fund or the market value of an instrument held by the Fund.

  Information Technology Risk – Cyber-attacks, disruptions, or failures that affect the Fund's service providers, counterparties, the securities markets generally, other market participants, or issuers of securities held by the Fund may adversely affect the

Fund and its shareholders, including by causing losses for the Fund or impairing Fund operations.

  IPO Risk – The Fund may purchase securities in IPOs. These securities are subject to many of the same risks of investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile.

  Large-Capitalization Securities Risk – Returns on investments in securities of large companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of smaller and medium-sized companies. Larger companies may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller and medium-sized companies to competitive challenges or to changes in business, product, financial, or other market conditions. Larger companies may not be able to achieve or maintain growth at the high rates that may be achieved by well-managed smaller and medium-sized companies.

  Liquidity Risk – The Fund's investments may be subject to low trading volume, lack of a market maker, contractual lock-in periods or regulatory restrictions, and the Fund may hold large positions in particular securities. As a result, it may not be possible to sell an investment at a particular time or at an acceptable price. Liquidity risk may be magnified during periods of changing interest rates, significant shareholder redemptions or market turmoil. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. In some cases, due to unanticipated levels of illiquidity the Fund may seek to meet its redemption obligations wholly or in part by distributions of assets in-kind.

  Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk – The value of the Fund's investments could be adversely affected by events that disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global markets such as war, terrorism, public health crises, and geopolitical events and by changes in non-U.S. and U.S. economic and political conditions. As a result of these events, the Fund could lose money, experience significant redemptions, encounter operational difficulties, and suffer other negative impacts.

  Market Risk – The value of the Fund's investments will be affected by fluctuations in the stock markets in which the Fund is invested, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. Declines in securities market prices may reduce the net asset value of the Fund's shares.

  New and Smaller-Sized Funds Risk – New funds and smaller-sized funds will be subject to greater liquidity risk due to their smaller asset bases and may be required to sell securities at disadvantageous times or prices due to a large shareholder redemption. A fund that has been recently formed will have limited or no performance history for investors to evaluate and may not reach or maintain a sufficient asset size to effectively implement its investment strategy.


7


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

  Non-U.S. Investment Risk – Non-U.S. securities are subject to additional risks, including less liquidity, increased volatility, less transparency, withholding or other taxes, increased vulnerability to adverse changes in local and global economic conditions, less regulation, and possible fluctuation in value due to adverse political conditions. Foreign portfolio transactions generally involve higher commission rates, transfer taxes, and custodial costs than similar transactions in the U.S.

  Service Provider Risk – The Fund will be affected by the Manager's investment techniques, analyses, assessments and employee retention. Similarly, adverse events or performance failures at a service provider, such as human error, inadequate controls or insolvency, have the ability to adversely affect the Fund.

  Settlement Risk – The Fund may experience delays in settlement due to the different clearance and settlement procedures in non-U.S. countries. Such delays may increase credit risk to the Fund, limit the ability of the Fund to reinvest the proceeds of a sale of securities, or prevent the Fund from selling securities at times and prices it considers desirable.

  Small- and Medium-Capitalization Securities Risk – Securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies can be more volatile due to various factors including more limited product lines, financial and management resources and market distribution channels, as well as shorter operating histories and potentially reduced liquidity, especially during market declines, than the securities of larger, more established companies.

  Underlying Funds Risk – Investments in other pooled investment vehicles may indirectly expose the Fund to all of the risks applicable to an investment in such other pool. The Fund must pay its pro rata portion of the other pooled vehicle's fees and expenses. If such pool is an ETF or other product traded on a securities exchange or otherwise actively traded, its shares may trade at a premium or discount to their net asset value, an effect that might be more pronounced in less liquid markets. Further, the Manager or an affiliate may serve as investment adviser to some pooled vehicles in which the Fund invests, leading to potential conflicts of interest.

  Valuation Risk – In certain circumstances, some of the Fund's portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations by employing the fair value procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board"). This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. There is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time.

Performance

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's annual total returns from year to year and by comparing the Fund's average annual total returns with those of the Fund's benchmark. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.

Annual Total Returns – Institutional Class Shares

Highest Quarterly Return: 41.19% (Q2, 2020)

Lowest Quarterly Return: -5.15% (Q1, 2020)

In the table below, after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown for Institutional Class shares only, and after-tax returns for other share classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on your tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant if you are tax-exempt or if you hold your Fund shares through tax-advantaged arrangements. A description of the Fund's comparative index and details regarding the calculation of the Fund's class-by-class performance are provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Additional Performance Information."

Average Annual Total Returns for
Periods Ended December 31, 2020
 

1 Year

  Since Fund
Inception
(12/19/2019)
 

Institutional Class Returns Before Taxes

   

92.29

%

   

93.62

%

 
Institutional Class Returns After Taxes
on Distributions
   

91.86

%

   

93.19

%

 
Institutional Class Returns After Taxes
on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
   

54.77

%

   

71.40

%

 

Class K Returns Before Taxes

   

92.29

%

   

93.62

%

 
Comparative Index
(reflects no deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes)
 

MSCI China A Onshore Index(1)

   

40.29

%

   

41.56

%

 

(1)  The source of the index data is MSCI Inc. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indexes or any securities or financial products. This Prospectus is not approved, endorsed, reviewed or produced by MSCI. None of the MSCI data is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such.


8


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Updated information on the Fund's investment performance can be obtained by visiting http://USmutualfund.bailliegifford.com

Management

Investment Manager

Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited

Portfolio Managers

Name

 

Title

  Year Commenced
Service with the
Fund
 

Sophie Earnshaw

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2019

   

Louise Lin

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2019

   

Mark Urquhart

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2019

   

Purchasing, Exchanging, and Selling Fund Shares

To purchase, exchange, or redeem shares of the Fund through an intermediary, please contact your intermediary directly.

Other investors may purchase, exchange, or redeem shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for trading directly from the Fund's transfer agent, Bank of New York Mellon, by written request, as further described in the sections of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—How to Buy or Exchange Shares" and "Shares—How to Sell Shares." The initial and subsequent investment minimums for the Fund shares are as follows:

Class of Shares

  Minimum Initial
Investment(1)
  Minimum
Subsequent
Investment(1)
 

Class K

    $10 million      

None

   

Institutional Class

   

None

     

None

   

(1)  If you hold shares through a financial intermediary, the financial intermediary may impose its own, different, investment minimums.

The Manager and Baillie Gifford Funds Services LLC ("BGFS"), the Fund's distributor, each reserves the right to waive any minimum in their sole discretion, and to reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason. Additional information regarding restrictions on purchasing or exchanging shares is provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—Restrictions on Buying or Exchanging Shares."

Tax

The Fund intends to make distributions that will be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are a tax-exempt investor or otherwise investing through a tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA or 401(k) plan. If you are investing through such a tax-advantaged account, you may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from that account.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for services the intermediary provides to Fund shareholders. These payments are not primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over

another investment. In addition to the fees and expenses described in the "Fees and Expenses" section above, your broker-dealer or financial intermediary may charge commissions or other fees on purchases and sales of the Class K or Institutional Class shares of the Fund. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's web site for more information.


9


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

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

Shareholder Fees

(Fees paid directly from your investment)

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
 

None

     

None

   

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

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

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 

Management Fees(a)

   

0.72

%

   

0.72

%

 

Distribution (12b-1) Fees

   

None

     

None

   

Other Expenses(b)

   

17.25

%

   

17.40

%

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses
   

17.97

%

   

18.12

%

 
Fee Waiver and/or Expense
Reimbursement(c)
   

(17.10

)%

   

(17.10

)%

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or
Expense Reimbursement(c)
   

0.87

%

   

1.02

%

 

(a)  The Management Fee consists of an Advisory Fee and an Administration and Supervisory Fee paid by the Fund to Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited.

(b)  Class K and Institutional Class were unfunded as of December 31, 2020. Therefore, Other Expenses have been estimated for the current fiscal year assuming Fund assets of $1 million.

(c)  Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or bear Other Expenses of the Fund until April 30, 2023 to the extent that the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding taxes, sub-accounting expenses and extraordinary expenses) exceed 0.87% for Class K and Institutional Class shares. This contractual agreement may only be terminated by the Board of Trustees of the Trust. Expenses after waiver/reimbursement exceed 0.87% for Institutional Class due to estimated sub-accounting expenses of 0.15%.

Example of Expenses

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, regardless of whether or not you redeem your shares at the end of such periods. It also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. The example below also applies any contractual expense waivers and/or expense reimbursements to the first year of each period listed in the table.

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your expenses would be:

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
1 Year  

$

89

   

$

104

   
3 Years  

$

3,362

   

$

3,394

   

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses" above, affect the Fund's performance. Because the Fund has not commenced operations, it does not have a portfolio turnover rate.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund will seek to meet its objective by investing in a portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of companies located in the People's Republic of China ("China").

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in common stocks and other equity securities of companies located in China, regardless of where their securities are principally listed for trading. The Fund will invest in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts or participatory notes and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund may invest in any sector or industry, in issuers of any market capitalization, and may participate in initial public offerings ("IPOs") and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S.

The Fund's investments can include securities of companies listed on exchanges located in and outside of China and include China "A" shares ("A Shares" or "China A Shares"), which are common stocks and other equity securities that are listed or traded on a Chinese stock exchange and which are quoted in renminbi, the official currency of China. The Fund expects to directly access China A Shares through the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect program and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect program (together the "Stock Connect programs"). The Fund may in the future also directly access securities of companies through the qualified foreign investor program ("QFI" formerly the Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor and Renminbi Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor programs) or other means of access which may become available in the future. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities indirectly, such as through depositary receipts or exchange traded funds ("ETFs"), especially during extended closures of the Chinese markets.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up approach to stock selection and will principally select companies without being constrained by the Fund's benchmark, the MSCI China All Shares Index. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas normally will be researched to assess a range of factors,


10


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength, and valuation. The portfolio managers employ an additional due diligence process for Chinese companies in light of the comparative immaturity of the Chinese capital markets and the status of China as an emerging market economy.

The portfolio managers seek to identify exciting growth companies in China across a broad range of sectors with the potential to achieve the Fund's investment objective. The intended outcome is a non-diversified portfolio of between 40 and 80 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The Fund intends to operate as a non-diversified fund, which means that it may invest a relatively large percentage of its assets in a small number of issuers, industries, or sectors. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5+ years), which is expected to result in a relatively low portfolio turnover and be in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook. It is expected that the Fund will hold large positions, over 5%, in a small number of companies consistent with the Fund operating as a non-diversified fund.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

Principal Risks

The Fund's net asset value and returns will be impacted by the performance of the underlying investments of the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the Fund.

The principal risks of investing in the Fund (in alphabetical order after the first six risks) are:

  China Risk – Investing in securities of Chinese issuers involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including, among others, more frequent trading suspensions and government interventions (including by nationalization of assets), currency exchange rate fluctuations or blockages, limits on the use of brokers and on foreign ownership, different financial reporting standards, higher dependence on exports and international trade, potential for increased trade tariffs, sanctions, embargoes and other trade limitations, custody risks, and potential adverse tax consequences. U.S. sanctions or other investment restrictions could preclude the Fund from investing in certain Chinese issuers or cause the Fund to sell investments at a disadvantageous time. Significant portions of the Chinese securities markets may become rapidly illiquid, as Chinese issuers have the ability to suspend the trading of their equity securities, and have shown a willingness to exercise that option in response to market volatility and other events.

  Investment Style Risk – Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited (the "Manager") actively makes investment decisions for the Fund through bottom-up stock selection. Accordingly, the Fund will have risk characteristics that differ from its

benchmark index. The Manager's judgments about the attractiveness, relative value, or potential appreciation of a particular stock may prove to be incorrect and cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index. There can be no assurance that the Manager's investment decisions will produce the desired results.

  Growth Stock Risk – The prices of growth stocks may be based largely on expectations of future earnings, and their prices can decline rapidly and significantly in reaction to negative news. Growth stocks may underperform stocks in other broad style categories (and the stock market as a whole) over any period of time and may shift in and out of favor with investors generally, sometimes rapidly, depending on changes in market, economic, and other factors.

  Long-Term Investment Strategy Risk – The Fund pursues a long-term investment approach, typically seeking returns over a period of several years. This investment style may cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index or other mutual funds over extended periods of time, and the Fund may not perform as expected in the long term. An investment in the Fund may be more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the risk of short- or medium-term fluctuations in the value of the Fund's portfolio.

  Non-Diversification Risk – The Fund is classified as a "non-diversified" fund. A non-diversified fund may hold a smaller number of portfolio securities, with larger positions in each security it holds, than many other mutual funds. To the extent the Fund invests in a relatively small number of issuers, a decline in the market value of a particular security held by the Fund may affect its value more than if it invested in a larger number of issuers. The value of the Fund's shares may be more volatile than the values of shares of more diversified funds. See also "Focused Investment Risk."

  Geographic Focus Risk – The Fund expects to focus its investments in a limited number of countries or geographic regions, and as a result may not offer the same level of diversification of risks as a more broadly global fund because the Fund will be exposed to a smaller geographic area. The performance of a fund that is less diversified across countries or geographic regions will be closely tied to market, currency, economic, political, environmental, or regulatory conditions and developments in the countries or regions in which the fund invests, and may be more volatile than the performance of a more geographically-diversified portfolio.

  Conflicts of Interest Risk – The Manager's relationships with the Fund's institutional investor base may give rise to various conflicts of interest, since the Manager will sometimes have an incentive to favor those shareholders over other shareholders in the Fund. In addition, the Manager serves as investment adviser to various clients other than the Fund, some of whom may pursue strategies that are substantially similar or nearly identical to investment strategies pursued by the Fund. This "side-by-side" management may give rise to various conflicts of interest, including, for example, in connection with the fair allocation of trades among the


11


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Manager's clients or the sharing of different, more, or more timely information regarding investment performance, portfolio holdings, strategy developments and/or the Manager's general market outlook. Furthermore, if investment personnel of the Manager hold board or other positions at outside companies, they could be exposed to material non-public information potentially impeding or delaying the Fund's ability to buy or sell certain investments, or they could otherwise be restricted in their ability to participate in the Fund's investment process.

  Currency Risk – The Fund may realize a loss if it has exposure to a non-U.S. currency, and this non-U.S. currency declines in value, relative to the U.S. dollar. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

  Emerging Markets Risk – To the extent the Fund invests in emerging market securities, the Fund may be exposed to greater market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in developed markets.

  Equity Securities Risk – Equity securities may react more strongly to changes in an issuer's financial condition or prospects than other securities of the same issuer. Investing in equity securities indirectly, such as through participatory notes or depositary receipts, may involve other risks such as the risk that the counterparty may default or that the investment does not track the underlying security as expected.

  Focused Investment Risk – Because the Fund focuses its investments in a limited number of companies, its investment strategy could result in more risk or greater volatility in returns than if the Fund's investments were less focused.

  Government and Regulatory Risk – Governmental and regulatory authorities in the United States and other countries, have taken, and may in the future take, actions intervening in the markets in which the Fund invests and in the economy more generally. Governmental and regulatory authorities may also act to increase the scope or burden of regulations applicable to the Fund or to the companies in which the Fund invests. The effects of these actions on the markets generally, and Fund's investment program in particular, can be uncertain and could restrict the ability of the Fund to fully implement its investment strategies, either generally, or with respect to certain securities, industries, or countries. By contrast, markets in some non-U.S. countries historically have been subject to little regulation or oversight by governmental or regulatory authorities, which could heighten the risk of loss due to fraud or market failures in those countries. Governments, agencies, or other regulatory bodies in any country may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the Fund or the market value of an instrument held by the Fund.

  Information Technology Risk – Cyber-attacks, disruptions, or failures that affect the Fund's service providers, counterparties, the securities markets generally, other market participants, or issuers of securities held by the Fund may adversely affect the

Fund and its shareholders, including by causing losses for the Fund or impairing Fund operations.

  IPO Risk – The Fund may purchase securities in IPOs. These securities are subject to many of the same risks of investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile.

  Large-Capitalization Securities Risk – Returns on investments in securities of large companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of smaller and medium-sized companies. Larger companies may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller and medium-sized companies to competitive challenges or to changes in business, product, financial, or other market conditions. Larger companies may not be able to achieve or maintain growth at the high rates that may be achieved by well-managed smaller and medium-sized companies.

  Liquidity Risk – The Fund's investments may be subject to low trading volume, lack of a market maker, contractual lock-in periods or regulatory restrictions, and the Fund may hold large positions in particular securities. As a result, it may not be possible to sell an investment at a particular time or at an acceptable price. Liquidity risk may be magnified during periods of changing interest rates, significant shareholder redemptions or market turmoil. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. In some cases, due to unanticipated levels of illiquidity the Fund may seek to meet its redemption obligations wholly or in part by distributions of assets in-kind.

  Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk – The value of the Fund's investments could be adversely affected by events that disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global markets such as war, terrorism, public health crises, and geopolitical events and by changes in non-U.S. and U.S. economic and political conditions. As a result of these events, the Fund could lose money, experience significant redemptions, encounter operational difficulties, and suffer other negative impacts.

  Market Risk – The value of the Fund's investments will be affected by fluctuations in the stock markets in which the Fund is invested, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. Declines in securities market prices may reduce the net asset value of the Fund's shares.

  New and Smaller-Sized Funds Risk – New funds and smaller-sized funds will be subject to greater liquidity risk due to their smaller asset bases and may be required to sell securities at disadvantageous times or prices due to a large shareholder redemption. A fund that has been recently formed will have limited or no performance history for investors to evaluate and may not reach or maintain a sufficient asset size to effectively implement its investment strategy.


12


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

  Non-U.S. Investment Risk – Non-U.S. securities are subject to additional risks, including less liquidity, increased volatility, less transparency, withholding or other taxes, increased vulnerability to adverse changes in local and global economic conditions, less regulation, and possible fluctuation in value due to adverse political conditions. Foreign portfolio transactions generally involve higher commission rates, transfer taxes, and custodial costs than similar transactions in the U.S.

  Service Provider Risk – The Fund will be affected by the Manager's investment techniques, analyses, assessments and employee retention. Similarly, adverse events or performance failures at a service provider, such as human error, inadequate controls or insolvency, have the ability to adversely affect the Fund.

  Settlement Risk – The Fund may experience delays in settlement due to the different clearance and settlement procedures in non-U.S. countries. Such delays may increase credit risk to the Fund, limit the ability of the Fund to reinvest the proceeds of a sale of securities, or prevent the Fund from selling securities at times and prices it considers desirable.

  Small- and Medium-Capitalization Securities Risk – Securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies can be more volatile due to various factors including more limited product lines, financial and management resources and market distribution channels, as well as shorter operating histories and potentially reduced liquidity, especially during market declines, than the securities of larger, more established companies.

  Underlying Funds Risk – Investments in other pooled investment vehicles may indirectly expose the Fund to all of the risks applicable to an investment in such other pool. A fund must pay its pro rata portion of the other pooled vehicle's fees and expenses. If such pool is an ETF or other product traded on a securities exchange or otherwise actively traded, its shares may trade at a premium or discount to their net asset value, an effect that might be more pronounced in less liquid markets. Further, the Manager or an affiliate may serve as investment adviser to some pooled vehicles in which the Fund invests, leading to potential conflicts of interest.

  Valuation Risk – In certain circumstances, some of the Fund's portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations by employing the fair value procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board"). This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. There is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time.

Performance

The Fund had not commenced operations as of December 31, 2020. Accordingly, performance data is not included. When performance data becomes available, it will be posted to the following website: http://USmutualfund.bailliegifford.com. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.

Management

Investment Manager

Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited

Portfolio Managers

Name

 

Title

  Year Commenced
Service with the
Fund
 

Sophie Earnshaw

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2021

   

Mike Gush

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2021

   

Roderick Snell

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2021

   

Purchasing, Exchanging, and Selling Fund Shares

To purchase, exchange, or redeem shares of the Fund through an intermediary, please contact your intermediary directly.

Other investors may purchase, exchange, or redeem shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for trading directly from the Fund's transfer agent, Bank of New York Mellon, by written request, as further described in the sections of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—How to Buy or Exchange Shares" and "Shares—How to Sell Shares." The initial and subsequent investment minimums for the Fund shares are as follows:

Class of Shares

  Minimum Initial
Investment(1)
  Minimum
Subsequent
Investment(1)
 

Class K

    $10 million      

None

   

Institutional Class

   

None

     

None

   

(1)  If you hold shares through a financial intermediary, the financial intermediary may impose its own, different, investment minimums.

The Manager and Baillie Gifford Funds Services LLC ("BGFS"), the Fund's distributor, each reserves the right to waive any minimum in their sole discretion, and to reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason. Additional information regarding restrictions on purchasing or exchanging shares is provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—Restrictions on Buying or Exchanging Shares."

Tax

The Fund intends to make distributions that will be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are a tax-exempt investor or otherwise investing through a tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA or 401(k) plan. If you are investing through such a tax-advantaged account, you may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from that account.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for services the intermediary provides to


13


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Fund shareholders. These payments are not primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. In addition to the fees and expenses described in the "Fees and Expenses" section above, your broker-dealer or financial intermediary may charge commissions or other fees on purchases and sales of the Class K or Institutional Class shares of the Fund. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's web site for more information.


14


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

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

Shareholder Fees

(Fees paid directly from your investment)

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
 

None

     

None

   

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

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

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 

Management Fees(a)

   

0.52

%

   

0.52

%

 

Distribution (12b-1) Fees

   

None

     

None

   

Other Expenses(b)

   

0.12

%

   

0.24

%

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses
   

0.64

%

   

0.76

%

 

(a)  The Management Fee consists of an Advisory Fee and an Administration and Supervisory Fee paid by the Fund to Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited.

(b)  Other Expenses differ due to sub-accounting expenses.

Example of Expenses

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, regardless of whether or not you redeem your shares at the end of such periods. It also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same.

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your expenses would be:

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
1 Year  

$

65

   

$

78

   
3 Years  

$

205

   

$

243

   
5 Years  

$

357

   

$

422

   
10 Years  

$

798

   

$

942

   

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses" above, affect the Fund's performance. During the Fund's most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 12% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in non-U.S. countries with developed markets.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in common stocks and other equity securities of companies whose principal activities are in developed markets in Europe, Australasia and/or the Far East. The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund is not constrained with respect to market capitalization and may participate in initial public offerings ("IPOs") and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S. In selecting companies for investment, the portfolio managers focus on issuers in developed markets, but in some circumstances may gain exposure to emerging markets.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up approach to stock selection and retain flexibility to invest without being constrained by the MSCI EAFE benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors that may include: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 50 and 90 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, which in recent periods has included Japan. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5+ years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook. The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

Principal Risks

The Fund's net asset value and returns will be impacted by the performance of the underlying investments of the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the Fund.

The principal risks of investing in the Fund (in alphabetical order after the first five risks) are:

  Investment Style Risk – Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited (the "Manager") actively makes investment decisions for the Fund through bottom-up stock selection. Accordingly, the Fund will have risk characteristics that differ from its benchmark index. The Manager's judgments about the attractiveness, relative value, or potential appreciation of a particular stock may prove to be incorrect and cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index. There can be no assurance that the


15


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Manager's investment decisions will produce the desired results.

  Growth Stock Risk – The prices of growth stocks may be based largely on expectations of future earnings, and their prices can decline rapidly and significantly in reaction to negative news. Growth stocks may underperform stocks in other broad style categories (and the stock market as a whole) over any period of time and may shift in and out of favor with investors generally, sometimes rapidly, depending on changes in market, economic, and other factors.

  Long-Term Investment Strategy Risk – The Fund pursues a long-term investment approach, typically seeking returns over a period of several years. This investment style may cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index or other mutual funds over extended periods of time, and the Fund may not perform as expected in the long term. An investment in the Fund may be more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the risk of short- or medium-term fluctuations in the value of the Fund's portfolio.

  Non-U.S. Investment Risk – Non-U.S. securities are subject to additional risks, including less liquidity, increased volatility, less transparency, withholding or other taxes, increased vulnerability to adverse changes in local and global economic conditions, less regulation, and possible fluctuation in value due to adverse political conditions. Foreign portfolio transactions generally involve higher commission rates, transfer taxes, and custodial costs than similar transactions in the U.S.

  Asia Risk – Investing in securities of companies located in or with exposure to Asian countries involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including different financial reporting standards, currency exchange rate fluctuations, and highly regulated markets with the potential for government interference. The economies of many Asian countries are heavily dependent on international trade and on only a few industries or commodities and, as a result, can be adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls and other measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. Some Asian securities may be less liquid than U.S. or other foreign securities. See "China Risk" and "Japan Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in those countries.

  China Risk – Investing in securities of Chinese issuers involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including, among others, more frequent trading suspensions and government interventions (including by nationalization of assets), currency exchange rate fluctuations or blockages, limits on the use of brokers and on foreign ownership, different financial reporting standards, higher dependence on exports and international trade, potential for increased trade tariffs, sanctions, embargoes and other trade limitations, custody risks, and potential adverse tax consequences. U.S. sanctions or other investment restrictions could preclude the Fund from investing in certain Chinese issuers or cause

the Fund to sell investments at a disadvantageous time. Significant portions of the Chinese securities markets may become rapidly illiquid, as Chinese issuers have the ability to suspend the trading of their equity securities, and have shown a willingness to exercise that option in response to market volatility and other events.

  Conflicts of Interest Risk – The Manager's relationships with the Fund's institutional investor base may give rise to various conflicts of interest, since the Manager will sometimes have an incentive to favor those shareholders over other shareholders in the Fund. In addition, the Manager serves as investment adviser to various clients other than the Fund, some of whom may pursue strategies that are substantially similar or nearly identical to investment strategies pursued by the Fund. This "side-by-side" management may give rise to various conflicts of interest, including, for example, in connection with the fair allocation of trades among the Manager's clients or the sharing of different, more, or more timely information regarding investment performance, portfolio holdings, strategy developments and/or the Manager's general market outlook. Furthermore, if investment personnel of the Manager hold board or other positions at outside companies, they could be exposed to material non-public information potentially impeding or delaying a Fund's ability to buy or sell certain investments, or they could otherwise be restricted in their ability to participate in a Fund's investment process.

  Currency Risk – The Fund may realize a loss if it has exposure to a non-U.S. currency, and this non-U.S. currency declines in value, relative to the U.S. dollar. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

  Equity Securities Risk – Equity securities may react more strongly to changes in an issuer's financial condition or prospects than other securities of the same issuer. Investing in equity securities indirectly, such as through participatory notes or depositary receipts, may involve other risks such as the risk that the counterparty may default or that the investment does not track the underlying security as expected.

  Focused Investment Risk – Should the Fund focus its investments in related, or a limited number of, countries, regions, sectors, or companies, this would create more risk and greater volatility than if the Fund's investments were less focused.

  Geographic Focus Risk – The Fund expects to focus its investments in a limited number of countries or geographic regions, and as a result may not offer the same level of diversification of risks as a more broadly global fund because the Fund will be exposed to a smaller geographic area. The performance of a fund that is less diversified across countries or geographic regions will be closely tied to market, currency, economic, political, environmental, or regulatory conditions and developments in the countries or regions in which the fund invests, and may be more volatile


16


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

than the performance of a more geographically-diversified portfolio.

  Government and Regulatory Risk – Governmental and regulatory authorities in the United States and other countries, have taken, and may in the future take, actions intervening in the markets in which the Fund invests and in the economy more generally. Governmental and regulatory authorities may also act to increase the scope or burden of regulations applicable to the Fund or to the companies in which the Fund invests. The effects of these actions on the markets generally, and Fund's investment program in particular, can be uncertain and could restrict the ability of the Fund to fully implement its investment strategies, either generally, or with respect to certain securities, industries, or countries. By contrast, markets in some non-U.S. countries historically have been subject to little regulation or oversight by governmental or regulatory authorities, which could heighten the risk of loss due to fraud or market failures in those countries. Governments, agencies, or other regulatory bodies in any country may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the Fund or the market value of an instrument held by the Fund.

  Information Technology Risk – Cyber-attacks, disruptions, or failures that affect the Fund's service providers, counterparties, the securities markets generally, other market participants, or issuers of securities held by the Fund may adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders, including by causing losses for the Fund or impairing Fund operations.

  IPO Risk – The Fund may purchase securities in IPOs. These securities are subject to many of the same risks of investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile.

  Japan Risk – The Japanese economy has only recently emerged from a prolonged economic downturn. Since the year 2000, Japan's economic growth rate has remained relatively low, and it may remain low in the future. Japan's economy is characterized by an aging demographic, declining population, large government debt, and a highly regulated labor market. In the longer term, Japan will have to address the effects of an aging population, including the impact of a shrinking work force and higher welfare costs. Japan's economic recovery has been affected by economic distress resulting from a number of natural disasters, including disasters that caused damage to nuclear power plants in the region. Such environmental catastrophes have caused Japan's financial markets to fluctuate dramatically. Japan continues to be subject to the risk of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons and tsunamis, which could negatively affect the Japanese economy.

  Large-Capitalization Securities Risk – Returns on investments in securities of large companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of smaller and medium-sized companies. Larger companies may be unable to

respond as quickly as smaller and medium-sized companies to competitive challenges or to changes in business, product, financial, or other market conditions. Larger companies may not be able to achieve or maintain growth at the high rates that may be achieved by well-managed smaller and medium-sized companies.

  Liquidity Risk – The Fund's investments may be subject to low trading volume, lack of a market maker, contractual lock-in periods or regulatory restrictions, and the Fund may hold large positions in particular securities. As a result, it may not be possible to sell an investment at a particular time or at an acceptable price. Liquidity risk may be magnified during periods of changing interest rates, significant shareholder redemptions or market turmoil. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. In some cases, due to unanticipated levels of illiquidity the Fund may seek to meet its redemption obligations wholly or in part by distributions of assets in-kind.

  Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk – The value of the Fund's investments could be adversely affected by events that disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global markets such as war, terrorism, public health crises, and geopolitical events and by changes in non-U.S. and U.S. economic and political conditions. As a result of these events, the Fund could lose money, experience significant redemptions, encounter operational difficulties, and suffer other negative impacts.

  Market Risk – The value of the Fund's investments will be affected by fluctuations in the stock markets in which the Fund is invested, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. Declines in securities market prices may reduce the net asset value of the Fund's shares.

  Service Provider Risk – The Fund will be affected by the Manager's investment techniques, analyses, assessments and employee retention. Similarly, adverse events or performance failures at a service provider, such as human error, inadequate controls or insolvency, have the ability to adversely affect the Fund.

  Settlement Risk – The Fund may experience delays in settlement due to the different clearance and settlement procedures in non-U.S. countries. Such delays may increase credit risk to the Fund, limit the ability of the Fund to reinvest the proceeds of a sale of securities, or prevent the Fund from selling securities at times and prices it considers desirable.

  Small- and Medium-Capitalization Securities Risk – Securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies can be more volatile due to various factors including more limited product lines, financial and management resources and market distribution channels, as well as shorter operating histories and potentially reduced liquidity, especially during market declines, than the securities of larger, more established companies.


17


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

  Valuation Risk – In certain circumstances, some of the Fund's portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations by employing the fair value procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board"). This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. There is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time.

Performance

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's annual total returns from year to year and by comparing the Fund's average annual total returns with those of the Fund's benchmark. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.

Annual Total Returns – Institutional Class Shares(1)

Highest Quarterly Return: 25.51% (Q2, 2020)

Lowest Quarterly Return: -20.99% (Q1, 2020)

(1)  Performance for Institutional Class shares prior to their date of inception (April 28, 2017) is derived from the historical performance of Class 2 shares, which are not offered under this Prospectus and are currently closed to new investors. The historical Class 2 performance has been adjusted for the higher total annual operating expenses incurred by Institutional Class.

In the table below, after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown for Institutional Class shares only, and after-tax returns for other share classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on your tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant if you are tax-exempt or if you hold your Fund shares through tax-advantaged arrangements. A description of the Fund's comparative index and details regarding the calculation of the Fund's class-by-class

performance are provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Additional Performance Information."

Average Annual Total
Returns for Periods Ended
December 31, 2020(1)
 

1 Year

 

5 Years

  Since Fund
Inception
(04/15/2014)
 
Institutional Class Returns Before
Taxes
   

27.77

%

   

12.68

%

   

9.03

%

 
Institutional Class Returns After
Taxes on Distributions
   

27.56

%

   

12.47

%

   

8.79

%

 
Institutional Class Returns After
Taxes on Distributions and Sale of
Fund Shares
   

16.69

%

   

10.20

%

   

7.23

%

 

Class K Returns Before Taxes

   

27.98

%

   

12.78

%

   

9.14

%

 
Comparative Index
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
 

MSCI EAFE Index(2)

   

8.28

%

   

7.96

%

   

5.21

%

 

(1)  Performance for Class K and Institutional Class shares prior to their date of inception (April 28, 2017) is derived from the historical performance of Class 2 shares and, for Institutional Class, has been adjusted for the higher total annual operating expenses incurred by Institutional Class.

(2)  The source of the index data is MSCI Inc. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indexes or any securities or financial products. This Prospectus is not approved, endorsed, reviewed or produced by MSCI. None of the MSCI data is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such.

Updated information on the Fund's investment performance can be obtained by visiting http://USmutualfund.bailliegifford.com.

Management

Investment Manager

Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited

Portfolio Managers

Name

 

Title

  Year Commenced
Service with the
Fund
 

Gerard Callahan

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2014

   

Iain Campbell

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2014

   

Sophie Earnshaw

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2014

   

Joe Faraday

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2014

   

Moritz Sitte

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2014

   

Purchasing, Exchanging, and Selling Fund Shares

To purchase, exchange, or redeem shares of the Fund through an intermediary, please contact your intermediary directly.

Other investors may purchase, exchange, or redeem shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for trading directly from the Fund's transfer agent, Bank of New York Mellon, by written request, as further described in the sections of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—How to Buy or Exchange


18


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Shares" and "Shares—How to Sell Shares." The initial and subsequent investment minimums for the Fund shares are as follows:

Class of Shares

  Minimum Initial
Investment(1)
  Minimum
Subsequent
Investment(1)
 

Class K

    $10 million      

None

   

Institutional Class

   

None

     

None

   

(1)  If you hold shares through a financial intermediary, the financial intermediary may impose its own, different, investment minimums.

The Manager and Baillie Gifford Funds Services LLC ("BGFS"), the Fund's distributor, each reserves the right to waive any minimum in their sole discretion, and to reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason. Additional information regarding restrictions on purchasing or exchanging shares is provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—Restrictions on Buying or Exchanging Shares."

Tax

The Fund intends to make distributions that will be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are a tax-exempt investor or otherwise investing through a tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA or 401(k) plan. If you are investing through such a tax-advantaged account, you may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from that account.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for services the intermediary provides to Fund shareholders. These payments are not primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. In addition to the fees and expenses described in the "Fees and Expenses" section above, your broker-dealer or financial intermediary may charge commissions or other fees on purchases and sales of the Class K or Institutional Class shares of the Fund. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's web site for more information.


19


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

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

Shareholder Fees

(Fees paid directly from your investment)

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
 

None

     

None

   

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

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

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 

Management Fees(a)

   

0.52

%

   

0.52

%

 

Distribution (12b-1) Fees

   

None

     

None

   

Other Expenses(b)

   

0.10

%

   

0.20

%

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses
   

0.62

%

   

0.72

%

 

(a)  The Management Fee consists of an Advisory Fee and an Administration and Supervisory Fee paid by the Fund to Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited.

(b)  Other Expenses differ due to sub-accounting expenses.

Example of Expenses

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, regardless of whether or not you redeem your shares at the end of such periods. It also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same.

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your expenses would be:

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
1 Year  

$

63

   

$

74

   
3 Years  

$

199

   

$

230

   
5 Years  

$

346

   

$

401

   
10 Years  

$

774

   

$

894

   

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses" above, affect the Fund's performance. During the Fund's most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 20% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in non-U.S. countries with developed and emerging markets.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 85% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in common stocks and other equity securities of companies whose principal activities are in Europe, Australasia and/or the Far East. The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund is not constrained with respect to market capitalization and may participate in initial public offerings ("IPOs") and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S. In selecting companies for investment, the portfolio managers focus on issuers in both developed and emerging markets.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up approach to stock selection and retain flexibility to invest without being constrained by the MSCI EAFE benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors that may include: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 60 and 90 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, which in recent periods has included Japan. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5+ years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

Principal Risks

The Fund's net asset value and returns will be impacted by the performance of the underlying investments of the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the Fund.

The principal risks of investing in the Fund (in alphabetical order after the first six risks) are:

  Investment Style Risk – Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited (the "Manager") actively makes investment decisions for the Fund through bottom-up stock selection. Accordingly, the Fund will have risk characteristics that differ from its benchmark index. The Manager's judgments about the attractiveness, relative value, or potential appreciation of a particular stock may prove to be incorrect and cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index. There can


20


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

be no assurance that the Manager's investment decisions will produce the desired results.

  Growth Stock Risk – The prices of growth stocks may be based largely on expectations of future earnings, and their prices can decline rapidly and significantly in reaction to negative news. Growth stocks may underperform stocks in other broad style categories (and the stock market as a whole) over any period of time and may shift in and out of favor with investors generally, sometimes rapidly, depending on changes in market, economic, and other factors.

  Long-Term Investment Strategy Risk – The Fund pursues a long-term investment approach, typically seeking returns over a period of several years. This investment style may cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index or other mutual funds over extended periods of time, and the Fund may not perform as expected in the long term. An investment in the Fund may be more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the risk of short- or medium-term fluctuations in the value of the Fund's portfolio.

  Non-U.S. Investment Risk – Non-U.S. securities are subject to additional risks, including less liquidity, increased volatility, less transparency, withholding or other taxes, increased vulnerability to adverse changes in local and global economic conditions, less regulation, and possible fluctuation in value due to adverse political conditions. Foreign portfolio transactions generally involve higher commission rates, transfer taxes, and custodial costs than similar transactions in the U.S.

  Emerging Markets Risk – To the extent the Fund invests in emerging market securities, the Fund may be exposed to greater market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in developed markets.

  Asia Risk – Investing in securities of companies located in or with exposure to Asian countries involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including different financial reporting standards, currency exchange rate fluctuations, and highly regulated markets with the potential for government interference. The economies of many Asian countries are heavily dependent on international trade and on only a few industries or commodities and, as a result, can be adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls and other measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. Some Asian securities may be less liquid than U.S. or other foreign securities. See "China Risk" and "Japan Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in those countries.

Additionally, many of the economies of countries in Asia are considered emerging market or frontier market economies. These Asian economies are often characterized by high inflation, undeveloped financial service sectors, frequent currency fluctuations, devaluations, or restrictions, political and social instability, and less efficient markets. See "Emerging Markets Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in such countries.

  China Risk – Investing in securities of Chinese issuers involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including, among others, more frequent trading suspensions and government interventions (including by nationalization of assets), currency exchange rate fluctuations or blockages, limits on the use of brokers and on foreign ownership, different financial reporting standards, higher dependence on exports and international trade, potential for increased trade tariffs, sanctions, embargoes and other trade limitations, and custody risks. U.S. sanctions or other investment restrictions could preclude the Fund from investing in certain Chinese issuers or cause the Fund to sell investments at a disadvantageous time. Significant portions of the Chinese securities markets may become rapidly illiquid, as Chinese issuers have the ability to suspend the trading of their equity securities, and have shown a willingness to exercise that option in response to market volatility and other events.

  Conflicts of Interest Risk – The Manager's relationships with the Fund's institutional investor base may give rise to various conflicts of interest, since the Manager will sometimes have an incentive to favor those shareholders over other shareholders in the Fund. In addition, the Manager serves as investment adviser to various clients other than the Fund, some of whom may pursue strategies that are substantially similar or nearly identical to investment strategies pursued by the Fund. This "side-by-side" management may give rise to various conflicts of interest, including, for example, in connection with the fair allocation of trades among the Manager's clients or the sharing of different, more, or more timely information regarding investment performance, portfolio holdings, strategy developments and/or the Manager's general market outlook. Furthermore, if investment personnel of the Manager hold board or other positions at outside companies, they could be exposed to material non-public information potentially impeding or delaying a Fund's ability to buy or sell certain investments, or they could otherwise be restricted in their ability to participate in a Fund's investment process.

  Currency Risk – The Fund may realize a loss if it has exposure to a non-U.S. currency, and this non-U.S. currency declines in value, relative to the U.S. dollar. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

  Equity Securities Risk – Equity securities may react more strongly to changes in an issuer's financial condition or prospects than other securities of the same issuer. Investing in equity securities indirectly, such as through participatory notes or depositary receipts, may involve other risks such as the risk that the counterparty may default or that the investment does not track the underlying security as expected.

  Focused Investment Risk – Should the Fund focus its investments in related, or a limited number of, countries, regions, sectors, or companies, this would create more risk and greater volatility than if the Fund's investments were less focused.


21


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

  Geographic Focus Risk – The Fund expects to focus its investments in a limited number of countries or geographic regions, and as a result may not offer the same level of diversification of risks as a more broadly global fund because the Fund will be exposed to a smaller geographic area. The performance of a fund that is less diversified across countries or geographic regions will be closely tied to market, currency, economic, political, environmental, or regulatory conditions and developments in the countries or regions in which the fund invests, and may be more volatile than the performance of a more geographically-diversified portfolio.

  Government and Regulatory Risk – Governmental and regulatory authorities in the United States and other countries, have taken, and may in the future take, actions intervening in the markets in which the Fund invests and in the economy more generally. Governmental and regulatory authorities may also act to increase the scope or burden of regulations applicable to the Fund or to the companies in which the Fund invests. The effects of these actions on the markets generally, and Fund's investment program in particular, can be uncertain and could restrict the ability of the Fund to fully implement its investment strategies, either generally, or with respect to certain securities, industries, or countries. By contrast, markets in some non-U.S. countries historically have been subject to little regulation or oversight by governmental or regulatory authorities, which could heighten the risk of loss due to fraud or market failures in those countries. Governments, agencies, or other regulatory bodies in any country may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the Fund or the market value of an instrument held by the Fund.

  Information Technology Risk – Cyber-attacks, disruptions, or failures that affect the Fund's service providers, counterparties, the securities markets generally, other market participants, or issuers of securities held by the Fund may adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders, including by causing losses for the Fund or impairing Fund operations.

  IPO Risk – The Fund may purchase securities in IPOs. These securities are subject to many of the same risks of investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile.

  Japan Risk – The Japanese economy has only recently emerged from a prolonged economic downturn. Since the year 2000, Japan's economic growth rate has remained relatively low, and it may remain low in the future. Japan's economy is characterized by an aging demographic, declining population, large government debt, and a highly regulated labor market. In the longer term, Japan will have to address the effects of an aging population, including the impact of a shrinking work force and higher welfare costs. Japan's economic recovery has been affected by economic distress resulting from a number of natural disasters, including disasters that caused damage to nuclear power plants in the region. Such environmental catastrophes have caused Japan's financial markets to fluctuate dramatically.

Japan continues to be subject to the risk of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons and tsunamis, which could negatively affect the Japanese economy.

  Large-Capitalization Securities Risk – Returns on investments in securities of large companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of smaller and medium-sized companies. Larger companies may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller and medium-sized companies to competitive challenges or to changes in business, product, financial, or other market conditions. Larger companies may not be able to achieve or maintain growth at the high rates that may be achieved by well-managed smaller and medium-sized companies.

  Liquidity Risk – The Fund's investments may be subject to low trading volume, lack of a market maker, contractual lock-in periods or regulatory restrictions, and the Fund may hold large positions in particular securities. As a result, it may not be possible to sell an investment at a particular time or at an acceptable price. Liquidity risk may be magnified during periods of changing interest rates, significant shareholder redemptions or market turmoil. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. In some cases, due to unanticipated levels of illiquidity the Fund may seek to meet its redemption obligations wholly or in part by distributions of assets in-kind.

  Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk – The value of the Fund's investments could be adversely affected by events that disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global markets such as war, terrorism, public health crises, and geopolitical events and by changes in non-U.S. and U.S. economic and political conditions. As a result of these events, the Fund could lose money, experience significant redemptions, encounter operational difficulties, and suffer other negative impacts.

  Market Risk – The value of the Fund's investments will be affected by fluctuations in the stock markets in which the Fund is invested, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. Declines in securities market prices may reduce the net asset value of the Fund's shares.

  Service Provider Risk – The Fund will be affected by the Manager's investment techniques, analyses, assessments and employee retention. Similarly, adverse events or performance failures at a service provider, such as human error, inadequate controls or insolvency, have the ability to adversely affect the Fund.

  Settlement Risk – The Fund may experience delays in settlement due to the different clearance and settlement procedures in non-U.S. countries. Such delays may increase credit risk to the Fund, limit the ability of the Fund to reinvest the proceeds of a sale of securities, or prevent the Fund from selling securities at times and prices it considers desirable.


22


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

  Small- and Medium-Capitalization Securities Risk – Securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies can be more volatile due to various factors including more limited product lines, financial and management resources and market distribution channels, as well as shorter operating histories and potentially reduced liquidity, especially during market declines, than the securities of larger, more established companies.

  Valuation Risk – In certain circumstances, some of the Fund's portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations by employing the fair value procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board"). This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. There is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time.

Performance

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's annual total returns from year to year and by comparing the Fund's average annual total returns with those of the Fund's benchmark. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.

Annual Total Returns – Institutional Class Shares(1)

Highest Quarterly Return: 24.26% (Q2, 2020)

Lowest Quarterly Return: -20.45% (Q1, 2020)

(1)  Performance for Institutional Class shares prior to their date of inception (April 28, 2017) is derived from the historical performance of Class 2 shares, which are not offered under this Prospectus and are currently closed to new investors. The historical Class 2 performance has been adjusted for the higher total annual operating expenses incurred by Institutional Class.

In the table below, after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown for Institutional Class shares only, and after-tax returns for other share classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on your tax situation and may differ from those

shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant if you are tax-exempt or if you hold your Fund shares through tax-advantaged arrangements. A description of the Fund's comparative index and details regarding the calculation of the Fund's class-by-class performance are provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Additional Performance Information."

Average Annual Total
Returns for Periods Ended
December 31, 2020(1)
 

1 Year

 

5 Years

 

10 Years

 
Institutional Class Returns Before
Taxes
   

28.68

%

   

13.27

%

   

8.86

%

 
Institutional Class Returns After
Taxes on Distributions
   

28.23

%

   

12.80

%

   

8.14

%

 
Institutional Class Returns After
Taxes on Distributions and Sale of
Fund Shares
   

17.39

%

   

10.62

%

   

6.94

%

 

Class K Returns Before Taxes

   

28.78

%

   

13.38

%

   

8.99

%

 
Comparative Index
(reflects no deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes)
 

MSCI EAFE Index(2)

   

8.28

%

   

7.96

%

   

6.00

%

 

(1)  Performance for Class K and Institutional Class shares prior to their date of inception (April 28, 2017) is derived from the historical performance of Class 2 shares and, for Institutional Class, has been adjusted for the higher total annual operating expenses incurred by Institutional Class.

(2)  The source of the index data is MSCI Inc. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indexes or any securities or financial products. This Prospectus is not approved, endorsed, reviewed or produced by MSCI. None of the MSCI data is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such.

Updated information on the Fund's investment performance can be obtained by visiting http://USmutualfund.bailliegifford.com.

Management

Investment Manager

Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited

Portfolio Managers

Name

 

Title

  Year Commenced
Service with the
Fund
 

Gerard Callahan

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2009

   

Iain Campbell

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2010

   

Sophie Earnshaw

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2014

   

Joe Faraday

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2009

   

Moritz Sitte

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2014

   

Purchasing, Exchanging, and Selling Fund Shares

To purchase, exchange, or redeem shares of the Fund through an intermediary, please contact your intermediary directly.

Other investors may purchase, exchange, or redeem shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for trading directly from the Fund's transfer agent, Bank of New York Mellon, by written request, as further described in the sections of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—How to Buy or Exchange Shares" and "Shares—How to Sell Shares." The initial and


23


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

subsequent investment minimums for the Fund shares are as follows:

Class of Shares

  Minimum Initial
Investment(1)
  Minimum
Subsequent
Investment(1)
 

Class K

    $10 million      

None

   

Institutional Class

   

None

     

None

   

(1)  If you hold shares through a financial intermediary, the financial intermediary may impose its own, different, investment minimums.

The Manager and Baillie Gifford Funds Services LLC ("BGFS"), the Fund's distributor, each reserves the right to waive any minimum in their sole discretion, and to reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason. Additional information regarding restrictions on purchasing or exchanging shares is provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—Restrictions on Buying or Exchanging Shares."

Tax

The Fund intends to make distributions that will be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are a tax-exempt investor or otherwise investing through a tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA or 401(k) plan. If you are investing through such a tax-advantaged account, you may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from that account.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for services the intermediary provides to Fund shareholders. These payments are not primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. In addition to the fees and expenses described in the "Fees and Expenses" section above, your broker-dealer or financial intermediary may charge commissions or other fees on purchases and sales of the Class K or Institutional Class shares of the Fund. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's web site for more information.


24


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

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

Shareholder Fees

(Fees paid directly from your investment)

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
 

None

     

None

   

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

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

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 

Management Fees(a)

   

0.70

%

   

0.70

%

 

Distribution (12b-1) Fees

   

None

     

None

   

Other Expenses(b)

   

0.10

%

   

0.19

%

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses
   

0.80

%

   

0.89

%

 

(a)  The Management Fee consists of an Advisory Fee and an Administration and Supervisory Fee paid by the Fund to Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited.

(b)  Other Expenses differ due to sub-accounting expenses.

Example of Expenses

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, regardless of whether or not you redeem your shares at the end of such periods. It also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same.

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your expenses would be:

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
1 Year  

$

82

   

$

91

   
3 Years  

$

255

   

$

284

   
5 Years  

$

444

   

$

493

   
10 Years  

$

990

   

$

1,096

   

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses" above, affect the Fund's performance. During the Fund's most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 24% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in countries of emerging and frontier markets.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of companies located in countries represented in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. The countries represented in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index include markets that may be less sophisticated than more developed markets in terms of participation by investors, analyst coverage, liquidity, and regulation. The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts or participatory notes, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund is not constrained with respect to market capitalization and may participate in initial public offerings ("IPOs") and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S. The portfolio managers have flexibility to gain exposure to one or more emerging markets through investing in exchange traded funds ("ETFs") that track relevant equity indices.

The portfolio managers primarily employ a bottom-up approach to stock selection and select companies without being constrained by the MSCI Emerging Markets benchmark. The portfolio managers may reference the benchmark to set limits on the relative weighting of countries in the portfolio. The portfolio managers can also consider macro-economic factors when identifying potential investments. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 60 and 100 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, and the Fund expects to invest significantly in Chinese companies including through China A shares, which are common stocks and other equity securities that are listed or traded on a Chinese stock exchange and which are quoted in renminbi. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5 years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

Principal Risks

The Fund's net asset value and returns will be impacted by the performance of the underlying investments of the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the Fund.


25


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

The principal risks of investing in the Fund (in alphabetical order after the first six risks) are:

  Investment Style Risk – Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited (the "Manager") actively makes investment decisions for the Fund through bottom-up stock selection. Accordingly, the Fund will have risk characteristics that differ from its benchmark index. The Manager's judgments about the attractiveness, relative value, or potential appreciation of a particular stock may prove to be incorrect and cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index. There can be no assurance that the Manager's investment decisions will produce the desired results.

  Growth Stock Risk – The prices of growth stocks may be based largely on expectations of future earnings, and their prices can decline rapidly and significantly in reaction to negative news. Growth stocks may underperform stocks in other broad style categories (and the stock market as a whole) over any period of time and may shift in and out of favor with investors generally, sometimes rapidly, depending on changes in market, economic, and other factors.

  Long-Term Investment Strategy Risk – The Fund pursues a long-term investment approach, typically seeking returns over a period of several years. This investment style may cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index or other mutual funds over extended periods of time, and the Fund may not perform as expected in the long term. An investment in the Fund may be more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the risk of short- or medium-term fluctuations in the value of the Fund's portfolio.

  Geographic Focus Risk – The Fund expects to focus its investments in a limited number of countries or geographic regions, and as a result may not offer the same level of diversification of risks as a more broadly global fund because the Fund will be exposed to a smaller geographic area. The performance of a fund that is less diversified across countries or geographic regions will be closely tied to market, currency, economic, political, environmental, or regulatory conditions and developments in the countries or regions in which the fund invests, and may be more volatile than the performance of a more geographically-diversified portfolio.

  Emerging Markets Risk – Because the Fund invests in emerging market securities, the Fund may be exposed to greater market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in developed markets.

  Asia Risk – Investing in securities of companies located in or with exposure to Asian countries involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including different financial reporting standards, currency exchange rate fluctuations, and highly regulated markets with the potential for government interference. The economies of many Asian countries are heavily dependent on international trade and on only a few industries or commodities and, as a result, can be adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls

and other measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. Some Asian securities may be less liquid than U.S. or other foreign securities. See "China Risk" for additional details.

Additionally, many of the economies of countries in Asia are considered emerging market or frontier market economies. These Asian economies are often characterized by high inflation, undeveloped financial service sectors, frequent currency fluctuations, devaluations, or restrictions, political and social instability, and less efficient markets. See "Emerging Markets Risk" and "Frontier Markets Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in such countries.

  China Risk – Investing in securities of Chinese issuers involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including, among others, more frequent trading suspensions and government interventions (including by nationalization of assets), currency exchange rate fluctuations or blockages, limits on the use of brokers and on foreign ownership, different financial reporting standards, higher dependence on exports and international trade, potential for increased trade tariffs, sanctions, embargoes and other trade limitations, and custody risks. U.S. sanctions or other investment restrictions could preclude the Fund from investing in certain Chinese issuers or cause the Fund to sell investments at a disadvantageous time. Significant portions of the Chinese securities markets may become rapidly illiquid, as Chinese issuers have the ability to suspend the trading of their equity securities, and have shown a willingness to exercise that option in response to market volatility and other events.

  Conflicts of Interest Risk – The Manager's relationships with the Fund's institutional investor base may give rise to various conflicts of interest, since the Manager will sometimes have an incentive to favor those shareholders over other shareholders in the Fund. In addition, the Manager serves as investment adviser to various clients other than the Fund, some of whom may pursue strategies that are substantially similar or nearly identical to investment strategies pursued by the Fund. This "side-by-side" management may give rise to various conflicts of interest, including, for example, in connection with the fair allocation of trades among the Manager's clients or the sharing of different, more, or more timely information regarding investment performance, portfolio holdings, strategy developments and/or the Manager's general market outlook. Furthermore, if investment personnel of the Manager hold board or other positions at outside companies, they could be exposed to material non-public information potentially impeding or delaying a Fund's ability to buy or sell certain investments, or they could otherwise be restricted in their ability to participate in a Fund's investment process.

  Currency Risk – The Fund may realize a loss if it has exposure to a non-U.S. currency, and this non-U.S. currency declines in value, relative to the U.S. dollar. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.


26


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

  Equity Securities Risk – Equity securities may react more strongly to changes in an issuer's financial condition or prospects than other securities of the same issuer. Investing in equity securities indirectly, such as through participatory notes or depositary receipts, may involve other risks such as the risk that the counterparty may default or that the investment does not track the underlying security as expected.

  Focused Investment Risk – Should the Fund focus its investments in related, or a limited number of, countries, regions, sectors, or companies, this would create more risk and greater volatility than if the Fund's investments were less focused.

  Frontier Markets Risk – Frontier markets are those emerging markets that are considered to be among the smallest, least mature and least liquid and, as a result, may be more volatile and less liquid than investments in more developed markets or in other emerging market countries. Emerging markets risk may be especially heightened in frontier markets.

  Government and Regulatory Risk – Governmental and regulatory authorities in the United States and other countries, have taken, and may in the future take, actions intervening in the markets in which the Fund invests and in the economy more generally. Governmental and regulatory authorities may also act to increase the scope or burden of regulations applicable to the Fund or to the companies in which the Fund invests. The effects of these actions on the markets generally, and Fund's investment program in particular, can be uncertain and could restrict the ability of the Fund to fully implement its investment strategies, either generally, or with respect to certain securities, industries, or countries. By contrast, markets in some non-U.S. countries historically have been subject to little regulation or oversight by governmental or regulatory authorities, which could heighten the risk of loss due to fraud or market failures in those countries. Governments, agencies, or other regulatory bodies in any country may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the Fund or the market value of an instrument held by the Fund.

  Information Technology Risk – Cyber-attacks, disruptions, or failures that affect the Fund's service providers, counterparties, the securities markets generally, other market participants, or issuers of securities held by the Fund may adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders, including by causing losses for the Fund or impairing Fund operations.

  IPO Risk – The Fund may purchase securities in IPOs. These securities are subject to many of the same risks of investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile.

  Large-Capitalization Securities Risk – Returns on investments in securities of large companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of smaller and medium-sized companies. Larger companies may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller and medium-sized companies to competitive challenges or to changes in business, product,

financial, or other market conditions. Larger companies may not be able to achieve or maintain growth at the high rates that may be achieved by well-managed smaller and medium-sized companies.

  Liquidity Risk – The Fund's investments may be subject to low trading volume, lack of a market maker, contractual lock-in periods or regulatory restrictions, and the Fund may hold large positions in particular securities. As a result, it may not be possible to sell an investment at a particular time or at an acceptable price. Liquidity risk may be magnified during periods of changing interest rates, significant shareholder redemptions or market turmoil. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. In some cases, due to unanticipated levels of illiquidity the Fund may seek to meet its redemption obligations wholly or in part by distributions of assets in-kind.

  Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk – The value of the Fund's investments could be adversely affected by events that disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global markets such as war, terrorism, public health crises, and geopolitical events and by changes in non-U.S. and U.S. economic and political conditions. As a result of these events, the Fund could lose money, experience significant redemptions, encounter operational difficulties, and suffer other negative impacts.

  Market Risk – The value of the Fund's investments will be affected by fluctuations in the stock markets in which the Fund is invested, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. Declines in securities market prices may reduce the net asset value of the Fund's shares.

  Non-U.S. Investment Risk – Non-U.S. securities are subject to additional risks, including less liquidity, increased volatility, less transparency, withholding or other taxes, increased vulnerability to adverse changes in local and global economic conditions, less regulation, and possible fluctuation in value due to adverse political conditions. Foreign portfolio transactions generally involve higher commission rates, transfer taxes, and custodial costs than similar transactions in the U.S.

  Service Provider Risk – The Fund will be affected by the Manager's investment techniques, analyses, assessments and employee retention. Similarly, adverse events or performance failures at a service provider, such as human error, inadequate controls or insolvency, have the ability to adversely affect the Fund.

  Settlement Risk – The Fund may experience delays in settlement due to the different clearance and settlement procedures in non-U.S. countries. Such delays may increase credit risk to the Fund, limit the ability of the Fund to reinvest the proceeds of a sale of securities, or prevent the Fund from selling securities at times and prices it considers desirable.

  Small- and Medium-Capitalization Securities Risk – Securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies can be more volatile due to various factors including more limited product


27


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

lines, financial and management resources and market distribution channels, as well as shorter operating histories and potentially reduced liquidity, especially during market declines, than the securities of larger, more established companies.

  Underlying Funds Risk – Investments in other pooled investment vehicles may indirectly expose the Fund to all of the risks applicable to an investment in such other pool. The Fund must pay its pro rata portion of the other pooled vehicle's fees and expenses. If such pool is an ETF or other product traded on a securities exchange or otherwise actively traded, its shares may trade at a premium or discount to their net asset value, an effect that might be more pronounced in less liquid markets. Further, the Manager or an affiliate may serve as investment adviser to some pooled vehicles in which the Fund invests, leading to potential conflicts of interest.

  Valuation Risk – In certain circumstances, some of the Fund's portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations by employing the fair value procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board"). This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. There is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time.

Performance

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's annual total returns from year to year and by comparing the Fund's average annual total returns with those of the Fund's benchmark. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.

Annual Total Returns – Institutional Class Shares(1)

Highest Quarterly Return: 25.20% (Q4, 2020)

Lowest Quarterly Return: -26.53% (Q1, 2020)

(1)  Performance for Institutional Class shares prior to their date of inception (April 28, 2017) is derived from the historical performance of Class 5 shares, which are not offered under this Prospectus and are currently closed to new investors. The historical Class 5 performance has been adjusted for the higher total annual operating expenses incurred by Institutional Class.

In the table below, after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown for Institutional Class shares only, and after-tax returns for other share classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on your tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant if you are tax-exempt or if you hold your Fund shares through tax-advantaged arrangements. A description of the Fund's comparative index and details regarding the calculation of the Fund's class-by-class performance are provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Additional Performance Information."

Average Annual Total
Returns for Periods Ended
December 31, 2020(1)
 

1 Year

 

5 Years

 

10 Years

 
Institutional Class Returns Before
Taxes
   

28.91

%

   

17.16

%

   

6.62

%

 
Institutional Class Returns After
Taxes on Distributions
   

28.58

%

   

16.27

%

   

5.95

%

 
Institutional Class Returns After
Taxes on Distributions and
Sale of Fund Shares
   

17.43

%

   

13.74

%

   

5.10

%

 

Class K Returns Before Taxes

   

29.04

%

   

17.26

%

   

6.74

%

 
Comparative Index
(reflects no deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes)
 

MSCI Emerging Markets Index(2)

   

18.69

%

   

13.20

%

   

3.99

%

 

(1)  Performance for Class K and Institutional Class shares prior to their date of inception (April 28, 2017) is derived from the historical performance of Class 5 shares and, for both Class K and Institutional Class, has been adjusted for the higher total annual operating expenses incurred by Class K and Institutional Class.

(2)  The source of the index data is MSCI Inc. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indexes or any securities or financial products. This Prospectus is not approved, endorsed, reviewed or produced by MSCI. None of the MSCI data is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such.

Updated information on the Fund's investment performance can be obtained by visiting http://USmutualfund.bailliegifford.com.

Management

Investment Manager

Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited


28


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Portfolio Managers

Name

 

Title

  Year Commenced
Service with the
Fund
 

Ben Durrant

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2021

   

Mike Gush

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2005

   

Andrew Stobart

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2007

   

Purchasing, Exchanging, and Selling Fund Shares

To purchase, exchange, or redeem shares of the Fund through an intermediary, please contact your intermediary directly.

Other investors may purchase, exchange, or redeem shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for trading directly from the Fund's transfer agent, Bank of New York Mellon, by written request, as further described in the sections of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—How to Buy or Exchange Shares" and "Shares—How to Sell Shares." The initial and subsequent investment minimums for the Fund shares are as follows:

Class of Shares

  Minimum Initial
Investment(1)
  Minimum
Subsequent
Investment(1)
 

Class K

    $10 million      

None

   

Institutional Class

   

None

     

None

   

(1)  If you hold shares through a financial intermediary, the financial intermediary may impose its own, different, investment minimums.

The Manager and Baillie Gifford Funds Services LLC ("BGFS"), the Fund's distributor, each reserves the right to waive any minimum in their sole discretion, and to reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason. Additional information regarding restrictions on purchasing or exchanging shares is provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—Restrictions on Buying or Exchanging Shares."

Tax

The Fund intends to make distributions that will be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are a tax-exempt investor or otherwise investing through a tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA or 401(k) plan. If you are investing through such a tax-advantaged account, you may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from that account.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for services the intermediary provides to Fund shareholders. These payments are not primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. In addition to the fees and expenses described in the "Fees and Expenses" section above, your broker-dealer or financial intermediary may charge commissions or other fees on purchases and sales of the Class K or Institutional Class shares of the Fund. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's web site for more information.


29


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

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

Shareholder Fees

(Fees paid directly from your investment)

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
 

None

     

None

   

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

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

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 

Management Fees(a)

   

0.57

%

   

0.57

%

 

Distribution (12b-1) Fees

   

None

     

None

   

Other Expenses(b)

   

0.08

%

   

0.17

%

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses
   

0.65

%

   

0.74

%

 

(a)  The Management Fee consists of an Advisory Fee and an Administration and Supervisory Fee paid by the Fund to Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited.

(b)  Other Expenses differ due to sub-accounting expenses.

Example of Expenses

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, regardless of whether or not you redeem your shares at the end of such periods. It also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same.

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your expenses would be:

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
1 Year  

$

66

   

$

76

   
3 Years  

$

208

   

$

237

   
5 Years  

$

362

   

$

411

   
10 Years  

$

810

   

$

918

   

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may lead to higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses" above, affect the Fund's performance. During the Fund's most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 23% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a global, diversified portfolio of equities, which include common stock and other equity securities, of issuers located in countries of developed and emerging markets.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities. The Fund invests predominantly in a diversified portfolio of securities issued by companies located in countries represented in the MSCI ACWI Index, cash and cash equivalents. The Fund invests in companies whose principal activities are in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Europe, Australasia, Africa, the Middle East and/or the Far East. The Fund ordinarily invests in securities of issuers located in at least three different countries. In addition, under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 40% of its total assets in securities of companies located outside the U.S. when market conditions are favorable, but, when market conditions are not favorable, the Fund will invest at least 30% of its total assets in companies located outside the U.S. The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund typically invests in issuers with a market capitalization of more than $4 billion at the time of purchase and may participate in initial public offerings ("IPOs") and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up approach to stock selection and select companies without being constrained by the MSCI ACWI benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 70 and 120 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5 years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

Principal Risks

The Fund's net asset value and returns will be impacted by the performance of the underlying investments of the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the Fund.


30


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

The principal risks of investing in the Fund (in alphabetical order after the first four risks) are:

  Investment Style Risk – Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited (the "Manager") actively makes investment decisions for the Fund through bottom-up stock selection. Accordingly, the Fund will have risk characteristics that differ from its benchmark index. The Manager's judgments about the attractiveness, relative value, or potential appreciation of a particular stock may prove to be incorrect and cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index. There can be no assurance that the Manager's investment decisions will produce the desired results.

  Growth Stock Risk – The prices of growth stocks may be based largely on expectations of future earnings, and their prices can decline rapidly and significantly in reaction to negative news. Growth stocks may underperform stocks in other broad style categories (and the stock market as a whole) over any period of time and may shift in and out of favor with investors generally, sometimes rapidly, depending on changes in market, economic, and other factors.

  Long-Term Investment Strategy Risk – The Fund pursues a long-term investment approach, typically seeking returns over a period of several years. This investment style may cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index or other mutual funds over extended periods of time, and the Fund may not perform as expected in the long term. An investment in the Fund may be more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the risk of short- or medium-term fluctuations in the value of the Fund's portfolio.

  Non-U.S. Investment Risk – Non-U.S. securities are subject to additional risks, including less liquidity, increased volatility, less transparency, withholding or other taxes, increased vulnerability to adverse changes in local and global economic conditions, less regulation, and possible fluctuation in value due to adverse political conditions. Foreign portfolio transactions generally involve higher commission rates, transfer taxes, and custodial costs than similar transactions in the U.S.

  Asia Risk – Investing in securities of companies located in or with exposure to Asian countries involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including different financial reporting standards, currency exchange rate fluctuations, and highly regulated markets with the potential for government interference. The economies of many Asian countries are heavily dependent on international trade and on only a few industries or commodities and, as a result, can be adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls and other measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. Some Asian securities may be less liquid than U.S. or other foreign securities. See "China Risk" and "Japan Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in those countries.

Additionally, many of the economies of countries in Asia are considered emerging market or frontier market economies. These Asian economies are often characterized by high

inflation, undeveloped financial service sectors, frequent currency fluctuations, devaluations, or restrictions, political and social instability, and less efficient markets. See "Emerging Markets Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in such countries.

  China Risk – Investing in securities of Chinese issuers involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including, among others, more frequent trading suspensions and government interventions (including by nationalization of assets), currency exchange rate fluctuations or blockages, limits on the use of brokers and on foreign ownership, different financial reporting standards, higher dependence on exports and international trade, potential for increased trade tariffs, sanctions, embargoes and other trade limitations, and custody risks. U.S. sanctions or other investment restrictions could preclude the Fund from investing in certain Chinese issuers or cause the Fund to sell investments at a disadvantageous time. Significant portions of the Chinese securities markets may become rapidly illiquid, as Chinese issuers have the ability to suspend the trading of their equity securities, and have shown a willingness to exercise that option in response to market volatility and other events.

  Conflicts of Interest Risk – The Manager's relationships with the Fund's institutional investor base may give rise to various conflicts of interest, since the Manager will sometimes have an incentive to favor those shareholders over other shareholders in the Fund. In addition, the Manager serves as investment adviser to various clients other than the Fund, some of whom may pursue strategies that are substantially similar or nearly identical to investment strategies pursued by the Fund. This "side-by-side" management may give rise to various conflicts of interest, including, for example, in connection with the fair allocation of trades among the Manager's clients or the sharing of different, more, or more timely information regarding investment performance, portfolio holdings, strategy developments and/or the Manager's general market outlook. Furthermore, if investment personnel of the Manager hold board or other positions at outside companies, they could be exposed to material non-public information potentially impeding or delaying a Fund's ability to buy or sell certain investments, or they could otherwise be restricted in their ability to participate in a Fund's investment process.

  Currency Risk – The Fund may realize a loss if it has exposure to a non-U.S. currency, and this non-U.S. currency declines in value, relative to the U.S. dollar. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

  Emerging Markets Risk – To the extent the Fund invests in emerging market securities, the Fund may be exposed to greater market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in developed markets.

  Equity Securities Risk – Equity securities may react more strongly to changes in an issuer's financial condition or prospects than other securities of the same issuer. Investing


31


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

in equity securities indirectly, such as through participatory notes or depositary receipts, may involve other risks such as the risk that the counterparty may default or that the investment does not track the underlying security as expected.

  Focused Investment Risk – Should the Fund focus its investments in related, or a limited number of, countries, regions, sectors, or companies, this would create more risk and greater volatility than if the Fund's investments were less focused.

  Government and Regulatory Risk – Governmental and regulatory authorities in the United States and other countries, have taken, and may in the future take, actions intervening in the markets in which the Fund invests and in the economy more generally. Governmental and regulatory authorities may also act to increase the scope or burden of regulations applicable to the Fund or to the companies in which the Fund invests. The effects of these actions on the markets generally, and Fund's investment program in particular, can be uncertain and could restrict the ability of the Fund to fully implement its investment strategies, either generally, or with respect to certain securities, industries, or countries. By contrast, markets in some non-U.S. countries historically have been subject to little regulation or oversight by governmental or regulatory authorities, which could heighten the risk of loss due to fraud or market failures in those countries. Governments, agencies, or other regulatory bodies in any country may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the Fund or the market value of an instrument held by the Fund.

  Information Technology Risk – Cyber-attacks, disruptions, or failures that affect the Fund's service providers, counterparties, the securities markets generally, other market participants, or issuers of securities held by the Fund may adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders, including by causing losses for the Fund or impairing Fund operations.

  IPO Risk – The Fund may purchase securities in IPOs. These securities are subject to many of the same risks of investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile.

  Japan Risk – The Japanese economy has only recently emerged from a prolonged economic downturn. Since the year 2000, Japan's economic growth rate has remained relatively low, and it may remain low in the future. Japan's economy is characterized by an aging demographic, declining population, large government debt, and a highly regulated labor market. In the longer term, Japan will have to address the effects of an aging population, including the impact of a shrinking work force and higher welfare costs. Japan's economic recovery has been affected by economic distress resulting from a number of natural disasters, including disasters that caused damage to nuclear power plants in the region. Such environmental catastrophes have caused Japan's financial markets to fluctuate dramatically.

Japan continues to be subject to the risk of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons and tsunamis, which could negatively affect the Japanese economy.

  Large-Capitalization Securities Risk – Returns on investments in securities of large companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of smaller and medium-sized companies. Larger companies may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller and medium-sized companies to competitive challenges or to changes in business, product, financial, or other market conditions. Larger companies may not be able to achieve or maintain growth at the high rates that may be achieved by well-managed smaller and medium-sized companies.

  Liquidity Risk – The Fund's investments may be subject to low trading volume, lack of a market maker, contractual lock-in periods or regulatory restrictions, and the Fund may hold large positions in particular securities. As a result, it may not be possible to sell an investment at a particular time or at an acceptable price. Liquidity risk may be magnified during periods of changing interest rates, significant shareholder redemptions or market turmoil. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. In some cases, due to unanticipated levels of illiquidity the Fund may seek to meet its redemption obligations wholly or in part by distributions of assets in-kind.

  Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk – The value of the Fund's investments could be adversely affected by events that disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global markets such as war, terrorism, public health crises, and geopolitical events and by changes in non-U.S. and U.S. economic and political conditions. As a result of these events, the Fund could lose money, experience significant redemptions, encounter operational difficulties, and suffer other negative impacts.

  Market Risk – The value of the Fund's investments will be affected by fluctuations in the stock markets in which the Fund is invested, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. Declines in securities market prices may reduce the net asset value of the Fund's shares.

  Service Provider Risk – The Fund will be affected by the Manager's investment techniques, analyses, assessments and employee retention. Similarly, adverse events or performance failures at a service provider, such as human error, inadequate controls or insolvency, have the ability to adversely affect the Fund.

  Settlement Risk – The Fund may experience delays in settlement due to the different clearance and settlement procedures in non-U.S. countries. Such delays may increase credit risk to the Fund, limit the ability of the Fund to reinvest the proceeds of a sale of securities, or prevent the Fund from selling securities at times and prices it considers desirable.


32


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

  Small- and Medium-Capitalization Securities Risk – Securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies can be more volatile due to various factors including more limited product lines, financial and management resources and market distribution channels, as well as shorter operating histories and potentially reduced liquidity, especially during market declines, than the securities of larger, more established companies.

  Valuation Risk – In certain circumstances, some of the Fund's portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations by employing the fair value procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board"). This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. There is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time.

Performance

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's annual total returns from year to year and by comparing the Fund's average annual total returns with those of the Fund's benchmark. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.

Annual Total Returns – Institutional Class Shares(1)

Highest Quarterly Return: 28.04% (Q2, 2020)

Lowest Quarterly Return: -18.91% (Q1, 2020)

(1)  Performance for Institutional Class shares prior to their date of inception (April 28, 2017) is derived from the historical performance of Class 3 shares, which are not offered under this Prospectus and are currently closed to new investors. The historical Class 3 performance has been adjusted for the higher total annual operating expenses incurred by Institutional Class.

In the table below, after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown for Institutional Class shares only, and

after-tax returns for other share classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on your tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant if you are tax-exempt or if you hold your Fund shares through tax-advantaged arrangements. A description of the Fund's comparative index and details regarding the calculation of the Fund's class-by-class performance are provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Additional Performance Information."

Average Annual Total
Returns for Periods Ended
December 31, 2020(1)
 

1 Year

 

5 Years

  Since Fund
Inception
(11/15/2011)
 
Institutional Class Returns Before
Taxes
   

36.22

%

   

18.19

%

   

15.31

%

 
Institutional Class Returns After
Taxes on Distributions
   

34.42

%

   

15.96

%

   

13.66

%

 
Institutional Class Returns After
Taxes on Distributions and
Sale of Fund Shares
   

22.75

%

   

14.12

%

   

12.26

%

 

Class K Returns Before Taxes

   

36.35

%

   

18.24

%

   

15.41

%

 
Comparative Index
(reflects no deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes)
 

MSCI ACWI Index(2)

   

16.82

%

   

12.85

%

   

11.42

%

 

(1)  Performance for Class K and Institutional Class shares prior to their date of inception (April 28, 2017) is derived from the historical performance of Class 3 shares and, for both Class K and Institutional Class, has been adjusted for the higher total annual operating expenses incurred by Class K and Institutional Class.

(2)  The source of the index data is MSCI Inc. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indexes or any securities or financial products. This Prospectus is not approved, endorsed, reviewed or produced by MSCI. None of the MSCI data is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such.

Updated information on the Fund's investment performance can be obtained by visiting http://USmutualfund.bailliegifford.com.

Management

Investment Manager

Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited

Portfolio Managers

Name

 

Title

  Year Commenced
Service with the
Fund
 

Spencer Adair

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2011

   

Malcolm MacColl

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2011

   

Helen Xiong

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2021

   

Purchasing, Exchanging, and Selling Fund Shares

To purchase, exchange, or redeem shares of the Fund through an intermediary, please contact your intermediary directly.

Other investors may purchase, exchange, or redeem shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for trading directly from the Fund's transfer agent, Bank of New York Mellon, by written request, as further described in the sections of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—How to Buy or Exchange


33


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Shares" and "Shares—How to Sell Shares." The initial and subsequent investment minimums for the Fund shares are as follows:

Class of Shares

  Minimum Initial
Investment(1)
  Minimum
Subsequent
Investment(1)
 

Class K

    $10 million      

None

   

Institutional Class

   

None

     

None

   

(1)  If you hold shares through a financial intermediary, the financial intermediary may impose its own, different, investment minimums.

The Manager and Baillie Gifford Funds Services LLC ("BGFS"), the Fund's distributor, each reserves the right to waive any minimum in their sole discretion, and to reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason. Additional information regarding restrictions on purchasing or exchanging shares is provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—Restrictions on Buying or Exchanging Shares."

Tax

The Fund intends to make distributions that will be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are a tax-exempt investor or otherwise investing through a tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA or 401(k) plan. If you are investing through such a tax-advantaged account, you may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from that account.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for services the intermediary provides to Fund shareholders. These payments are not primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. In addition to the fees and expenses described in the "Fees and Expenses" section above, your broker-dealer or financial intermediary may charge commissions or other fees on purchases and sales of the Class K or Institutional Class shares of the Fund. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's web site for more information.


34


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Global Stewardship Equities Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford Global Stewardship Equities Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

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

Shareholder Fees

(Fees paid directly from your investment)

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
 

None

     

None

   

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

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

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 

Management Fees(a)

   

0.50

%

   

0.50

%

 

Distribution (12b-1) Fees

   

None

     

None

   

Other Expenses(b)

   

4.72

%

   

4.72

%

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses
   

5.22

%

   

5.22

%

 
Fee Waiver and/or Expense
Reimbursement(c)
   

(4.57

)%

   

(4.57

)%

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or
Expense Reimbursement(c)
   

0.65

%

   

0.65

%

 

(a)  The Management Fee consists of an Advisory Fee and an Administration and Supervisory Fee paid by the Fund to Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited.

(b)  While Other Expenses for the last fiscal year were the same for Institutional Class and Class K, Other Expenses for Institutional Class are expected to be higher than those of Class K in the future, since Institutional Class is expected to bear sub-accounting expenses.

(c)  Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or bear Other Expenses of the Fund until April 30, 2022 to the extent that such Fund's Total Annual Operating Expenses (excluding taxes, sub-accounting expenses and extraordinary expenses) exceed 0.65% for Class K and Institutional Class shares. This contractual agreement may only be terminated by the Board of Trustees of the Trust. Because this cap of 0.65% excludes sub-accounting expenses, Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement for Institutional Class are expected to exceed the cap in the future.

Example of Expenses

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, regardless of whether or not you redeem your shares at the end of such periods. It also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. The example below also applies any contractual expense waivers and/or expense reimbursements to the first year of each period listed in the table.

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your expenses would be:

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
1 Year  

$

66

   

$

66

   
3 Years  

$

1,153

   

$

1,153

   
5 Years  

$

2,236

   

$

2,236

   
10 Years  

$

4,921

   

$

4,921

   

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses" above, affect the Fund's performance. During the Fund's most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 17% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a global portfolio of equity securities of issuers located in countries with developed and with emerging markets. In seeking to meet its investment objective, the Fund considers stewardship and environmental, social, and/or governance ("ESG") factors.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities. The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund invests predominantly in a diversified portfolio of securities issued by companies located in countries represented in the MSCI ACWI Index, cash and cash equivalents.

In addition, under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 40% of its total assets in securities of companies located outside the U.S. when market conditions are favorable, but, when market conditions are not favorable, will invest at least 30% of its total assets in companies located outside the U.S. The Fund's investment universe includes invest in issuers located in emerging markets.

Although the Fund retains the ability to invest in issuers of any market capitalization, the Fund typically invests primarily in issuers with a market capitalization of approximately $1.5 billion or more at the time of purchase. The Fund may participate in initial public offerings ("IPOs") and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up approach to stock selection and select companies without being constrained by the MSCI ACWI benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 70 and 90 growth


35


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, which in recent periods have included Japan and China. The Fund expects to invest in Chinese companies, among other means, through China A shares, which are common stocks and other equity securities that are listed or traded on a Chinese stock exchange and which are quoted in renminbi. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5 years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook. Portfolio construction decisions are made by a single, central team, which consists of the individual portfolio managers, alongside members of the Manager's dedicated Governance and Sustainability team. The latter provides specialized input into consideration of stewardship and related ESG issues.

In selecting investments for the Fund, the portfolio management team conducts a stewardship analysis, which focuses on a number of different aspects relating to the control, oversight and management of a company. As long-term investors, the portfolio management team takes particular interest in the following areas of a company's business: (i) its capital structure, articles of incorporation, and the country or countries of incorporation and listing, (ii) the treatment and protection of minority shareholders, (iii) the support of and commitment to sustainable business practices, (vi) the alignment of interests between management, strategic shareholders and other investors; (v) the composition and effectiveness of the Board of Directors, the quality and performance of management, and the remuneration of key employees; and (vi) the corporate culture and approach to sustainable business, and the management of relationships with customers, employees, suppliers, regulators and the wider community. In incorporating stewardship in its investment process, the portfolio management team also performs an ESG analysis on companies considered for inclusion in the Fund's portfolio. This analysis is supported by bespoke research conducted by analysts from members of the Manager's dedicated Governance and Sustainability team using a range of different information sources. The ESG analysis is reviewed by the portfolio managers as part of the discussion of the broader investment case for each current and potential portfolio holding.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

Principal Risks

The Fund's net asset value and returns will be impacted by the performance of the underlying investments of the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the Fund.

The principal risks of investing in the Fund (in alphabetical order after the first five risks) are:

  Investment Style Risk – Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited (the "Manager") actively makes investment decisions for the Fund through bottom-up stock selection. Accordingly, the Fund will have risk characteristics that differ from its

benchmark index. The Manager's judgments about the attractiveness, relative value, or potential appreciation of a particular stock may prove to be incorrect and cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index. There can be no assurance that the Manager's investment decisions will produce the desired results.

  Growth Stock Risk – The prices of growth stocks may be based largely on expectations of future earnings, and their prices can decline rapidly and significantly in reaction to negative news. Growth stocks may underperform stocks in other broad style categories (and the stock market as a whole) over any period of time and may shift in and out of favor with investors generally, sometimes rapidly, depending on changes in market, economic, and other factors.

  Long-Term Investment Strategy Risk – The Fund pursues a long-term investment approach, typically seeking returns over a period of several years. This investment style may cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index or other mutual funds over extended periods of time, and the Fund may not perform as expected in the long term. An investment in the Fund may be more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the risk of short- or medium-term fluctuations in the value of the Fund's portfolio.

  Socially Responsible Investing Risk – The Fund's incorporation of environmental, social and/or governance considerations in its investment process may cause it to make different investments than funds that have a similar investment universe and/or investment style but that do not incorporate such considerations in their strategy or investment processes. As a result, such Fund may forego opportunities to buy certain securities when it might otherwise be advantageous to do so, or sell securities when it might be otherwise disadvantageous for it to do so.

  Non-U.S. Investment Risk – Non-U.S. securities are subject to additional risks, including less liquidity, increased volatility, less transparency, withholding or other taxes, increased vulnerability to adverse changes in local and global economic conditions, less regulation, and possible fluctuation in value due to adverse political conditions. Foreign portfolio transactions generally involve higher commission rates, transfer taxes, and custodial costs than similar transactions in the U.S.

  Asia Risk – Investing in securities of companies located in or with exposure to Asian countries involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including different financial reporting standards, currency exchange rate fluctuations, and highly regulated markets with the potential for government interference. The economies of many Asian countries are heavily dependent on international trade and on only a few industries or commodities and, as a result, can be adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls and other measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. Some Asian securities may be less liquid than U.S. or other foreign securities. See "China Risk" and "Japan Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in those countries.


36


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Additionally, many of the economies of countries in Asia are considered emerging market or frontier market economies. These Asian economies are often characterized by high inflation, undeveloped financial service sectors, frequent currency fluctuations, devaluations, or restrictions, political and social instability, and less efficient markets. See "Emerging Markets Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in such countries.

  China Risk – Investing in securities of Chinese issuers involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including, among others, more frequent trading suspensions and government interventions (including by nationalization of assets), currency exchange rate fluctuations or blockages, limits on the use of brokers and on foreign ownership, different financial reporting standards, higher dependence on exports and international trade, potential for increased trade tariffs, sanctions, embargoes and other trade limitations, and custody risks. U.S. sanctions or other investment restrictions could preclude the Fund from investing in certain Chinese issuers or cause the Fund to sell investments at a disadvantageous time. Significant portions of the Chinese securities markets may become rapidly illiquid, as Chinese issuers have the ability to suspend the trading of their equity securities, and have shown a willingness to exercise that option in response to market volatility and other events.

  Conflicts of Interest Risk – The Manager's relationships with the Fund's institutional investor base may give rise to various conflicts of interest, since the Manager will sometimes have an incentive to favor those shareholders over other shareholders in the Fund. In addition, the Manager serves as investment adviser to various clients other than the Fund, some of whom may pursue strategies that are substantially similar or nearly identical to investment strategies pursued by the Fund. This "side-by-side" management may give rise to various conflicts of interest, including, for example, in connection with the fair allocation of trades among the Manager's clients or the sharing of different, more, or more timely information regarding investment performance, portfolio holdings, strategy developments and/or the Manager's general market outlook. Furthermore, if investment personnel of the Manager hold board or other positions at outside companies, they could be exposed to material non-public information potentially impeding or delaying a Fund's ability to buy or sell certain investments, or they could otherwise be restricted in their ability to participate in a Fund's investment process.

  Currency Risk – The Fund may realize a loss if it has exposure to a non-U.S. currency, and this non-U.S. currency declines in value, relative to the U.S. dollar. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

  Emerging Markets Risk – To the extent the Fund invests in emerging market securities, the Fund may be exposed to greater market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in developed markets.

  Equity Securities Risk – Equity securities may react more strongly to changes in an issuer's financial condition or prospects than other securities of the same issuer. Investing in equity securities indirectly, such as through participatory notes or depositary receipts, may involve other risks such as the risk that the counterparty may default or that the investment does not track the underlying security as expected.

  Focused Investment Risk – Should the Fund focus its investments in related, or a limited number of, countries, regions, sectors, or companies, this would create more risk and greater volatility than if the Fund's investments were less focused.

  Government and Regulatory Risk – Governmental and regulatory authorities in the United States and other countries, have taken, and may in the future take, actions intervening in the markets in which the Fund invests and in the economy more generally. Governmental and regulatory authorities may also act to increase the scope or burden of regulations applicable to the Fund or to the companies in which the Fund invests. The effects of these actions on the markets generally, and Fund's investment program in particular, can be uncertain and could restrict the ability of the Fund to fully implement its investment strategies, either generally, or with respect to certain securities, industries, or countries. By contrast, markets in some non-U.S. countries historically have been subject to little regulation or oversight by governmental or regulatory authorities, which could heighten the risk of loss due to fraud or market failures in those countries. Governments, agencies, or other regulatory bodies in any country may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the Fund or the market value of an instrument held by the Fund.

  Information Technology Risk – Cyber-attacks, disruptions, or failures that affect the Fund's service providers, counterparties, the securities markets generally, other market participants, or issuers of securities held by the Fund may adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders, including by causing losses for the Fund or impairing Fund operations.

  IPO Risk – The Fund may purchase securities in IPOs. These securities are subject to many of the same risks of investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile.

  Japan Risk – The Japanese economy has only recently emerged from a prolonged economic downturn. Since the year 2000, Japan's economic growth rate has remained relatively low, and it may remain low in the future. Japan's economy is characterized by an aging demographic, declining population, large government debt, and a highly regulated labor market. In the longer term, Japan will have to address the effects of an aging population, including the impact of a shrinking work force and higher welfare costs. Japan's economic recovery has been affected by economic distress resulting from a number of natural disasters, including disasters that caused damage to nuclear power


37


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

plants in the region. Such environmental catastrophes have caused Japan's financial markets to fluctuate dramatically. Japan continues to be subject to the risk of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons and tsunamis, which could negatively affect the Japanese economy.

  Large-Capitalization Securities Risk – Returns on investments in securities of large companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of smaller and medium-sized companies. Larger companies may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller and medium-sized companies to competitive challenges or to changes in business, product, financial, or other market conditions. Larger companies may not be able to achieve or maintain growth at the high rates that may be achieved by well-managed smaller and medium-sized companies.

  Liquidity Risk – The Fund's investments may be subject to low trading volume, lack of a market maker, contractual lock-in periods or regulatory restrictions, and the Fund may hold large positions in particular securities. As a result, it may not be possible to sell an investment at a particular time or at an acceptable price. Liquidity risk may be magnified during periods of changing interest rates, significant shareholder redemptions or market turmoil. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. In some cases, due to unanticipated levels of illiquidity the Fund may seek to meet its redemption obligations wholly or in part by distributions of assets in-kind.

  Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk – The value of the Fund's investments could be adversely affected by events that disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global markets such as war, terrorism, public health crises, and geopolitical events and by changes in non-U.S. and U.S. economic and political conditions. As a result of these events, the Fund could lose money, experience significant redemptions, encounter operational difficulties, and suffer other negative impacts.

  Market Risk – The value of the Fund's investments will be affected by fluctuations in the stock markets in which the Fund is invested, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. Declines in securities market prices may reduce the net asset value of the Fund's shares.

  New and Smaller-Sized Funds Risk – New funds and smaller-sized funds will be subject to greater liquidity risk due to their smaller asset bases and may be required to sell securities at disadvantageous times or prices due to a large shareholder redemption. A fund that has been recently formed will have limited or no performance history for investors to evaluate and may not reach or maintain a sufficient asset size to effectively implement its investment strategy.

  Service Provider Risk – The Fund will be affected by the Manager's investment techniques, analyses, assessments and employee retention. Similarly, adverse events or

performance failures at a service provider, such as human error, inadequate controls or insolvency, have the ability to adversely affect the Fund.

  Settlement Risk – The Fund may experience delays in settlement due to the different clearance and settlement procedures in non-U.S. countries. Such delays may increase credit risk to the Fund, limit the ability of the Fund to reinvest the proceeds of a sale of securities, or prevent the Fund from selling securities at times and prices it considers desirable.

  Small- and Medium-Capitalization Securities Risk – Securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies can be more volatile due to various factors including more limited product lines, financial and management resources and market distribution channels, as well as shorter operating histories and potentially reduced liquidity, especially during market declines, than the securities of larger, more established companies.

  Valuation Risk – In certain circumstances, some of the Fund's portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations by employing the fair value procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board"). This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. There is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time.

Performance

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's annual total returns from year to year and by comparing the Fund's average annual total returns with those of the Fund's benchmark. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.

Annual Total Returns – Institutional Class Shares

Highest Quarterly Return: 45.41% (Q2, 2020)

Lowest Quarterly Return: -18.93% (Q4, 2018)


38


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

In the table below, after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown for Institutional Class shares only, and after-tax returns for other share classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on your tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant if you are tax-exempt or if you hold your Fund shares through tax-advantaged arrangements. A description of the Fund's comparative index and details regarding the calculation of the Fund's class-by-class performance are provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Additional Performance Information."

Average Annual Total Returns for
Periods Ended December 31, 2020
 

1 Year

  Since Fund
Inception
(12/14/2017)
 

Institutional Class Returns Before Taxes

   

75.39

%

   

27.30

%

 
Institutional Class Returns After Taxes
on Distributions
   

73.90

%

   

26.70

%

 
Institutional Class Returns After Taxes on
Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
   

45.70

%

   

21.78

%

 

Class K Returns Before Taxes

   

75.39

%

   

27.30

%

 
Comparative Index
(reflects no deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes)
 

MSCI ACWI Index(1)

   

16.82

%

   

11.03

%

 

(1)  The source of the index data is MSCI Inc. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indexes or any securities or financial products. This Prospectus is not approved, endorsed, reviewed or produced by MSCI. None of the MSCI data is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such.

Updated information on the Fund's investment performance can be obtained by visiting http://USmutualfund.bailliegifford.com.

Management

Investment Manager

Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited

Portfolio Managers

Name

 

Title

  Year Commenced
Service with the
Fund
 

Josie Bentley

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2020

   

Matthew Brett

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2017

   

Mike Gush

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2017

   

Iain McCombie

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2017

   

Gary Robinson

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2017

   

Zaki Sabir

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2017

   

Purchasing, Exchanging, and Selling Fund Shares

To purchase, exchange, or redeem shares of the Fund through an intermediary, please contact your intermediary directly.

Other investors may purchase, exchange, or redeem shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for trading directly from the Fund's transfer agent, Bank of New York Mellon, by written request, as further described in the sections of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—How to Buy or Exchange Shares" and "Shares—How to Sell Shares." The initial and

subsequent investment minimums for the Fund shares are as follows:

Class of Shares

  Minimum Initial
Investment(1)
  Minimum
Subsequent
Investment(1)
 

Class K

    $10 million      

None

   

Institutional Class

   

None

     

None

   

(1)  If you hold shares through a financial intermediary, the financial intermediary may impose its own, different, investment minimums.

The Manager and Baillie Gifford Funds Services LLC ("BGFS"), the Fund's distributor, each reserves the right to waive any minimum in their sole discretion, and to reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason. Additional information regarding restrictions on purchasing or exchanging shares is provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shares – Restrictions on Buying or Exchanging Shares."

Tax

The Fund intends to make distributions that will be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are a tax-exempt investor or otherwise investing through a tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA or 401(k) plan. If you are investing through such a tax-advantaged account, you may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from that account.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for services the intermediary provides to Fund shareholders. These payments are not primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. In addition to the fees and expenses described in the "Fees and Expenses" section above, your broker-dealer or financial intermediary may charge commissions or other fees on purchases and sales of the Class K or Institutional Class shares of the Fund. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's web site for more information.


39


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

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

Shareholder Fees

(Fees paid directly from your investment)

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
 

None

     

None

   

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

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

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 

Management Fees(a)

   

0.51

%

   

0.51

%

 

Distribution (12b-1) Fees

   

None

     

None

   

Other Expenses(b)

   

0.08

%

   

0.16

%

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses
   

0.59

%

   

0.67

%

 

(a)  The Management Fee consists of an Advisory Fee and an Administration and Supervisory Fee paid by the Fund to Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited.

(b)  Other Expenses differ due to sub-accounting expenses.

Example of Expenses

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, regardless of whether or not you redeem your shares at the end of such periods. It also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same.

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your expenses would be:

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
1 Year  

$

60

   

$

68

   
3 Years  

$

189

   

$

214

   
5 Years  

$

329

   

$

373

   
10 Years  

$

738

   

$

835

   

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses" above, affect the Fund's performance. During the Fund's most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 24% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in an international portfolio of equities, which include common stock and other equity securities, of issuers located in countries of developed and emerging markets.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in common stocks and other equity securities. The Fund invests predominantly in securities issued by companies located in countries represented in the MSCI ACWI (ex U.S.) Index, which includes issuers from a range of developed and emerging market countries. The Fund ordinarily invests in securities of issuers located in at least three countries outside the U.S. The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund is not constrained with respect to market capitalization and may participate in initial public offerings ("IPOs") and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up approach to stock selection and principally select companies without being constrained by the MSCI ACWI (ex U.S.) benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 70 and 110 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, which in recent periods have included Japan and China. The Fund expects to invest in Chinese companies, among other means, through China A shares, which are common stocks and other equity securities that are listed or traded on a Chinese stock exchange and which are quoted in renminbi. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5 years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

Principal Risks

The Fund's net asset value and returns will be impacted by the performance of the underlying investments of the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the Fund.

The principal risks of investing in the Fund (in alphabetical order after the first four risks) are:

  Investment Style Risk – Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited (the "Manager") actively makes investment decisions for the


40


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Fund through bottom-up stock selection. Accordingly, the Fund will have risk characteristics that differ from its benchmark index. The Manager's judgments about the attractiveness, relative value, or potential appreciation of a particular stock may prove to be incorrect and cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index. There can be no assurance that the Manager's investment decisions will produce the desired results.

  Growth Stock Risk – The prices of growth stocks may be based largely on expectations of future earnings, and their prices can decline rapidly and significantly in reaction to negative news. Growth stocks may underperform stocks in other broad style categories (and the stock market as a whole) over any period of time and may shift in and out of favor with investors generally, sometimes rapidly, depending on changes in market, economic, and other factors.

  Long-Term Investment Strategy Risk – The Fund pursues a long-term investment approach, typically seeking returns over a period of several years. This investment style may cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index or other mutual funds over extended periods of time, and the Fund may not perform as expected in the long term. An investment in the Fund may be more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the risk of short- or medium-term fluctuations in the value of the Fund's portfolio.

  Non-U.S. Investment Risk – Non-U.S. securities are subject to additional risks, including less liquidity, increased volatility, less transparency, withholding or other taxes, increased vulnerability to adverse changes in local and global economic conditions, less regulation, and possible fluctuation in value due to adverse political conditions. Foreign portfolio transactions generally involve higher commission rates, transfer taxes, and custodial costs than similar transactions in the U.S.

  Asia Risk – Investing in securities of companies located in or with exposure to Asian countries involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including different financial reporting standards, currency exchange rate fluctuations, and highly regulated markets with the potential for government interference. The economies of many Asian countries are heavily dependent on international trade and on only a few industries or commodities and, as a result, can be adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls and other measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. Some Asian securities may be less liquid than U.S. or other foreign securities. See "China Risk" and "Japan Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in those countries.

Additionally, many of the economies of countries in Asia are considered emerging market or frontier market economies. These Asian economies are often characterized by high inflation, undeveloped financial service sectors, frequent currency fluctuations, devaluations, or restrictions, political and social instability, and less efficient markets. See

"Emerging Markets Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in such countries.

  China Risk – Investing in securities of Chinese issuers involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including, among others, more frequent trading suspensions and government interventions (including by nationalization of assets), currency exchange rate fluctuations or blockages, limits on the use of brokers and on foreign ownership, different financial reporting standards, higher dependence on exports and international trade, potential for increased trade tariffs, sanctions, embargoes and other trade limitations, and custody risks. U.S. sanctions or other investment restrictions could preclude the Fund from investing in certain Chinese issuers or cause the Fund to sell investments at a disadvantageous time. Significant portions of the Chinese securities markets may become rapidly illiquid, as Chinese issuers have the ability to suspend the trading of their equity securities, and have shown a willingness to exercise that option in response to market volatility and other events.

  Conflicts of Interest Risk – The Manager's relationships with the Fund's institutional investor base may give rise to various conflicts of interest, since the Manager will sometimes have an incentive to favor those shareholders over other shareholders in the Fund. In addition, the Manager serves as investment adviser to various clients other than the Fund, some of whom may pursue strategies that are substantially similar or nearly identical to investment strategies pursued by the Fund. This "side-by-side" management may give rise to various conflicts of interest, including, for example, in connection with the fair allocation of trades among the Manager's clients or the sharing of different, more, or more timely information regarding investment performance, portfolio holdings, strategy developments and/or the Manager's general market outlook. Furthermore, if investment personnel of the Manager hold board or other positions at outside companies, they could be exposed to material non-public information potentially impeding or delaying a Fund's ability to buy or sell certain investments, or they could otherwise be restricted in their ability to participate in a Fund's investment process.

  Currency Risk – The Fund may realize a loss if it has exposure to a non-U.S. currency, and this non-U.S. currency declines in value, relative to the U.S. dollar. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

  Emerging Markets Risk – To the extent the Fund invests in emerging market securities, the Fund may be exposed to greater market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in developed markets.

  Equity Securities Risk – Equity securities may react more strongly to changes in an issuer's financial condition or prospects than other securities of the same issuer. Investing in equity securities indirectly, such as through participatory notes or depositary receipts, may involve other risks such as the risk that the counterparty may default or that the


41


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

investment does not track the underlying security as expected.

  Focused Investment Risk – Should the Fund focus its investments in related, or a limited number of, countries, regions, sectors, or companies, this would create more risk and greater volatility than if the Fund's investments were less focused.

  Geographic Focus Risk – The Fund expects to focus its investments in a limited number of countries or geographic regions, and as a result may not offer the same level of diversification of risks as a more broadly global fund because the Fund will be exposed to a smaller geographic area. The performance of a fund that is less diversified across countries or geographic regions will be closely tied to market, currency, economic, political, environmental, or regulatory conditions and developments in the countries or regions in which the fund invests, and may be more volatile than the performance of a more geographically-diversified portfolio.

  Government and Regulatory Risk – Governmental and regulatory authorities in the United States and other countries, have taken, and may in the future take, actions intervening in the markets in which the Fund invests and in the economy more generally. Governmental and regulatory authorities may also act to increase the scope or burden of regulations applicable to the Fund or to the companies in which the Fund invests. The effects of these actions on the markets generally, and Fund's investment program in particular, can be uncertain and could restrict the ability of the Fund to fully implement its investment strategies, either generally, or with respect to certain securities, industries, or countries. By contrast, markets in some non-U.S. countries historically have been subject to little regulation or oversight by governmental or regulatory authorities, which could heighten the risk of loss due to fraud or market failures in those countries. Governments, agencies, or other regulatory bodies in any country may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the Fund or the market value of an instrument held by the Fund.

  Information Technology Risk – Cyber-attacks, disruptions, or failures that affect the Fund's service providers, counterparties, the securities markets generally, other market participants, or issuers of securities held by the Fund may adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders, including by causing losses for the Fund or impairing Fund operations.

  IPO Risk – The Fund may purchase securities in IPOs. These securities are subject to many of the same risks of investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile.

  Japan Risk – The Japanese economy has only recently emerged from a prolonged economic downturn. Since the year 2000, Japan's economic growth rate has remained relatively low, and it may remain low in the future. Japan's economy is characterized by an aging demographic,

declining population, large government debt, and a highly regulated labor market. In the longer term, Japan will have to address the effects of an aging population, including the impact of a shrinking work force and higher welfare costs. Japan's economic recovery has been affected by economic distress resulting from a number of natural disasters, including disasters that caused damage to nuclear power plants in the region. Such environmental catastrophes have caused Japan's financial markets to fluctuate dramatically. Japan continues to be subject to the risk of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons and tsunamis, which could negatively affect the Japanese economy.

  Large-Capitalization Securities Risk – Returns on investments in securities of large companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of smaller and medium-sized companies. Larger companies may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller and medium-sized companies to competitive challenges or to changes in business, product, financial, or other market conditions. Larger companies may not be able to achieve or maintain growth at the high rates that may be achieved by well-managed smaller and medium-sized companies.

  Liquidity Risk – The Fund's investments may be subject to low trading volume, lack of a market maker, contractual lock-in periods or regulatory restrictions, and the Fund may hold large positions in particular securities. As a result, it may not be possible to sell an investment at a particular time or at an acceptable price. Liquidity risk may be magnified during periods of changing interest rates, significant shareholder redemptions or market turmoil. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. In some cases, due to unanticipated levels of illiquidity the Fund may seek to meet its redemption obligations wholly or in part by distributions of assets in-kind.

  Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk – The value of the Fund's investments could be adversely affected by events that disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global markets such as war, terrorism, public health crises, and geopolitical events and by changes in non-U.S. and U.S. economic and political conditions. As a result of these events, the Fund could lose money, experience significant redemptions, encounter operational difficulties, and suffer other negative impacts.

  Market Risk – The value of the Fund's investments will be affected by fluctuations in the stock markets in which the Fund is invested, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. Declines in securities market prices may reduce the net asset value of the Fund's shares.

  Service Provider Risk – The Fund will be affected by the Manager's investment techniques, analyses, assessments and employee retention. Similarly, adverse events or performance failures at a service provider, such as human error, inadequate controls or insolvency, have the ability to adversely affect the Fund.


42


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

  Settlement Risk – The Fund may experience delays in settlement due to the different clearance and settlement procedures in non-U.S. countries. Such delays may increase credit risk to the Fund, limit the ability of the Fund to reinvest the proceeds of a sale of securities, or prevent the Fund from selling securities at times and prices it considers desirable.

  Small- and Medium-Capitalization Securities Risk – Securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies can be more volatile due to various factors including more limited product lines, financial and management resources and market distribution channels, as well as shorter operating histories and potentially reduced liquidity, especially during market declines, than the securities of larger, more established companies.

  Valuation Risk – In certain circumstances, some of the Fund's portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations by employing the fair value procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board"). This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. There is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time.

Performance

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's annual total returns from year to year and by comparing the Fund's average annual total returns with those of the Fund's benchmark. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.

Annual Total Returns – Institutional Class Shares(1)

Highest Quarterly Return: 25.58% (Q2, 2020)

Lowest Quarterly Return: -20.84% (Q1, 2020)

(1)  Performance for Institutional Class shares prior to their date of inception (April 28, 2017) is derived from the historical performance of Class 2 shares, which are not offered under this Prospectus and are currently closed to new investors. The historical Class 2 performance has been adjusted for the higher total annual operating expenses incurred by Institutional Class.

In the table below, after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown for Institutional Class shares only, and after-tax returns for other share classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on your tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant if you are tax-exempt or if you hold your Fund shares through tax-advantaged arrangements. A description of the Fund's comparative index and details regarding the calculation of the Fund's class-by-class performance are provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Additional Performance Information."

Average Annual Total
Returns for Periods Ended
December 31, 2020(1)
 

1 Year

 

5 Years

 

10 Years

 
Institutional Class Returns Before
Taxes
   

26.29

%

   

14.53

%

   

8.76

%

 
Institutional Class Returns After
Taxes on Distributions
   

25.71

%

   

13.46

%

   

7.88

%

 
Institutional Class Returns After
Taxes on Distributions and Sale of
Fund Shares
   

16.15

%

   

11.53

%

   

6.88

%

 

Class K Returns Before Taxes

   

26.40

%

   

14.63

%

   

8.89

%

 
Comparative Index
(reflects no deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes)
 

MSCI ACWI (ex U.S.) Index(2)

   

11.13

%

   

9.43

%

   

5.40

%

 

(1)  Performance for Class K and Institutional Class shares prior to their date of inception (April 28, 2017) is derived from the historical performance of Class 2 shares and, for Institutional Class, has been adjusted for the higher total annual operating expenses incurred by Institutional Class.

(2)  The source of the index data is MSCI Inc. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indexes or any securities or financial products. This Prospectus is not approved, endorsed, reviewed or produced by MSCI. None of the MSCI data is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such.

Updated information on the Fund's investment performance can be obtained by visiting http://USmutualfund.bailliegifford.com.

Management

Investment Manager

Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited

Portfolio Managers

Name

 

Title

  Year Commenced
Service with the
Fund
 

Donald Farquharson

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2014

   

Angus Franklin

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2006

   

Toby Ross

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2018

   

Andrew Stobart

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2008

   

Jenny Davis

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2016

   

Tom Walsh

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2018

   

Purchasing, Exchanging, and Selling Fund Shares

To purchase, exchange, or redeem shares of the Fund through an intermediary, please contact your intermediary directly.


43


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Other investors may purchase, exchange, or redeem shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for trading directly from the Fund's transfer agent, Bank of New York Mellon, by written request, as further described in the sections of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—How to Buy or Exchange Shares" and "Shares—How to Sell Shares." The initial and subsequent investment minimums for the Fund shares are as follows:

Class of Shares

  Minimum Initial
Investment(1)
  Minimum
Subsequent
Investment(1)
 

Class K

    $10 million      

None

   

Institutional Class

   

None

     

None

   

(1)  If you hold shares through a financial intermediary, the financial intermediary may impose its own, different, investment minimums.

The Manager and Baillie Gifford Funds Services LLC ("BGFS"), the Fund's distributor, each reserves the right to waive any minimum in their sole discretion, and to reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason. Additional information regarding restrictions on purchasing or exchanging shares is provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—Restrictions on Buying or Exchanging Shares."

Tax

The Fund intends to make distributions that will be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are a tax-exempt investor or otherwise investing through a tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA or 401(k) plan. If you are investing through such a tax-advantaged account, you may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from that account.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for services the intermediary provides to Fund shareholders. These payments are not primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. In addition to the fees and expenses described in the "Fees and Expenses" section above, your broker-dealer or financial intermediary may charge commissions or other fees on purchases and sales of the Class K or Institutional Class shares of the Fund. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's web site for more information.


44


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford International Concentrated Growth Equities Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford International Concentrated Growth Equities Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

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

Shareholder Fees

(Fees paid directly from your investment)

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
 

None

     

None

   

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

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

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 

Management Fees(a)

   

0.57

%

   

0.57

%

 

Distribution (12b-1) Fees

   

None

     

None

   

Other Expenses

   

0.22

%

   

0.30

%

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses
   

0.79

%

   

0.87

%

 
Fee Waiver and/or Expense
Reimbursement(b)
   

(0.07

)%

   

(0.07

)%

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or
Expense Reimbursement(b)
   

0.72

%

   

0.80

%

 

(a)  The Management Fee consists of an Advisory Fee and an Administration and Supervisory Fee paid by the Fund to Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited.

(b)  Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or bear Other Expenses of the Fund until April 30, 2022 to the extent that such Fund's Total Annual Operating Expenses (excluding taxes, sub-accounting expenses and extraordinary expenses) exceed 0.72% for Class K and Institutional Class shares. This contractual agreement may only be terminated by the Board of Trustees of the Trust. Expenses after waiver/reimbursement exceed 0.72% for Institutional Class due to sub-accounting expenses of 0.08%.

Example of Expenses

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, regardless of whether or not you redeem your shares at the end of such periods. It also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. The example below also applies any contractual expense waivers and/or expense reimbursements to the first year of each period listed in the table.

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your expenses would be:

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
1 Year  

$

74

   

$

82

   
3 Years  

$

245

   

$

271

   
5 Years  

$

432

   

$

475

   
10 Years  

$

971

   

$

1,066

   

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses" above, affect the Fund's performance. During the Fund's most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 59% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in an international portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in countries of developed and emerging markets.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in common stocks and other equities of companies located in the U.S. The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund is not constrained with respect to market capitalization and may participate in initial public offerings ("IPOs") and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up approach to stock selection and principally select companies without being constrained by the MSCI ACWI (ex U.S.) benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a portfolio of between 20 and 35 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, which in recent periods have included Japan and China. The Fund expects to have considerable exposure to Chinese companies, including through China A shares, which are common stocks and other equity securities that are listed or traded on a Chinese stock exchange and which are quoted in renminbi. The Fund is a non-diversified fund, which means that it may invest a relatively large percentage of its assets in a small number of issuers, industries, or sectors. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5-10 years), which results in relatively low portfolio


45


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

Principal Risks

The Fund's net asset value and returns will be impacted by the performance of the underlying investments of the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the Fund.

The principal risks of investing in the Fund (in alphabetical order after the first six risks) are:

  Investment Style Risk – Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited (the "Manager") actively makes investment decisions for the Fund through bottom-up stock selection. Accordingly, the Fund will have risk characteristics that differ from its benchmark index. The Manager's judgments about the attractiveness, relative value, or potential appreciation of a particular stock may prove to be incorrect and cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index. There can be no assurance that the Manager's investment decisions will produce the desired results.

  Growth Stock Risk – The prices of growth stocks may be based largely on expectations of future earnings, and their prices can decline rapidly and significantly in reaction to negative news. Growth stocks may underperform stocks in other broad style categories (and the stock market as a whole) over any period of time and may shift in and out of favor with investors generally, sometimes rapidly, depending on changes in market, economic, and other factors.

  Long-Term Investment Strategy Risk – The Fund pursues a long-term investment approach, typically seeking returns over a period of several years. This investment style may cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index or other mutual funds over extended periods of time, and the Fund may not perform as expected in the long term. An investment in the Fund may be more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the risk of short- or medium-term fluctuations in the value of the Fund's portfolio.

  Non-U.S. Investment Risk – Non-U.S. securities are subject to additional risks, including less liquidity, increased volatility, less transparency, withholding or other taxes, increased vulnerability to adverse changes in local and global economic conditions, less regulation, and possible fluctuation in value due to adverse political conditions. Foreign portfolio transactions generally involve higher commission rates, transfer taxes, and custodial costs than similar transactions in the U.S.

  Non-Diversification Risk – The Fund is classified as a "non-diversified" fund. Because the Fund may invest a relatively

large percentage of its assets in a single issuer or small number of issuers, its performance could be closely tied to the value of that one issuer or those few issuers, and could be more volatile than the performance of diversified funds.

  Asia Risk – Investing in securities of companies located in or with exposure to Asian countries involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including different financial reporting standards, currency exchange rate fluctuations, and highly regulated markets with the potential for government interference. The economies of many Asian countries are heavily dependent on international trade and on only a few industries or commodities and, as a result, can be adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls and other measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. Some Asian securities may be less liquid than U.S. or other foreign securities. See "China Risk" and "Japan Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in those countries.

Additionally, many of the economies of countries in Asia are considered emerging market or frontier market economies. These Asian economies are often characterized by high inflation, undeveloped financial service sectors, frequent currency fluctuations, devaluations, or restrictions, political and social instability, and less efficient markets. See "Emerging Markets Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in such countries.

  China Risk – Investing in securities of Chinese issuers involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including, among others, more frequent trading suspensions and government interventions (including by nationalization of assets), currency exchange rate fluctuations or blockages, limits on the use of brokers and on foreign ownership, different financial reporting standards, higher dependence on exports and international trade, potential for increased trade tariffs, sanctions, embargoes and other trade limitations, and custody risks. U.S. sanctions or other investment restrictions could preclude the Fund from investing in certain Chinese issuers or cause the Fund to sell investments at a disadvantageous time. Significant portions of the Chinese securities markets may become rapidly illiquid, as Chinese issuers have the ability to suspend the trading of their equity securities, and have shown a willingness to exercise that option in response to market volatility and other events.

  Conflicts of Interest Risk – The Manager's relationships with the Fund's institutional investor base may give rise to various conflicts of interest, since the Manager will sometimes have an incentive to favor those shareholders over other shareholders in the Fund. In addition, the Manager serves as investment adviser to various clients other than the Fund, some of whom may pursue strategies that are substantially similar or nearly identical to investment strategies pursued by the Fund. This "side-by-side" management may give rise to various conflicts of interest, including, for example, in connection with the fair allocation of trades among the Manager's clients or the sharing of different, more, or more timely information regarding investment performance, portfolio holdings, strategy developments and/or the


46


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Manager's general market outlook. Furthermore, if investment personnel of the Manager hold board or other positions at outside companies, they could be exposed to material non-public information potentially impeding or delaying a Fund's ability to buy or sell certain investments, or they could otherwise be restricted in their ability to participate in a Fund's investment process.

  Currency Risk – The Fund may realize a loss if it has exposure to a non-U.S. currency, and this non-U.S. currency declines in value, relative to the U.S. dollar. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

  Emerging Markets Risk – To the extent the Fund invests in emerging market securities, the Fund may be exposed to greater market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in developed markets.

  Equity Securities Risk – Equity securities may react more strongly to changes in an issuer's financial condition or prospects than other securities of the same issuer. Investing in equity securities indirectly, such as through participatory notes or depositary receipts, may involve other risks such as the risk that the counterparty may default or that the investment does not track the underlying security as expected.

  Focused Investment Risk – Because the Fund focuses its investments in a limited number of companies, its investment strategy could result in more risk or greater volatility in returns than if the Fund's investments were less focused.

  Geographic Focus Risk – The Fund expects to focus its investments in a limited number of countries or geographic regions, and as a result may not offer the same level of diversification of risks as a more broadly global fund because the Fund will be exposed to a smaller geographic area. The performance of a fund that is less diversified across countries or geographic regions will be closely tied to market, currency, economic, political, environmental, or regulatory conditions and developments in the countries or regions in which the fund invests, and may be more volatile than the performance of a more geographically-diversified portfolio.

  Government and Regulatory Risk – Governmental and regulatory authorities in the United States and other countries, have taken, and may in the future take, actions intervening in the markets in which the Fund invests and in the economy more generally. Governmental and regulatory authorities may also act to increase the scope or burden of regulations applicable to the Fund or to the companies in which the Fund invests. The effects of these actions on the markets generally, and Fund's investment program in particular, can be uncertain and could restrict the ability of the Fund to fully implement its investment strategies, either generally, or with respect to certain securities, industries, or countries. By contrast, markets in some non-U.S. countries historically have been subject to little regulation or oversight by governmental or regulatory authorities, which could heighten the risk of loss due to fraud or market failures in

those countries. Governments, agencies, or other regulatory bodies in any country may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the Fund or the market value of an instrument held by the Fund.

  Information Technology Risk – Cyber-attacks, disruptions, or failures that affect the Fund's service providers, counterparties, the securities markets generally, other market participants, or issuers of securities held by the Fund may adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders, including by causing losses for the Fund or impairing Fund operations.

  IPO Risk – The Fund may purchase securities in IPOs. These securities are subject to many of the same risks of investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile.

  Japan Risk – The Japanese economy has only recently emerged from a prolonged economic downturn. Since the year 2000, Japan's economic growth rate has remained relatively low, and it may remain low in the future. Japan's economy is characterized by an aging demographic, declining population, large government debt, and a highly regulated labor market. In the longer term, Japan will have to address the effects of an aging population, including the impact of a shrinking work force and higher welfare costs. Japan's economic recovery has been affected by economic distress resulting from a number of natural disasters, including disasters that caused damage to nuclear power plants in the region. Such environmental catastrophes have caused Japan's financial markets to fluctuate dramatically. Japan continues to be subject to the risk of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons and tsunamis, which could negatively affect the Japanese economy.

  Large-Capitalization Securities Risk – Returns on investments in securities of large companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of smaller and medium-sized companies. Larger companies may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller and medium-sized companies to competitive challenges or to changes in business, product, financial, or other market conditions. Larger companies may not be able to achieve or maintain growth at the high rates that may be achieved by well-managed smaller and medium-sized companies.

  Liquidity Risk – The Fund's investments may be subject to low trading volume, lack of a market maker, contractual lock-in periods or regulatory restrictions, and the Fund may hold large positions in particular securities. As a result, it may not be possible to sell an investment at a particular time or at an acceptable price. Liquidity risk may be magnified during periods of changing interest rates, significant shareholder redemptions or market turmoil. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. In some cases, due to unanticipated levels of illiquidity the Fund may seek to meet its redemption obligations wholly or in part by distributions of assets in-kind.


47


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

  Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk – The value of the Fund's investments could be adversely affected by events that disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global markets such as war, terrorism, public health crises, and geopolitical events and by changes in non-U.S. and U.S. economic and political conditions. As a result of these events, the Fund could lose money, experience significant redemptions, encounter operational difficulties, and suffer other negative impacts.

  Market Risk – The value of the Fund's investments will be affected by fluctuations in the stock markets in which the Fund is invested, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. Declines in securities market prices may reduce the net asset value of the Fund's shares.

  New and Smaller-Sized Funds Risk – New funds and smaller-sized funds will be subject to greater liquidity risk due to their smaller asset bases and may be required to sell securities at disadvantageous times or prices due to a large shareholder redemption. A fund that has been recently formed will have limited or no performance history for investors to evaluate and may not reach or maintain a sufficient asset size to effectively implement its investment strategy.

  Service Provider Risk – The Fund will be affected by the Manager's investment techniques, analyses, assessments and employee retention. Similarly, adverse events or performance failures at a service provider, such as human error, inadequate controls or insolvency, have the ability to adversely affect the Fund.

  Settlement Risk – The Fund may experience delays in settlement due to the different clearance and settlement procedures in non-U.S. countries. Such delays may increase credit risk to the Fund, limit the ability of the Fund to reinvest the proceeds of a sale of securities, or prevent the Fund from selling securities at times and prices it considers desirable.

  Small- and Medium-Capitalization Securities Risk – Securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies can be more volatile due to various factors including more limited product lines, financial and management resources and market distribution channels, as well as shorter operating histories and potentially reduced liquidity, especially during market declines, than the securities of larger, more established companies.

  Valuation Risk – In certain circumstances, some of the Fund's portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations by employing the fair value procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board"). This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. There is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund

would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time.

Performance

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's annual total returns from year to year and by comparing the Fund's average annual total returns with those of the Fund's benchmark. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.

Annual Total Returns – Institutional Class Shares

Highest Quarterly Return: 44.43% (Q2, 2020)

Lowest Quarterly Return: -19.48% (Q4, 2018)

In the table below, after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown for Institutional Class shares only, and after-tax returns for other share classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on your tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant if you are tax-exempt or if you hold your Fund shares through tax-advantaged arrangements. A description of the Fund's comparative index and details regarding the calculation of the Fund's class-by-class performance are provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Additional Performance Information."

Average Annual Total Returns for
Periods Ended December 31, 2020
 

1 Year

  Since Fund
Inception
(12/14/2017)
 

Institutional Class Returns Before Taxes

   

97.09

%

   

35.04

%

 
Institutional Class Returns After Taxes on
Distributions
   

71.53

%

   

29.04

%

 
Institutional Class Returns After Taxes on
Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
   

72.46

%

   

27.88

%

 

Class K Returns Before Taxes

   

97.24

%

   

35.26

%

 
Comparative Index
(reflects no deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes)
 

MSCI ACWI (ex U.S.) Index(1)

   

11.13

%

   

6.10

%

 

(1)  The source of the index data is MSCI Inc. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indexes or any securities or financial products. This Prospectus is not approved, endorsed, reviewed or produced by MSCI. None of the MSCI data is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such.


48


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Updated information on the Fund's investment performance can be obtained by visiting http://USmutualfund.bailliegifford.com.

Management

Investment Manager

Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited

Portfolio Managers

Name

 

Title

  Year Commenced
Service with the
Fund
 

James Anderson

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2017

   

Lawrence Burns

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2017

   

Paulina Sliwinska

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2017

   

Purchasing, Exchanging, and Selling Fund Shares

To purchase, exchange, or redeem shares of the Fund through an intermediary, please contact your intermediary directly.

Other investors may purchase, exchange, or redeem shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for trading directly from the Fund's transfer agent, Bank of New York Mellon, by written request, as further described in the sections of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—How to Buy or Exchange Shares" and "Shares—How to Sell Shares." The initial and subsequent investment minimums for the Fund shares are as follows:

Class of Shares

  Minimum Initial
Investment(1)
  Minimum
Subsequent
Investment(1)
 

Class K

    $10 million      

None

   

Institutional Class

   

None

     

None

   

(1)  If you hold shares through a financial intermediary, the financial intermediary may impose its own, different, investment minimums.

The Manager and Baillie Gifford Funds Services LLC ("BGFS"), the Fund's distributor, each reserves the right to waive any minimum in their sole discretion, and to reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason. Additional information regarding restrictions on purchasing or exchanging shares is provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "SharesRestrictions on Buying or Exchanging Shares."

Tax

The Fund intends to make distributions that will be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are a tax-exempt investor or otherwise investing through a tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA or 401(k) plan. If you are investing through such a tax-advantaged account, you may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from that account.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for services the intermediary provides to Fund shareholders. These payments are not primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over

another investment. In addition to the fees and expenses described in the "Fees and Expenses" section above, your broker-dealer or financial intermediary may charge commissions or other fees on purchases and sales of the Class K or Institutional Class shares of the Fund. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's web site for more information.


49


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

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

Shareholder Fees

(Fees paid directly from your investment)

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
 

None

     

None

   

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

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

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 

Management Fees(a)

   

0.50

%

   

0.50

%

 

Distribution (12b-1) Fees

   

None

     

None

   

Other Expenses(b)

   

0.08

%

   

0.14

%

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses
   

0.58

%

   

0.64

%

 

(a)  The Management Fee consists of an Advisory Fee and an Administration and Supervisory Fee paid by the Fund to Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited.

(b)  Other Expenses differ due to sub-accounting expenses.

Example of Expenses

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, regardless of whether or not you redeem your shares at the end of such periods. It also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same.

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your expenses would be:

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
1 Year  

$

59

   

$

65

   
3 Years  

$

186

   

$

205

   
5 Years  

$

324

   

$

357

   
10 Years  

$

726

   

$

798

   

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses" above, affect the Fund's performance. During the Fund's most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 26% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a diversified, international portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in countries of developed and emerging markets.

The Fund invests predominantly in securities issued by companies located in countries outside the U.S., including a range of developed and emerging market countries. The Fund may, however, invest up to 10% of its net assets in common stocks and other equities of companies located in the U.S. Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in at least three countries outside the U.S. and typically maintains substantial exposure to emerging markets. The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund is not constrained with respect to market capitalization and may participate in initial public offerings ("IPOs") and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S. In selecting companies for investment, the portfolio managers generally consider issuers in both developed and emerging markets.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up approach to stock selection and select companies without being constrained by a benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 50 and 60 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, which in recent periods have included Japan and China. The Fund expects to have considerable exposure to Chinese companies, including through China A shares, which are common stocks and other equity securities that are listed or traded on a Chinese stock exchange and which are quoted in renminbi. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5 years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook. Because the Fund aims to hold securities for long periods, the Fund does not expect to actively reduce its holdings of shares of particular issuers (other than in response to purchase and redemption requests) even if market movements cause the Fund to operate as a non-diversified company for an extended period of time.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

Principal Risks

The Fund's net asset value and returns will be impacted by the performance of the underlying investments of the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not


50


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the Fund.

The principal risks of investing in the Fund (in alphabetical order after the first four risks) are:

  Investment Style Risk – Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited (the "Manager") actively makes investment decisions for the Fund through bottom-up stock selection. Accordingly, the Fund will have risk characteristics that differ from its benchmark index. The Manager's judgments about the attractiveness, relative value, or potential appreciation of a particular stock may prove to be incorrect and cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index. There can be no assurance that the Manager's investment decisions will produce the desired results.

  Growth Stock Risk – The prices of growth stocks may be based largely on expectations of future earnings, and their prices can decline rapidly and significantly in reaction to negative news. Growth stocks may underperform stocks in other broad style categories (and the stock market as a whole) over any period of time and may shift in and out of favor with investors generally, sometimes rapidly, depending on changes in market, economic, and other factors.

  Long-Term Investment Strategy Risk – The Fund pursues a long-term investment approach, typically seeking returns over a period of several years. This investment style may cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index or other mutual funds over extended periods of time, and the Fund may not perform as expected in the long term. An investment in the Fund may be more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the risk of short- or medium-term fluctuations in the value of the Fund's portfolio.

  Non-U.S. Investment Risk – Non-U.S. securities are subject to additional risks, including less liquidity, increased volatility, less transparency, withholding or other taxes, increased vulnerability to adverse changes in local and global economic conditions, less regulation, and possible fluctuation in value due to adverse political conditions. Foreign portfolio transactions generally involve higher commission rates, transfer taxes, and custodial costs than similar transactions in the U.S.

  Asia Risk – Investing in securities of companies located in or with exposure to Asian countries involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including different financial reporting standards, currency exchange rate fluctuations, and highly regulated markets with the potential for government interference. The economies of many Asian countries are heavily dependent on international trade and on only a few industries or commodities and, as a result, can be adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls and other measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. Some Asian securities may be less liquid than U.S. or other foreign securities. See "China Risk" and "Japan Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in those countries.

Additionally, many of the economies of countries in Asia are considered emerging market or frontier market economies. These Asian economies are often characterized by high inflation, undeveloped financial service sectors, frequent currency fluctuations, devaluations, or restrictions, political and social instability, and less efficient markets. See "Emerging Markets Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in such countries.

  China Risk – Investing in securities of Chinese issuers involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including, among others, more frequent trading suspensions and government interventions (including by nationalization of assets), currency exchange rate fluctuations or blockages, limits on the use of brokers and on foreign ownership, different financial reporting standards, higher dependence on exports and international trade, potential for increased trade tariffs, sanctions, embargoes and other trade limitations, and custody risks. U.S. sanctions or other investment restrictions could preclude the Fund from investing in certain Chinese issuers or cause the Fund to sell investments at a disadvantageous time. Significant portions of the Chinese securities markets may become rapidly illiquid, as Chinese issuers have the ability to suspend the trading of their equity securities, and have shown a willingness to exercise that option in response to market volatility and other events.

  Conflicts of Interest Risk – The Manager's relationships with the Fund's institutional investor base may give rise to various conflicts of interest, since the Manager will sometimes have an incentive to favor those shareholders over other shareholders in the Fund. In addition, the Manager serves as investment adviser to various clients other than the Fund, some of whom may pursue strategies that are substantially similar or nearly identical to investment strategies pursued by the Fund. This "side-by-side" management may give rise to various conflicts of interest, including, for example, in connection with the fair allocation of trades among the Manager's clients or the sharing of different, more, or more timely information regarding investment performance, portfolio holdings, strategy developments and/or the Manager's general market outlook. Furthermore, if investment personnel of the Manager hold board or other positions at outside companies, they could be exposed to material non-public information potentially impeding or delaying a Fund's ability to buy or sell certain investments, or they could otherwise be restricted in their ability to participate in a Fund's investment process.

  Currency Risk – The Fund may realize a loss if it has exposure to a non-U.S. currency, and this non-U.S. currency declines in value, relative to the U.S. dollar. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

  Emerging Markets Risk – To the extent the Fund invests in emerging market securities, the Fund may be exposed to greater market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in developed markets.


51


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

  Equity Securities Risk – Equity securities may react more strongly to changes in an issuer's financial condition or prospects than other securities of the same issuer. Investing in equity securities indirectly, such as through participatory notes or depositary receipts, may involve other risks such as the risk that the counterparty may default or that the investment does not track the underlying security as expected.

  Focused Investment Risk – Should the Fund focus its investments in related, or a limited number of, countries, regions, sectors, or companies, this would create more risk and greater volatility than if the Fund's investments were less focused.

  Geographic Focus Risk – The Fund expects to focus its investments in a limited number of countries or geographic regions, and as a result may not offer the same level of diversification of risks as a more broadly global fund because the Fund will be exposed to a smaller geographic area. The performance of a fund that is less diversified across countries or geographic regions will be closely tied to market, currency, economic, political, environmental, or regulatory conditions and developments in the countries or regions in which the fund invests, and may be more volatile than the performance of a more geographically-diversified portfolio.

  Government and Regulatory Risk – Governmental and regulatory authorities in the United States and other countries, have taken, and may in the future take, actions intervening in the markets in which the Fund invests and in the economy more generally. Governmental and regulatory authorities may also act to increase the scope or burden of regulations applicable to the Fund or to the companies in which the Fund invests. The effects of these actions on the markets generally, and Fund's investment program in particular, can be uncertain and could restrict the ability of the Fund to fully implement its investment strategies, either generally, or with respect to certain securities, industries, or countries. By contrast, markets in some non-U.S. countries historically have been subject to little regulation or oversight by governmental or regulatory authorities, which could heighten the risk of loss due to fraud or market failures in those countries. Governments, agencies, or other regulatory bodies in any country may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the Fund or the market value of an instrument held by the Fund.

  Information Technology Risk – Cyber-attacks, disruptions, or failures that affect the Fund's service providers, counterparties, the securities markets generally, other market participants, or issuers of securities held by the Fund may adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders, including by causing losses for the Fund or impairing Fund operations.

  IPO Risk – The Fund may purchase securities in IPOs. These securities are subject to many of the same risks of investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile.

  Japan Risk – The Japanese economy has only recently emerged from a prolonged economic downturn. Since the

year 2000, Japan's economic growth rate has remained relatively low, and it may remain low in the future. Japan's economy is characterized by an aging demographic, declining population, large government debt, and a highly regulated labor market. In the longer term, Japan will have to address the effects of an aging population, including the impact of a shrinking work force and higher welfare costs. Japan's economic recovery has been affected by economic distress resulting from a number of natural disasters, including disasters that caused damage to nuclear power plants in the region. Such environmental catastrophes have caused Japan's financial markets to fluctuate dramatically. Japan continues to be subject to the risk of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons and tsunamis, which could negatively affect the Japanese economy.

  Large-Capitalization Securities Risk – Returns on investments in securities of large companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of smaller and medium-sized companies. Larger companies may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller and medium-sized companies to competitive challenges or to changes in business, product, financial, or other market conditions. Larger companies may not be able to achieve or maintain growth at the high rates that may be achieved by well-managed smaller and medium-sized companies.

  Liquidity Risk – The Fund's investments may be subject to low trading volume, lack of a market maker, contractual lock-in periods or regulatory restrictions, and the Fund may hold large positions in particular securities. As a result, it may not be possible to sell an investment at a particular time or at an acceptable price. Liquidity risk may be magnified during periods of changing interest rates, significant shareholder redemptions or market turmoil. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. In some cases, due to unanticipated levels of illiquidity the Fund may seek to meet its redemption obligations wholly or in part by distributions of assets in-kind.

  Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk – The value of the Fund's investments could be adversely affected by events that disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global markets such as war, terrorism, public health crises, and geopolitical events and by changes in non-U.S. and U.S. economic and political conditions. As a result of these events, the Fund could lose money, experience significant redemptions, encounter operational difficulties, and suffer other negative impacts.

  Market Risk – The value of the Fund's investments will be affected by fluctuations in the stock markets in which the Fund is invested, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. Declines in securities market prices may reduce the net asset value of the Fund's shares.

  Service Provider Risk – The Fund will be affected by the Manager's investment techniques, analyses, assessments and employee retention. Similarly, adverse events or performance failures at a service provider, such as human


52


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

error, inadequate controls or insolvency, have the ability to adversely affect the Fund.

  Settlement Risk – The Fund may experience delays in settlement due to the different clearance and settlement procedures in non-U.S. countries. Such delays may increase credit risk to the Fund, limit the ability of the Fund to reinvest the proceeds of a sale of securities, or prevent the Fund from selling securities at times and prices it considers desirable.

  Small- and Medium-Capitalization Securities Risk – Securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies can be more volatile due to various factors including more limited product lines, financial and management resources and market distribution channels, as well as shorter operating histories and potentially reduced liquidity, especially during market declines, than the securities of larger, more established companies.

  Valuation Risk – In certain circumstances, some of the Fund's portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations by employing the fair value procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board"). This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. There is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time.

Performance

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's annual total returns from year to year and by comparing the Fund's average annual total returns with those of the Fund's benchmarks. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.

Annual Total Returns – Institutional Class Shares(1)

Highest Quarterly Return: 36.69% (Q2, 2020)

Lowest Quarterly Return: -19.20% (Q4, 2018)

(1)  Performance for Institutional Class shares prior to their date of inception (April 28, 2017) is derived from the historical performance

of Class 2 shares, which are not offered under this Prospectus and are currently closed to new investors. The historical Class 2 performance has been adjusted for the higher total annual operating expenses incurred by Institutional Class.

In the table below, after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown for Institutional Class shares only, and after-tax returns for other share classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on your tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant if you are tax-exempt or if you hold your Fund shares through tax-advantaged arrangements. The table compares the Fund's returns to two broad-based securities market indices that the Fund believes provide appropriate market benchmarks for the Fund's performance. A description of the Fund's comparative indices and details regarding the calculation of the Fund's class-by-class performance are provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Additional Performance Information."

Average Annual Total
Returns for Periods Ended
December 31, 2020(1)
 

1 Year

 

5 Years

 

10 Years

 
Institutional Class Returns Before
Taxes
   

62.84

%

   

22.24

%

   

12.67

%

 
Institutional Class Returns After
Taxes on Distributions
   

59.22

%

   

20.73

%

   

11.58

%

 
Institutional Class Returns After
Taxes on Distributions and Sale of
Fund Shares
   

39.77

%

   

17.90

%

   

10.19

%

 

Class K Returns Before Taxes

   

62.95

%

   

22.34

%

   

12.80

%

 
Comparative Index
(reflects no deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes)
 

MSCI ACWI (ex U.S.) Index(2)

   

11.13

%

   

9.43

%

   

5.40

%

 

MSCI EAFE Index(2)

   

8.28

%

   

7.96

%

   

6.00

%

 

(1)  Performance for Class K and Institutional Class shares prior to their date of inception (April 28, 2017) is derived from the historical performance of Class 2 shares and, for Institutional Class, has been adjusted for the higher total annual operating expenses incurred by Institutional Class.

(2)  The source of the index data is MSCI Inc. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indexes or any securities or financial products. This Prospectus is not approved, endorsed, reviewed or produced by MSCI. None of the MSCI data is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such.

Updated information on the Fund's investment performance can be obtained by visiting http://USmutualfund.bailliegifford.com.

Management

Investment Manager

Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited


53


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Portfolio Managers

Name

 

Title

  Year Commenced
Service with the
Fund
 

James Anderson

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2008

   

Julia Angeles

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2017

   

Lawrence Burns

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2012

   

Thomas Coutts

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2008

   

Brian Lum

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2015

   

Purchasing, Exchanging, and Selling Fund Shares

To purchase, exchange, or redeem shares of the Fund through an intermediary, please contact your intermediary directly.

Other investors may purchase, exchange, or redeem shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for trading directly from the Fund's transfer agent, Bank of New York Mellon, by written request, as further described in the sections of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—How to Buy or Exchange Shares" and "Shares—How to Sell Shares." The initial and subsequent investment minimums for the Fund shares are as follows:

Class of Shares

  Minimum Initial
Investment(1)
  Minimum
Subsequent
Investment(1)
 

Class K

    $10 million      

None

   

Institutional Class

   

None

     

None

   

(1)  If you hold shares through a financial intermediary, the financial intermediary may impose its own, different, investment minimums.

The Manager and Baillie Gifford Funds Services LLC ("BGFS"), the Fund's distributor, each reserves the right to waive any minimum in their sole discretion, and to reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason. Additional information regarding restrictions on purchasing or exchanging shares is provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—Restrictions on Buying or Exchanging Shares."

Tax

The Fund intends to make distributions that will be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are a tax-exempt investor or otherwise investing through a tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA or 401(k) plan. If you are investing through such a tax-advantaged account, you may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from that account.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for services the intermediary provides to Fund shareholders. These payments are not primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. In addition to the fees and expenses described in the "Fees and Expenses" section above, your broker-dealer or financial intermediary may charge commissions or other fees on purchases and sales of the Class K or Institutional Class shares of the Fund. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's web site for more information.


54


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford International Smaller Companies Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford International Smaller Companies Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

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

Shareholder Fees

(Fees paid directly from your investment)

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
 

None

     

None

   

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

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

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 

Management Fees(a)

   

0.75

%

   

0.75

%

 

Distribution (12b-1) Fees

   

None

     

None

   

Other Expenses(b)

   

16.45

%

   

16.45

%

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses
   

17.20

%

   

17.20

%

 
Fee Waiver and/or Expense
Reimbursement(c)
   

(16.30

)%

   

(16.30

)%

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or
Expense Reimbursement(c)
   

0.90

%

   

0.90

%

 

(a)  The Management Fee consists of an Advisory Fee and an Administration and Supervisory Fee paid by the Fund to Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited.

(b)  While Other Expenses for the last fiscal year were the same for Institutional Class and Class K, Other Expenses for Institutional Class are expected to be higher than those of Class K in the future, since Institutional Class is expected to bear sub-accounting expenses.

(c)  Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or bear Other Expenses of the Fund until April 30, 2022 to the extent that the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding taxes, sub-accounting expenses and extraordinary expenses) exceed 0.90% for Class K and Institutional Class shares. This contractual agreement may only be terminated by the Board of Trustees of the Trust. Because this cap of 0.90% excludes sub-accounting expenses, Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and or Expense Reimbursement for Institutional Class are expected to exceed the cap in the future.

Example of Expenses

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, regardless of whether or not you redeem your shares at the end of such periods. It also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. The example below also applies any contractual expense waivers and/or expense reimbursements to the first year of each period listed in the table.

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your expenses would be:

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
1 Year  

$

92

   

$

92

   
3 Years  

$

3,249

   

$

3,249

   
5 Years  

$

5,683

   

$

5,683

   
10 Years  

$

9,600

   

$

9,600

   

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses" above, affect the Fund's performance. During the Fund's most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 16% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in an international portfolio of common stocks of smaller companies located in countries of developed and emerging markets.

When selecting companies for initial inclusion in the Fund's portfolio, the Fund seeks to invest in companies with a market capitalization in the region of $2 billion or lower. The Fund may continue to hold, and may increase its investment in, portfolio companies whose market capitalization subsequently increases. The Fund typically will not seek to increase the percentage of its portfolio invested in any company whose market capitalization is in excess of $5 billion. However, in cases where the market capitalization of a portfolio company has increased above $5 billion, the Fund may continue to purchase additional shares of that company so long as the percentage of the Fund's portfolio represented by that company will be the same as or lower than it was before the company's market capitalization increased above $5 billion. The Fund expects over time to have a substantial portion of its portfolio invested in companies with a market capitalization in excess of $2 billion. However, under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in securities of smaller companies. The Manager currently defines a "smaller company" as a company with a market capitalization that does not exceed $10 billion.

In addition, under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest primarily in companies located outside the U.S. The Fund ordinarily invests in securities of issuers located in at least three countries outside the U.S., although the Fund may focus its investments in a small number of countries or regions. The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund may participate in initial public offerings ("IPOs") and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S. In some emerging markets, the Fund may invest in companies that qualify as smaller companies but still are among the largest in that market.


55


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up approach to stock selection and principally select companies without being constrained by the Fund's benchmark, the MSCI ACWI ex-USA Small Cap Index. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 75 and 175 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, which in recent periods has included Japan. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5 years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

Principal Risks

The Fund's net asset value and returns will be impacted by the performance of the underlying investments of the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the Fund.

The principal risks of investing in the Fund (in alphabetical order after the first six risks) are:

  Investment Style Risk – Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited (the "Manager") actively makes investment decisions for the Fund through bottom-up stock selection. Accordingly, the Fund will have risk characteristics that differ from its benchmark index. The Manager's judgments about the attractiveness, relative value, or potential appreciation of a particular stock may prove to be incorrect and cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index. There can be no assurance that the Manager's investment decisions will produce the desired results.

  Growth Stock Risk – The prices of growth stocks may be based largely on expectations of future earnings, and their prices can decline rapidly and significantly in reaction to negative news. Growth stocks may underperform stocks in other broad style categories (and the stock market as a whole) over any period of time and may shift in and out of favor with investors generally, sometimes rapidly, depending on changes in market, economic, and other factors.

  Long-Term Investment Strategy Risk – The Fund pursues a long-term investment approach, typically seeking returns over a period of several years. This investment style may cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index or other mutual funds over extended

periods of time, and the Fund may not perform as expected in the long term. An investment in the Fund may be more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the risk of short- or medium-term fluctuations in the value of the Fund's portfolio.

  Asia Risk – Investing in securities of companies located in or with exposure to Asian countries involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including different financial reporting standards, currency exchange rate fluctuations, and highly regulated markets with the potential for government interference. The economies of many Asian countries are heavily dependent on international trade and on only a few industries or commodities and, as a result, can be adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls and other measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. Some Asian securities may be less liquid than U.S. or other foreign securities. See "Japan Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in that country.

Additionally, many of the economies of countries in Asia are considered emerging market or frontier market economies. These Asian economies are often characterized by high inflation, undeveloped financial service sectors, frequent currency fluctuations, devaluations, or restrictions, political and social instability, and less efficient markets. See "Emerging Markets Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in such countries.

  Small- and Medium-Capitalization Securities Risk – Securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies can be more volatile due to various factors including more limited product lines, financial and management resources and market distribution channels, as well as shorter operating histories and potentially reduced liquidity, especially during market declines, than the securities of larger, more established companies.

  Non-U.S. Investment Risk – Non-U.S. securities are subject to additional risks, including less liquidity, increased volatility, less transparency, withholding or other taxes, increased vulnerability to adverse changes in local and global economic conditions, less regulation, and possible fluctuation in value due to adverse political conditions. Foreign portfolio transactions generally involve higher commission rates, transfer taxes, and custodial costs than similar transactions in the U.S.

  Conflicts of Interest Risk – The Manager's relationships with the Fund's institutional investor base may give rise to various conflicts of interest, since the Manager will sometimes have an incentive to favor those shareholders over other shareholders in the Fund. In addition, the Manager serves as investment adviser to various clients other than the Fund, some of whom may pursue strategies that are substantially similar or nearly identical to investment strategies pursued by the Fund. This "side-by-side" management may give rise to various conflicts of interest, including, for example, in connection with the fair allocation of trades among the Manager's clients or the sharing of different, more, or more timely information regarding investment performance,


56


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

portfolio holdings, strategy developments and/or the Manager's general market outlook. Furthermore, if investment personnel of the Manager hold board or other positions at outside companies, they could be exposed to material non-public information potentially impeding or delaying a Fund's ability to buy or sell certain investments, or they could otherwise be restricted in their ability to participate in a Fund's investment process.

  Currency Risk – The Fund may realize a loss if it has exposure to a non-U.S. currency, and this non-U.S. currency declines in value, relative to the U.S. dollar. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

  Emerging Markets Risk – To the extent the Fund invests in emerging market securities, the Fund may be exposed to greater market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in developed markets.

  Equity Securities Risk – Equity securities may react more strongly to changes in an issuer's financial condition or prospects than other securities of the same issuer. Investing in equity securities indirectly, such as through participatory notes or depositary receipts, may involve other risks such as the risk that the counterparty may default or that the investment does not track the underlying security as expected.

  Focused Investment Risk – Should the Fund focus its investments in related, or a limited number of, countries, regions, sectors, or companies, this would create more risk and greater volatility than if the Fund's investments were less focused.

  Geographic Focus Risk – The Fund expects to focus its investments in a limited number of countries or geographic regions, and as a result may not offer the same level of diversification of risks as a more broadly global fund because the Fund will be exposed to a smaller geographic area. The performance of a fund that is less diversified across countries or geographic regions will be closely tied to market, currency, economic, political, environmental, or regulatory conditions and developments in the countries or regions in which the fund invests, and may be more volatile than the performance of a more geographically-diversified portfolio.

  Government and Regulatory Risk – Governmental and regulatory authorities in the United States and other countries, have taken, and may in the future take, actions intervening in the markets in which the Fund invests and in the economy more generally. Governmental and regulatory authorities may also act to increase the scope or burden of regulations applicable to the Fund or to the companies in which the Fund invests. The effects of these actions on the markets generally, and Fund's investment program in particular, can be uncertain and could restrict the ability of the Fund to fully implement its investment strategies, either generally, or with respect to certain securities, industries, or countries. By contrast, markets in some non-U.S. countries historically have been subject to little regulation or oversight

by governmental or regulatory authorities, which could heighten the risk of loss due to fraud or market failures in those countries. Governments, agencies, or other regulatory bodies in any country may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the Fund or the market value of an instrument held by the Fund.

  Information Technology Risk – Cyber-attacks, disruptions, or failures that affect the Fund's service providers, counterparties, the securities markets generally, other market participants, or issuers of securities held by the Fund may adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders, including by causing losses for the Fund or impairing Fund operations.

  IPO Risk – The Fund may purchase securities in IPOs. These securities are subject to many of the same risks of investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile.

  Japan Risk – The Japanese economy has only recently emerged from a prolonged economic downturn. Since the year 2000, Japan's economic growth rate has remained relatively low, and it may remain low in the future. Japan's economy is characterized by an aging demographic, declining population, large government debt, and a highly regulated labor market. In the longer term, Japan will have to address the effects of an aging population, including the impact of a shrinking work force and higher welfare costs. Japan's economic recovery has been affected by economic distress resulting from a number of natural disasters, including disasters that caused damage to nuclear power plants in the region. Such environmental catastrophes have caused Japan's financial markets to fluctuate dramatically. Japan continues to be subject to the risk of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons and tsunamis, which could negatively affect the Japanese economy.

  Liquidity Risk – The Fund's investments may be subject to low trading volume, lack of a market maker, contractual lock-in periods or regulatory restrictions, and the Fund may hold large positions in particular securities. As a result, it may not be possible to sell an investment at a particular time or at an acceptable price. Liquidity risk may be magnified during periods of changing interest rates, significant shareholder redemptions or market turmoil. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. In some cases, due to unanticipated levels of illiquidity the Fund may seek to meet its redemption obligations wholly or in part by distributions of assets in-kind.

  Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk – The value of the Fund's investments could be adversely affected by events that disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global markets such as war, terrorism, public health crises, and geopolitical events and by changes in non-U.S. and U.S. economic and political conditions. As a result of these events, the Fund could lose money, experience significant


57


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

redemptions, encounter operational difficulties, and suffer other negative impacts.

  Market Risk – The value of the Fund's investments will be affected by fluctuations in the stock markets in which the Fund is invested, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. Declines in securities market prices may reduce the net asset value of the Fund's shares.

  New and Smaller-Sized Funds Risk – New funds and smaller-sized funds will be subject to greater liquidity risk due to their smaller asset bases and may be required to sell securities at disadvantageous times or prices due to a large shareholder redemption. A fund that has been recently formed will have limited or no performance history for investors to evaluate and may not reach or maintain a sufficient asset size to effectively implement its investment strategy.

  Service Provider Risk – The Fund will be affected by the Manager's investment techniques, analyses, assessments and employee retention. Similarly, adverse events or performance failures at a service provider, such as human error, inadequate controls or insolvency, have the ability to adversely affect the Fund.

  Settlement Risk – The Fund may experience delays in settlement due to the different clearance and settlement procedures in non-U.S. countries. Such delays may increase credit risk to the Fund, limit the ability of the Fund to reinvest the proceeds of a sale of securities, or prevent the Fund from selling securities at times and prices it considers desirable.

  Valuation Risk – In certain circumstances, some of the Fund's portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations by employing the fair value procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board"). This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. There is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time.

Performance

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's annual total returns from year to year and by comparing the Fund's average annual total returns with those of the Fund's benchmark. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.

Annual Total Returns – Institutional Class Shares

Highest Quarterly Return: 37.45% (Q2, 2020)

Lowest Quarterly Return: -22.93% (Q1, 2020)

In the table below, after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown for Institutional Class shares only, and after-tax returns for other share classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on your tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant if you are tax-exempt or if you hold your Fund shares through tax-advantaged arrangements. A description of the Fund's comparative index and details regarding the calculation of the Fund's class-by-class performance are provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Additional Performance Information."

Average Annual Total Returns for
Periods Ended December 31, 2020
 

1 Year

  Since Fund
Inception
(12/19/2018)
 

Institutional Class Returns Before Taxes

   

48.61

%

   

36.12

%

 
Institutional Class Returns After Taxes on
Distributions
   

47.08

%

   

34.89

%

 
Institutional Class Returns After Taxes on
Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
   

29.85

%

   

28.20

%

 

Class K Returns Before Taxes

   

48.61

%

   

36.12

%

 
Comparative Index
(reflects no deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes)
 

MSCI ACWI ex-USA Small Cap Index(1)

   

14.67

%

   

18.11

%

 

(1)  The source of the index data is MSCI Inc. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indexes or any securities or financial products. This Prospectus is not approved, endorsed, reviewed or produced by MSCI. None of the MSCI data is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such.

Management

Investment Manager

Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited


58


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Portfolio Managers

Name

 

Title

  Year Commenced
Service with the
Fund
 

Charlie Broughton

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2021

   

Praveen Kumar

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2018

   

Brian Lum

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2018

   

Milena Mileva

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2018

   

Steve Vaughan

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2018

   

Purchasing, Exchanging, and Selling Fund Shares

To purchase, exchange, or redeem shares of the Fund through an intermediary, please contact your intermediary directly.

Other investors may purchase, exchange, or redeem shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for trading directly from the Fund's transfer agent, Bank of New York Mellon, by written request, as further described in the sections of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—How to Buy or Exchange Shares" and "Shares—How to Sell Shares." The initial and subsequent investment minimums for the Fund shares are as follows:

Class of Shares

  Minimum Initial
Investment(1)
  Minimum
Subsequent
Investment(1)
 

Class K

    $10 million      

None

   

Institutional Class

   

None

     

None

   

(1)  If you hold shares through a financial intermediary, the financial intermediary may impose its own, different, investment minimums.

The Manager and Baillie Gifford Funds Services LLC ("BGFS"), the Fund's distributor, each reserves the right to waive any minimum in their sole discretion, and to reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason. Additional information regarding restrictions on purchasing or exchanging shares is provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—Restrictions on Buying or Exchanging Shares."

Tax

The Fund intends to make distributions that will be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are a tax-exempt investor or otherwise investing through a tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA or 401(k) plan. If you are investing through such a tax-advantaged account, you may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from that account.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for services the intermediary provides to Fund shareholders. These payments are not primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. In addition to the fees and expenses described in the "Fees and Expenses" section above, your broker-dealer or financial intermediary may charge commissions or other fees on purchases and sales of the Class K or Institutional Class shares of the Fund. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's web site for more information.


59


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Japan Growth Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford Japan Growth Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

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

Shareholder Fees

(Fees paid directly from your investment)

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
 

None

     

None

   

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

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

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 

Management Fees(a)

   

0.60

%

   

0.60

%

 

Distribution (12b-1) Fees

   

None

     

None

   

Other Expenses(b)

   

16.90

%

   

17.05

%

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses
   

17.50

%

   

17.65

%

 
Fee Waiver and/or Expense
Reimbursement(c)
   

(16.75

)%

   

(16.75

)%

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or
Expense Reimbursement(c)
   

0.75

%

   

0.90

%

 

(a)  The Management Fee consists of an Advisory Fee and an Administration and Supervisory Fee paid by the Fund to Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited.

(b)  Class K and Institutional Class were unfunded as of December 31, 2020. Therefore Other Expenses have been estimated for the current fiscal year assuming Fund assets of $1 million.

(c)  Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or bear Other Expenses of the Fund until April 30, 2022 to the extent that the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding taxes, sub-accounting expenses and extraordinary expenses) exceed 0.75% for Class K and Institutional Class shares. This contractual agreement may only be terminated by the Board of Trustees of the Trust. Expenses after waiver/reimbursement exceed 0.75% for Institutional Class due to estimated sub-accounting expenses of 0.15%.

Example of Expenses

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, regardless of whether or not you redeem your shares at the end of such periods. It also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. The example below also applies any contractual expense waivers and/or expense reimbursements to the first year of each period listed in the table.

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your expenses would be:

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
1 Year  

$

77

   

$

92

   
3 Years  

$

3,284

   

$

3,316

   

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses" above, affect the Fund's performance. Because the Fund has not commenced operations, it does not have a portfolio turnover rate.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund will seek to meet its objective by investing in a portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in Japan. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of companies located in Japan. The Fund will invest in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund is not constrained with respect to market capitalization and may participate in initial public offerings ("IPOs") and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up approach to stock selection and will principally select companies without being constrained by the Tokyo Stock Price Index ("TOPIX"), the Fund's underlying benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 35 and 55 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long-term. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5 years), which is expected to result in relatively low portfolio turnover and be in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

Principal Risks

The Fund's net asset value and returns will be impacted by the performance of the underlying investments of the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance


60


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the Fund.

The principal risks of investing in the Fund (in alphabetical order after the first five risks) are:

  Japan Risk – The Japanese economy has only recently emerged from a prolonged economic downturn. Since the year 2000, Japan's economic growth rate has remained relatively low, and it may remain low in the future. Japan's economy is characterized by an aging demographic, declining population, large government debt, and a highly regulated labor market. In the longer term, Japan will have to address the effects of an aging population, including the impact of a shrinking work force and higher welfare costs. Japan's economic recovery has been affected by economic distress resulting from a number of natural disasters, including disasters that caused damage to nuclear power plants in the region. Such environmental catastrophes have caused Japan's financial markets to fluctuate dramatically. Japan continues to be subject to the risk of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons and tsunamis, which could negatively affect the Japanese economy.

  Investment Style Risk – Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited (the "Manager") actively makes investment decisions for the Fund through bottom-up stock selection. Accordingly, the Fund will have risk characteristics that differ from its benchmark index. The Manager's judgments about the attractiveness, relative value, or potential appreciation of a particular stock may prove to be incorrect and cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index. There can be no assurance that the Manager's investment decisions will produce the desired results.

  Growth Stock Risk – The prices of growth stocks may be based largely on expectations of future earnings, and their prices can decline rapidly and significantly in reaction to negative news. Growth stocks may underperform stocks in other broad style categories (and the stock market as a whole) over any period of time and may shift in and out of favor with investors generally, sometimes rapidly, depending on changes in market, economic, and other factors.

  Long-Term Investment Strategy Risk – The Fund pursues a long-term investment approach, typically seeking returns over a period of several years. This investment style may cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index or other mutual funds over extended periods of time, and the Fund may not perform as expected in the long term. An investment in the Fund may be more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the risk of short- or medium-term fluctuations in the value of the Fund's portfolio.

  Geographic Focus Risk – The Fund expects to focus its investments in a limited number of countries or geographic regions, and as a result may not offer the same level of diversification of risks as a more broadly global fund because the Fund will be exposed to a smaller geographic area. The performance of a fund that is less diversified across countries or geographic regions will be closely tied to

market, currency, economic, political, environmental, or regulatory conditions and developments in the countries or regions in which the fund invests, and may be more volatile than the performance of a more geographically-diversified portfolio.

  Conflicts of Interest Risk – The Manager's relationships with the Fund's institutional investor base may give rise to various conflicts of interest, since the Manager will sometimes have an incentive to favor those shareholders over other shareholders in the Fund. In addition, the Manager serves as investment adviser to various clients other than the Fund, some of whom may pursue strategies that are substantially similar or nearly identical to investment strategies pursued by the Fund. This "side-by-side" management may give rise to various conflicts of interest, including, for example, in connection with the fair allocation of trades among the Manager's clients or the sharing of different, more, or more timely information regarding investment performance, portfolio holdings, strategy developments and/or the Manager's general market outlook. Furthermore, if investment personnel of the Manager hold board or other positions at outside companies, they could be exposed to material non-public information potentially impeding or delaying a Fund's ability to buy or sell certain investments, or they could otherwise be restricted in their ability to participate in a Fund's investment process.

  Currency Risk – The Fund may realize a loss if it has exposure to a non-U.S. currency, and this non-U.S. currency declines in value, relative to the U.S. dollar. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

  Equity Securities Risk – Equity securities may react more strongly to changes in an issuer's financial condition or prospects than other securities of the same issuer. Investing in equity securities indirectly, such as through participatory notes or depositary receipts, may involve other risks such as the risk that the counterparty may default or that the investment does not track the underlying security as expected.

  Focused Investment Risk – Should the Fund focus its investments in related, or a limited number of, countries, regions, sectors, or companies, this would create more risk and greater volatility than if the Fund's investments were less focused.

  Government and Regulatory Risk – Governmental and regulatory authorities in the United States and other countries, have taken, and may in the future take, actions intervening in the markets in which the Fund invests and in the economy more generally. Governmental and regulatory authorities may also act to increase the scope or burden of regulations applicable to the Fund or to the companies in which the Fund invests. The effects of these actions on the markets generally, and Fund's investment program in particular, can be uncertain and could restrict the ability of the Fund to fully implement its investment strategies, either generally, or with respect to certain securities, industries, or countries. By contrast, markets in some non-U.S. countries


61


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

historically have been subject to little regulation or oversight by governmental or regulatory authorities, which could heighten the risk of loss due to fraud or market failures in those countries. Governments, agencies, or other regulatory bodies in any country may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the Fund or the market value of an instrument held by the Fund.

  Information Technology Risk – Cyber-attacks, disruptions, or failures that affect the Fund's service providers, counterparties, the securities markets generally, other market participants, or issuers of securities held by the Fund may adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders, including by causing losses for the Fund or impairing Fund operations.

  IPO Risk – The Fund may purchase securities in IPOs. These securities are subject to many of the same risks of investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile.

  Large-Capitalization Securities Risk – Returns on investments in securities of large companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of smaller and medium-sized companies. Larger companies may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller and medium-sized companies to competitive challenges or to changes in business, product, financial, or other market conditions. Larger companies may not be able to achieve or maintain growth at the high rates that may be achieved by well-managed smaller and medium-sized companies.

  Liquidity Risk – The Fund's investments may be subject to low trading volume, lack of a market maker, contractual lock-in periods or regulatory restrictions, and the Fund may hold large positions in particular securities. As a result, it may not be possible to sell an investment at a particular time or at an acceptable price. Liquidity risk may be magnified during periods of changing interest rates, significant shareholder redemptions or market turmoil. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. In some cases, due to unanticipated levels of illiquidity the Fund may seek to meet its redemption obligations wholly or in part by distributions of assets in-kind.

  Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk – The value of the Fund's investments could be adversely affected by events that disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global markets such as war, terrorism, public health crises, and geopolitical events and by changes in non-U.S. and U.S. economic and political conditions. As a result of these events, the Fund could lose money, experience significant redemptions, encounter operational difficulties, and suffer other negative impacts.

  Market Risk – The value of the Fund's investments will be affected by fluctuations in the stock markets in which the Fund is invested, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor

sentiment generally. Declines in securities market prices may reduce the net asset value of the Fund's shares.

  New and Smaller-Sized Funds Risk – New funds and smaller-sized funds will be subject to greater liquidity risk due to their smaller asset bases and may be required to sell securities at disadvantageous times or prices due to a large shareholder redemption. A fund that has been recently formed will have limited or no performance history for investors to evaluate and may not reach or maintain a sufficient asset size to effectively implement its investment strategy.

  Non-U.S. Investment Risk – Non-U.S. securities are subject to additional risks, including less liquidity, increased volatility, less transparency, withholding or other taxes, increased vulnerability to adverse changes in local and global economic conditions, less regulation, and possible fluctuation in value due to adverse political conditions. Foreign portfolio transactions generally involve higher commission rates, transfer taxes, and custodial costs than similar transactions in the U.S.

  Service Provider Risk – The Fund will be affected by the Manager's investment techniques, analyses, assessments and employee retention. Similarly, adverse events or performance failures at a service provider, such as human error, inadequate controls or insolvency, have the ability to adversely affect the Fund.

  Settlement Risk – The Fund may experience delays in settlement due to the different clearance and settlement procedures in non-U.S. countries. Such delays may increase credit risk to the Fund, limit the ability of the Fund to reinvest the proceeds of a sale of securities, or prevent the Fund from selling securities at times and prices it considers desirable.

  Small- and Medium-Capitalization Securities Risk – Securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies can be more volatile due to various factors including more limited product lines, financial and management resources and market distribution channels, as well as shorter operating histories and potentially reduced liquidity, especially during market declines, than the securities of larger, more established companies.

  Valuation Risk – In certain circumstances, some of the Fund's portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations by employing the fair value procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board"). This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. There is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time.


62


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Performance

The Fund had not commenced operations as of December 31, 2020. Accordingly, performance data is not included. When performance data becomes available, it will be posted to the following website: http://USmutualfund.bailliegifford.com. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.

Management

Investment Manager

Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited

Portfolio Managers

Name

 

Title

  Year Commenced
Service with the
Fund
 

Donald Farquharson

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2020

   

Tolibjon Tursunov

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2020

   

Purchasing, Exchanging, and Selling Fund Shares

To purchase, exchange, or redeem shares of the Fund through an intermediary, please contact your intermediary directly.

Other investors may purchase, exchange, or redeem shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for trading directly from the Fund's transfer agent, Bank of New York Mellon, by written request, as further described in the sections of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—How to Buy or Exchange Shares" and "Shares—How to Sell Shares." The initial and subsequent investment minimums for the Fund shares are as follows:

Class of Shares

  Minimum Initial
Investment(1)
  Minimum
Subsequent
Investment(1)
 

Class K

    $10 million      

None

   

Institutional Class

   

None

     

None

   

(1)  If you hold shares through a financial intermediary, the financial intermediary may impose its own, different, investment minimums.

The Manager and Baillie Gifford Funds Services LLC ("BGFS"), the Fund's distributor, each reserves the right to waive any minimum in their sole discretion, and to reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason. Additional information regarding restrictions on purchasing or exchanging shares is provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—Restrictions on Buying or Exchanging Shares."

Tax

The Fund intends to make distributions that will be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are a tax-exempt investor or otherwise investing through a tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA or 401(k) plan. If you are investing through such a tax-advantaged account, you may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from that account.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for services the intermediary provides to

Fund shareholders. These payments are not primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. In addition to the fees and expenses described in the "Fees and Expenses" section above, your broker-dealer or financial intermediary may charge commissions or other fees on purchases and sales of the Class K or Institutional Class shares of the Fund. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's web site for more information.


63


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

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

Shareholder Fees

(Fees paid directly from your investment)

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
 

None

     

None

   

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

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

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 

Management Fees(a)

   

0.62

%

   

0.62

%

 

Distribution (12b-1) Fees

   

None

     

None

   

Other Expenses(b)

   

0.09

%

   

0.17

%

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses
   

0.71

%

   

0.79

%

 

(a)  The Management Fee consists of an Advisory Fee and an Administration and Supervisory Fee paid by the Fund to Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited.

(b)  Other Expenses differ due to sub-accounting expenses.

Example of Expenses

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, regardless of whether or not you redeem your shares at the end of such periods. It also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same.

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your expenses would be:

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
1 Year  

$

73

   

$

81

   
3 Years  

$

227

   

$

252

   
5 Years  

$

395

   

$

439

   
10 Years  

$

883

   

$

978

   

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses" above, affect the Fund's performance. During the Fund's most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 40% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a portfolio of global equity securities, which include common stock and other equity securities, without reference to benchmark constraints.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities. While the portfolio managers are not constrained by geographic limitations, the Fund ordinarily invests in securities of issuers located in at least six different countries. In addition, under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 40% of its total assets in securities of companies located outside the U.S. when market conditions are favorable, but, when market conditions are not favorable, will invest at least 30% of its total assets in companies located outside the U.S. The Fund may invest in issuers located in emerging markets.

The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund typically invests primarily in issuers with a market capitalization of more than $4 billion at the time of purchase and may participate in initial public offerings ("IPOs") and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up approach to stock selection and select investments without regard to the geographic, industry, sector, or individual company weightings on any index. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The portfolio managers generally select securities of between 30 and 60 growth companies. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, and the Fund expects to have considerable exposure to Chinese companies including through China A shares, which are common stocks and other equity securities that are listed or traded on a Chinese stock exchange and which are quoted in renminbi. The Fund is a non-diversified fund, which means that it may invest a relatively large percentage of its assets in a small number of issuers, industries or sectors. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5-10 years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

Principal Risks

The Fund's net asset value and returns will be impacted by the performance of the underlying investments of the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the Fund.


64


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

The principal risks of investing in the Fund (in alphabetical order after the first six risks) are:

  Investment Style Risk – Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited (the "Manager") actively makes investment decisions for the Fund through bottom-up stock selection. Accordingly, the Fund will have risk characteristics that differ from its benchmark index. The Manager's judgments about the attractiveness, relative value, or potential appreciation of a particular stock may prove to be incorrect and cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index. There can be no assurance that the Manager's investment decisions will produce the desired results.

  Growth Stock Risk – The prices of growth stocks may be based largely on expectations of future earnings, and their prices can decline rapidly and significantly in reaction to negative news. Growth stocks may underperform stocks in other broad style categories (and the stock market as a whole) over any period of time and may shift in and out of favor with investors generally, sometimes rapidly, depending on changes in market, economic, and other factors.

  Long-Term Investment Strategy Risk – The Fund pursues a long-term investment approach, typically seeking returns over a period of several years. This investment style may cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index or other mutual funds over extended periods of time, and the Fund may not perform as expected in the long term. An investment in the Fund may be more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the risk of short- or medium-term fluctuations in the value of the Fund's portfolio.

  Non-Diversification Risk – The Fund is classified as a "non-diversified" fund. A non-diversified fund may hold a smaller number of portfolio securities, with larger positions in each security it holds, than many other mutual funds. To the extent the Fund invests in a relatively small number of issuers, a decline in the market value of a particular security held by the Fund may affect its value more than if it invested in a larger number of issuers. The value of the Fund's shares may be more volatile than the values of shares of more diversified funds. See also "Focused Investment Risk."

  Non-U.S. Investment Risk – Non-U.S. securities are subject to additional risks, including less liquidity, increased volatility, less transparency, withholding or other taxes, increased vulnerability to adverse changes in local and global economic conditions, less regulation, and possible fluctuation in value due to adverse political conditions. Foreign portfolio transactions generally involve higher commission rates, transfer taxes, and custodial costs than similar transactions in the U.S.

  China Risk – Investing in securities of Chinese issuers involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including, among others, more frequent trading suspensions and government interventions (including by nationalization of assets), currency exchange rate fluctuations or blockages, limits on the use of brokers and on foreign ownership, different financial reporting standards, higher dependence on

exports and international trade, potential for increased trade tariffs, sanctions, embargoes and other trade limitations, and custody risks. U.S. sanctions or other investment restrictions could preclude the Fund from investing in certain Chinese issuers or cause the Fund to sell investments at a disadvantageous time. Significant portions of the Chinese securities markets may become rapidly illiquid, as Chinese issuers have the ability to suspend the trading of their equity securities, and have shown a willingness to exercise that option in response to market volatility and other events.

  Asia Risk – Investing in securities of companies located in or with exposure to Asian countries involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including different financial reporting standards, currency exchange rate fluctuations, and highly regulated markets with the potential for government interference. The economies of many Asian countries are heavily dependent on international trade and on only a few industries or commodities and, as a result, can be adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls and other measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. Some Asian securities may be less liquid than U.S. or other foreign securities. See "China Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in that country.

Additionally, many of the economies of countries in Asia are considered emerging market or frontier market economies. These Asian economies are often characterized by high inflation, undeveloped financial service sectors, frequent currency fluctuations, devaluations, or restrictions, political and social instability, and less efficient markets. See "Emerging Markets Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in such countries.

  Conflicts of Interest Risk – The Manager's relationships with the Fund's institutional investor base may give rise to various conflicts of interest, since the Manager will sometimes have an incentive to favor those shareholders over other shareholders in the Fund. In addition, the Manager serves as investment adviser to various clients other than the Fund, some of whom may pursue strategies that are substantially similar or nearly identical to investment strategies pursued by the Fund. This "side-by-side" management may give rise to various conflicts of interest, including, for example, in connection with the fair allocation of trades among the Manager's clients or the sharing of different, more, or more timely information regarding investment performance, portfolio holdings, strategy developments and/or the Manager's general market outlook. Furthermore, if investment personnel of the Manager hold board or other positions at outside companies, they could be exposed to material non-public information potentially impeding or delaying a Fund's ability to buy or sell certain investments, or they could otherwise be restricted in their ability to participate in a Fund's investment process.

  Currency Risk – The Fund may realize a loss if it has exposure to a non-U.S. currency, and this non-U.S. currency declines in value, relative to the U.S. dollar. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects


65


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

  Emerging Markets Risk – To the extent the Fund invests in emerging market securities, the Fund may be exposed to greater market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in developed markets.

  Equity Securities Risk – Equity securities may react more strongly to changes in an issuer's financial condition or prospects than other securities of the same issuer. Investing in equity securities indirectly, such as through participatory notes or depositary receipts, may involve other risks such as the risk that the counterparty may default or that the investment does not track the underlying security as expected.

  Focused Investment Risk – Because the Fund focuses its investments in a limited number of companies, its investment strategy could result in more risk or greater volatility in returns than if the Fund's investments were less focused.

  Government and Regulatory Risk – Governmental and regulatory authorities in the United States and other countries, have taken, and may in the future take, actions intervening in the markets in which the Fund invests and in the economy more generally. Governmental and regulatory authorities may also act to increase the scope or burden of regulations applicable to the Fund or to the companies in which the Fund invests. The effects of these actions on the markets generally, and Fund's investment program in particular, can be uncertain and could restrict the ability of the Fund to fully implement its investment strategies, either generally, or with respect to certain securities, industries, or countries. By contrast, markets in some non-U.S. countries historically have been subject to little regulation or oversight by governmental or regulatory authorities, which could heighten the risk of loss due to fraud or market failures in those countries. Governments, agencies, or other regulatory bodies in any country may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the Fund or the market value of an instrument held by the Fund.

  Information Technology Risk – Cyber-attacks, disruptions, or failures that affect the Fund's service providers, counterparties, the securities markets generally, other market participants, or issuers of securities held by the Fund may adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders, including by causing losses for the Fund or impairing Fund operations.

  IPO Risk – The Fund may purchase securities in IPOs. These securities are subject to many of the same risks of investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile.

  Large-Capitalization Securities Risk – Returns on investments in securities of large companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of smaller and medium-sized companies. Larger companies may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller and medium-sized companies

to competitive challenges or to changes in business, product, financial, or other market conditions. Larger companies may not be able to achieve or maintain growth at the high rates that may be achieved by well-managed smaller and medium-sized companies.

  Liquidity Risk – The Fund's investments may be subject to low trading volume, lack of a market maker, contractual lock-in periods or regulatory restrictions, and the Fund may hold large positions in particular securities. As a result, it may not be possible to sell an investment at a particular time or at an acceptable price. Liquidity risk may be magnified during periods of changing interest rates, significant shareholder redemptions or market turmoil. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. In some cases, due to unanticipated levels of illiquidity the Fund may seek to meet its redemption obligations wholly or in part by distributions of assets in-kind.

  Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk – The value of the Fund's investments could be adversely affected by events that disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global markets such as war, terrorism, public health crises, and geopolitical events and by changes in non-U.S. and U.S. economic and political conditions. As a result of these events, the Fund could lose money, experience significant redemptions, encounter operational difficulties, and suffer other negative impacts.

  Market Risk – The value of the Fund's investments will be affected by fluctuations in the stock markets in which the Fund is invested, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. Declines in securities market prices may reduce the net asset value of the Fund's shares.

  Service Provider Risk – The Fund will be affected by the Manager's investment techniques, analyses, assessments and employee retention. Similarly, adverse events or performance failures at a service provider, such as human error, inadequate controls or insolvency, have the ability to adversely affect the Fund.

  Settlement Risk – The Fund may experience delays in settlement due to the different clearance and settlement procedures in non-U.S. countries. Such delays may increase credit risk to the Fund, limit the ability of the Fund to reinvest the proceeds of a sale of securities, or prevent the Fund from selling securities at times and prices it considers desirable.

  Small- and Medium-Capitalization Securities Risk – Securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies can be more volatile due to various factors including more limited product lines, financial and management resources and market distribution channels, as well as shorter operating histories and potentially reduced liquidity, especially during market declines, than the securities of larger, more established companies.

  Valuation Risk – In certain circumstances, some of the Fund's portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of


66


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

factors other than market quotations by employing the fair value procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board"). This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. There is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time.

Performance

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's annual total returns from year to year and by comparing the Fund's average annual total returns with those of the Fund's benchmark. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.

Annual Total Returns – Institutional Class Shares(1)

Highest Quarterly Return: 44.21% (Q2, 2020)

Lowest Quarterly Return: -16.49% (Q4, 2018)

(1)  Performance for Institutional Class shares prior to their date of inception (April 28, 2017) is derived from the historical performance of Class 2 shares, which are not offered under this Prospectus and are currently closed to new investors. The historical Class 2 performance has been adjusted for the higher total annual operating expenses incurred by Institutional Class.

In the table below, after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown for Institutional Class shares only, and after-tax returns for other share classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on your tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant if you are tax-exempt or if you hold your Fund shares through tax-advantaged arrangements. A description of the Fund's comparative index and details regarding the calculation of the Fund's class-by-class performance are provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Additional Performance Information."

Average Annual Total
Returns for Periods Ended
December 31, 2020(1)
 

1 Year

 

5 Years

  Since Fund
Inception
(06/10/2014)
 
Institutional Class Returns Before
Taxes
   

101.61

%

   

31.42

%

   

26.42

%

 
Institutional Class Returns After
Taxes on Distributions
   

97.84

%

   

30.30

%

   

25.53

%

 
Institutional Class Returns After
Taxes on Distributions and Sale of
Fund Shares
   

62.78

%

   

26.02

%

   

22.17

%

 

Class K Returns Before Taxes

   

101.76

%

   

31.53

%

   

26.54

%

 
Comparative Index
(reflects no deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes)
 

MSCI ACWI Index(2)

   

16.82

%

   

12.85

%

   

9.14

%

 

(1)  Performance for Class K and Institutional Class shares prior to their date of inception (April 28, 2017) is derived from the historical performance of Class 2 shares and, for Institutional Class, has been adjusted for the higher total annual operating expenses incurred by Institutional Class.

(2)  The source of the index data is MSCI Inc. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indexes or any securities or financial products. This Prospectus is not approved, endorsed, reviewed or produced by MSCI. None of the MSCI data is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such.

Updated information on the Fund's investment performance can be obtained by visiting http://USmutualfund.bailliegifford.com.

Management

Investment Manager

Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited

Portfolio Managers

Name

 

Title

  Year Commenced
Service with the
Fund
 

Tom Slater

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2014

   

Mark Urquhart

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2014

   

Purchasing, Exchanging, and Selling Fund Shares

To purchase, exchange, or redeem shares of the Fund through an intermediary, please contact your intermediary directly.

Other investors may purchase, exchange, or redeem shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for trading directly from the Fund's transfer agent, Bank of New York Mellon, by written request, as further described in the sections of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—How to Buy or Exchange Shares" and "Shares—How to Sell Shares." The initial and subsequent investment minimums for the Fund shares are as follows:

Class of Shares

  Minimum Initial
Investment(1)
  Minimum
Subsequent
Investment(1)
 

Class K

    $10 million      

None

   

Institutional Class

   

None

     

None

   

(1)  If you hold shares through a financial intermediary, the financial intermediary may impose its own, different, investment minimums.


67


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

The Manager and Baillie Gifford Funds Services LLC ("BGFS"), the Fund's distributor, each reserves the right to waive any minimum in their sole discretion, and to reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason. Additional information regarding restrictions on purchasing or exchanging shares is provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—Restrictions on Buying or Exchanging Shares."

Tax

The Fund intends to make distributions that will be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are a tax-exempt investor or otherwise investing through a tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA or 401(k) plan. If you are investing through such a tax-advantaged account, you may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from that account.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for services the intermediary provides to Fund shareholders. These payments are not primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. In addition to the fees and expenses described in the "Fees and Expenses" section above, your broker-dealer or financial intermediary may charge commissions or other fees on purchases and sales of the Class K or Institutional Class shares of the Fund. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's web site for more information.


68


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Positive Change Equities Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford Positive Change Equities Fund seeks capital appreciation with an emphasis on investing in businesses that deliver positive change by contributing towards a more sustainable and inclusive world.

Fees and Expenses

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

Shareholder Fees

(Fees paid directly from your investment)

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
 

None

     

None

   

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

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

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 

Management Fees(a)

   

0.50

%

   

0.50

%

 

Distribution (12b-1) Fees

   

None

     

None

   

Other Expenses

   

0.52

%

   

0.55

%

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses
   

1.02

%

   

1.05

%

 
Fee Waiver and/or Expense
Reimbursement(b)
   

(0.37

)%

   

(0.37

)%

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or
Expense Reimbursement(b)
   

0.65

%

   

0.68

%

 

(a)  The Management Fee consists of an Advisory Fee and an Administration and Supervisory Fee paid by the Fund to Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited.

(b)  Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or bear Other Expenses of the Fund until April 30, 2022 to the extent that such Fund's Total Annual Operating Expenses (excluding taxes, sub-accounting expenses and extraordinary expenses) exceed 0.65% for Class K and Institutional Class shares. This contractual agreement may only be terminated by the Board of Trustees of the Trust. Expenses after waiver/reimbursement exceed 0.65% for Institutional Class due to sub-accounting expenses of 0.03%.

Example of Expenses

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, regardless of whether or not you redeem your shares at the end of such periods. It also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. The example below also applies any contractual expense waivers and/or expense reimbursements to the first year of each period listed in the table.

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your expenses would be:

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
1 Year  

$

66

   

$

69

   
3 Years  

$

288

   

$

297

   
5 Years  

$

527

   

$

543

   
10 Years  

$

1,214

   

$

1,249

   

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses" above, affect the Fund's performance. During the Fund's most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 40% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a global portfolio of equities, which include common stock and other equity securities, of issuers located in countries of developed, emerging, and frontier markets. Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities. The Fund invests predominantly in securities issued by companies located in countries represented in the MSCI ACWI Index, cash and cash equivalents.

The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund is not constrained with respect to market capitalization and may participate in initial public offerings ("IPOs") and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up approach to stock selection and select companies without being constrained by the MSCI ACWI benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a portfolio of between 25 and 50 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term and which the portfolio managers consider to have core ambitions of delivering a positive change in at least one of the following areas: social inclusion and education, healthcare, the environment, and addressing basic needs and aspirations of the world's poorest populations. In order to assess positive change in these areas, Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited (the "Manager") will monitor the progress of each issuer using metrics and/or milestones designed by the Manager. With respect to each area, the Manager pursues an active, positive approach; investment decisions are generally not made on the basis of negative "screening" of companies viewed as socially irresponsible. The


69


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, which in recent periods has included Japan.

The Fund is a non-diversified fund, which means that it may invest a relatively large percentage of its assets in a small number of issuers, industries or sectors. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5-10 years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

Principal Risks

The Fund's net asset value and returns will be impacted by the performance of the underlying investments of the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the Fund.

The principal risks of investing in the Fund (in alphabetical order after the first five risks) are:

  Investment Style Risk – The Manager actively makes investment decisions for the Fund through bottom-up stock selection. Accordingly, the Fund will have risk characteristics that differ from its benchmark index. The Manager's judgments about the attractiveness, relative value, or potential appreciation of a particular stock may prove to be incorrect and cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index. There can be no assurance that the Manager's investment decisions will produce the desired results.

  Growth Stock Risk – The prices of growth stocks may be based largely on expectations of future earnings, and their prices can decline rapidly and significantly in reaction to negative news. Growth stocks may underperform stocks in other broad style categories (and the stock market as a whole) over any period of time and may shift in and out of favor with investors generally, sometimes rapidly, depending on changes in market, economic, and other factors.

  Long-Term Investment Strategy Risk – The Fund pursues a long-term investment approach, typically seeking returns over a period of several years. This investment style may cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index or other mutual funds over extended periods of time, and the Fund may not perform as expected in the long term. An investment in the Fund may be more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the risk of short- or medium-term fluctuations in the value of the Fund's portfolio.

  Non-Diversification Risk – The Fund is classified as a "non-diversified" fund. Because the Fund may invest a relatively large percentage of its assets in a single issuer or small number of issuers, its performance could be closely tied to

the value of that one issuer or those few issuers, and could be more volatile than the performance of diversified funds.

  Impact Risk – A Fund may not be successful in assessing and identifying companies that have or will have a positive impact or support a given position. In some circumstances, companies could ultimately have a negative impact, or no impact, on addressing a global challenge, or on environmental, social and/or governance matters. See also "Socially Responsible Investing Risk."

  Asia Risk – Investing in securities of companies located in or with exposure to Asian countries involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including different financial reporting standards, currency exchange rate fluctuations, and highly regulated markets with the potential for government interference. The economies of many Asian countries are heavily dependent on international trade and on only a few industries or commodities and, as a result, can be adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls and other measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. Some Asian securities may be less liquid than U.S. or other foreign securities. See "Japan Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in that country.

Additionally, many of the economies of countries in Asia are considered emerging market or frontier market economies. These Asian economies are often characterized by high inflation, undeveloped financial service sectors, frequent currency fluctuations, devaluations, or restrictions, political and social instability, and less efficient markets. See "Emerging Markets Risk" and "Frontier Markets Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in such countries.

  Conflicts of Interest Risk – The Manager's relationships with the Fund's institutional investor base may give rise to various conflicts of interest, since the Manager will sometimes have an incentive to favor those shareholders over other shareholders in the Fund. In addition, the Manager serves as investment adviser to various clients other than the Fund, some of whom may pursue strategies that are substantially similar or nearly identical to investment strategies pursued by the Fund. This "side-by-side" management may give rise to various conflicts of interest, including, for example, in connection with the fair allocation of trades among the Manager's clients or the sharing of different, more, or more timely information regarding investment performance, portfolio holdings, strategy developments and/or the Manager's general market outlook. Furthermore, if investment personnel of the Manager hold board or other positions at outside companies, they could be exposed to material non-public information potentially impeding or delaying a Fund's ability to buy or sell certain investments, or they could otherwise be restricted in their ability to participate in a Fund's investment process.

  Currency Risk – The Fund may realize a loss if it has exposure to a non-U.S. currency, and this non-U.S. currency declines in value, relative to the U.S. dollar. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects


70


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

  Emerging Markets Risk – To the extent the Fund invests in emerging market securities, the Fund may be exposed to greater market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in developed markets.

  Equity Securities Risk – Equity securities may react more strongly to changes in an issuer's financial condition or prospects than other securities of the same issuer. Investing in equity securities indirectly, such as through participatory notes or depositary receipts, may involve other risks such as the risk that the counterparty may default or that the investment does not track the underlying security as expected.

  Focused Investment Risk – Because the Fund focuses its investments in a limited number of companies, its investment strategy could result in more risk or greater volatility in returns than if the Fund's investments were less focused.

  Frontier Markets Risk – Frontier markets are those emerging markets that are considered to be among the smallest, least mature and least liquid and, as a result, may be more volatile and less liquid than investments in more developed markets or in other emerging market countries. Emerging markets risk may be especially heightened in frontier markets.

  Government and Regulatory Risk – Governmental and regulatory authorities in the United States and other countries, have taken, and may in the future take, actions intervening in the markets in which the Fund invests and in the economy more generally. Governmental and regulatory authorities may also act to increase the scope or burden of regulations applicable to the Fund or to the companies in which the Fund invests. The effects of these actions on the markets generally, and Fund's investment program in particular, can be uncertain and could restrict the ability of the Fund to fully implement its investment strategies, either generally, or with respect to certain securities, industries, or countries. By contrast, markets in some non-U.S. countries historically have been subject to little regulation or oversight by governmental or regulatory authorities, which could heighten the risk of loss due to fraud or market failures in those countries. Governments, agencies, or other regulatory bodies in any country may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the Fund or the market value of an instrument held by the Fund.

  Information Technology Risk – Cyber-attacks, disruptions, or failures that affect the Fund's service providers, counterparties, the securities markets generally, other market participants, or issuers of securities held by the Fund may adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders, including by causing losses for the Fund or impairing Fund operations.

  IPO Risk – The Fund may purchase securities in IPOs. These securities are subject to many of the same risks of investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very

limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile.

  Japan Risk – The Japanese economy has only recently emerged from a prolonged economic downturn. Since the year 2000, Japan's economic growth rate has remained relatively low, and it may remain low in the future. Japan's economy is characterized by an aging demographic, declining population, large government debt, and a highly regulated labor market. In the longer term, Japan will have to address the effects of an aging population, including the impact of a shrinking work force and higher welfare costs. Japan's economic recovery has been affected by economic distress resulting from a number of natural disasters, including disasters that caused damage to nuclear power plants in the region. Such environmental catastrophes have caused Japan's financial markets to fluctuate dramatically. Japan continues to be subject to the risk of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons and tsunamis, which could negatively affect the Japanese economy.

  Large-Capitalization Securities Risk – Returns on investments in securities of large companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of smaller and medium-sized companies. Larger companies may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller and medium-sized companies to competitive challenges or to changes in business, product, financial, or other market conditions. Larger companies may not be able to achieve or maintain growth at the high rates that may be achieved by well-managed smaller and medium-sized companies.

  Liquidity Risk – The Fund's investments may be subject to low trading volume, lack of a market maker, contractual lock-in periods or regulatory restrictions, and the Fund may hold large positions in particular securities. As a result, it may not be possible to sell an investment at a particular time or at an acceptable price. Liquidity risk may be magnified during periods of changing interest rates, significant shareholder redemptions or market turmoil. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. In some cases, due to unanticipated levels of illiquidity the Fund may seek to meet its redemption obligations wholly or in part by distributions of assets in-kind.

  Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk – The value of the Fund's investments could be adversely affected by events that disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global markets such as war, terrorism, public health crises, and geopolitical events and by changes in non-U.S. and U.S. economic and political conditions. As a result of these events, the Fund could lose money, experience significant redemptions, encounter operational difficulties, and suffer other negative impacts.

  Market Risk – The value of the Fund's investments will be affected by fluctuations in the stock markets in which the Fund is invested, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor


71


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

sentiment generally. Declines in securities market prices may reduce the net asset value of the Fund's shares.

  Non-U.S. Investment Risk – Non-U.S. securities are subject to additional risks, including less liquidity, increased volatility, less transparency, withholding or other taxes, increased vulnerability to adverse changes in local and global economic conditions, less regulation, and possible fluctuation in value due to adverse political conditions. Foreign portfolio transactions generally involve higher commission rates, transfer taxes, and custodial costs than similar transactions in the U.S.

  Service Provider Risk – The Fund will be affected by the Manager's investment techniques, analyses, assessments and employee retention. Similarly, adverse events or performance failures at a service provider, such as human error, inadequate controls or insolvency, have the ability to adversely affect the Fund.

  Settlement Risk – The Fund may experience delays in settlement due to the different clearance and settlement procedures in non-U.S. countries. Such delays may increase credit risk to the Fund, limit the ability of the Fund to reinvest the proceeds of a sale of securities, or prevent the Fund from selling securities at times and prices it considers desirable.

  Small- and Medium-Capitalization Securities Risk – Securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies can be more volatile due to various factors including more limited product lines, financial and management resources and market distribution channels, as well as shorter operating histories and potentially reduced liquidity, especially during market declines, than the securities of larger, more established companies.

  Socially Responsible Investing Risk – The Fund's incorporation of environmental, social and/or governance considerations in its investment process may cause it to make different investments than funds that have a similar investment universe and/or investment style but that do not incorporate such considerations in their strategy or investment processes. As a result, such Fund may forego opportunities to buy certain securities when it might otherwise be advantageous to do so, or sell securities when it might be otherwise disadvantageous for it to do so. See also "Impact Risk."

  Valuation Risk – In certain circumstances, some of the Fund's portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations by employing the fair value procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board"). This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. There is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or

closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time.

Performance

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's annual total returns from year to year and by comparing the Fund's average annual total returns with those of the Fund's benchmark. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.

Annual Total Returns – Institutional Class Shares

Highest Quarterly Return: 40.15% (Q2, 2020)

Lowest Quarterly Return: -16.32% (Q4, 2018)

In the table below, after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown for Institutional Class shares only, and after-tax returns for other share classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on your tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant if you are tax-exempt or if you hold your Fund shares through tax-advantaged arrangements. A description of the Fund's comparative index and details regarding the calculation of the Fund's class-by-class performance are provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Additional Performance Information."

Average Annual Total Returns for
Periods Ended December 31, 2020
 

1 Year

  Since Fund
Inception
(12/14/2017)
 

Institutional Class Returns Before Taxes

   

88.28

%

   

34.76

%

 
Institutional Class Returns After Taxes on
Distributions
   

86.59

%

   

34.35

%

 
Institutional Class Returns After Taxes on
Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
   

53.46

%

   

28.16

%

 

Class K Returns Before Taxes

   

88.43

%

   

34.81

%

 
Comparative Index
(reflects no deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes)
 

MSCI ACWI Index(1)

   

16.82

%

   

11.03

%

 

(1)  The source of the index data is MSCI Inc. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indexes or any securities or financial products. This Prospectus is not approved, endorsed, reviewed or produced by MSCI. None of the MSCI data is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such.


72


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Updated information on the Fund's investment performance can be obtained by visiting http://USmutualfund.bailliegifford.com.

Management

Investment Manager

Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited

Portfolio Managers

Name

 

Title

  Year Commenced
Service with the
Fund
 

Kate Fox

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2017

   

Lee Qian

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2017

   

Purchasing, Exchanging, and Selling Fund Shares

To purchase, exchange, or redeem shares of the Fund through an intermediary, please contact your intermediary directly.

Other investors may purchase, exchange, or redeem shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for trading directly from the Fund's transfer agent, Bank of New York Mellon, by written request, as further described in the sections of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—How to Buy or Exchange Shares" and "Shares—How to Sell Shares." The initial and subsequent investment minimums for the Fund shares are as follows:

Class of Shares

  Minimum Initial
Investment(1)
  Minimum
Subsequent
Investment(1)
 

Class K

    $10 million      

None

   

Institutional Class

   

None

     

None

   

(1)  If you hold shares through a financial intermediary, the financial intermediary may impose its own, different, investment minimums.

The Manager and Baillie Gifford Funds Services LLC ("BGFS"), the Fund's distributor, each reserves the right to waive any minimum in their sole discretion, and to reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason. Additional information regarding restrictions on purchasing or exchanging shares is provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—Restrictions on Buying or Exchanging Shares."

Tax

The Fund intends to make distributions that will be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are a tax-exempt investor or otherwise investing through a tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA or 401(k) plan. If you are investing through such a tax-advantaged account, you may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from that account.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for services the intermediary provides to Fund shareholders. These payments are not primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. In addition to the fees and expenses

described in the "Fees and Expenses" section above, your broker-dealer or financial intermediary may charge commissions or other fees on purchases and sales of the Class K or Institutional Class shares of the Fund. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's web site for more information.


73


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford U.S. Discovery Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford U.S. Discovery Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

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

Shareholder Fees

(Fees paid directly from your investment)

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
 

None

     

None

   

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

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

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 

Management Fees(a)

   

0.67

%

   

0.67

%

 

Distribution (12b-1) Fees

   

None

     

None

   

Other Expenses(b)

   

15.65

%

   

15.80

%

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses
   

16.32

%

   

16.47

%

 
Fee Waiver and/or Expense
Reimbursement(c)
   

(15.50

)%

   

(15.50

)%

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or
Expense Reimbursement(c)
   

0.82

%

   

0.97

%

 

(a)  The Management Fee consists of an Advisory Fee and an Administration and Supervisory Fee paid by the Fund to Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited.

(b)  Class K and Institutional Class were unfunded as of December 31, 2020. Therefore Other Expenses have been estimated for the current fiscal year assuming Fund assets of $1 million.

(c)  Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or bear other expenses of the Fund until April 30, 2022 to the extent that the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding taxes, sub-accounting expenses and extraordinary expenses) exceed 0.82% for Class K and Institutional Class shares. This contractual agreement may only be terminated by the Board of Trustees of the Trust. Expenses after waiver/reimbursement exceed 0.82% for Institutional Class due to estimated sub-accounting expenses of 0.15%.

Example of Expenses

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, regardless of whether or not you redeem your shares at the end of such periods. It also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. The example below also applies any contractual expense waivers and/or expense reimbursements to the first year of each period listed in the table.

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your expenses would be:

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
1 Year  

$

84

   

$

99

   
3 Years  

$

3,110

   

$

3,144

   

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses" above, affect the Fund's performance. Because the Fund has not commenced operations, it does not have a portfolio turnover rate.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund will seek to meet its objective by investing in a portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of smaller, publicly traded U.S. companies that are perceived to be innovative and entrepreneurial, such as by disrupting existing markets or creating entirely new ones, and that have strong growth potential.

In selecting portfolio investments, the portfolio managers seek to discover innovative and entrepreneurial companies through a process that involves considering, among other things, a potential holding's market opportunity, competitive edge, corporate culture, and scalability prospects. The inclusion of "discovery" in the Fund's name does not reflect an intent to invest in any particular type of investment or industry.

When selecting companies for initial inclusion in the portfolio, the portfolio managers focus on publicly traded companies with a market capitalization in the region of $10 billion or lower at the time of initial purchase. Because the Fund will be managed in accordance with an established model investment strategy operated by the portfolio managers, the Fund's portfolio is expected to include a number of companies with market capitalizations of greater than $10 billion at the time the Fund commences investment operations. These are companies that had market capitalizations of less than $10 billion at the time of inclusion in the model investment strategy, but which have subsequently grown. In addition, because the Fund expects to continue to hold, and potentially increase its investment in, portfolio companies whose market capitalizations increase subsequent to the initial purchase, the Fund expects over time to have a substantial portion of its portfolio invested in companies with a market capitalization in excess of $10 billion. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its assets in securities of small- and mid-capitalization companies, which the Manager defines as companies with market capitalizations of $30 billion or less.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in securities of issuers located in the U.S. The Fund will invest in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund may participate in initial public offerings ("IPOs").


74


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

The portfolio managers will select companies without being constrained by the Fund's Benchmark, the Russell 2500 Growth Index. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a non-diversified portfolio of between 40 and 75 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The Fund intends to operate as a non-diversified fund, which means that it may invest a relatively large percentage of its assets in a small number of issuers, industries, or sectors. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5-10 years), which is expected to result in relatively low portfolio turnover and be in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

Principal Risks

The Fund's net asset value and returns will be impacted by the performance of the underlying investments of the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the Fund.

The principal risks of investing in the Fund (in alphabetical order after the first six risks) are:

  Small- and Medium-Capitalization Securities Risk – Securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies can be more volatile due to various factors including more limited product lines, financial and management resources and market distribution channels, as well as shorter operating histories and potentially reduced liquidity, especially during market declines, than the securities of larger, more established companies.

  Growth Stock Risk – The prices of growth stocks may be based largely on expectations of future earnings, and their prices can decline rapidly and significantly in reaction to negative news. Growth stocks may underperform stocks in other broad style categories (and the stock market as a whole) over any period of time and may shift in and out of favor with investors generally, sometimes rapidly, depending on changes in market, economic, and other factors.

  Investment Style Risk – Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited (the "Manager") actively makes investment decisions for the Fund through bottom-up stock selection. Accordingly, the Fund will have risk characteristics that differ from its benchmark index. The Manager's judgments about the attractiveness, relative value, or potential appreciation of a particular stock may prove to be incorrect and cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index. There can be no assurance that the Manager's investment decisions will produce the desired results.

  Long-Term Investment Strategy Risk – The Fund pursues a long-term investment approach, typically seeking returns

over a period of several years. This investment style may cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index or other mutual funds over extended periods of time, and the Fund may not perform as expected in the long term. An investment in the Fund may be more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the risk of short- or medium-term fluctuations in the value of the Fund's portfolio.

  Geographic Focus Risk – A fund that focuses its investments in a limited number of countries or geographic regions will not offer the same level of diversification of risks as a more broadly global fund because it will be exposed to a smaller geographic area. The performance of a fund that is less diversified across countries or geographic regions will be closely tied to market, currency, economic, political, environmental, or regulatory conditions and developments in the countries or regions in which the fund invests, and may be more volatile than the performance of a more geographically-diversified portfolio.

  Non-Diversification Risk – The Fund is classified as a "non-diversified" fund. A non-diversified fund may hold a smaller number of portfolio securities, with larger positions in each security it holds, than many other mutual funds. To the extent the Fund invests in a relatively small number of issuers, a decline in the market value of a particular security held by the Fund may affect its value more than if it invested in a larger number of issuers. The value of the Fund's shares may be more volatile than the values of shares of more diversified funds. See also "Focused Investment Risk."

  Conflicts of Interest Risk – The Manager's relationships with the Fund's institutional investor base may give rise to various conflicts of interest, since the Manager will sometimes have an incentive to favor those shareholders over other shareholders in the Fund. In addition, the Manager serves as investment adviser to various clients other than the Fund, some of whom may pursue strategies that are substantially similar or nearly identical to investment strategies pursued by the Fund. This "side-by-side" management may give rise to various conflicts of interest, including, for example, in connection with the fair allocation of trades among the Manager's clients or the sharing of different, more, or more timely information regarding investment performance, portfolio holdings, strategy developments and/or the Manager's general market outlook. Furthermore, if investment personnel of the Manager hold board or other positions at outside companies, they could be exposed to material non-public information potentially impeding or delaying a Fund's ability to buy or sell certain investments, or they could otherwise be restricted in their ability to participate in a Fund's investment process.

  Equity Securities Risk – Equity securities may react more strongly to changes in an issuer's financial condition or prospects than other securities of the same issuer. Investing in equity securities indirectly, such as through participatory notes or depositary receipts, may involve other risks such as the risk that the counterparty may default or that the investment does not track the underlying security as expected.


75


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

  Focused Investment Risk – Should the Fund focus its investments in related, or a limited number of, countries, regions, sectors, or companies, this would create more risk and greater volatility than if the Fund's investments were less focused.

  Government and Regulatory Risk – Governmental and regulatory authorities in the United States and other countries, have taken, and may in the future take, actions intervening in the markets in which the Fund invests and in the economy more generally. Governmental and regulatory authorities may also act to increase the scope or burden of regulations applicable to the Fund or to the companies in which the Fund invests. The effects of these actions on the markets generally, and Fund's investment program in particular, can be uncertain and could restrict the ability of the Fund to fully implement its investment strategies, either generally, or with respect to certain securities, industries, or countries. By contrast, markets in some non-U.S. countries historically have been subject to little regulation or oversight by governmental or regulatory authorities, which could heighten the risk of loss due to fraud or market failures in those countries. Governments, agencies, or other regulatory bodies in any country may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the Fund or the market value of an instrument held by the Fund.

  Information Technology Risk – Cyber-attacks, disruptions, or failures that affect the Fund's service providers, counterparties, the securities markets generally, other market participants, or issuers of securities held by the Fund may adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders, including by causing losses for the Fund or impairing Fund operations.

  IPO Risk – The Fund may purchase securities in IPOs. These securities are subject to many of the same risks of investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile.

  Liquidity Risk – The Fund's investments may be subject to low trading volume, lack of a market maker, contractual lock-in periods or regulatory restrictions, and the Fund may hold large positions in particular securities. As a result, it may not be possible to sell an investment at a particular time or at an acceptable price. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. In some cases, due to unanticipated levels of illiquidity the Fund may seek to meet its redemption obligations wholly or in part by distributions of assets in-kind.

  Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk – The value of the Fund's investments could be adversely affected by events that disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global markets and by changes in non-U.S. and U.S. economic and political conditions.

  Market Risk – The value of the Fund's investments will be affected by fluctuations in the stock markets in which the Fund is invested, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, real or perceived adverse economic conditions,

changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. Declines in securities market prices may reduce the net asset value of the Fund's shares.

  New and Smaller-Sized Funds Risk – New funds and smaller-sized funds will be subject to greater liquidity risk due to their smaller asset bases and may be required to sell securities at disadvantageous times or prices due to a large shareholder redemption. A fund that has been recently formed will have limited or no performance history for investors to evaluate and may not reach or maintain a sufficient asset size to effectively implement its investment strategy.

  Service Provider Risk – The Fund will be affected by the Manager's investment techniques, analyses, assessments and employee retention. Similarly, adverse events or performance failures at a service provider, such as human error, inadequate controls or insolvency, have the ability to adversely affect the Fund.

  Valuation Risk – Some portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations. This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. There is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time.

Performance

The Fund had not commenced operations as of December 31, 2020. Accordingly, performance data is not included. When performance data becomes available, it will be posted to the following website: http://USmutualfund.bailliegifford.com. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.

Management

Investment Manager

Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited

Portfolio Managers

Name

 

Title

  Year Commenced
Service with the
Fund
 

Douglas Brodie

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2021

   

Svetlana Viteva

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2021

   

Purchasing, Exchanging, and Selling Fund Shares

To purchase, exchange, or redeem shares of the Fund through an intermediary, please contact your intermediary directly.

Other investors may purchase, exchange, or redeem shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for trading directly from the Fund's transfer agent, Bank of New York Mellon, by written request, as further described in the sections of


76


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

the Prospectus entitled "Shares—How to Buy or Exchange Shares" and "Shares—How to Sell Shares." The initial and subsequent investment minimums for the Fund shares are as follows:

Class of Shares

  Minimum Initial
Investment(1)
  Minimum
Subsequent
Investment(1)
 

Class K

    $10 million      

None

   

Institutional Class

   

None

     

None

   

(1)  If you hold shares through a financial intermediary, the financial intermediary may impose its own, different, investment minimums.

The Manager and Baillie Gifford Funds Services LLC ("BGFS"), the Fund's distributor, each reserves the right to waive any minimum in their sole discretion, and to reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason. Additional information regarding restrictions on purchasing or exchanging shares is provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—Restrictions on Buying or Exchanging Shares."

Tax

The Fund intends to make distributions that will be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are a tax-exempt investor or otherwise investing through a tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA or 401(k) plan. If you are investing through such a tax-advantaged account, you may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from that account.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for services the intermediary provides to Fund shareholders. These payments are not primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. In addition to the fees and expenses described in the "Fees and Expenses" section above, your broker-dealer or financial intermediary may charge commissions or other fees on purchases and sales of the Class K or Institutional Class shares of the Fund. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's web site for more information.


77


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity Growth Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity Growth Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

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

Shareholder Fees

(Fees paid directly from your investment)

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
 

None

     

None

   

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

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

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 

Management Fees(a)

   

0.50

%

   

0.50

%

 

Distribution (12b-1) Fees

   

None

     

None

   

Other Expenses

   

0.47

%

   

0.56

%

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses
   

0.97

%

   

1.06

%

 
Fee Waiver and/or Expense
Reimbursement(b)
   

(0.32

)%

   

(0.32

)%

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or
Expense Reimbursement
   

0.65

%

   

0.74

%

 

(a)  The Management Fee consists of an Advisory Fee and an Administration and Supervisory Fee paid by the Fund to Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited.

(b)  Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or bear Other Expenses of the Fund until April 30, 2022 to the extent that such Fund's Total Annual Operating Expenses (excluding taxes, sub-accounting expenses and extraordinary expenses) exceed 0.65% for Class K and Institutional Class shares. This contractual agreement may only be terminated by the Board of Trustees of the Trust. Expenses after waiver/reimbursement exceed 0.65% for Institutional Class due to sub-accounting expenses of 0.09%.

Example of Expenses

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, regardless of whether or not you redeem your shares at the end of such periods. It also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. The example below also applies any contractual expense waivers and/or expense reimbursements to the first year of each period listed in the table.

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your expenses would be:

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 
1 Year  

$

66

   

$

76

   
3 Years  

$

277

   

$

305

   
5 Years  

$

505

   

$

554

   
10 Years  

$

1,161

   

$

1,265

   

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses" above, affect the Fund's performance. During the Fund's most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 33% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a portfolio of equities, which include common stock and other equity securities, of issuers located in the U.S.

The portfolio managers seek to identify exceptional growth businesses in the U.S. and to own them for long enough that the advantages of their business models and the strength of their cultures support positive relative performance over the long term.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in common stocks and other equity securities of companies whose principal activities are in the U.S. The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund typically invests primarily in issuers with a market capitalization of more than $1.5 billion at the time of purchase and may participate in initial public offerings ("IPOs").

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up approach to stock selection and select companies without being constrained by a benchmark. They generally invest in a portfolio of between 30 and 50 growth companies. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The Fund is a non-diversified fund, which means that it may invest a relatively large percentage of its assets in a small number of issuers, industries or sectors. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5-10 years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.


78


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Principal Risks

The Fund's net asset value and returns will be impacted by the performance of the underlying investments of the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the Fund.

The principal risks of investing in the Fund (in alphabetical order after the first five risks) are:

  Investment Style Risk – Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited (the "Manager") actively makes investment decisions for the Fund through bottom-up stock selection. Accordingly, the Fund will have risk characteristics that differ from its benchmark index. The Manager's judgments about the attractiveness, relative value, or potential appreciation of a particular stock may prove to be incorrect and cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index. There can be no assurance that the Manager's investment decisions will produce the desired results.

  Growth Stock Risk – The prices of growth stocks may be based largely on expectations of future earnings, and their prices can decline rapidly and significantly in reaction to negative news. Growth stocks may underperform stocks in other broad style categories (and the stock market as a whole) over any period of time and may shift in and out of favor with investors generally, sometimes rapidly, depending on changes in market, economic, and other factors.

  Long-Term Investment Strategy Risk – The Fund pursues a long-term investment approach, typically seeking returns over a period of several years. This investment style may cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index or other mutual funds over extended periods of time, and the Fund may not perform as expected in the long term. An investment in the Fund may be more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the risk of short- or medium-term fluctuations in the value of the Fund's portfolio.

  Geographic Focus Risk – The Fund expects to focus its investments in a limited number of countries or geographic regions, and as a result may not offer the same level of diversification of risks as a more broadly global fund because the Fund will be exposed to a smaller geographic area. The performance of a fund that is less diversified across countries or geographic regions will be closely tied to market, currency, economic, political, environmental, or regulatory conditions and developments in the countries or regions in which the fund invests, and may be more volatile than the performance of a more geographically-diversified portfolio.

  Non-Diversification Risk – The Fund is classified as a "non-diversified" fund. A non-diversified fund may hold a smaller number of portfolio securities, with larger positions in each security it holds, than many other mutual funds. To the extent the Fund invests in a relatively small number of issuers, a decline in the market value of a particular security held by the Fund may affect its value more than if it invested in a larger number of issuers. The value of the Fund's shares

may be more volatile than the values of shares of more diversified funds. See also "Focused Investment Risk."

  Conflicts of Interest Risk – The Manager's relationships with the Fund's institutional investor base may give rise to various conflicts of interest, since the Manager will sometimes have an incentive to favor those shareholders over other shareholders in the Fund. In addition, the Manager serves as investment adviser to various clients other than the Fund, some of whom may pursue strategies that are substantially similar or nearly identical to investment strategies pursued by the Fund. This "side-by-side" management may give rise to various conflicts of interest, including, for example, in connection with the fair allocation of trades among the Manager's clients or the sharing of different, more, or more timely information regarding investment performance, portfolio holdings, strategy developments and/or the Manager's general market outlook. Furthermore, if investment personnel of the Manager hold board or other positions at outside companies, they could be exposed to material non-public information potentially impeding or delaying a Fund's ability to buy or sell certain investments, or they could otherwise be restricted in their ability to participate in a Fund's investment process.

  Equity Securities Risk – Equity securities may react more strongly to changes in an issuer's financial condition or prospects than other securities of the same issuer. Investing in equity securities indirectly, such as through participatory notes or depositary receipts, may involve other risks such as the risk that the counterparty may default or that the investment does not track the underlying security as expected.

  Focused Investment Risk – Because the Fund focuses its investments in a limited number of companies, its investment strategy could result in more risk or greater volatility in returns than if the Fund's investments were less focused.

  Government and Regulatory Risk – Governmental and regulatory authorities in the United States and other countries, have taken, and may in the future take, actions intervening in the markets in which the Fund invests and in the economy more generally. Governmental and regulatory authorities may also act to increase the scope or burden of regulations applicable to the Fund or to the companies in which the Fund invests. The effects of these actions on the markets generally, and Fund's investment program in particular, can be uncertain and could restrict the ability of the Fund to fully implement its investment strategies, either generally, or with respect to certain securities, industries, or countries. By contrast, markets in some non-U.S. countries historically have been subject to little regulation or oversight by governmental or regulatory authorities, which could heighten the risk of loss due to fraud or market failures in those countries. Governments, agencies, or other regulatory bodies in any country may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the Fund or the market value of an instrument held by the Fund.

  Information Technology Risk – Cyber-attacks, disruptions, or failures that affect the Fund's service providers, counterparties, the securities markets generally, other market participants, or


79


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

issuers of securities held by the Fund may adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders, including by causing losses for the Fund or impairing Fund operations.

  IPO Risk – The Fund may purchase securities in IPOs. These securities are subject to many of the same risks of investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile.

  Large-Capitalization Securities Risk – Returns on investments in securities of large companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of smaller and medium-sized companies. Larger companies may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller and medium-sized companies to competitive challenges or to changes in business, product, financial, or other market conditions. Larger companies may not be able to achieve or maintain growth at the high rates that may be achieved by well-managed smaller and medium-sized companies.

  Liquidity Risk – The Fund's investments may be subject to low trading volume, lack of a market maker, contractual lock-in periods or regulatory restrictions, and the Fund may hold large positions in particular securities. As a result, it may not be possible to sell an investment at a particular time or at an acceptable price. Liquidity risk may be magnified during periods of changing interest rates, significant shareholder redemptions or market turmoil. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. In some cases, due to unanticipated levels of illiquidity the Fund may seek to meet its redemption obligations wholly or in part by distributions of assets in-kind.

  Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk – The value of the Fund's investments could be adversely affected by events that disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global markets such as war, terrorism, public health crises, and geopolitical events and by changes in non-U.S. and U.S. economic and political conditions. As a result of these events, the Fund could lose money, experience significant redemptions, encounter operational difficulties, and suffer other negative impacts.

  Market Risk – The value of the Fund's investments will be affected by fluctuations in the stock markets in which the Fund is invested, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. Declines in securities market prices may reduce the net asset value of the Fund's shares.

  New and Smaller-Sized Funds Risk – New funds and smaller-sized funds will be subject to greater liquidity risk due to their smaller asset bases and may be required to sell securities at disadvantageous times or prices due to a large shareholder redemption. A fund that has been recently formed will have limited or no performance history for investors to evaluate and may not reach or maintain a sufficient asset size to effectively implement its investment strategy.

  Service Provider Risk – The Fund will be affected by the Manager's investment techniques, analyses, assessments and employee retention. Similarly, adverse events or performance failures at a service provider, such as human error, inadequate controls or insolvency, have the ability to adversely affect the Fund.

  Small- and Medium-Capitalization Securities Risk – Securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies can be more volatile due to various factors including more limited product lines, financial and management resources and market distribution channels, as well as shorter operating histories and potentially reduced liquidity, especially during market declines, than the securities of larger, more established companies.

  Valuation Risk – In certain circumstances, some of the Fund's portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations by employing the fair value procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board"). This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. There is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time.

Performance

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's annual total returns from year to year and by comparing the Fund's average annual total returns with those of the Fund's benchmark. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.

Annual Total Returns – Institutional Class Shares(1)(2)

Highest Quarterly Return: 55.77% (Q2, 2020)

Lowest Quarterly Return: -21.06% (Q4, 2018)

(1)  The inception date for Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity Growth Fund is December 5, 2016, when Baillie Gifford International, LLC purchased Class 1 shares. Classes 1-5 of the Fund were terminated effective May 1, 2017, and Class 1 shares were converted to Class K shares. For the period from January 1, 2017 to May 1, 2017, the performance shown is for Class 1 shares and


80


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

has been adjusted for the higher total annual operating expenses incurred by Institutional Class.

(2)  Excluding reimbursement received from the Manager, total return for 2019 was 29.72%

In the table below, after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown for Institutional Class shares only, and after-tax returns for other share classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on your tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant if you are tax-exempt or if you hold your Fund shares through tax-advantaged arrangements. A description of the Fund's comparative indices and details regarding the calculation of the Fund's class-by-class performance are provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Additional Performance Information."

Average Annual Total Returns for
Periods Ended December 31, 2020
 

1 Year

  Since Fund
Inception
(12/05/2016)
 
Institutional Class Returns Before
Taxes(1)(2)
   

125.43

%

   

42.80

%

 
Institutional Class Returns After Taxes
on Distributions(1)(2)
   

123.73

%

   

42.21

%

 
Institutional Class Returns After Taxes
on Distributions and Sale of Fund
Shares(1)(2)
   

75.48

%

   

35.73

%

 

Class K Returns Before Taxes(3)

   

125.57

%

   

42.87

%

 
Comparative Index
(reflects no deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes)
 

Russell 1000 Growth(4)

   

38.49

%

   

24.67

%

 

S&P 500 Index(5)

   

18.40

%

   

16.21

%

 

(1)  Performance for Institutional Class shares prior to their date of inception (April 28, 2017) is derived from the historical performance of Class 1 shares and has been adjusted for the higher total annual operating expenses incurred by Institutional Class.

(2)  If reimbursement received from the Manager in 2019 were excluded, the total return would be lower.

(3)  The inception date for Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity Growth Fund is December 5, 2016, when Baillie Gifford International, LLC purchased Class 1 shares. Classes 1-5 of the Fund were terminated effective May 1, 2017, and Class 1 shares were converted to Class K shares. For periods prior to May 1, 2017, the performance shown is based on the performance for Class 1 shares.

(4)  The source of the index data is London Stock Exchange Group plc and its group undertakings (collectively, the "LSE Group"). © LSE Group 2020. FTSE Russell is a trading name of certain of the LSE Group companies. "Russell®" is a trade mark(s) of the relevant LSE Group companies and is used by any other LSE Group company under license. "TMX®" is a trade mark of TSX, Inc. and used by the LSE Group under license. All rights in the FTSE Russell indexes or data vest in the relevant LSE Group company which owns the index or the data. Neither LSE Group nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the indexes or data and no party may rely on any indexes or data contained in this Prospectus. No further distribution of data from the LSE Group is permitted without the relevant LSE Group company's express written consent. The LSE Group does not promote, sponsor or endorse the content of this Prospectus.

(5)  The S&P 500 ("Index") is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, a division of S&P Global, or its affiliates. Standard & Poor's® and S&P® are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC, a division of S&P Global; Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC. Neither S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC, their affiliates nor their third party licensors make any representation or

warranty, express or implied, as to the ability of any index to accurately represent the asset class or market sector that it purports to represent and neither S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC, their affiliates nor their third party licensors shall have any liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions of any index or the data included therein.

Management

Investment Manager

Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited

Portfolio Managers

Name

 

Title

  Year Commenced
Service with
the Fund
 

Dave Bujnowski

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2020

   

Kirsty Gibson

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2016

   

Gary Robinson

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2016

   

Tom Slater

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2016

   

Purchasing, Exchanging, and Selling Fund Shares

To purchase, exchange, or redeem shares of the Fund through an intermediary, please contact your intermediary directly.

Other investors may purchase, exchange, or redeem shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for trading directly from the Fund's transfer agent, Bank of New York Mellon, by written request, as further described in the sections of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—How to Buy or Exchange Shares" and "Shares—How to Sell Shares." The initial and subsequent investment minimums for the Fund shares are as follows:

Class of Shares

  Minimum Initial
Investment(1)
  Minimum
Subsequent
Investment(1)
 

Class K

    $10 million      

None

   

Institutional Class

   

None

     

None

   

(1)  If you hold shares through a financial intermediary, the financial intermediary may impose its own, different, investment minimums.

The Manager and Baillie Gifford Funds Services LLC ("BGFS"), the Fund's distributor, each reserves the right to waive any minimum in their sole discretion, and to reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason. Additional information regarding restrictions on purchasing or exchanging shares is provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—Restrictions on Buying or Exchanging Shares."

Tax

The Fund intends to make distributions that will be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are a tax-exempt investor or otherwise investing through a tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA or 401(k) plan. If you are investing through such a tax-advantaged account, you may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from that account.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

pay the intermediary for services the intermediary provides to Fund shareholders. These payments are not primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. In addition to the fees and expenses described in the "Fees and Expenses" section above, your broker-dealer or financial intermediary may charge commissions or other fees on purchases and sales of the Class K or Institutional Class shares of the Fund. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's web site for more information.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT

PRINCIPAL STRATEGIES AND RISKS

Principal Investment Strategies

Baillie Gifford Asia Ex Japan Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford Asia Ex Japan Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in Asia (excluding Japan) and including the Indian subcontinent.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in securities of companies located in countries represented in the MSCI All Country Asia Ex Japan Index. The MSCI All Country Asia Ex Japan Index includes large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap issuers from a variety of countries including China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand. The economies of many of these countries are considered emerging market economies, and some may be considered frontier markets. The Fund will invest in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund is not constrained with respect to market capitalization and may participate in IPOs and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will aim to remain fully invested in equities, holding cash and cash equivalents primarily during periods of investment reallocation, or in connection with purchases of or redemptions from the Fund.

The portfolio managers select companies without being constrained by the MSCI All Country Asia Ex Japan benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 50 and 100 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The Fund aims to hold securities for relatively long periods, which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up stock-picking approach that seeks to make long-term investments in well-managed businesses with genuine and sustainable competitive advantages. The portfolio managers seek to identify companies that are likely to generate above average growth in earnings and cash flows, based on fundamental research. The Manager's fundamental research process focuses on: (i) the opportunity for an issuer to deliver superior returns; (ii) the ability of the issuer to execute on that opportunity; and (iii) the current market valuation of the security.

The portfolio managers may sell a holding if they determine there has been a material deterioration in the investment case or as appropriate to make other investments or meet redemptions.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar. In response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may deviate from its investment policies by taking temporary defensive positions with some or all of its assets in high quality income securities, cash or cash equivalents. As a result, during such conditions, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

See "Selected Investment Techniques and Topics—Location of Issuers" below for additional detail on how the Fund classifies the location of issuers in which it invests.

Principal Investment Risks

The "Principal Investment Risks" section below identifies and describes the principal risks of investing in the Fund.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford China A Shares Growth Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford China A Shares Growth Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in China.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in China A Shares. China A Shares are common stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in China that are listed or traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, or any other stock exchange in China and which are quoted in RMB. The Fund expects to access China A Shares through the Stock Connect programs. The Fund also may, in the future, access China A Shares through the QFI program or other means of access which may become available in the future. The foregoing channels are intended to allow the Fund to invest in China A Shares directly. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities indirectly, such as through depositary receipts or ETFs, especially during extended closures of the Chinese markets.

The Stock Connect programs are securities trading and clearing link programs that enable international investors to invest in China A Shares, providing a direct investment channel to trade eligible securities on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. In the future, additional Chinese stock exchanges may establish structures similar to the current Stock Connect programs. Trading under the Stock Connect programs is subject to an aggregate daily quota, which limits the maximum net buy value of cross-boundary trades under each of the Stock Connect programs each day. The Stock Connect programs are also subject to various other restrictions which may constrain the Fund's ability to invest in a particular company at a particular time, such as limits on when markets are open and trades processed and additional regulations and listing rules imposed by China and the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges. Additionally, foreign investors in aggregate are limited to owning no more than 30% of the total issued shares of any listed company, including those participating in the Stock Connect programs.

The Fund may also invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund may invest in any sector or industry, in issuers of any market capitalization, and may participate in IPOs and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S.

The portfolio managers select companies without being constrained by the Fund's benchmark, the MSCI China A Onshore Index and, therefore, there may be listings in the benchmark that are not included in the Fund's portfolio and holdings in the Fund's portfolio that are not included in the benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors,

including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The portfolio managers employ an additional due diligence process for Chinese companies in light of the comparative immaturity of the Chinese capital markets and the status of China as an emerging market economy.

The portfolio managers seek to identify exceptional growth companies in China and hold them for long enough that the advantages of their business models and the strength of their corporate cultures become dominant drivers of their stock price. The intended outcome is a non-diversified portfolio of between 25 and 40 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The Fund intends to operate as a non-diversified fund, which means that it may invest a relatively large percentage of its assets in a small number of issuers, industries, or sectors. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5-10 years), which is expected to result in a relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up stock-picking approach that seeks to make long-term investments in well-managed businesses with genuine and sustainable competitive advantages. The portfolio managers seek to identify companies that are likely to generate above-average growth in earnings and cash flows, based on fundamental research.

The portfolio managers may sell a holding if they determine there has been a material deterioration in the investment case or as appropriate to make other investments or meet redemptions.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar. In response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may deviate from its investment policies by taking temporary defensive positions with some or all of its assets in high quality income securities, cash or cash equivalents. As a result, during such conditions, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

See "Selected Investment Techniques and Topics—Location of Issuers" below for additional detail on how the Fund classifies the location of issuers in which it invests.

Principal Investment Risks

The "Principal Investment Risks" section below identifies and describes the principal risks of investing in the Fund.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Investment Strategies

The Fund will seek to meet its objective by investing in a portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of companies located in China. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in common stocks and other equity securities of companies located in China, regardless of where their securities are principally listed for trading.

The Fund will invest in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts or participatory notes and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will aim to remain fully invested in equities, holding cash and cash equivalents primarily during periods of investment reallocation, or as a result of purchases of or redemptions from the Fund. The Fund may invest in any sector or industry, in issuers of any market capitalization, and may participate in IPOs and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S. The Fund's investments can include securities of companies listed on exchanges located in and outside of China and include China A Shares, which are common stocks and other equity securities that are listed or traded on a Chinese stock exchange and which are quoted in renminbi, the official currency of China.

The Fund expects to directly access China A Shares through the Stock Connect programs. The Stock Connect programs are securities trading and clearing link programs that enable international investors to invest in China A Shares, providing a direct investment channel to trade eligible securities on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. In the future, additional Chinese stock exchanges may establish structures similar to the current Stock Connect programs. Trading under the Stock Connect programs is subject to an aggregate daily quota, which limits the maximum net buy value of cross-boundary trades under each of the Stock Connect programs each day. The daily quota is not specific to any one particular investor. The Stock Connect programs are also subject to various other restrictions which may constrain the Fund's ability to invest in a particular company at a particular time, such as limits on when markets are open and trades processed and additional regulations and listing rules imposed by China and the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges. Additionally, foreign investors in aggregate are limited to owning no more than 30% of the total issued shares of any listed company, including those participating in the Stock Connect programs.

The Fund may in the future also directly access securities of companies through the QFI program or other means of access which may become available in the future. The foregoing channels are intended to allow the Fund to invest in securities of companies listed on exchanges located in China directly. In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities indirectly, such as through depositary receipts or ETFs, especially during extended closures of the Chinese markets.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up stock-picking approach that seeks to make long-term investments in

well-managed businesses with genuine and sustainable competitive advantages. The portfolio managers seek to identify companies that are likely to generate above-average growth in earnings and cash flows, based on fundamental research.

The portfolio managers will principally select companies without being constrained by the Fund's benchmark, the MSCI China All Shares Index and, therefore, there may be listings in the benchmark that are not included in the Fund's portfolio and holdings in the Fund's portfolio that are not included in the benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas normally will be researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength, and valuation. As part of their bottom-up stock-picking approach, the portfolio managers employ an additional due diligence process for Chinese companies. In light of the comparative immaturity of the Chinese capital markets and the status of China as an emerging market economy, the portfolio managers complete a due diligence checklist for each Chinese company, which covers topics such as management and ownership and business financials. If the portfolio managers identify any areas of further interest during this due diligence review, the portfolio managers may commission additional research from third-party specialists.

The portfolio managers seek to identify exciting growth companies in China across a broad range of sectors with the potential to achieve the Fund's investment objective. The intended outcome is a non-diversified portfolio of between 40 and 80 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The Fund intends to operate as a non-diversified fund, which means that it may invest a relatively large percentage of its assets in a small number of issuers, industries, or sectors. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5+ years), which is expected to result in a relatively low portfolio turnover and be in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook. It is expected that the Fund will hold large positions, over 5%, in a small number of companies consistent with the Fund operating as a non-diversified fund.

The portfolio managers may sell a holding if they determine there has been a material deterioration in the investment case or as appropriate to make other investments or meet redemptions.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar. In response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may deviate from its investment policies by taking temporary defensive positions with some or all of its assets in high quality income securities, cash or cash equivalents. As a result, during such conditions, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.


85


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

See "Selected Investment Techniques and Topics—Location of Issuers" below for additional detail on how the Fund classifies the location of issuers in which it invests.

Principal Investment Risks

The "Principal Investment Risks" section below identifies and describes the principal risks of investing in the Fund.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in non-U.S. countries with developed markets.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in common stocks and other equity securities of companies whose principal activities are in developed markets in Europe, Australasia and/or the Far East. The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund is not constrained with respect to market capitalization and may participate in IPOs and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S. In selecting companies for investment, the portfolio managers focus on issuers in developed markets, but in some circumstances may gain exposure to emerging markets. Under normal circumstances, the Fund aims to remain fully invested in equities, holding cash and cash equivalents primarily during periods of investment reallocation, or in connection with purchases of or redemptions from the Fund.

The portfolio managers retain flexibility to invest without being constrained by the MSCI EAFE benchmark and, therefore, there may be listings in the benchmark that are not included in the Fund's portfolio and holdings in the Fund's portfolio that are not included in the benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors that may include: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 50 and 90 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, which in recent periods has included Japan. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5+ years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up stock-picking approach that seeks to make long-term investments in well-managed businesses with genuine and sustainable competitive advantages. The portfolio managers seek to identify companies that are likely to generate above average growth in earnings and cash flows, based on fundamental research. When evaluating an issuer, the Manager considers questions, such as the following: (i) Will the issuer have significantly larger earnings and cash flows in five years?; (ii) Is the issuer's management sensibly guarding the shareholders' capital?; (iii) Why is the expected growth not reflected in the security's current share price?; and (iv) What would make the Manager sell?

The Fund is managed by the same portfolio managers as Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund. The Fund invests in a manner similar to that of Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund, except that the Fund does not include among its principal investment strategies the investment in emerging markets.

The portfolio managers may sell a holding if they determine there has been a material deterioration in the investment case or as appropriate to make other investments or meet redemptions.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar. In response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may deviate from its investment policies by taking temporary defensive positions with some or all of its assets in high quality income securities, cash or cash equivalents. As a result, during such conditions, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

See "Selected Investment Techniques and Topics—Location of Issuers" below for additional detail on how the Fund classifies the location of issuers in which it invests.

Principal Investment Risks

The "Principal Investment Risks" section below identifies and describes the principal risks of investing in the Fund.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in non-U.S. countries with developed and emerging markets.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 85% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in common stocks and other equity securities of companies whose principal activities are in Europe, Australasia and/or the Far East. The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund is not constrained with respect to market capitalization and may participate in IPOs and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S. In selecting companies for investment, the portfolio managers focus on issuers in both developed and emerging markets. Under normal circumstances, the Fund aims to remain fully invested in equities, holding cash and cash equivalents primarily during periods of investment reallocation, or in connection with purchases of or redemptions from the Fund.

The portfolio managers retain flexibility to invest without being constrained by the MSCI EAFE benchmark and, therefore, there may be listings in the benchmark that are not included in the Fund's portfolio and holdings in the Fund's portfolio that are not included in the benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors that may include: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 60 and 90 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, which in recent periods has included Japan. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5+ years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up stock-picking approach that seeks to make long-term investments in well-managed businesses with genuine and sustainable competitive advantages. The portfolio managers seek to identify companies that are likely to generate above average growth in earnings and cash flows, based on fundamental research. When evaluating an issuer, the Manager considers questions, such as the following: (i) Will the issuer have significantly larger earnings and cash flows in five years?; (ii) Is the issuer's management sensibly guarding the shareholders' capital?; (iii) Why is the expected growth not reflected in the security's current share price?; and (iv) What would make the Manager sell?

The Fund is managed by the same portfolio managers as Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund. The Fund invests in a manner similar to that of Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund, except that the Fund includes among its principal investment strategies investment in emerging markets.

The portfolio managers may sell a holding if they determine there has been a material deterioration in the investment case or as appropriate to make other investments or meet redemptions.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar. In response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may deviate from its investment policies by taking temporary defensive positions with some or all of its assets in high quality income securities, cash or cash equivalents. As a result, during such conditions, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

See "Selected Investment Techniques and Topics—Location of Issuers" below for additional detail on how the Fund classifies the location of issuers in which it invests.

Principal Investment Risks

The "Principal Investment Risks" section below identifies and describes the principal risks of investing in the Fund.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in countries of emerging and frontier markets.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of companies located in countries represented in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. The countries represented in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index include markets that may be less sophisticated than more developed markets in terms of participation by investors, analyst coverage, liquidity, and regulation. The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts or participatory notes, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund is not constrained with respect to market capitalization and may participate in IPOs and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S. Under normal circumstances, the Fund aims to remain fully invested in equities, holding cash and cash equivalents primarily during periods of investment reallocation, or in connection with purchases of or redemptions from the Fund. The portfolio managers have flexibility to gain exposure to one or more emerging markets through investing in ETFs that track relevant equity indices.

The portfolio managers select companies without being constrained by the MSCI Emerging Markets benchmark and, therefore, there may be listings in the benchmark that are not included in the Fund's portfolio and holdings in the Fund's portfolio that are not included in the benchmark. The portfolio managers may reference the benchmark to set limits on the relative weighting of countries in the portfolio. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 60 and 100 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, and the Fund expects to invest significantly in Chinese companies including through China A shares, which are common stocks and other equity securities that are listed or traded on a Chinese stock exchange and which are quoted in renminbi. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5 years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The portfolio managers primarily employ a bottom-up stock-picking approach that seeks to make long-term investments in well-managed businesses with genuine and sustainable competitive advantages. The portfolio managers can also

consider macro-economic factors when identifying potential investments. The portfolio managers seek to identify companies that are likely to generate above average growth in earnings and cash flows, based on fundamental research. The Manager's fundamental research process focuses on: (i) the opportunity for an issuer to deliver superior returns; (ii) the ability of the issuer to execute on that opportunity; and (iii) the current market valuation of the security.

The portfolio managers may sell a holding if they determine there has been a material deterioration in the investment case or as appropriate to make other investments or meet redemptions.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar. In response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may deviate from its investment policies by taking temporary defensive positions with some or all of its assets in high quality income securities, cash or cash equivalents. As a result, during such conditions, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

See "Selected Investment Techniques and Topics—Location of Issuers" below for additional detail on how the Fund classifies the location of issuers in which it invests.

Principal Investment Risks

The "Principal Investment Risks" section below identifies and describes the principal risks of investing in the Fund.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a global, diversified portfolio of equities, which include common stock and other equity securities, of issuers located in countries of developed and emerging markets.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities. The Fund invests predominantly in a diversified portfolio of securities issued by companies located in countries represented in the MSCI ACWI Index, cash and cash equivalents. The Fund invests in companies whose principal activities are in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Europe, Australasia, Africa, the Middle East and/or the Far East. The Fund ordinarily invests in securities of issuers located in at least three different countries. In addition, under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 40% of its total assets in securities of companies located outside the U.S. when market conditions are favorable, but, when market conditions are not favorable, the Fund will invest at least 30% of its total assets in companies located outside the U.S. For purposes of establishing whether a 40% or 30% threshold applies when measuring the test described in the prior sentence, the Manager will determine, in its sole discretion, whether market conditions are favorable and in making such determination may consider any factors it deems relevant, including but not limited to: the relative prospects for growth among U.S. and non-U.S. companies; long- or short-term fluctuations, or expected fluctuations, in currency exchange rates; the relative monetary or fiscal health of the U.S. compared to other countries; the relative market stability, or expected stability, of the U.S. compared to other countries; and the relative weighting of the U.S. and non-U.S. countries on global equity market indices.

The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund typically invests in issuers with a market capitalization of more than $4 billion at the time of purchase and may participate in IPOs and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S. Under normal circumstances, the Fund aims to remain fully invested in equities, holding cash and cash equivalents primarily during periods of investment reallocation, or in connection with purchases of or redemptions from the Fund.

The portfolio managers select companies without being constrained by the MSCI ACWI benchmark and, therefore, there may be listings in the benchmark that are not included in the Fund's portfolio and holdings in the Fund's portfolio that are not included in the benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage,

management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 70 and 120 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5 years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up stock-picking approach that seeks to make long-term investments in well-managed businesses with genuine and sustainable competitive advantages. The portfolio managers seek to identify companies that are likely to generate above average growth in earnings and cash flows over the long term, based on fundamental research. The Manager's fundamental research process focuses on: (i) the opportunity for an issuer to deliver superior returns; (ii) the ability of the issuer to execute on that opportunity; and (iii) the current market valuation of the issuer.

The portfolio managers may sell a holding if they determine there has been a material deterioration in the investment case or as appropriate to make other investments or meet redemptions.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar. In response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may deviate from its investment policies by taking temporary defensive positions with some or all of its assets in high quality income securities, cash or cash equivalents. As a result, during such conditions, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

Much like other actively-managed long equity growth strategies maintained by the Manager and represented by other Funds included in this prospectus, the Fund's portfolio managers focus their selection of individual holdings around seeking to generate "alpha," or investment returns that are differentiated from the baseline returns of the overall equity markets in which the Fund invests. The inclusion of "alpha" in the Fund's name does not reflect any greater or lesser correlation with or reference to any benchmark index's constituents or returns than for other series of the Trust without "alpha" in their names.

See "Selected Investment Techniques and Topics—Location of Issuers" below for additional detail on how the Fund classifies the location of issuers in which it invests.

Principal Investment Risks

The "Principal Investment Risks" section below identifies and describes the principal risks of investing in the Fund.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Global Stewardship Equities Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford Global Stewardship Equities Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a global portfolio of equity securities of issuers located in countries with developed and with emerging markets. In seeking to meet its investment objective, the Fund considers stewardship and ESG factors.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities. The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund invests predominantly in a diversified portfolio of securities issued by companies located in countries represented in the MSCI ACWI Index, cash and cash equivalents.

In addition, under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 40% of its total assets in securities of companies located outside the U.S. when market conditions are favorable, but, when market conditions are not favorable, will invest at least 30% of its total assets in companies located outside the U.S. For purposes of establishing whether a 40% or 30% threshold applies when measuring the test described in the prior sentence, the Manager will determine, in its sole discretion, whether market conditions are favorable and in making such determination may consider any factors it deems relevant, including but not limited to: the relative prospects for growth among U.S. and non-U.S. companies; long- or short-term fluctuations, or expected fluctuations, in currency exchange rates; the relative monetary or fiscal health of the U.S. compared to other countries; the relative market stability, or expected stability, of the U.S. compared to other countries; and the relative weighting of the U.S. and non-U.S. countries on global equity market indices. The Fund's investment universe includes invest in issuers located in emerging markets.

Although the Fund retains the ability to invest in issuers of any market capitalization, the Fund typically invests primarily in issuers with a market capitalization of approximately $1.5 billion or more at the time of purchase. The Fund may participate in IPOs and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S. Under normal circumstances, the Fund aims to remain fully invested in equities, holding cash and cash equivalents primarily during periods of investment reallocation, or in connection with purchases of or redemptions from the Fund.

The portfolio managers select companies without being constrained by the MSCI ACWI benchmark and, therefore, there may be listings in the benchmark that are not included in the Fund's portfolio and holdings in the Fund's portfolio that are not included in the benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential,

geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 70 and 90 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, which in recent periods have included Japan and China. The Fund expects to invest in Chinese companies, among other means, through China A shares, which are common stocks and other equity securities that are listed or traded on a Chinese stock exchange and which are quoted in renminbi. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5 years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook. Portfolio construction decisions are made by a single, central team, which consists of the individual portfolio managers, alongside members of the Manager's dedicated Governance and Sustainability team. The latter provides specialized input into consideration of stewardship and related ESG issues.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up stock-picking approach that seeks to make long-term investments in well-managed businesses with genuine and sustainable competitive advantages. The portfolio managers seek to identify companies that are likely to generate above average growth in earnings and cash flows, based on fundamental research. The portfolio managers' construction process takes into account consideration of ESG and stewardship factors, as described in more detail below.

In selecting investments for the Fund, the portfolio management team conducts a stewardship analysis, which focuses on a number of different aspects relating to the control, oversight and management of a company. Despite extensive regulation and the creation of a number of national-level corporate governance codes, companies still have broad discretion over how they choose to be incorporated, governed and operated. As long-term investors, the portfolio management team pays close attention to these variables, taking particular interest in the following areas of a company's business:

—  the capital structure, articles of incorporation, and the country or countries of incorporation and listing;

—  the treatment and protection of minority shareholders;

—  the support of and commitment to sustainable business practices;

—  the alignment of interests between management, strategic shareholders and other investors;

—  the composition and effectiveness of the Board of Directors, the quality and performance of management, and the remuneration of key employees;

—  the corporate culture and approach to sustainable business, and the management of relationships with customers, employees, suppliers, regulators and the wider community.

The portfolio management team's ongoing assessment of corporate governance issues influences how the Fund votes at company shareholder meetings and how the portfolio managers engage with management. Stewardship is defined by this combination of ongoing company monitoring and research and 'active ownership' through voting and engagement.


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In incorporating stewardship in its investment process, the portfolio management team also performs an ESG analysis on companies considered for inclusion in the Fund's portfolio. This analysis is supported by bespoke research conducted by analysts from members of the Manager's dedicated Governance and Sustainability team using a range of different information sources including corporate reports, monitoring services and specialist ESG data providers. This bespoke work is then augmented and compared to external data sources, including the United Nations Global Compact for business, which cover areas including human rights, labor rights, environmental safeguards and combating bribery and corruption (collectively, the "Third-Party Reports"). The ESG analysis is reviewed by the portfolio managers as part of the discussion of the broader investment case for each current and potential portfolio holding. The Manager considers a company's supportive contributions to ESG matters as a positive factor when making investment decisions. The portfolio managers will also seek to identify any Fund holdings where the Manager may have the ability to influence company management with respect to stewardship or ESG issues and may attempt to proactively engage management of the companies on the issues identified.

In addition to the ESG analysis described above, the Manager incorporates multiple qualitative and quantitative screens to avoid investments in issuers engaged in certain activities and business lines that the Manager believes are environmentally or socially harmful, as well as to avoid issuers failing to take sufficient actions the Manager believes to be environmentally or socially beneficial. For example, the Fund will not invest in any company that derives more than 10 percent of its annual revenues from one or more of the following activities: (a) the production or sale of tobacco, armaments or alcohol; (b) gambling or adult entertainment related activities; and (c) fossil fuel extraction.

The Manager generally will not invest in a company which does not pass the Manager's qualitative screens and assessments, including those based on the company's performance with respect to principles laid out in the Third-Party Reports selected by the portfolio management team. If the Manager becomes aware that a current holding fails to pass an investment screen, the Manager will seek to dispose of such holding in an orderly manner over a reasonable period of time, taking into account the liquidity of the holding and other market factors. The portfolio managers may sell a holding if they determine there has been a material deterioration in the investment case or the Manager's ESG assessment of the company or as appropriate to make other investments or meet redemptions.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar. In response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may deviate from its investment policies by taking temporary defensive positions with some or all of its assets in high quality income securities, cash or cash equivalents. As a result, during such conditions, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

See "Selected Investment Techniques and Topics—Location of Issuers" below for additional detail on how the Fund classifies the location of issuers in which it invests.

Principal Investment Risks

The "Principal Investment Risks" section below identifies and describes the principal risks of investing in the Fund.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in an international portfolio of equities, which include common stock and other equity securities, of issuers located in countries of developed and emerging markets.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in common stocks and other equity securities. The Fund invests predominantly in securities issued by companies located in countries represented in the MSCI ACWI (ex U.S.) Index, which includes issuers from a range of developed and emerging market countries. The Fund ordinarily invests in securities of issuers located in at least three countries outside the U.S. The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund is not constrained with respect to market capitalization and may participate in IPOs and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S. Under normal circumstances, the Fund aims to remain fully invested in equities, holding cash and cash equivalents primarily during periods of investment reallocation, or in connection with purchases of or redemptions from the Fund.

The portfolio managers principally select companies without being constrained by the MSCI ACWI (ex U.S.) benchmark and, therefore, there may be listings in the benchmark that are not included in the Fund's portfolio and holdings in the Fund's portfolio that are not included in the benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 70 and 110 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, which in recent periods have included Japan and China. The Fund expects to invest in Chinese companies, among other means, through China A shares, which are common stocks and other equity securities that are listed or traded on a Chinese stock exchange and which are quoted in renminbi. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5 years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up stock-picking approach that seeks to make long-term investments in well-managed businesses with genuine and sustainable competitive advantages. The portfolio managers seek to identify companies that are likely to generate above average growth in earnings and cash flows, based on fundamental research. The Manager's

fundamental research process focuses on: (i) the opportunity for an issuer to deliver superior returns; (ii) the ability of the issuer to execute on that opportunity; and (iii) the current market valuation of the issuer.

The portfolio managers may sell a holding if they determine there has been a material deterioration in the investment case or as appropriate to make other investments or meet redemptions.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar. In response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may deviate from its investment policies by taking temporary defensive positions with some or all of its assets in high quality income securities, cash or cash equivalents. As a result, during such conditions, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

The inclusion of "alpha" in the Fund's name does not reflect any greater or lesser correlation with or reference to any benchmark index's constituents or returns than for other series of the Trust without "alpha" in their names.

See "Selected Investment Techniques and Topics—Location of Issuers" below for additional detail on how the Fund classifies the location of issuers in which it invests.

Principal Investment Risks

The "Principal Investment Risks" section below identifies and describes the principal risks of investing in the Fund.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford International Concentrated Growth Equities Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford International Concentrated Growth Equities Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in an international portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in countries of developed and emerging markets.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in common stocks and other equities of companies located in the U.S. The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund is not constrained with respect to market capitalization and may participate in IPOs and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S. Under normal circumstances, the Fund aims to remain fully invested in equities, holding cash and cash equivalents primarily during periods of investment reallocation, or in connection with purchases of or redemptions from the Fund.

The portfolio managers principally select companies without being constrained by the MSCI ACWI (ex U.S.) benchmark and, therefore, there may be listings in the benchmark that are not included in the Fund's portfolio and holdings in the Fund's portfolio that are not included in the benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a portfolio of between 20 and 35 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. However, depending on market conditions, the number of holdings may be fewer than 20 or greater than 35 if the portfolio managers determine that a smaller or larger number of holdings is in the best interest of the Fund. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, which in recent periods have included Japan and China. The Fund expects to have considerable exposure to Chinese companies, including through China A shares, which are common stocks and other equity securities that are listed or traded on a Chinese stock exchange and which are quoted in renminbi. The Fund is a non-diversified fund, which means that it may invest a relatively large percentage of its assets in a small number of issuers, industries, or sectors. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5-10 years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up stock-picking approach that seeks to make long-term investments in well-managed businesses with genuine and sustainable competitive advantages. The portfolio managers seek to identify companies that are likely to generate above-average growth in earnings and cash flows, based on fundamental research. The Manager's fundamental research process focuses on: (i) the opportunity for an issuer to deliver superior returns; (ii) the ability of the issuer to execute on that opportunity; and (iii) the current market valuation of the issuer. Portfolio construction decisions are then taken by the portfolio managers, acting as a single, central team.

The portfolio managers may sell a holding if they determine there has been a material deterioration in the investment case or as appropriate to make other investments or meet redemptions.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar. In response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may deviate from its investment policies by taking temporary defensive positions with some or all of its assets in high quality income securities, cash or cash equivalents. As a result, during such conditions, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

See "Selected Investment Techniques and Topics—Location of Issuers" below for additional detail on how the Fund classifies the location of issuers in which it invests.

Principal Investment Risks

The "Principal Investment Risks" section below identifies and describes the principal risks of investing in the Fund.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a diversified, international portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in countries of developed and emerging markets.

The Fund invests predominantly in securities issued by companies located in countries outside the U.S., including a range of developed and emerging market countries. The Fund may, however, invest up to 10% of its net assets in common stocks and other equities of companies located in the U.S. Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in at least three countries outside the U.S. and typically maintains substantial exposure to emerging markets. The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund is not constrained with respect to market capitalization and may participate in IPOs and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S. In selecting companies for investment, the portfolio managers generally consider issuers in both developed and emerging markets. Under normal circumstances, the Fund aims to remain fully invested in equities, holding cash and cash equivalents primarily during periods of investment reallocation, or in connection with purchases of or redemptions from the Fund.

The portfolio managers select companies without being constrained by the MSCI ACWI ex U.S. benchmark and, therefore, there may be listings in the benchmark that are not included in the Fund's portfolio and holdings in the Fund's portfolio that are not included in the benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 50 and 60 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, which in recent periods have included Japan and China. The Fund expects to have considerable exposure to Chinese companies, including through China A shares, which are common stocks and other equity securities that are listed or traded on a Chinese stock exchange and which are quoted in renminbi. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5 years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook. Because the Fund aims to hold securities for long periods, the Fund does not expect to actively reduce its holdings of shares of particular issuers (other than in response to purchase and redemption requests) even if market movements cause the Fund to operate as a non-diversified company for an extended period of time.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up stock-picking approach that seeks to make long-term investments in well-managed businesses with genuine and sustainable competitive advantages. The portfolio managers seek to identify companies that are likely to generate above average growth in earnings and cash flows, based on fundamental research. The Manager's fundamental research process focuses on: (i) the opportunity for an issuer to deliver superior returns; (ii) the ability of the issuer to execute on that opportunity; and (iii) the current market valuation of the issuer.

The portfolio managers may sell a holding if they determine there has been a material deterioration in the investment case or as appropriate to make other investments or meet redemptions.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar. In response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may deviate from its investment policies by taking temporary defensive positions with some or all of its assets in high quality income securities, cash or cash equivalents. As a result, during such conditions, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

See "Selected Investment Techniques and Topics—Location of Issuers" below for additional detail on how the Fund classifies the location of issuers in which it invests.

Principal Investment Risks

The "Principal Investment Risks" section below identifies and describes the principal risks of investing in the Fund.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford International Smaller Companies Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford International Smaller Companies Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in an international portfolio of common stocks of smaller companies located in countries of developed and emerging markets.

When selecting companies for initial inclusion in the Fund's portfolio, the Fund seeks to invest in companies with a market capitalization in the region of $2 billion or lower. The Fund may continue to hold, and may increase its investment in, portfolio companies whose market capitalization subsequently increases. The Fund typically will not seek to increase the percentage of its portfolio invested in any company whose market capitalization is in excess of $5 billion. However, in cases where the market capitalization of a portfolio company has increased above $5 billion, the Fund may continue to purchase additional shares of that company so long as the percentage of the Fund's portfolio represented by that company will be the same as or lower than it was before the company's market capitalization increased above $5 billion. The Fund expects over time to have a substantial portion of its portfolio invested in companies with a market capitalization in excess of $2 billion. However, under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in securities of smaller companies. The Manager currently defines a "smaller company" as a company with a market capitalization that does not exceed $10 billion.

In addition, under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest primarily in companies located outside the U.S. The Fund ordinarily invests in securities of issuers located in at least three countries outside the U.S., although the Fund may focus its investments in a small number of countries or regions. The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund may participate in IPOs and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S. In some emerging markets, the Fund may invest in companies that qualify as smaller companies but still are among the largest in that market. Under normal circumstances, the Fund aims to remain fully invested in equities, holding cash and cash equivalents primarily during periods of investment reallocation, or in connection with purchases of or redemptions from the Fund.

The portfolio managers may sell a holding if they determine there has been a material deterioration in the investment case, as appropriate to make other investments or meet redemptions, or when the issuing company's market capitalization has increased so substantially that the portfolio managers no longer consider it appropriate for the Fund's portfolio.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up stock-picking approach that seeks to make long-term investments in well-managed businesses with genuine and sustainable competitive advantages. The portfolio managers principally select companies without being constrained by the Fund's benchmark, the MSCI ACWI ex-USA Small Cap Index, and, therefore, there may be listings in the benchmark that are not included in the Fund's

portfolio and holdings in the Fund's portfolio that are not included in the benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 75 and 175 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, which in recent periods has included Japan. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5 years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar. In response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may deviate from its investment policies by taking temporary defensive positions with some or all of its assets in high quality income securities, cash or cash equivalents. As a result, during such conditions, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

See "Selected Investment Techniques and Topics—Location of Issuers" below for additional detail on how the Fund classifies the location of issuers in which it invests.

Principal Investment Risks

The "Principal Investment Risks" section below identifies and describes the principal risks of investing in the Fund.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Japan Growth Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford Japan Growth Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Investment Strategies

The Fund will seek to meet its objective by investing in a portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in Japan. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of companies located in Japan. The Fund will invest in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund is not constrained with respect to market capitalization and may participate in IPOs and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will aim to remain fully invested in equities, holding cash and cash equivalents primarily during periods of investment reallocation, or in connection with purchases of or redemptions from the Fund.

The portfolio managers will principally select companies without being constrained by TOPIX, the Fund's underlying benchmark, and, therefore, there may be listings in the benchmark that are not included in the Fund's portfolio and holdings in the Fund's portfolio that are not included in the benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 35 and 55 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long-term. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5 years), which is expected to result in relatively low portfolio turnover and be in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up stock-picking approach that seeks to make long-term investments in well-managed businesses with genuine and sustainable competitive advantages. The portfolio managers seek to identify companies that are likely to generate above-average growth in earnings and cash flows, based on fundamental research.

The portfolio managers may sell a holding if they determine there has been a material deterioration in the investment case or as appropriate to make other investments or meet redemptions.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

See "Selected Investment Techniques and Topics—Location of Issuers" below for additional detail on how the Fund classifies the location of issuers in which it invests.

Principal Investment Risks

The "Principal Investment Risks" section below identifies and describes the principal risks of investing in the Fund.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation.

Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a portfolio of global equity securities, which include common stock and other equity securities, without reference to benchmark constraints.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities. While the portfolio managers are not constrained by geographic limitations, the Fund ordinarily invests in securities of issuers located in at least six different countries.

In addition, under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 40% of its total assets in securities of companies located outside the U.S. when market conditions are favorable, but, when market conditions are not favorable, will invest at least 30% of its total assets in companies located outside the U.S. For purposes of establishing whether a 40% or 30% threshold applies when measuring the test described in the prior sentence, the Manager will determine, in its sole discretion, whether market conditions are favorable and in making such determination may consider any factors it deems relevant, including but not limited to: the relative prospects for growth among U.S. and non-U.S. companies; long- or short-term fluctuations, or expected fluctuations, in currency exchange rates; the relative monetary or fiscal health of the U.S. compared to other countries; the relative market stability, or expected stability, of the U.S. compared to other countries; and the relative weighting of the U.S. and non-U.S. countries on global equity market indices. The Fund may invest in issuers located in emerging markets.

The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund typically invests primarily in issuers with a market capitalization of more than $4 billion at the time of purchase and may participate in IPOs and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S. Under normal circumstances, the Fund aims to remain fully invested in equities, holding cash and cash equivalents primarily during periods of investment reallocation, or in connection with purchases of or redemptions from the Fund.

The portfolio managers select investments without regard to the geographic, industry, sector, or individual company weightings on any index. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The portfolio managers generally select securities of between 30 and 60 growth companies. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, and the Fund expects to have considerable exposure to Chinese companies including through China A shares, which are common stocks and other equity securities that

are listed or traded on a Chinese stock exchange and which are quoted in renminbi. The Fund is a non-diversified fund, which means that it may invest a relatively large percentage of its assets in a small number of issuers, industries or sectors. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5-10 years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up stock-picking approach that seeks to make long-term investments in well-managed businesses with genuine and sustainable competitive advantages. The portfolio managers seek to identify companies that are likely to generate above average growth in earnings and cash flows, based on fundamental research. The Manager's disciplined investment framework focuses on: (i) the issuer's opportunities within its industry, (ii) the issuer's competitive advantages, (iii) the financial strength of the issuer, (iv) how the issuer's management deploys capital, and (v) the market valuation of the issuer.

The portfolio managers may sell a holding if they determine there has been a material deterioration in the investment case or as appropriate to make other investments or meet redemptions.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar. In response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may deviate from its investment policies by taking temporary defensive positions with some or all of its assets in high quality income securities, cash or cash equivalents. As a result, during such conditions, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

See "Selected Investment Techniques and Topics—Location of Issuers" below for additional detail on how the Fund classifies the location of issuers in which it invests.

Principal Investment Risks

The "Principal Investment Risks" section below identifies and describes the principal risks of investing in the Fund.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Positive Change Equities Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford Positive Change Equities Fund seeks capital appreciation with an emphasis on investing in businesses that deliver positive change by contributing towards a more sustainable and inclusive world.

Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a global portfolio of equities, which include common stock and other equity securities, of issuers located in countries of developed, emerging, and frontier markets.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities. The Fund invests predominantly in securities issued by companies located in countries represented in the MSCI ACWI Index, cash and cash equivalents.

The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund is not constrained with respect to market capitalization and may participate in IPOs and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S. Under normal circumstances, the Fund aims to remain fully invested in equities, holding cash and cash equivalents primarily during periods of investment reallocation, or in connection with purchases of or redemptions from the Fund. The portfolio managers select companies without being constrained by the MSCI ACWI benchmark and, therefore, there may be listings in the benchmark that are not included in the Fund's portfolio and holdings in the Fund's portfolio that are not included in the benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a portfolio of between 25 and 50 growth companies which the portfolio managers consider to have core ambitions of delivering a positive change and with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, which in recent periods has included Japan. The Fund is a non-diversified fund, which means that it may invest a relatively large percentage of its assets in a small number of issuers, industries or sectors. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5-10 years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The portfolio managers consider the investment case and the potential for positive change in tandem. On the investment side of the process, the portfolio managers employ a bottom-up stock-picking approach that seeks to make long-term investments in well-managed businesses with genuine and sustainable competitive advantages. The portfolio managers seek to identify companies that are likely to generate above average growth in

earnings and cash flows, based on fundamental research. The Manager's fundamental research process focuses on the growth potential of a company and its competitive advantages.

In seeking to invest in businesses that deliver positive social impact, the portfolio managers and Governance & Sustainability Analysts who form the Positive Change Portfolio Construction Group focus on the ability of a company to deliver positive change in at least one of the following four areas:

  Social Inclusion and Education. Companies that (i) contribute to a more inclusive society through business practices, products or services, or (ii) are improving the quality or accessibility of education.

  Healthcare. Companies that are actively improving quality of life in developed and developing countries.

  Environment. Companies committed to improving resource efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of society's economic activities.

  Base of the Pyramid. Companies that are addressing the basic and aspirational needs of the world's poorest populations.

In order to assess positive change in these areas, the Manager will monitor the progress of each issuer using metrics and/or milestones designed by the Manager. With respect to each area, the Manager pursues an active, positive approach; investment decisions are generally not made on the basis of negative "screening" of companies viewed as socially irresponsible.

The portfolio managers may sell a holding if they determine there has been a material deterioration in the investment case or in the issuer's potential for delivering positive change, or as appropriate to make other investments or meet redemptions.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar. In response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may deviate from its investment policies by taking temporary defensive positions with some or all of its assets in high quality income securities, cash or cash equivalents. As a result, during such conditions, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

See "Selected Investment Techniques and Topics—Location of Issuers" below for additional detail on how the Fund classifies the location of issuers in which it invests.

Principal Investment Risks

The "Principal Investment Risks" section below identifies and describes the principal risks of investing in the Fund.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford U.S. Discovery Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford U.S. Discovery Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Investment Strategies

The Fund will seek to meet its objective by investing in a portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of smaller, publicly traded U.S. companies that are perceived to be innovative and entrepreneurial, such as by disrupting existing markets or creating entirely new ones, and that have strong growth potential.

In selecting portfolio investments, the portfolio managers seek to discover innovative and entrepreneurial companies through a process that involves considering, among other things, a potential holding's market opportunity, competitive edge, corporate culture, and scalability prospects. The inclusion of "discovery" in the Fund's name does not reflect an intent to invest in any particular type of investment or industry.

When selecting companies for initial inclusion in the portfolio, the portfolio managers focus on publicly traded companies with a market capitalization in the region of $10 billion or lower at the time of initial purchase. Because the Fund will be managed in accordance with an established model investment strategy operated by the portfolio managers, the Fund's portfolio is expected to include a number of companies with market capitalizations of greater than $10 billion at the time the Fund commences investment operations. These are companies that had market capitalizations of less than $10 billion at the time of inclusion in the model investment strategy, but which have subsequently grown. In addition, because the Fund expects to continue to hold, and potentially increase its investment in, portfolio companies whose market capitalizations increase subsequent to the initial purchase, the Fund expects over time to have a substantial portion of its portfolio invested in companies with a market capitalization in excess of $10 billion. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its assets in securities of small- and mid-capitalization companies, which the Manager defines as companies with market capitalizations of $30 billion or less.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in securities of issuers located in the U.S. The Fund will invest in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will aim to remain fully invested in equities, holding cash and cash equivalents primarily during periods of investment reallocation, or in connection with purchases of or redemptions from the Fund.The Fund may participate in IPOs.

The portfolio managers will select companies without being constrained by the Fund's Benchmark, the Russell 2500 Growth Index, and, therefore, there may be listings in the benchmark that are not included in the Fund's portfolio and holdings in the Fund's portfolio that are not included in the benchmark. The portfolio managers will employ a bottom-up stock-picking approach that seeks to make long-term investments in well-managed businesses with genuine and sustainable competitive advantages. The portfolio managers will seek to identify companies that are likely to generate above-average growth in earnings and cash flows, based on fundamental research. In evaluating potential investments, the portfolio managers will

consider, among other things, the following attributes of the potential holding:

  Market opportunity—Whether the company looks to drive change by disrupting existing markets or creating entirely new ones, which can potentially create growth opportunities over the long term.

  Competitive edge—Whether the company exhibits a strengthening competitive position and is able to innovate and meaningfully differentiate itself from peers.

  Corporate culture—The extent to which the company's corporate culture is aligned with the strengths of the company, incentives are structured to encourage innovation in changing conditions, and the company's management has a clear sense of purpose and vision.

  Scalability—Whether the company's business models are inherently scalable, and whether the company's returns are able to increase over time.

The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a non-diversified portfolio of between 40 and 75 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. While the Fund may take smaller initial positions in a range of companies, the portfolio managers do not intend to limit their ability to continue to hold or augment positions in successful companies, which can naturally result, over time, in a significant percentage of the Fund's portfolio being attributable to a small number of companies. For this and other reasons, the Fund intends to operate as a non-diversified fund, which means that it may invest a relatively large percentage of its assets in a small number of issuers, industries, or sectors. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5-10 years), which is expected to result in relatively low portfolio turnover and be in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The portfolio managers may sell a holding if they determine there has been a material deterioration in the investment case or as appropriate to make other investments or meet redemptions. Subject to adhering to the Fund's investment policies, the portfolio managers will not look to sell the Fund's holdings based on market capitalization alone. In response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may deviate from its investment policies by taking temporary defensive positions with some or all of its assets in high quality income securities, cash or cash equivalents. As a result, during such conditions, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

See "Selected Investment Techniques and Topics—Location of Issuers" below for additional detail on how the Fund classifies the location of issuers in which it invests.

Principal Investment Risks

The "Principal Investment Risks" section below identifies and describes the principal risks of investing in the Fund.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity Growth Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity Growth Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a portfolio of equities, which include common stock and other equity securities, of issuers located in the U.S.

The portfolio managers seek to identify exceptional growth businesses in the U.S. and to own them for long enough that the advantages of their business models and the strength of their cultures support positive relative performance over the long term.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in common stocks and other equity securities of companies whose principal activities are in the U.S. The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund typically invests primarily in issuers with a market capitalization of more than $1.5 billion at the time of purchase and may participate in IPOs. Under normal circumstances, the Fund aims to remain fully invested in equities, holding cash and cash equivalents primarily during periods of investment reallocation, or in connection with purchases of or redemptions from the Fund.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up stock-picking approach that seeks to make long-term investments in well-managed businesses with genuine and sustainable competitive advantages. The portfolio managers select companies without being constrained by a benchmark and, therefore, there may be listings in the benchmark that are not included in the Fund's portfolio and holdings in the Fund's portfolio that are not included in the benchmark. The portfolio managers generally invest in a portfolio of between 30 and 50 growth companies. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The Fund is a non-diversified fund, which means that it may invest a relatively large percentage of its assets in a small number of issuers, industries or sectors. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5-10 years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The portfolio managers believe a long-term investment horizon can allow the Fund to harness the asymmetry inherent in equity markets that allows successful investments to outpace losses in similarly sized positions that fail to thrive.

The portfolio managers may sell a holding if they determine there has been a material deterioration in the investment case or as appropriate to make other investments or meet redemptions.

In response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may deviate from its investment policies by taking temporary defensive positions with some or all of its assets in high quality income securities, cash or cash equivalents. As a result, during such conditions, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

See "Selected Investment Techniques and Topics—Location of Issuers" below for additional detail on how the Fund classifies the location of issuers in which it invests.

Principal Investment Risks

The "Principal Investment Risks" section below identifies and describes the principal risks of investing in the Fund.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Selected Investment Techniques and Topics

In addition to the principal investment strategies discussed above, the Funds may engage in certain non-principal investment strategies. Additional context and details regarding both the Funds' principal investment strategies and the Funds' non-principal investment strategies are provided below.

Active and Frequent Trading

The Funds generally will not engage in active and frequent trading of portfolio securities as part of their ordinary-course efforts to achieve their principal investment strategies. However, unusual market conditions may trigger increased trading and/or portfolio turnover for a Fund to the extent the relevant investment team deems such actions necessary or appropriate. A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs affect the Fund's performance.

"Alpha" Funds

The inclusion of the word "Alpha" in the name of certain Funds is not meant to suggest a specific investment style or that a Fund targets a specific return over and above its benchmark index. Nor should the word "Alpha" be interpreted as claiming any higher degree of active management than any other Fund.

Capitalization Criteria and Investment Limitations

Unless otherwise stated, all market capitalization criteria and percentage limitations on Fund investments listed in this Prospectus will apply at the time of investment. A Fund would not violate these limitations unless an excess or deficiency occurs or exists immediately after and as a result of an investment.

References to assets in the percentage limitations on the Funds' investments refer to total assets, unless otherwise indicated.

Unless otherwise stated, when a Fund is described as investing in a particular type of security or other instrument, the Fund may make such investments directly or indirectly. Indirect exposure may be achieved through a combination of multiple instruments or through a combination of one or more investment instruments and cash or cash equivalents. Indirect investments may include depositary receipts, derivatives (based on either notional or mark-to-market value depending on the instrument and circumstances), placement warrants or other structured products. Indirect exposure may also be gained through investments in operating companies and pooled vehicles such as mutual funds, exchange traded funds ("ETFs"), private funds, and non-U.S. investment vehicles. Because the Funds are subject to various regulatory requirements and limitations, a Fund's ability to obtain direct exposure to certain asset classes and investments may be prevented or restricted.

Cash Balances

Although each Fund will aim to remain fully invested in equities, each Fund may hold uninvested cash balances at the Fund's custodian or invest in cash equivalent securities, such as money market funds, in order to facilitate daily portfolio operations and to take temporary defensive positions.

Considerations Related to Large Shareholders

To the extent that a significant portion of a Fund's shares are held by a limited number of shareholders or their affiliates, there is a risk that the subscription and redemption activities of these shareholders with regard to Fund shares could disrupt such Fund's investment strategies, which could have adverse consequences for the Fund and other shareholders. Such subscriptions could cause the Fund to maintain larger-than-expected cash positions pending acquisition of investments. A redemption by a large shareholder could require the Fund to sell investments, including at inopportune times, and could result in the Fund recognizing significant capital gains, including short-term capital gains, that would be distributed to shareholders in order for the Fund to meet the requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company and avoid a Fund-level tax. In addition, institutional separate accounts managed by the Manager may invest in a Fund and, therefore, the Manager at times may have discretionary authority over redemption decisions by a significant portion of the investor base holding shares of a Fund. In such instances, the Manager's decision to make changes to or rebalance its client's allocations in the separate accounts may impact the Fund's performance.

CPO Exemption

The Manager is registered as a commodity pool operator ("CPO") with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") and is a member of the National Futures Association (the "NFA"). However, the Manager has filed with the NFA a notice with respect to the Funds claiming an exclusion from the definition of the term CPO under the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended, and the rules of the CFTC promulgated thereunder. As a result, the Manager, as adviser to the Funds, is not currently subject to registration or regulation as a CPO with respect to the Funds. However, if in the future a Fund no longer meets the marketing or de minimis trading qualifications for this exclusion, the Manager would withdraw its notice with respect to the Fund claiming exclusion from the definition of a CPO, and the Manager, as adviser to such Fund, would be subject to registration and regulation as a CPO with respect to such Fund.

Currency Hedging

The Funds have not historically used, but may in the future use, various investment products to hedge the risks to the Funds from exposure to local currency movements. These products include currency forward contracts and options thereon, and options and "spot" transactions directly in foreign currencies.

New financial products and risk management techniques continue to be developed and the Funds may use these new investments and techniques to the extent they are consistent with the Funds' investment objectives and strategies.

Emerging Markets

Certain Funds may invest in issuers located in emerging markets. The Funds consider emerging markets countries to be comprised of those that are not categorized by MSCI as developed markets, excluding frontier markets.

Frontier Markets

Certain Funds may invest in issuers located in frontier markets. The Funds consider frontier markets countries to be comprised of those that the Manager considers to be more developed than the


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

least developed countries but less developed than emerging market countries. Frontier markets include, among others, Croatia, Estonia, Lithuania, Kazakhstan, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Kenya, Mauritius, Morocco, Nigeria, Tunisia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

Growth Companies

Each Fund may invest in growth companies. When assessing whether a company is "growth," a Fund considers a range of factors, including, but not limited to, the ability of the company to grow earnings faster than the market expects.

Illiquid Securities

A Fund may not purchase or otherwise acquire any illiquid securities if, immediately after the acquisition, the value of illiquid securities held by the Fund would exceed 15% of the Fund's net assets. The term "illiquid securities" for this purpose means securities that a Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the securities.

Illiquid securities may include those securities whose disposition is restricted by securities laws, such as Rule 144A or private placement securities.

If any Fund determines at any time that it owns illiquid securities in excess of 15% of its net assets, it will cease to undertake new commitments to acquire illiquid securities until its holdings no longer exceed this 15% limit, report the occurrence in compliance with relevant requirements under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and, depending on circumstances, may take additional steps to reduce its holdings of illiquid securities.

Industry Classification of Issuers

The Manager shall make reasonable determinations as to the appropriate issuer industry classification, or sector classification of security issuers. As part of this determination, the Manager may take into account internal analysis or third party information such as categories, data or methodologies from Bloomberg Industry Classification Systems (BICS), Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) codes, Standard Industry Classification (SIC) Codes, North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Codes, the FTSE/Dow Jones Industry Classification Benchmark (ICV system) or any other reasonable industry classification system (including systems developed by the Manager). The Manager may use information differently for different industries, sectors or clients. The Manager's determinations may differ from the determinations of other investment professionals, or other third parties. Even where the Manager generally relies on a particular classification system, it may depart from that system in specific cases at its discretion.

Investing in China through the Stock Connect programs and QFI program

Funds that invest in China may invest in China "A" Shares ("A Shares" or "China A Shares"). China A Shares are common stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in China that are listed or traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, or any other stock exchange in China and which are quoted in renminbi ("RMB"). These Funds may

access China A Shares through the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect program and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect program (together the "Stock Connect programs") or through the Manager's qualified foreign investor ("QFI") license. Historically, investments in stocks, bonds, and warrants listed and traded on a mainland Chinese stock exchange, investment companies, and other financial instruments (collectively referred to as "China Securities") approved by the China Securities Regulatory Commission ("CSRC") were limited for investment by non-Chinese investors. The CSRC has now granted the Manager a QFI license allowing the Manager to invest in China Securities and the Funds now have access to the Stock Connect programs.

The Stock Connect programs are securities trading and clearing link programs that enable international investors to invest in China A Shares. Trading under the Stock Connect programs is subject to an aggregate daily quota, which limits the maximum net buy value of cross-boundary trades under each of the Stock Connect programs each day. This is monitored by the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong on a real-time basis and reset every day. If the daily quota drops to zero or is exceeded, no further buy orders will be accepted for the remainder of that day (although sales of China A Shares are permitted regardless of the daily quota). The daily quota is not specific to any one particular investor. The Stock Connect programs are also subject to various other restrictions which may constrain a Fund's ability to invest in a particular company at a particular time, such as limits on when markets are open and trades processed and additional regulations and listing rules imposed by China and the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges.

Under the QFI program, there are certain regulatory constraints including, without limitation, restrictions on the types of instruments available for purchase by the license holder, the ability of the license holder to repatriate funds, and the structure of custodial and brokerage accounts for trading in Chinese securities. In particular, with respect to the QFI custodial arrangements, to the extent a Fund's cash is commingled with the assets of other clients of a Chinese custodian and the Chinese custodian becomes insolvent, a Fund will not have any proprietary rights to the cash deposited in the account, and a Fund will become an unsecured creditor, ranking pari passu with all other unsecured creditors, of the Chinese custodian. Although the relevant QFI regulations have recently been revised to relax regulatory restrictions on the onshore capital management by QFI license holders (including removing investment quota limit and simplifying routine repatriation of investment proceeds), it is a new development and therefore subject to uncertainties as to how well it will be implemented in practice, especially at the early stage. For additional information regarding custody risks that may be applicable to both the QFI and Stock Connect programs, see "Principal Investment Risks—Non-U.S. Investment Risk" below and "Risks—Emerging Markets Risk—Custody Risk" in the Statement of Additional Information (the "SAI").

See also "Principal Investment Risks—China Risk" below.

Investment Companies

Each Fund may invest in other investment companies, including ETFs, to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act places limits on each Fund's ability to invest in other registered investment companies, though the Funds may generally invest without limitation in unaffiliated unregistered pooled investment


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vehicles, other registered investment companies advised by the Manager and, in reliance on available exemptive relief, in ETFs. As a shareholder of these kinds of investment vehicles, a Fund may indirectly bear fees which are in addition to the fees the Fund pays its own service providers. To the extent permitted by law, the Funds may invest in collective investment vehicles that are sponsored by, and advised by, the Manager or an affiliate of the Manager (an "Affiliated Vehicle"). Any fee payable to the Manager or an affiliate thereof by any Affiliated Vehicle in respect of an investment by a Fund in such Affiliated Vehicle shall be reimbursed to the Fund by the Manager. Therefore, a Fund will only bear that portion of Affiliated Vehicle expenses payable to persons or entities other than the Manager or its affiliates, and will not be responsible for fees collected by the Manager at both the Fund level and the Affiliated Vehicle level.

Location of Issuers

A number of the Funds' policies are determined by reference to whether an issuer is "located in" a particular country or group of countries, whether its "principal activities" are in certain regions, or whether the issuer is located outside the U.S. more generally.

In determining where an issuer is located for these purposes, or where an issuer's principal activities are, the Manager will consider a number of factors (together, designed to determine whether an issuer is economically tied to a country or region), including but not limited to:

—  the markets in which the issuer's securities are principally traded;

—  where the issuer's headquarters, principal offices or operations are located;

—  where the issuer is organized;

—  the percentage of the issuer's revenues or profits derived from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed in the relevant country;

—  the Manager's own internal analysis; and

—  information provided by third party data analytics service providers.

No single factor will necessarily be determinative nor must all be present for the Manager to determine where an issuer is located. The Manager may weight these factors differently with respect to different geographic policies, different countries or different series of the Trust.

By way of example, the Manager may consider a company that is organized in the U.S., with its principal place of business in the U.S. and whose securities are traded principally on a U.S. exchange to be located outside the U.S., or to have its principal activities outside the U.S., if, for instance, more than 50% of the company's revenues are derived from activity outside the U.S. This may be true even if the Manager does not determine that the company is located in a specific non-U.S. country.

The categorization for compliance testing purposes may differ from how different portfolio managers, investment professionals, or third parties assign the location of individual issuers.

Portfolio Holdings

A description of the Trust's policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Funds' portfolio securities is available in the SAI.

Further Information

Further information about the Funds' investment strategies and investment instruments is available in the SAI.


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Principal Investment Risks

The value of your shares in a Fund will change with the value of the Fund's investments. Many factors can affect that value. The factors that are most likely to have a material effect on a particular Fund's portfolio as a whole are called "principal risks."

The principal risks most relevant to each Fund are summarized in the "Fund Summaries." The risks described below expand on, and add to, the discussion in the "Fund Summaries." The risks are described in alphabetical order and not in the order of importance or potential exposure.

The principal risks applicable to each Fund are identified below, which may include additional risks to those described in the "Fund Summaries." Each Fund may be subject to additional risks other than those identified below, because the types of investments made by each Fund can change over time. There is no guarantee that a Fund will be able to achieve its investment objective. It is possible to lose money by investing in a Fund.

Risks Applicable to Each Fund

•  Conflicts of Interest Risk

•  Equity Securities Risk

•  Focused Investment Risk

•  Growth Stock Risk

•  Government and Regulatory Risk

•  Information Technology Risk

•  Investment Style Risk

•  IPO Risk

•  Liquidity Risk

•  Long-Term Investment Strategy Risk

•  Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk

•  Market Risk

•  Service Provider Risk

•  Small- and Medium-Capitalization Securities Risk

•  Valuation Risk


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Additional Risks

    Asia
Risk
  China
Risk
  Currency
Risk
  Emerging
Markets
Risk
  Frontier
Markets
Risk
  Geographic
Focus
Risk
  Impact
Risk
  Japan
Risk
  Large-
Capitalization
Securities
Risk
  New and
Smaller-
Sized
Funds
Risk
  Non-
Diversification
Risk
  Non-U.S.
Investment
Risk
  Settlement
Risk
  Socially
Responsible
Investing
Risk
  Underlying
Funds
Risk
 
Baillie Gifford
Asia Ex
Japan Fund
 

 

 

 

 

 

         

 

     

 

         
Baillie Gifford
China A
Shares Growth
Fund
     

 

 

     

         

 

 

 

 

     

 
Baillie Gifford
China Equities
Fund
     

 

 

     

         

 

 

 

 

     

 
Baillie Gifford
Developed
EAFE All
Cap Fund
 

 

 

         

     

 

         

 

         
Baillie Gifford
EAFE Plus
All Cap Fund
 

 

 

 

     

     

 

         

 

         
Baillie Gifford
Emerging
Markets
Equities Fund
 

 

 

 

 

 

         

         

 

     

 
Baillie Gifford
Global Alpha
Equities Fund
 

 

 

 

             

 

         

 

         
Baillie Gifford
Global
Stewardship
Equities Fund
 

 

 

 

             

 

 

     

 

 

     
Baillie Gifford
International
Alpha Fund
 

 

 

 

     

     

 

         

 

         
Baillie Gifford
International
Concentrated
Growth
Equities Fund
 

 

 

 

     

     

 

 

 

 

 

         
Baillie Gifford
International
Growth Fund
 

 

 

 

     

     

 

         

 

         
Baillie Gifford
International
Smaller
Companies
Fund
 

     

 

     

     

     

     

 

         
Baillie Gifford
Japan Growth
Fund
         

         

     

 

 

     

 

         
Baillie Gifford
Long Term
Global Growth
Fund
 

 

 

 

                 

     

 

 

         
Baillie Gifford
Positive
Change
Equities Fund
 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

     
Baillie Gifford
U.S. Discovery
Fund
                     

             

 

                 
Baillie Gifford
U.S. Equity
Growth Fund
                     

         

 

 

                 


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Securities and techniques appearing in bold below but not otherwise defined below, are described in greater detail in the SAI, under the heading "Fund Investments—Investment Glossary."

Asia Risk

The economies of countries in Asia are in all stages of economic development, and investing in companies located in or with exposure to Asian countries involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers. The economies of many Asian countries, such as Hong Kong, South Korea, and Singapore, are heavily dependent on international trade and on only a few industries or commodities and, as a result, can be adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls and other measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. As export-driven economies, the economies of these countries are affected by developments in the economies and trade policies of their principal trading partners, which may include China, Japan, and the U.S. Many Asian economies are also intertwined, such that the countries may experience recessions at the same time or respond similarly to adverse events. Also, securities of some companies in Asia can be less liquid than U.S. or other foreign securities, potentially making it difficult for a Fund to sell such securities at a desirable time and price.

Furthermore, many Asian economies, such as China, South Korea and India, have experienced rapid growth and industrialization, and there is no assurance that their growth rate will be maintained. Companies in Asia may be subject to risks such as nationalization or other forms of government interference. Some Asian countries have governments with relatively short histories, which may increase the risk of political instability. Flooding, monsoons and other natural disasters also can significantly affect the value of investments.

Additionally, many Asian economies are considered emerging market economies. These countries are often characterized by undeveloped financial service sectors, high inflation, frequent currency fluctuations, devaluations, or restrictions, political and social instability, and less efficient markets. Investments in emerging Asian markets are generally subject to a greater risk of loss than investments in developed Asian markets. For example, investments in securities of issuers located in India involve heightened risks that include, among others, political and legal uncertainty, greater government control over the economy, and greater risk of hyperinflation, currency fluctuations, blockage of currency movements, repatriation of capital invested, and the nationalization or expropriation of assets. Moreover, India has experienced civil unrest and hostilities with neighboring countries, including Pakistan, and has confronted separatist movements, religious clashes, and border disputes. In addition, the availability of financial instruments with exposure to Indian financial markets may be substantially limited by the restrictions on foreign investors. These factors, coupled with the lack of extensive accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices, as compared to in the U.S., may increase the risk of loss.

Investing in issuers located in Asia also exposes a Fund to additional risks, as further described in this section under "China Risk", "Japan Risk", "Emerging Markets Risk", "Frontier Markets

Risk", "Non-U.S. Investment Risk", and "Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk" and in the SAI under "Special Risks of Investing in Asian Securities" and "Special Risk Considerations of Investing in China."

China Risk

Special Risk Considerations of Investing in China

Investing in securities of Chinese issuers, including by investing in China A Shares, involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers in part because the Chinese government exercises significant control over the Chinese economy through heavy involvement in economic and regulatory policy. Certain risks and considerations of investing in Chinese issuers include among others, more frequent trading suspensions and government interventions (including by nationalization of assets), currency exchange rate fluctuations or blockages, limits on the use of brokers and on foreign ownership, different financial reporting standards, higher dependence on exports and international trade, restrictions on the size of permissible positions in individual Chinese issuers, potential for increased trade tariffs, sanctions, embargoes and other trade limitations, greater political, economic, social, legal and tax-related uncertainty, high market volatility caused by any potential regional territorial conflicts, social instability, or natural disasters, and custody risks. U.S. sanctions or other investment restrictions could preclude a Fund from investing in certain Chinese issuers or cause a Fund to sell investments at a disadvantageous time. Changes to political and economic relationships, including recent trade disputes and strained international relations, between China and other countries and changes to China's socioeconomic systems may adversely affect the Fund's investments in China. Additionally, portions of the Chinese securities markets may become rapidly and unexpectedly illiquid, as Chinese issuers have the ability to suspend the trading of their equity securities and have exercised that ability in the past in response to market volatility and other events. If the liquidity of investments became impaired, it could make investments more difficult to value, limit a Fund's ability to obtain cash to meet redemptions on a timely basis, hinder a Fund's ability to honor redemption requests within the allowable time period, and force a Fund to sell securities at a reduced price or under unfavorable conditions.

Stock Connect Investing Risk

A Fund may directly invest in A Shares listed and traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange or Shenzhen Stock Exchange through the Stock Connect programs, or on such other stock exchanges in China which participate in the Stock Connect programs from time to time. A Fund's investments in Stock Connect A Shares are generally subject to Chinese securities regulations and listing rules, among other restrictions that may affect a Fund's investments and returns, including daily limits on net purchases across the whole stock connect system and transfer restrictions. In addition, when investing through the Stock Connect programs, a Fund will not have access to the full market of China A Shares. Such investments are also subject to heightened tax and settlement risk and the risk of price fluctuations of A Shares during times when the Stock Connect programs are not trading. The Stock Connect programs are relatively new programs. Further developments are likely and there can be no assurance


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as to the programs' continued existence or whether future developments regarding the programs may restrict or adversely affect a Fund's investments or returns.

QFI Investing Risk

The Funds may, in the future, directly access securities of companies listed on exchanges located in China through the Manager's QFI license. Investing in securities of Chinese issuers through the QFI program presents additional risks. Under the QFI program, there are certain regulatory restrictions relating to, among other things, investment scope, repatriation of funds, foreign shareholding limits, and account structure, which could change at any time and adversely affect a Fund's investments. Additionally, there are ongoing uncertainties regarding how recent changes to the QFI program will be implemented.

Cross-Exchange Trading Risk

Trades do not cross between the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges and a separate broker is assigned for each exchange. If a Fund rebalances across both exchanges, the Fund must trade out of stocks listed on one exchange with a broker and trade into stocks on the other exchange with a separate broker. As a result, the Fund may incur additional fees.

Chinese Currency and Repatriation Risk

The Chinese government heavily regulates the domestic exchange of foreign currencies within China. Chinese law requires that all domestic transactions must be settled in RMB, which places significant restrictions on the remittance of foreign currencies and strictly regulates currency exchange from RMB. There is no assurance that there will always be sufficient amounts of RMB for a Fund to remain fully invested. Any restrictions on repatriation of a Fund's portfolio investments may have an adverse effect on a Fund's ability to meet redemption requests or achieve its investment objective.

China A Shares Tax Risk

Investments in A Shares could result in unexpected tax liabilities for a Fund. Chinese law imposes withholding taxes on dividends and interest paid to foreign investors by companies listed in China, as well as capital gains realized by such investors, subject to certain temporary exemptions applicable to capital gains and value-added tax on gains realized from investments in A Shares. Application of these rules, including as a result of revocation of any temporary exemptions, could result in tax liabilities for a Fund, which could negatively affect investment returns for shareholders. Any restrictions on repatriation could limit a Fund's ability to satisfy the distribution requirements applicable to regulated investment companies under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and a Fund may be required to sell other investments (including when it is not advantageous to do so) to meet such distribution requirements. If a Fund were unable to meet such distribution requirements, the Fund would be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the Fund level.

Investing in issuers located in China also exposes a Fund to additional risks, as further described in this section and under "Asia Risk", "Emerging Markets Risk", "Non-U.S. Investment Risk", and "Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk" and in the SAI under "Special Risks of Investing in Asian Securities" and "Special Risk Considerations of Investing in China."

Conflicts of Interest Risk

The following does not purport to be a comprehensive list or complete explanation of all potential conflicts of interest which may affect a Fund. Any Fund may encounter circumstances, or enter into transactions, in which conflicts of interest may arise, which are not listed or discussed below.

Conflicts Relating to the Funds' Mixed Shareholder Base

Due to the distribution strategy adopted by the Manager, each Fund expects that a significant portion of its shares will be held by institutional investors such as private defined benefit retirement plans, city and state retirement systems, endowments, foundations, and other pooled investment vehicles, including other mutual funds. These institutional investors will often have broader shareholder servicing relationships with the Manager and its affiliates than other Fund shareholders and will likely receive information or reporting regarding their accounts that is different from the regular reporting the Fund makes to shareholders as a whole. In some cases, these institutional investors will have separate contractual arrangements with the Manager relating to their investment in the Fund. The Manager and the Fund each maintains a code of ethics as well as various procedures and guidelines designed to promote equal treatment and fairness among Fund shareholders and to prevent the inappropriate flow of material, non-public information. Nevertheless, the Manager's relationships with the Fund's institutional investor base gives rise to various conflicts of interest, since the Manager will sometimes have an incentive to favor those shareholders over other shareholders in the Fund.

Furthermore, one or more of the Manager's clients may invest in the Fund and, therefore, the Manager at times may have discretion to cause a significant portion of the Fund's investor base to redeem its investments in the Fund. Such redemptions may be made to make changes to or rebalance client allocations, including to the Fund, and may impact the Fund's performance. In addition, when a significant portion of the Fund's assets are held by other clients of the Manager, redemptions from the Fund may be more correlated with one another, which could have a negative impact on the Fund's liquidity.

Conflicts Relating to Side-by-Side Management of the Funds and Other Accounts

The Manager serves as investment adviser to various clients other than the Funds, including institutional separate accounts and other U.S. and non-U.S. pooled investment vehicles. Some of these clients may pursue strategies that are substantially similar or nearly identical to investment strategies pursued by a Fund. Other clients may pursue strategies that differ from a Fund's but which involve investments in many of the same securities. This "side-by-side" management gives rise to various potential or actual conflicts of interest. For example, one client may be seeking to invest in (or divest from) the same securities at the same time as a Fund. In addition, the Manager may invest on behalf of other clients in a company's securities issued prior to an IPO. Those client accounts may maintain their holdings, increase their holdings or sell their holdings in connection with the company's IPO. Since the Funds would generally invest only at the time of, or after, an IPO, the Manager could be subject to conflicts in connection with the Funds' later investment in the company. For example, the Manager could have an incentive to have the Funds purchase shares at the time of, or after, the IPO


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if doing so would benefit the Manager's other accounts. While the Manager maintains procedures to mitigate such conflicts, including procedures for the fair allocation of trades among its clients, it may have an incentive to favor some clients over others, particularly where the Manager is acting for a client account whose management fee depends on the performance of the account. No Fund currently pays a performance fee of any kind, while other accounts managed by the Manager do pay performance fees.

In addition, different client types typically have different client service relationships with the Manager. For example, an institutional separate account client whose account pursues the same investment strategy as a Fund may receive different, more, or more timely information regarding investment performance, portfolio holdings, strategy developments and/or the Manager's general market outlook than shareholders in the Fund. This informational advantage could provide an opportunity for a client to take actions that may have a detrimental impact on the Fund and its shareholders. For example, earlier reporting of negative news may cause a client to withdraw its investment with the Manager, causing a sale of portfolio securities that further depresses market prices for those securities and negatively impacts the net asset value of the Fund, in the event it is managed in parallel with that client's account. The Manager maintains various internal guidelines, procedures and processes to mitigate the conflicts of interest that arise from these diverse client relationships. Included among these are trade allocation policies designed to address potential conflicts in situations where two or more funds or accounts participate in investment decisions involving the same securities. While these guidelines, procedures and processes are designed to ensure that all the Manager's clients are treated fairly, there is no guarantee that they will be effective in all cases.

Conflicts Relating to Investment Personnel Holding Positions in External Organizations

Subject to compliance oversight by the Manager, investment personnel may hold board or other non-executive positions in companies outside of Baillie Gifford ("External Organizations"), which could expose those individuals to material non-public information ("MNPI"). Any MNPI known could be imputed to the entire Baillie Gifford organization, including the Manager, which could impact trading across all Baillie Gifford strategies and limit the ability of the Manager to execute trades on behalf of the Funds. In addition to impacting a Fund's ability to trade in the External Organization, the possession of MNPI could also restrict the Manager's ability to trade the securities of public companies in which the External Organization also invests alongside the Fund. While the Manager has implemented compliance measures to mitigate the impact of this risk, there is no guarantee that exposure to MNPI can be completely prevented. Because a Fund might not be able to buy or sell a company's securities during times when the Manager is deemed to be in possession of MNPI, its performance could be negatively impacted. In addition, where a portfolio manager of a Fund holds an External Organization position, he or she may be restricted from participating in deliberations concerning certain investments related to that External Organization.

Currency Risk

If a Fund trades in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, or receives income in or takes a long position in a non-U.S. currency, and that currency declines in value relative to the U.S. dollar, the return to the Fund will be reduced. The Funds may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies directly. The Funds do not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expect to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

The values of non-U.S. currencies may fluctuate relative to the U.S. dollar in response to, among other factors, changes in supply and demand in the currency exchange markets, trade balances, actual or perceived interest rate changes, long-term opportunities for investment and capital appreciation, intervention (or failure to intervene) by national governments, central banks, or supranational entities such as the International Monetary Fund, the imposition of currency controls, and other political or regulatory developments. For further information, please see "Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk" below.

If a Fund trades in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, or receives income in or takes a position in a non-U.S. currency, and that currency becomes illiquid, the Fund may not be able to convert that non-U.S. currency into U.S. dollars. As a result, the Manager may decide to purchase U.S. dollars in a parallel market in which the exchange rate is materially and adversely different. This will add to the cost of trading. For further information, please see "Liquidity Risk" below.

Exchange rates for many currencies (e.g., some emerging country currencies) are particularly affected by exchange control regulations.

Emerging Markets Risk

Investments in emerging markets are generally subject to a greater risk of loss than investments in developed markets.

Emerging market economies may experience greater volatility, lower trading volume and liquidity, greater risk of expropriation, nationalization, and social, political and economic instability than more established markets. Emerging markets economies may also have less developed accounting, legal and regulatory systems, higher levels of inflation, deflation or currency devaluation, greater risk of market shut down, and more significant governmental limitations on investment policy when compared with typical developed markets. For example, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, which regulates auditors of U.S. public companies, is unable to inspect audit work papers in certain foreign countries. Investors in foreign countries often have limited rights and few practical remedies to pursue shareholder claims, including class actions or fraud claims, and the ability of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), the U.S. Department of Justice and other authorities to bring and enforce actions against foreign issuers or foreign persons is limited.

Settlement and asset custody practices for transactions in emerging markets may differ from those in developed markets. Such differences may include delays in settlement and certain settlement practices, such as delivery of securities prior to receipt of payment, which increase the likelihood of a "failed settlement."


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Failed settlements can result in losses. Similarly, the reliability of trading and settlement systems in some emerging markets may not be equal to that available in more developed markets, which may result in problems realizing investments. See "Non-U.S. Investment Risk" below.

In addition, issuers (including governments) in emerging market countries may have less financial stability than in other countries. There is also the potential for unfavorable action such as expropriation, nationalization, embargo, and acts of war. As a result, there will tend to be an increased risk of price volatility in investments in emerging market countries, which may be magnified by currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

The securities of emerging market companies may trade less frequently and in smaller volumes than more widely held securities. They may also be reliant on a few industries, international trade or revenue from particular commodities. The existence of overburdened infrastructure and obsolete financial systems also present risks in certain countries, as do environmental problems.

Market disruptions or substantial market corrections may limit very significantly the liquidity of securities of certain companies in a particular country or geographic region, or of all companies in the country or region. A Fund may be unable to liquidate its positions in such securities at any time, or at a favorable price, in order to meet such Fund's obligations. For example, restrictive investment quotas, controls and other dealing limitations may apply.

For these and other reasons, investments in emerging markets are often considered speculative. To the extent any Fund invests in emerging markets, it will be subject to all of the general risks described in this Prospectus as well as special risks (some of which are described in the SAI) that may affect the region where such Fund invests. See also "Frontier Markets Risk" below.

Equity Securities Risk

Equity securities represent an ownership interest, or the right to acquire an ownership interest, in an issuer. In addition to common stocks, equity securities include, without limitation, preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. Different types of equity securities provide different voting and dividend rights and priority in the event of a bankruptcy and/or insolvency of the issuer. The Funds may invest in, and gain exposure to, common stocks and other equity securities through purchasing depositary receipts as described under "Depositary Receipts" below.

Equity securities may experience significant price volatility, and the market prices of equity securities can decline in a rapid or unpredictable manner.

The value of a company's equity securities may fall as a result of factors directly relating to that company, such as decisions or actions taken by its management or employees, which could include fraud or a criminal act, or lower demand for the company's products or services. The value of an equity security may also fall because of factors affecting not just the company, but also companies in the same industry or in a number of different industries, such as increases in production costs.

The value of a company's equity securities may also be affected by changes in financial markets that are relatively unrelated to the company or its industry, such as changes in interest rates or currency exchange rates or adverse circumstances involving the credit markets. In addition, because a company's equity securities rank junior in priority to the interests of bond holders and other creditors, a company's equity securities will usually react more strongly than its bonds and other debt to actual or perceived changes in the company's financial condition or prospects. The market prices of equity securities trading at high multiples of current earnings often are more sensitive to changes in future earnings expectations than the market prices of equity securities trading at lower multiples.

The Funds may invest in the equity securities of issuers with smaller to medium-sized market capitalizations. See "Small- and Medium-Capitalization Securities Risk" below.

Depositary Receipts

The Funds may invest in depositary receipts, including American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs"). ADRs are dollar-denominated receipts issued generally by domestic banks and representing the deposit with the bank of a security of a non-U.S. issuer, and are publicly traded on exchanges or over-the-counter in the United States. EDRs are receipts similar to ADRs and are issued and traded in Europe. GDRs may be offered privately in the United States and also traded in public or private markets in other countries. Investments in non-U.S. issuers through ADRs, GDRs, EDRs, and other types of depositary receipts generally involve risks applicable to other types of investments in non-U.S. issuers, including political, regulatory, and economic risks. Investments in depositary receipts may similarly be less liquid and more volatile than the underlying securities in their primary trading market.

The values of depositary receipts may decline for a number of reasons relating to the issuers or sponsors of the depositary receipts, including, but not limited to, insolvency of the issuer or sponsor. Investing in these instruments exposes a Fund to credit and counterparty risk with respect to the issuer of the ADR, EDR or GDR, in addition to the risks of the underlying investment. There may be less publicly available information regarding the issuer of the securities underlying a depositary receipt than if those securities were traded directly in U.S. securities markets. If a depositary receipt is denominated in a different currency than its underlying securities, the Fund will be subject to the currency risk of both the investment in the depositary receipt and the underlying security. Holders of depositary receipts may also have limited or no rights to take action with respect to the underlying securities or to compel the issuer of the receipts to take action.

Depositary receipts may be sponsored or unsponsored. Although the two types of depositary receipt facilities are similar, there are differences regarding a holder's rights and obligations and the practices of market participants. With sponsored facilities, the underlying issuer typically bears some of the costs of the depositary receipts (such as dividend payment fees of the depositary), although most sponsored depositary receipt holders may bear costs such as deposit and redemption fees. Depositaries of most sponsored depositary receipts agree to distribute notices of shareholder meetings, voting instructions,


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and other shareholder communications and financial information to the depositary receipt holders at the underlying issuer's request. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all the costs of the facility. The depositary usually charges fees upon the deposit and redemption of the underlying securities, the conversion of dividends into U.S. dollars or other currency, the disposition of non-cash distributions, and the performance of other services. The depositary of an unsponsored facility frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the underlying issuer or to pass through voting rights with respect to the underlying securities to depositary receipt holders.

Convertible Securities

Convertible securities are generally bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks, synthetic convertible securities and other securities or investments that may be converted or exchanged (by the holder or issuer) into equity securities of the issuer (or cash or securities of equivalent value). A convertible security may be called for redemption or conversion by the issuer after a particular date and under certain circumstances (including a specified price) established upon issue. If a convertible security held by a Fund is called for redemption or conversion, the Fund could be required to tender it for redemption, convert it into the underlying common stock or sell it to a third party. A convertible security will normally also provide income and is subject to interest rate risk.

Convertible securities typically provide yields lower than comparable non-convertible securities. Their values may be more volatile than those of non-convertible securities, reflecting changes in the values of the securities into which they are convertible. Convertible securities may also be subordinate to other debt securities issued by the same issuer. Issuers of convertible securities are often not as strong financially as issuers with higher credit ratings.

Participatory Notes

From time to time, a Fund may use participatory notes ("P-Notes") to gain exposure to securities in certain foreign markets. P-Notes are a type of derivative that generally are traded over-the-counter and constitute general unsecured contractual obligations of the banks or broker-dealers that issue them. Generally, banks and broker-dealers associated with non-U.S. based brokerage firms buy securities listed on certain foreign exchanges and then issue P-Notes which are designed to replicate the performance of the securities and markets. The performance results of P-Notes will not replicate exactly the performance of the securities or markets that the notes seek to replicate due to transaction costs and other expenses. The return on a P-Note that is linked to a particular underlying security generally is increased to the extent of any dividends paid in connection with the underlying security. However, the holder of a P-Note typically does not receive voting or other rights as it would if it directly owned the underlying security, and P-Notes present similar risks to investing directly in the underlying security. Additionally, P-Notes entail the risk that the counterparty or issuer of the P-Note may not be able to fulfill its obligations, that the holder and counterparty or issuer may disagree as to the meaning or application of contractual terms, or that the instrument may not perform as expected. Additionally, while P-Notes may be listed on an exchange, there is no

guarantee that a liquid market will exist or that the counterparty or issuer of a P-Note will be willing to repurchase such instrument when a Fund wishes to sell it. For further information about some of the risks, please see "Emerging Markets Risk," "Liquidity Risk," "Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk," and "Non-U.S. Investment Risk" in this section.

Preferred Securities

Preferred stocks (or "preferred securities") represent equity interests in a company that generally entitles the holder to receive, in preference for the holders of other stocks such as common stocks, dividends and a fixed share of the proceeds resulting from a liquidation of the company. Preferred securities may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return and are subject to issuer-specific risks.

Dividends for preferred securities are typically paid after payments to debt and bond holders. Unlike debt securities, dividend payments on a preferred security typically must be declared by the issuer's board of directors. An issuer's board of directors is generally under no obligation to pay dividends. A preferred security may therefore lose substantial value if the board of directors of the issuer decides not to pay dividends. Further, because many preferred securities pay dividends at a fixed rate, their market price can be sensitive to changes in interest rates. If a Fund owns a preferred stock that is deferring its distribution, it may also be required to recognize income for tax purposes despite the fact that it is not receiving current distributions with respect to this position.

Preferred security holders commonly have no or limited voting rights with respect to the issuing company, which will limit the ability of the Fund to influence the issuer.

Many preferred securities allow holders to convert the preferred securities into common stock of the issuer. Consequently, their market price can be sensitive to changes in the value of the issuer's common stock. Declining common stock values may also cause the value of the Fund's investments to decline.

Preferred securities often have call features which allow the issuer to redeem the security at its discretion. The redemption of a preferred security having a higher than average yield may cause a decrease in the Fund's yield.

Preferred stocks may trade less frequently and in a more limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than many other securities, such as common stocks, corporate debt securities, and U.S. government securities.

Focused Investment Risk

Funds whose investments are focused in related, or a limited number of, countries, regions, sectors, companies or industries (e.g., different industries within broad sectors, such as technology or financial services), or in securities from issuers with high positive correlations to one another, are subject to greater overall risk than funds whose investments are more diversified.

A Fund that invests in the securities of a limited number of issuers is particularly exposed to adverse developments affecting those issuers. In such cases, a decline in the market price of a particular security held by the Fund is likely to affect the Fund's performance more than if the Fund invested in the securities of a larger number of issuers.


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To the extent that a Fund focuses its investments in securities denominated in a particular foreign currency or in investments tied economically to (or related to) a narrowly defined geographic area, it will be subject to increased risks, when compared with more diversified funds. The political and economic prospects of one country or group of countries within the same geographic region may affect other countries in that region. Similarly, a recession, debt crisis or decline in currency valuation in one country can spread to other countries. Furthermore, companies in a particular geographic region or country may be sensitive to the same events, such as weather, natural disasters, public health crises, or events affecting other companies in that region or country because of common characteristics, risk exposures and regulatory burdens. Issuers in the same area may also react similarly to specific economic, market, political or other developments. See also "Non-U.S. Investment Risk" below.

A Fund that focuses its investments in a certain type of issuer will be particularly vulnerable to events affecting such type of issuer. Also, certain Funds may have greater risk to the extent they invest a substantial portion of their assets in a group of related industries (or "sectors"). The industries comprising any particular sector and investments in a particular foreign currency or in a narrowly defined geographic area outside the United States may share common characteristics, are often subject to similar business risks and regulatory burdens, and react similarly to economic, market, political or other developments.

Furthermore, certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impacts of climate change on the demand for and the development of goods and services and related production costs, and the impacts of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, as well as any indirect consequences of regulation or business trends driven by climate change.

Frontier Markets Risk

Frontier markets are those emerging markets that are considered to be among the smallest, least mature and least liquid and, as a result, may be more volatile and less liquid than investments in more developed markets or in other emerging market countries. Some of these markets may have unstable governments, economies based on only a few industries and securities markets that trade only a limited number of securities. Many frontier markets do not have well-developed regulatory systems and disclosure standards may be less stringent than those of more developed markets. The risks of expropriation, nationalization, and social, political, and economic instability are greater in frontier markets than in more developed markets. These risks, which are characteristic of many emerging markets generally, may be especially heightened in frontier markets, due to political, economic, financial, or other factors.

Geographic Focus Risk

A Fund that focuses its investments in a limited number of countries or geographic regions will not offer the same level of diversification of risks as a more broadly global fund because it will be exposed to a smaller geographic area. The performance of a Fund that is less diversified across countries or geographic regions will be closely tied to market, currency, economic, political, environmental, or regulatory conditions and developments in the countries or regions in which the Fund

invests, and may be more volatile than the performance of a more geographically-diversified portfolio.

Government and Regulatory Risk

Governmental and regulatory authorities in the United States and other countries, have taken, and may in the future take, actions intervening in the markets in which a Fund invests and in the economy more generally. Governmental and regulatory authorities may also act to increase the scope or burden of regulations applicable to a Fund or to the companies in which a Fund invests. The effects of these actions on the markets generally, and a Fund's investment program in particular, can be uncertain and could restrict the ability of a Fund to fully implement its investment strategies, either generally, or with respect to certain securities, industries, or countries. For example, sanctions or other investment restrictions imposed by governments could preclude a Fund from investing in certain issuers or cause a Fund to sell investments at a disadvantageous time; new regulations on social media companies or new anti-trust regulations could adversely affect the value of certain growth stocks held by a Fund; and new regulations promulgated by securities regulators could increase the costs of investing in a Fund by increasing expenses borne by the Fund in order to comply with such regulations.

By contrast, markets in some non-U.S. countries historically have been subject to little regulation or oversight by governmental or regulatory authorities, which could heighten the risk of loss due to fraud or market failures in those countries. For example, a foreign government's decision not to subject companies to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices, and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S.-based companies could increase the risk that accounting fraud goes undetected. The lack of government-enforced oversight may result in investors having limited rights and few practical remedies to pursue shareholder claims.

Furthermore, governments, agencies, or other regulatory bodies may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect a Fund or the market value of an instrument held by a Fund. The Manager cannot predict the effects of any new laws or regulation that may be implemented, and there can be no assurance that any new laws or regulations will not adversely affect a Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective. For example, financial entities, such as investment companies and investment advisers, are generally subject to extensive government regulation which may change frequently and have significant adverse consequences on a Fund. Similarly, investments in certain industries, sectors, or countries may also be subject to extensive regulation. Economic downturns and political changes can trigger economic, legal, budgetary, tax, and other regulatory changes. Regulatory changes may impact the way a Fund is regulated or the way a Fund's investments are regulated, affect the expenses incurred directly by a Fund and the value of its investments, and limit and/or preclude a Fund's ability to pursue its investment strategy or achieve its investment objective.

Growth Stock Risk

The prices of growth stocks may be based largely on expectations of future earnings, and can decline rapidly and significantly in reaction to negative news about various factors, such as earnings, revenues, the economy, political developments,


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or other news. Growth stocks may underperform stocks in other broad style categories (and the stock market as a whole) over any period of time. Growth stocks may shift in and out of favor with investors generally, sometimes rapidly, depending on changes in market, economic, and other factors. As a result, at times when it holds investments in growth stocks, the Fund may underperform other investment funds that favor different investment styles. Because growth companies typically reinvest their earnings, growth stocks typically do not pay dividends at levels associated with other types of stocks, if at all.

Impact Risk

A Fund may not be successful in assessing and identifying companies that have or will have a positive impact or support a given position. A Fund could invest in companies that ultimately have a negative impact, or no impact, on addressing a global challenge, or on environmental, social and/or governance ("ESG") matters. A company's position or ability to have an impact (or the Manager's assessment of a company's position or potential impact) may change over time, which could cause a Fund to temporarily hold securities that are not consistent with a Fund's investment principles. In evaluating a company, the Manager is dependent upon information and data that may be incomplete, inaccurate or unavailable, which could cause the Manager to incorrectly assess a company's social or environmental performance or position. Successful implementation of a Fund's investment strategy will depend on the Manager's skill in appropriately identifying and analyzing material ESG factors, and these factors may be evaluated differently by different managers, and may mean different things to different people. See also "Socially Responsible Investing Risk."

Information Technology Risk

The Funds, their service providers, and other market participants increasingly depend on complex information technology and communications systems. These systems are subject to a number of different threats or risks that could adversely affect the Funds and their shareholders, despite the efforts of the Funds and their service providers to adopt technologies, processes, and practices intended to mitigate these risks.

Unauthorized third parties may attempt to improperly access, modify, disrupt the operations of, or prevent access to these systems of the Funds, the Funds' service providers, counterparties, or other market participants or data within those systems (each, a "cyber-attack"). Successful cyber-attacks against, or security breakdowns of, a Fund, the Manager, or a custodian, transfer agent, or other affiliated or third-party service provider may adversely affect the Funds or their shareholders. In general, cyber-attacks are deliberate, but unintentional events may have similar effects. Power or communications outages, acts of god, information technology equipment malfunctions, operational errors, and inaccuracies within software or data processing systems may also disrupt business operations or impact critical data.

Cyber-attacks, and other technical issues may interfere with the processing of shareholder or other transactions, affect a Fund's ability to calculate its net asset value, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential Fund information, impede trading, cause reputational damage, and subject a Fund

to regulatory fines, penalties or financial losses, reimbursement or other compensation costs, and additional compliance costs. They may render records of Fund assets and transactions, shareholder ownership of Fund shares, and other data integral to the functioning of the Fund inaccessible or inaccurate or incomplete. There is also a risk that cyber-attacks may not be detected.

Market events may also occur at a pace that overloads current information technology and communication systems and processes of the Funds, the Funds' service providers, or other market participants, affecting their ability to conduct the Funds' operations.

Similar types of information technology risks are present for issuers of securities or other instruments in which the Funds invest, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers, and may cause the Funds' investments to lose value.

The Funds and their service providers have established business continuity and other plans and processes to address the possibility of cyber-attacks, disruptions, or failures. However, there are inherent limitations in such plans and processes, including that they do not apply to third parties, the possibility that risks may not have been identified or new risks may emerge in the future. The Funds also cannot directly control any information security plans and systems put in place by their service providers, counterparties, issuers in which the Funds invest, or securities markets and exchanges. In addition, such third-parties may have limited indemnification obligations to the Manager or the Funds.

Investment Style Risk

The Manager actively makes investment decisions for the Funds through bottom-up stock selection. Accordingly, each Fund will have risk characteristics that differ from its benchmark index. The Manager's judgments about the attractiveness, relative value, or potential appreciation of a particular stock may prove to be incorrect and cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index. There can be no assurance that the Manager's investment decisions will produce the desired results. There can also be no assurances that the Manager is able to identify a sufficient number of potential investments to meet a Fund's investment strategy. This risk is heightened for Funds with more focused investment strategies that rely on identifying a small number of companies the Manager believes present truly outstanding investment opportunities.

IPO Risk

Each Fund may purchase securities in IPOs. These securities are subject to many of the same risks of investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile. At any particular time or from time to time a Fund may not be able to invest in securities issued in IPOs, or invest to the extent desired because, for example, only a small portion (if any) of the securities being offered in an IPO may be made available to such Fund. In addition, under certain market conditions a relatively small number of companies may issue securities in IPOs. Similarly, as


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the number of funds to which IPO securities are allocated increases, the number of securities issued to any one fund, if any, may decrease. The investment performance of a Fund during periods when it is unable to invest significantly or at all in IPOs may be lower than during periods when the Fund is able to do so. In addition, as a Fund increases in size, the impact of IPOs on the Fund's performance will generally decrease.

Japan Risk

Investing in Japan may involve greater geopolitical, economic, and environmental risk than investing in the United States or other developed economies. For example, despite Japan's recent economic growth and emerging economic relationships with neighboring Southeast Asian countries, the growth of the Japanese economy has been behind that of other major developed economies. Part of the reason for this is that Japan, like many Asian countries, is still heavily dependent upon international trade, such as oil imports, and thus susceptible to the adverse effects of trade barriers, exchange controls, and other measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. One trading partner in particular is China, whose political relationship with Japan has, at times, been stressed. Such rising political tensions could adversely affect the Japanese economy and destabilize the region.

The value of Japan's currency, the yen, has been susceptible to fluctuations. Increases in its value may cause a decline in exports that could weaken the Japanese economy. Japan has in the past, countered drastic shifts in its currency by intervening in the currency markets in an attempt to maintain or reduce the value of the yen. This intervention in the currency markets could cause the value of the yen to swing sharply and unpredictably and could cause losses to investors.

Japan has an aging population and a significant population decline, which has resulted in a shrinking workforce. Its labor market appears to be undergoing fundamental structural changes, as it has shifted from a labor market familiar with lifetime employment to a market adjusted to meet the need for increased labor mobility. This change in the labor market may adversely affect Japan's economic competitiveness. Furthermore, natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanoes, typhoons, and tsunamis have and may continue to pose negative effects on the Japanese economy.

Investing in issuers located in Japan also exposes a Fund to additional risks, as further described in this section under "Asia Risk", "Non-U.S. Investment Risk", and "Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk" and in the SAI under "Special Risks of Investing in Asian Securities."

Large-Capitalization Securities Risk

Securities issued by large-capitalization companies may present risks not present in smaller companies. For example, larger companies may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller and mid-sized companies to competitive challenges or to changes in business, product, financial, or other market conditions. Larger companies may not be able to maintain growth at the high rates that may be achieved by smaller companies, especially during strong economic periods. Returns on investments in securities of large companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of smaller and mid-sized companies.

Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that a Fund may not be able to dispose of securities or close out derivatives transactions readily at a favorable time or prices (or at all) or at prices approximating those at which the Fund currently values them. For example, certain investments may be subject to restrictions on resale, may trade in the over-the-counter market or in limited volume, or may not have an active trading market. Such investments may also be particularly susceptible to valuation risk. See "Valuation Risk" below.

Liquidity risk may be magnified during periods of changing interest rates, significant shareholder redemptions, or market turmoil.

The Funds are all subject to the risk that low trading volume, lack of a market maker, large positions in securities of particular issuers, or legal restrictions (including daily price fluctuation limits or 'circuit breakers') could make any investment illiquid. The market for certain investments may also become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer. For example, securities issued by the U.S. Treasury have exhibited periods of greatly reduced liquidity when disruptions in fixed income markets have occurred, such as the events surrounding the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers in 2008.

An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect a Fund's value or prevent the Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. In addition, it may be difficult for a Fund to value illiquid securities accurately. Securities of issuers in emerging markets and frontier markets may be particularly susceptible to this risk. See "Emerging Markets Risk" and "Frontier Markets Risk" above.

Illiquid securities may also trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. Illiquid securities are more susceptible than other securities to price declines when market prices decline generally.

Furthermore, disposal of illiquid securities may entail registration expenses and other transaction costs that are higher than those for liquid securities. For example, a Fund may hold restricted securities and there can be no assurance that a trading market will exist at any time for any particular restricted security. Limitations on the resale of these securities may have an adverse effect on their marketability, and may prevent a Fund from disposing of them promptly at reasonable prices. A Fund may have to bear the expense of registering the securities for resale and the risk of substantial delays in effecting the registration.

If a Fund holds illiquid securities it may be forced to sell other securities or instruments that are more liquid, but at an unfavorable price, time and conditions, in order to meet redemption requests. A Fund may seek to borrow money to meet its obligations (including among other things redemption obligations) if it is unable to dispose of illiquid investments, resulting in borrowing expenses and possible leveraging of a Fund. In some cases, due to unanticipated levels of illiquidity a Fund may choose to meet its redemption obligations wholly or in part by distributions of assets in-kind.


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Mutual funds with principal investment strategies that involve securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations, non-U.S. securities, Rule 144A securities, derivatives or securities with substantial market or credit risk tend to have the greatest exposure to liquidity risk.

Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act requires each Fund to adopt a liquidity risk management program to assess and manage its liquidity risk. Under its program, a Fund is required to classify its investments into specific liquidity categories and monitor compliance with limits on investments in illiquid securities. While the liquidity risk management program attempts to assess and manage liquidity risk, there is no guarantee it will be effective in its operations and it may not reduce the liquidity risk inherent in a Fund's investments.

Long-Term Investment Strategy Risk

The Funds pursue a long-term investment approach, typically seeking returns over a period of several years, which can comprise a full market cycle or more. This investment style may cause a Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index or other mutual funds over extended periods of time, and a Fund may not perform as expected in the long term. The market price of the Funds' investments may fluctuate daily due to economic and other events that affect particular companies and other issuers or the market as a whole. Short- and medium-term price fluctuations may be especially pronounced in less developed markets or in companies with lower market capitalizations in which the Funds may invest.

Investments in certain industries or markets may be subject to wider variations in performance as a result of special risks common to such markets or industries. For example, information technology companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may be affected by worldwide technological developments and their products and services may quickly become outdated. Similarly, emerging market economies may experience lower trading volume and liquidity, greater risk of expropriation, nationalization, and social, political and economic instability than more developed markets, which may result in greater volatility and significant short- or medium-term price fluctuations.

An investment in the Funds may be more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the risk of short- or medium-term fluctuations in the value of a Fund's portfolio, including short- or medium-term losses.

Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk

Geopolitical, environmental and other events may disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global economies and markets. These disruptions could prevent the Funds from implementing their investment strategies and achieving their investment objectives, and increase the Funds' exposure to the other risks detailed in this Prospectus. Given the increasing interdependence among global economies and markets, conditions in one country, market, or region might adversely affect markets, issuers, and/or foreign exchange rates in other countries, including the U.S.

War, terrorism, public health crises, and geopolitical events, such as sanctions, tariffs, trade disputes, the imposition of exchange

controls or other cross-border trade barriers, have led, and in the future may lead, to increased short-term market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on U.S. and world economies and markets generally. Terrorism in the U.S. and around the world has had a similar global impact and has increased geopolitical risk.

Natural and environmental disasters, such as earthquakes and tsunamis, can be highly disruptive to economies and markets, adversely impacting individual companies and industries, securities markets, interest rates, credit ratings, inflation, investor sentiment, and other factors affecting the value of the Funds' investments. Similarly dramatic disruptions can be caused by communicable diseases, epidemics, pandemics, plagues and other public health crises.

Communicable diseases, including those that result in pandemics or epidemics, may pose significant threats to human health, and such diseases, along with any efforts to contain their spread, may be highly disruptive to both global and local economies and markets, with significant negative impact on individual issuers, sectors, industries, and asset classes. Significant public health crises, including those triggered by the transmission of a communicable disease and efforts to contain it may result in, among other things, border closings and other significant travel restrictions and disruptions, significant disruptions to business operations, supply chains and customer activity, lower consumer demand for goods and services, event cancellations and restrictions, service cancellations, reductions and other changes, significant challenges in healthcare service preparation and delivery, and prolonged quarantines, as well as general concern and uncertainty. All of these disruptive effects were present, for example, in the global pandemic linked to the outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus designated as COVID-19 that was first reported in China in December 2019. The effects of any disease outbreak may be greater in countries with less developed disease prevention and control programs and may also exacerbate other pre-existing political, social, economic, market and financial risks. A pandemic and its effects may be short term or may last for an extended period of time, and in either case can result in significant market volatility, exchange trading suspensions and closures, declines in global financial markets, higher default rates, and a substantial economic downturn or recession. The foregoing could impair a Fund's ability to maintain operational standards (such as with respect to satisfying redemption requests), disrupt the operations of a Fund's service providers, adversely affect the value and liquidity of a Fund's investments, and negatively impact a Fund's performance, and overall prevent a Fund from implementing its investment strategies and achieving its investment objective.

Certain locations and industries may be particularly susceptible to this risk, and other risks may be heightened by such events. See, for example, China Risk, Emerging Markets Risk, Frontier Markets Risk, Information Technology Risk, Japan Risk, Liquidity Risk, Service Provider Risk, and Valuation Risk.

Securities and financial markets may be susceptible to market manipulation or other fraudulent trade practices, which could disrupt the orderly functioning of these markets or adversely affect the values of investments traded in these markets, including investments held by the Funds.


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Market disruptions, including sudden government interventions (e.g., currency controls), can also prevent the Funds from implementing their investment strategies efficiently and achieving their investment objectives. For example, a market disruption may adversely affect the orderly functioning of the securities markets and may cause the Funds' derivatives counterparties to discontinue offering derivatives on some underlying securities, reference rates, or indices, or to offer them on a more limited basis.

While the U.S. government has honored its credit obligations continuously for more than 200 years, it remains possible that the U.S. could default on its obligations. While it is impossible to predict the consequences of such an unprecedented event, it is likely that a default by the U.S. would be highly disruptive to the U.S. and global securities markets and could significantly impair the value of the Funds' investments. Similarly, political events within the U.S. can result in the shutdown of government services, which could negatively affect the U.S. economy, decrease the value of many Fund investments, and increase uncertainty in or impair the operation of the U.S. or other securities markets.

Uncertainties regarding the viability of the European Union have disrupted and may continue to disrupt markets in the U.S. and around the world. If one or more countries leave the European Union or the European Union dissolves, the world's securities markets would likely be significantly disrupted and the Manager's business may be adversely affected. In June 2016, the United Kingdom held a referendum in which voters approved an exit from the European Union, commonly referred to as "Brexit." The United Kingdom formally left the European Union on January 31, 2020. There is still a significant degree of uncertainty about the potential consequences of Brexit. Brexit may cause increased volatility and have a significant adverse impact on world financial markets, other international trade agreements, and the United Kingdom and European Union economies, as well as the broader global economy for some time. The consequences of the United Kingdom's or another country's exit from the European Union and/or Eurozone also could threaten the stability of the euro for remaining countries and could negatively affect the financial markets of other countries in the European region and beyond.

Because of the fast-moving nature of current U.S.-China trade disputes, there is a heightened risk that events occurring after the close of Chinese markets may have a material impact on the value of Chinese securities held by a Fund. The likelihood of such an occurrence and impact of such events may be difficult to assess before a Fund's Pricing Point (as defined below) on the same day, which may impact the accuracy of the NAV per share calculated by a Fund on a given day. The Funds maintain policies and procedures intended to mitigate this risk.

Market Risk

Market risk is the risk of unfavorable market-induced changes in the value of securities owned by a Fund.

Market prices of investments held by the Funds are volatile and will go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. The prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors including, but not limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest or currency rates, changes in actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers, adverse investor

sentiment generally, market liquidity, real or perceived adverse market conditions and the risks inherent in investment in securities markets.

The total return of a Fund may consequently fluctuate within a wide range, so you could lose money over short or even long periods. Even if economic conditions do not change, the value of an investment in a Fund could decline if the particular industries, sectors or companies in which a Fund invests do not perform well or are adversely affected by events. Further, legal, political, regulatory and tax changes also may cause fluctuations in markets and securities prices.

New and Smaller-Sized Funds Risk

New funds and smaller-sized funds (including funds that are thinly capitalized or that have lost significant assets through market declines or redemptions) will be subject to greater liquidity risk due to their smaller asset bases. A large shareholder redemption from a small fund could require the fund to sell securities at disadvantageous times or prices or to delay payment of redemption proceeds to a redeeming shareholder. In addition, in order to mitigate liquidity risk, new or smaller-sized funds may be more likely to borrow under a credit facility (which would increase fund expenses) or hold a proportionally higher percentage of their assets in cash to meet shareholder redemptions (which could hamper performance).

A fund that has been recently formed will have limited or no performance history for investors to evaluate. There can be no assurance that a new fund will reach or maintain a sufficient asset size to effectively implement its investment strategy. In addition, a fund's gross expense ratio may fluctuate during its initial operating period because of the fund's relatively smaller asset size and, until the fund achieves sufficient scale, a fund shareholder may experience proportionally higher fund expenses than would be experienced by shareholders of a fund with a larger asset base.

Non-Diversification Risk

Certain Funds are classified as a "non-diversified" fund. A non-diversified fund may hold a smaller number of portfolio securities, with larger positions in each security it holds, than many other mutual funds. To the extent a Fund invests in a relatively small number of issuers, a decline in the market value of a particular security held by the Fund may affect its value more than if it invested in a larger number of issuers. The value of such Fund's shares may be more volatile than the values of shares of more diversified funds. See also "Focused Investment Risk."

Non-U.S. Investment Risk

Investing in non-U.S. securities (i.e., those which are not primarily traded on a United States securities exchange) involves additional and more varied risks than those typically resulting from investing in U.S. markets. Similar risks may apply to securities traded on a U.S. securities exchange that are issued by companies with significant exposure to non-U.S. countries.

The laws of some foreign countries may limit a Fund's ability to invest in securities of certain issuers located in those countries.


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The securities of some foreign governments, companies, and securities markets are less liquid, and at times more volatile, than comparable U.S. securities and securities markets. For example, the securities markets of many non-U.S. countries include securities of only a limited number of companies in a limited number of industries. As a result, the market prices of many of those securities fluctuate more than those of U.S. securities.

In addition, there may be a possibility of nationalization or expropriation of assets, imposition of currency exchange controls, confiscatory taxation, and diplomatic developments that could adversely affect the values of the Fund's investments in certain non-U.S. countries. There may be a greater risk of economic turmoil as a result of political events (civil unrest, national elections, changes in political conditions and foreign relations, imposition of exchange controls and repatriation restrictions), social and economic events (labor strikes, rising inflation) and natural disasters, causing the Fund's investments in that country to experience gains or losses. The securities of some non-U.S. entities could also become subject to sanctions or embargoes that adversely affect the Fund's investment.

Issuers of non-U.S. securities are subject to different, and often less comprehensive, accounting, reporting, custody, auditing and disclosure requirements than domestic issuers. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. entity than about a U.S. entity. Moreover, in certain non-U.S. countries, legal remedies available to investors may be more limited than those available with regard to U.S. investments. It may be difficult to obtain and enforce judgments against non-U.S. entities. In addition, some jurisdictions may limit a Fund's ability to profit from short-term trading (as defined in the relevant jurisdiction).

Non-U.S. transaction costs, such as brokerage commissions and custody costs may be higher than in the U.S. In some non-U.S. markets, custody arrangements for securities provide significantly less protection than custody arrangements in U.S. markets. Prevailing custody and trade settlement practices (e.g., the requirement to pay for securities prior to receipt) could similarly expose a Fund to credit and other risks it does not have in the U.S. with respect to participating brokers, custodians, clearing banks or other clearing agents, escrow agents, and issuers.

Non-U.S. securities are normally denominated and traded in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Consequently, the value of the Fund's assets may be affected favorably or unfavorably by currency exchange rates, exchange control regulations, and restrictions or prohibitions on the repatriation of non-U.S. currencies. See "Currency Risk" above.

Non-U.S. countries may also have additional requirements with respect to the ownership of securities. For example, many non-U.S. countries have additional reporting requirements that may be subject to interpretation or change without prior notice to investors. While the Funds make reasonable efforts to stay informed of foreign reporting requirements relating to the Funds' foreign portfolio securities, no assurance can be given that the Funds will satisfy applicable foreign reporting requirements at all times. There are also special tax considerations which apply to securities of non-U.S. issuers and securities principally traded overseas. Income and gains with respect to investments in certain countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes. See "Tax" below and the SAI for further details.

Additionally, U.S. investors are required to maintain a license to invest directly in many non-U.S. markets. These licenses are often subject to limitations, including maximum investment amounts. Once a license is obtained, a Fund's ability to continue to invest directly is subject to the risk that the license will be terminated or suspended. If a license is terminated or suspended, to obtain exposure to the market, the Fund may be required to purchase ADRs, GDRs, shares of other funds that are licensed to invest directly, or derivative instruments. The receipt of a foreign license by one of the Manager's clients may preclude other clients, including a Fund, from obtaining a similar license, and this could limit the Fund's investment opportunities. In addition, the activities of another of the Manager's clients could cause the suspension or revocation of a license and thereby limit the Funds' investment opportunities.

Service Provider Risk

Each Fund is subject to the risk that the Manager will apply techniques and analyses to the Funds' investment practices that are not as successful as the techniques and analyses used by other investment advisers. There is no guarantee that the Manager will be able to enhance the returns of the Funds or preserve the Funds' assets. The Manager also may fail to use derivatives effectively, including by choosing to hedge or not to hedge positions at disadvantageous times. The Manager's judgments about the attractiveness, relative value, or potential appreciation of a particular sector, security, commodity or investment strategy or as to a hedging or allocation strategy may prove to be incorrect, and may cause the Funds to incur losses.

There can be no assurance that key personnel of the Manager will continue to be employed by the Manager. The loss of their services could have an adverse impact on the Manager's ability to achieve the Funds' investment objectives. A change in laws or regulations due to political or economic events, such as Brexit, may impact the Manager's ability to retain its portfolio managers and other key personnel. For additional information on Brexit see "Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk" above.

The Funds are also subject to the risk of loss as a result of other services provided by the Manager and other service providers, including pricing, administrative, accounting, tax, legal, custody, transfer agency, and other services. The Funds currently utilize entities affiliated with the Bank of New York Mellon to serve as transfer agent, administrator, custodian and fund accounting agent to the Funds. This arrangement could magnify losses resulting from a systems failure affecting the Bank of New York Mellon. Loss may be caused by inadequate procedures and controls, human error, system failures, negligence, misfeasance or fraud by a service provider or insolvency of a service provider. For example, trading delays or errors (both human and systematic) could prevent a Fund from benefiting from potential investment gains or avoiding losses on the security.

Settlement Risk

Markets in different countries have different clearance and settlement procedures. Certain markets may from time to time be unable to keep pace with the volume of transactions.

Delays in settlement may increase credit risk to the Funds or limit the ability of the Funds to reinvest the proceeds of a sale of securities. Delays in settlement may also subject the Funds to


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penalties for their failure to deliver to on-purchasers of securities whose delivery to the Fund was delayed.

Delays in the settlement of securities purchased by a Fund may also limit the ability of such Fund to sell those securities at times and prices it considers desirable, and may subject such Fund to losses and costs due to its own inability to settle with subsequent purchasers of the securities from it. A Fund may be required to borrow monies it had otherwise expected to receive in connection with the settlement of securities it has sold, in order to meet its obligations to others.

Limits on the ability of the Funds to purchase or sell securities due to settlement delays could increase any variance between the Funds' performance and that of their benchmark indices.

Small- and Medium-Capitalization Securities Risk

The securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies may be more volatile and may involve more risk than the securities of larger companies. These companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, may lack the competitive strength of larger companies, and may depend on a few key employees. In addition, these companies may have been recently organized and may have little or no track record of success. Similarly, the securities of small- and medium-sized companies may trade less frequently and in smaller volumes than securities of larger companies. The prices of these securities may consequently fluctuate more sharply than those of other securities, and the Funds may experience difficulty in establishing or closing out positions in these securities at prevailing market prices. Moreover, there may be less publicly available information about the issuers of these securities or less market interest in these securities than in the case of larger companies, both of which can cause significant price volatility.

Some securities of small- and medium-sized issuers may also be illiquid or may be restricted as to resale. A Fund may therefore be unable to liquidate its positions in such securities at any time, or at a favorable price, in order to meet the Fund's obligations.

Socially Responsible Investing Risk

A Fund's approach to socially responsible investing, including its incorporation of ESG considerations in its investment process, may cause it to make different investments than funds that have a similar investment universe and/or investment style but that do not incorporate such considerations in their investment strategy or processes. As a result, such Fund may forego opportunities to buy certain securities when it might otherwise be advantageous to do so or sell securities when it might be otherwise disadvantageous for it to do so. For instance, a Fund's exclusion of investments in companies with significant fossil fuel exposure may adversely affect the Fund's relative performance at times when such investments are performing well.

A Fund's socially responsible investment process may also affect the Fund's exposure to certain sectors or types of investments, which may impact the Fund's relative investment performance depending on whether such sectors or investments are in or out of favor with the market. In addition, a Fund's investments in certain companies may be susceptible to various factors that may impact their businesses or operations, including costs associated with government budgetary constraints that impact publicly funded projects and clean energy initiatives, the effects

of general economic conditions throughout the world, increased competition from other providers of services, unfavorable tax laws or accounting policies and high leverage.

A Fund's portfolio managers are dependent on available information to assist in the social evaluation process, and, because there are few generally accepted standards to use in evaluation, the process employed for a Fund may differ from processes employed for other funds. Additionally, as a result of the Manager's stewardship activities, a Fund may purchase securities with the intention of seeking to improve an issuer's ESG practices. Successful application of a Fund's ESG investing strategy and engagement efforts will depend on its portfolio managers' ability to identify and analyze material ESG issues, and there can be no assurance that the strategy or techniques employed will be successful.

The Manager may seek to identify companies that it believes may have a positive societal impact, but investors may differ in their views of what constitutes positive or negative societal impact outcomes. As a result, a Fund may invest in companies that do not reflect the beliefs and values of any particular investor.

See also "Impact Risk."

Underlying Funds Risk

A Fund that invests in U.S. or non-U.S. pooled investment vehicles, such as ETFs, mutual funds, and private funds, ("Underlying Funds") will be exposed to the risk that the Underlying Fund does not perform as expected and indirectly to all of the risks applicable to an investment in such Underlying Funds. In addition, lack of liquidity in the Underlying Fund could result in its value being more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities, and may limit the ability of a Fund to sell or redeem its interest in the underlying fund at a time or at a price it might consider desirable. The investment policies and limitations of the Underlying Funds may not be the same as those of a Fund; as a result, a Fund may be subject to additional or different risks, or may achieve a reduced investment return, as a result of its investment in Underlying Funds. If an Underlying Fund is an exchange-traded fund or other product traded on a securities exchange or otherwise actively traded, its shares may trade at a premium or discount to their net asset value, an effect that might be more pronounced in less liquid markets. A Fund bears its proportionate share of the fees and expenses of any Underlying Fund in which it invests.

The Manager or an affiliate may serve as investment adviser to some Underlying Funds, leading to potential conflicts of interest and other risks. For example, the Manager would have an incentive to invest in Underlying Funds in need of seed capital, even if the expenses of such Underlying Funds are higher than alternative investments or alternative investments would be more appropriate for a Fund in light of its investment strategy. Investment by a Fund in an Underlying Fund may be beneficial to the Manager or an affiliate in the management of the Underlying Fund, by helping to achieve economies of scale or enhancing cash flows. Due to this and other factors, the Manager will, in some circumstances, have an incentive to invest a Fund's assets in an Underlying Fund sponsored or managed by the Manager or its affiliates in lieu of investments by a Fund directly in portfolio securities, or may have an incentive to invest in the affiliated Underlying Fund over a pool sponsored or managed by others.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Similarly, the Manager may have an incentive to delay or decide against the sale of interests held by a Fund in an Underlying Funds sponsored or managed by the Manager or its affiliates. It is possible that other clients of the Manager or its affiliates will purchase or sell interests in an Underlying Fund sponsored or managed by the Manager or its affiliates at prices and at times more favorable than those at which a Fund does so. In addition, the Manager's fiduciary duty to an affiliated Underlying Fund may subject a Fund to restrictions on redemptions in certain circumstances, which may make a Fund's investments in affiliated Underlying Funds less liquid than investments in other Underlying Funds.

Valuation Risk

In certain circumstances, some of a Fund's portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations by employing the fair value procedures adopted by the Board. This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. There are multiple methods that can be used to value a portfolio holding when market quotations are not readily available. The value established for any portfolio holding at a point in time might differ from what would be produced using a different methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. Technological issues or other service disruption issues involving third-party service providers may cause a Fund to value its investments incorrectly. In addition, there is no assurance that a Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that a Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by a Fund at that time. Investors who purchase or redeem shares on days when a Fund is holding fair-valued investments may receive fewer or more shares or lower or higher redemption proceeds than they would have received if the Fund had not fair-valued the holding(s) or had used a different valuation methodology.

The SAI includes more information about the Funds, their investments and the related risks.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

FUND MANAGEMENT

Investment Manager

Each Fund is advised and managed by the Manager, Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited. The Manager's principal place of business is Calton Square, 1 Greenside Row, Edinburgh EH1 3AN, Scotland. The Manager also has an office in New York City, New York, USA. The Manager is a wholly owned subsidiary of Baillie Gifford & Co., which is controlled by its working partners. The Manager, its parent, Baillie Gifford & Co., and their affiliates are referred to as "Baillie Gifford."

Experience

The Manager is a registered investment adviser which, together with its affiliates, advises other mutual funds and a variety of private accounts, including accounts managed on behalf of corporate and public pension plan sponsors, endowments, foundations, sovereign wealth funds, and family office clients. The Manager was organized in 1983, and had approximate assets under management of $285.3 billion as of December 31, 2020.

Investment Services

The Manager selects and reviews each Fund's investments and provides executive and other personnel for the management of the Trust, pursuant to the Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement between the Manager and the Trust on behalf of each Fund, as amended from time to time (the "Advisory Agreement").

The semi-annual report to shareholders for the period ended June 30, 2020 includes a discussion regarding the basis of the Board's approval of the Advisory Agreement insofar as it relates to each Fund except Baillie Gifford Asia Ex Japan Fund, Baillie Gifford China A Shares Growth Fund, Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund, Baillie Gifford Japan Growth Fund, and Baillie Gifford U.S. Discovery Fund. The annual report to shareholders for the period ended December 31, 2019 includes a discussion regarding the basis of the Board's approval of the Advisory Agreement of Baillie Gifford China A Shares Growth Fund. For Baillie Gifford Asia Ex Japan Fund, Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund, Baillie Gifford Japan Growth Fund, and Baillie Gifford U.S. Discovery Fund a discussion regarding the basis for the Board's approval of each Fund's investment advisory agreement will be included in the first shareholder report that each Fund's shareholders receive following each Fund's commencement of operations.

Under the Advisory Agreement, each Fund pays the Manager an advisory fee quarterly (the "Advisory Fee"). The Advisory Fee is calculated and accrued daily as a percentage of the average daily net assets of each Fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, the advisory fees paid by the Funds that had commenced operations were as follows:

Fund

  Aggregate Advisory Fee
(percentage of each
Fund's average daily net
assets)
 

Baillie Gifford China A Shares Growth Fund

   

0.55

%

 

Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund

   

0.35

%

 

Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund

   

0.35

%

 

Fund

  Aggregate Advisory Fee
(percentage of each
Fund's average daily net
assets)
 

Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund

   

0.53

%

 

Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund

   

0.40

%

 

Baillie Gifford Global Stewardship Equities Fund

   

0.33

%

 

Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund

   

0.34

%

 

Baillie Gifford International Concentrated Growth Equities Fund

   

0.40

%

 

Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund

   

0.33

%

 

Baillie Gifford International Smaller Companies Fund

   

0.58

%

 

Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund

   

0.45

%

 

Baillie Gifford Positive Change Equities Fund

   

0.33

%

 

Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity Growth Fund

   

0.33

%

 

The Advisory Fee paid by each Fund under the Advisory Agreement is calculated and accrued daily on the basis of the annual rate noted below and expressed as a percentage of the Fund's average daily net assets.

Fund

  Average Daily Net
Assets of the
Fund (billions)
  Annual Advisory
Fee Rate at Each
Asset Level
(percentage of the
Fund's average
daily net assets)
 
Baillie Gifford Asia
Ex Japan Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.48%
0.44%
0.42%
 
Baillie Gifford China A
Shares Growth Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.55%
0.51%
0.49%
 
Baillie Gifford China
Equities Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.55%
0.51%
0.49%
 
Baillie Gifford Developed
EAFE All Cap Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.35%
0.31%
0.29%
 
Baillie Gifford EAFE
Plus All Cap Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.35%
0.31%
0.29%
 
Baillie Gifford
Emerging Markets
Equities Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.55%
0.51%
0.49%
 
Baillie Gifford Global
Alpha Equities Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.40%
0.36%
0.34%
 
Baillie Gifford Global
Stewardship Equities
Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.33%
0.29%
0.27%
 
Baillie Gifford International
Alpha Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.35%
0.31%
0.29%
 
Baillie Gifford International
Concentrated Growth
Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.40%
0.36%
0.34%
 
Baillie Gifford International
Growth Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.35%
0.31%
0.29%
 
Baillie Gifford International
Smaller Companies Fund
 

All assets

  0.58%  


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Fund

  Average Daily Net
Assets of the
Fund (billions)
  Annual Advisory
Fee Rate at Each
Asset Level
(percentage of the
Fund's average
daily net assets)
 
Baillie Gifford Japan
Growth Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.43%
0.39%
0.37%
 
Baillie Gifford Long Term
Global Growth Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.45%
0.41%
0.39%
 
Baillie Gifford Positive
Change Equities Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.33%
0.29%
0.27%
 
Baillie Gifford U.S.
Discovery Fund
 

All assets

  0.50%  
Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity
Growth Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.33%
0.29%
0.27%
 

Upon termination of the Advisory Agreement at other than quarter end, the Advisory Fee for the partial quarter shall be determined by reference to the termination date and shall be prorated accordingly.

Administration and Supervisory Services

The Manager is responsible for providing certain administrative services to Fund shareholders as well as coordinating, overseeing and supporting services provided to Fund shareholders by third parties, including financial intermediaries that hold accounts with the Funds, pursuant to an Administration and Supervisory Agreement between the Manager and the Trust on behalf of each Fund (the "Administration and Supervisory Agreement"). The Administration and Supervisory Agreement also relates to the Class K and Institutional Class shares of other series of the Trust.

Under the Administration and Supervisory Agreement, each Fund pays to the Manager an Administration and Supervisory Fee quarterly, in arrears, with respect to Class K and Institutional Class shares at an annual rate of 0.17% of such Fund's average net assets. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, each operational Fund paid Administration and Supervisory Fees equal to 0.17% of such Fund's average daily net assets. The Administration and Supervisory Fee and the Advisory Fee are together referred to as the "Management Fee."

The Trust has adopted an Administration, Supervisory and Sub-Accounting Services Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act with respect to Class K and Institutional Class shares of each Fund (the "Plan"). However, no distribution payments under Rule 12b-1 have been authorized by the Board as of the date of this Prospectus, and no distribution fees under Rule 12b-1 are currently payable under the Plan. If the Board authorizes distribution payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 in the future for any class of shares, the Manager or another service provider might collect distribution fees under Rule 12b-1, but only after appropriate authorization by the Board and after this Prospectus

has been updated to reflect such additional fees. Should distribution payments under Rule 12b-1 be collected, these fees would be paid out of the applicable Fund's assets on an ongoing basis, and over time these fees could increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.

Participating Affiliate Arrangements

The Manager has entered into a personnel-sharing arrangement with its Hong Kong-based affiliate, Baillie Gifford Asia (Hong Kong) Limited ("Baillie Gifford Asia"). Pursuant to this arrangement, Baillie Gifford Asia acts as a "participating affiliate" of the Manager and certain employees of Baillie Gifford Asia are treated as "associated persons" of the Manager. In this capacity, these individuals are subject to the oversight of the Manager and its Chief Compliance Officer. These associated persons, on behalf of the Manager, provide trade execution and related services to the Funds. The personnel-sharing arrangement is based on no-action letters of the staff of the SEC that permit SEC-registered investment advisers to rely on and use the resources of advisory affiliates, subject to certain conditions.

Baillie Gifford Asia is not registered as an investment adviser with the SEC. The Manager may in the future enter into additional personnel-sharing arrangements, including with its non-U.S. unregistered investment advisory affiliates, for a variety of investment advisory services, including investment research and portfolio management.

Expenses

The organizational and operational expenses of the Funds are borne by the relevant Fund, including but not limited to brokerage commissions, transfer taxes and extraordinary expenses in connection with its portfolio transactions, all applicable taxes, independent trustee compensation, interest charges, charges of custodians, auditing and legal expenses.

Certain expenses, not including advisory and custodial fees or other expenses related to the management of a Fund's assets, may be allocated to a specific class of shares if those expenses are actually incurred in a different amount with respect to a class, or if services are provided with respect to a class that are of a different kind or to a different degree than with respect to the other class. As discussed below under "Buying, Selling, and Exchanging Shares through Financial Intermediaries—How are financial intermediaries compensated?", Institutional Class shares bear expenses in connection with compensating financial intermediaries for sub-transfer agency and other services. Class K shares do not bear such expenses.

The Manager has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or bear Other Expenses of the Funds shown in the table below, with respect to each such Fund, to the extent that such Fund's Total Annual Operating Expenses (excluding taxes, sub-accounting expenses and extraordinary expenses) exceed the amounts listed below. This contractual waiver will continue until April 30, 2022 for each Fund, except that Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund's contractual waiver will continue until April 30, 2023.


121


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Fund

 

Class

  Expense Limit
(percentage of
each Fund's
average daily net
assets)
 
Baillie Gifford Asia
Ex Japan Fund
  Class K and
Institutional Class
 

0.80

%

 
Baillie Gifford China A
Shares Growth Fund
  Class K and
Institutional Class
 

0.87

%

 
Baillie Gifford China
Equities Fund
  Class K and
Institutional Class
 

0.87

%

 
Baillie Gifford Global
Stewardship Equities Fund
  Class K and
Institutional Class
 

0.65

%

 
Baillie Gifford International
Concentrated Growth
Equities Fund
  Class K and
Institutional Class
 

0.72

%

 
Baillie Gifford International
Smaller Companies Fund
  Class K and
Institutional Class
 

0.90

%

 
Baillie Gifford Japan
Growth Fund
  Class K and
Institutional Class
 

0.75

%

 
Baillie Gifford Positive
Change Equities Fund
  Class K and
Institutional Class
 

0.65

%

 
Baillie Gifford U.S.
Discovery Fund
  Class K and
Institutional Class
 

0.82

%

 
Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity
Growth Fund
  Class K and
Institutional Class
 

0.65

%

 

For the purposes of determining any such fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement, the expenses are calculated based on the percentage of the relevant Fund's average daily net assets. Sub-accounting expenses (which are excluded from the cap on Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses) include, without limitation, sub-transfer agency, sub-administration and other shareholder servicing fees and expenses of the type described below under the heading "Buying, Selling, and Exchanging Shares through Financial Intermediaries."

Pursuant to the terms of the agreements governing the expense limitations, the Manager does not have a right to recover from the Funds any fees waived or expenses paid pursuant to these expense limitations. The expense limitation may be continued beyond April 30, 2023 for Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund and April 30, 2022 for each of the other Funds listed in the above table by agreement of the Board and the Manager. These contractual agreements may only be terminated by the Board.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Investment Teams

Investment decisions made by the Manager for the Funds are made by teams of portfolio managers organized for that purpose.

Baillie Gifford Asia Ex Japan Fund Team

Under normal circumstances, the Fund's portfolio management team meets regularly to review existing holdings and individual stock decisions. Portfolio managers in the emerging markets equity investment team of the Manager, of which this team is a subset, also regularly review the portfolio and provide input. The team also holds ad hoc meetings as required to discuss relevant developments in the portfolio. The ultimate decision to buy or sell a stock rests with members of the portfolio management team.

Baillie Gifford Asia Ex Japan Fund is jointly and primarily managed by a team of experienced portfolio managers, which consists of:

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
Ben Durrant
BSc (Hons) in Mathematics (2012)
University of Edinburgh
CFA (U.K.) Charterholder
  Mr. Durrant is an Investment Manager in the Emerging Markets Team and before that he was an Investment Analyst in the Private Companies Team. He joined Baillie Gifford in 2017. He previously worked for RBS in their Group Strategy and Corporate Finance Team. He is also a Chartered Accountant and a CFA Charterholder. Ben graduated BSc (Hons) in Mathematics from the University of Edinburgh in 2012.
Mr. Durrant has been a member of the team since 2021.
 
Roderick Snell
BSC First Class Honours in Medical Biology (2006)
University of Edinburgh
  Mr. Snell joined Baillie Gifford in 2006 and is a portfolio manager in the Emerging Markets Equity Team. Since March 2020, he has also been a manager on the China OIEC fund. He has managed the Baillie Gifford Pacific Fund since 2010 and has been Deputy Manager of Pacific Horizon Investment Trust since 2013. Mr. Snell graduated BSc (Hons) in Medical Biology from the University of Edinburgh in 2006.
Mr. Snell has been a member of the team since the Fund's inception in 2016.
 

Baillie Gifford China A Shares Growth Fund

Under normal circumstances, the Fund's portfolio management team meets weekly to share ongoing research. More formally, the portfolio management team meets monthly to discuss stocks and quarterly to discuss the overall composition of the portfolio. This is in addition to the many ad hoc discussions that occur between colleagues in Edinburgh and Shanghai and with other investment teams.

Baillie Gifford China A Shares Growth Fund is jointly and primarily managed by a team of experienced portfolio managers, which consists of:

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
Sophie Earnshaw
MA in English Literature (2008)
University of Edinburgh
MPhil in 18th Century and Romantic Literature (2009)
University of Cambridge
CFA Charterholder
  Ms. Earnshaw joined Baillie Gifford in 2010 and is a portfolio manager in the Emerging Markets Equity Team and China A Share Team. She has also been Co-Manager of the China fund and a member of the International All Cap Portfolio Construction Group since 2014. Ms. Earnshaw is a CFA Charterholder. She graduated MA in English Literature from the University of Edinburgh in 2008 and MPhil in Eighteenth Century and Romantic Literature from the University of Cambridge in 2009.
Ms. Earnshaw has been a member of the team of portfolio managers for this Fund since the Fund's inception in 2019.
 
Louise Lin
MMath in Mathematics (2013)
University of Oxford
CFA Charterholder
  Ms. Lin joined Baillie Gifford in September 2014 and is an investment manager and member of the China A-Share Team. She has previously worked in the Japanese Equities Team and Global Discovery Teams. She is a CFA Charterholder and graduated MMath in Mathematics from the University of Oxford in 2013. Ms. Lin is a native mandarin speaker.
Ms. Lin has been a member of the team of portfolio managers for this Fund since the Fund's inception in 2019.
 


123


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
Mark Urquhart
BA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (1992) Oxford University
PhD in Politics (1996)
University of Edinburgh
  Mr. Urquhart is the head of the Long Term Global Growth Team, a strategy which he co-founded in 2003. He is also an investment manager on the China A-share Team. Mr. Urquhart joined Baillie Gifford in 1996, initially working as an Investment Analyst and Manager in the US, UK and Japanese Equities teams. He became a Partner in 2004. Mark graduated BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Oxford in 1992 and spent a year at Harvard as a Kennedy Scholar in 1993 before completing a PhD in Politics with a thesis on Nationalism in the EU at the University of Edinburgh in 1996.
Mr. Urquhart has been a member of the team of portfolio managers for this Fund since the Fund's inception in 2019.
 

Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund

Under normal circumstances, the Fund's portfolio management team meets weekly to discuss ongoing research and monthly to discuss the overall composition of the portfolio.

Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund is jointly and primarily managed by a team of experienced portfolio managers, which consists of:

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
Sophie Earnshaw
MA in English Literature (2008)
University of Edinburgh
MPhil in 18th Century and Romantic Literature (2009)
University of Cambridge
CFA Charterholder
  Ms. Earnshaw joined Baillie Gifford in 2010 and is a portfolio manager in the Emerging Markets Equity and China A Share Teams. She has also been Co-Manager of the China fund and a member of the International All Cap Portfolio Construction Group since 2014. Ms. Earnshaw is a CFA Charterholder. She graduated MA in English Literature from the University of Edinburgh in 2008 and MPhil in Eighteenth Century and Romantic Literature from the University of Cambridge in 2009.
Ms. Earnshaw has been a member of the team of portfolio managers for this Fund since the Fund's inception in 2021.
 
Mike Gush
MEng (2003)
Durham University
  Mr. Gush joined Baillie Gifford in 2003 and became a Partner of Baillie Gifford & Co in 2020. He first worked in the U.K. and Japanese Equities Teams before moving to the Emerging Markets Equity Team in 2005. Mr. Gush is a named manager for Baillie Gifford's emerging markets and China funds, as well as being responsible for the Emerging Markets Small Cap Strategy. He has also been involved with the Global Stewardship Strategy since its inception in 2015. He became a portfolio manager in 2006 and has researched all Emerging Markets during his career. Mr. Gush also has previous experience managing the Pacific Horizon Investment Trust and Baillie Gifford Pacific Fund. He is a CFA Charterholder and graduated MEng from the University of Durham in 2003.
Mr. Gush has been a member of the team of portfolio managers for this Fund since the Fund's inception in 2021.
 
Roderick Snell
BSC First Class Honours in Medical Biology (2006)
University of Edinburgh
  Mr. Snell joined Baillie Gifford in 2006 and is a portfolio manager in the Emerging Markets Equity Team. Since March 2020, he has also been a manager on the China OEIC fund. He has managed the Baillie Gifford Pacific Fund since 2010 and has been Deputy Manager of Pacific Horizon Investment Trust since 2013. Mr. Snell graduated BSc (Hons) in Medical Biology from the University of Edinburgh in 2006.
Mr. Snell has been a member of the team of portfolio managers for this Fund since the Fund's inception in 2021.
 

Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund Team

Under normal circumstances, the Fund's portfolio management team meets regularly to review the portfolio as a whole and to discuss individual stock selection. The team typically meets weekly to review relevant developments related to holdings within the Fund. The team also holds ad hoc meetings as required to discuss unusual or material developments in the portfolio. The team takes collective responsibility for portfolio construction.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund is jointly and primarily managed by a team of experienced portfolio managers, which consists of:

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
Gerard Callahan
BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (1991)
Oxford University
  Mr. Callahan joined Baillie Gifford in 1991 and is head of the Manager's U.K. Equity Team and Chairman of the International All Cap Portfolio Construction Group. He became a Partner of the firm in 2000 and Lead Manager of the Manager's U.K. Alpha Strategy in the same year. Mr. Callahan has been involved as a Portfolio Manager in the Manager's International strategies since 1998, initially in selecting U.K. stocks. He graduated BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Oxford in 1991.
Mr. Callahan has been a member of the team since 2007 and Chairman since 2010.
 
Iain Campbell
BA Modern History (2000)
Oxford University
  Mr. Campbell joined Baillie Gifford in 2004 and became a partner of Baillie Gifford & Co. in 2020. He is a member of the Japanese Specialist Team. Most of Mr. Campbell's investment career has been focused on Emerging and Developed Asian markets. He has responsibility for managing various specialist Developed Asia, including Japan, portfolios and is also a member of the International All Cap Portfolio Construction Group. Prior to joining Baillie Gifford, Mr. Campbell worked for Goldman Sachs as an analyst in the Investment Banking division. He graduated BA in Modern History from the University of Oxford in 2000.
Mr. Campbell has been a member of the team since 2010.
 
Sophie Earnshaw
MA in English Literature (2008)
University of Edinburgh
MPhil in 18th Century and Romantic Literature (2009)
University of Cambridge
CFA Charterholder
  Ms. Earnshaw joined Baillie Gifford in 2010 and is a portfolio manager in the Emerging Markets Equity Team and China A Share Team. She has also been Co-Manager of the China fund and a member of the International All Cap Portfolio Construction Group since 2014. Ms. Earnshaw is a CFA Charterholder. She graduated MA in English Literature from the University of Edinburgh in 2008 and MPhil in Eighteenth Century and Romantic Literature from the University of Cambridge in 2009.
Ms. Earnshaw has been a member of the team since 2014.
 
Joe Faraday
MEng in Chemical Engineering (2002)
University of Cambridge
MBA (2009)
University of Edinburgh
CFA Charterholder
  Mr. Faraday is a Client Service Director where he is responsible for servicing International All Cap Clients. He has been a member of the International All Cap Portfolio Construction Group since 2007. Mr. Faraday joined Baillie Gifford's Graduate Scheme in 2002 and worked in the Manager's European, North America, Developed Asian and Emerging Markets Equity Teams before transferring to the Clients Department in 2013. Following an engineering scholarship with the Smallpeice Trust in his gap year, Joe graduated MEng in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cambridge in 2002 and gained an MBA from the University of Edinburgh in 2009. He is also a CFA Charterholder.
Mr. Faraday has been a member of the team since 2007.
 
Moritz Sitte
BSc in Business Administration (2009)
University of Regensburg
MSc in Finance and Investment (2010)
University of Edinburgh
CFA Charterholder
  Mr. Sitte joined Baillie Gifford in 2010 and is a portfolio manager in the European Equity Team. He has also been a member of the International All Cap Portfolio Construction Group since 2014. He graduated BSc in Business Administration from the University of Regensburg, Germany in 2009 and MSc in Finance and Investment from the University of Edinburgh in 2010. Mr. Sitte is a CFA Charterholder.
Mr. Sitte has been a member of the team since 2014.
 

The same team of portfolio managers selects the securities for this Fund and Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund. However, Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund permits investment in both developed and emerging markets, whereas this Fund focuses only on investment in developed markets. The Manager anticipates that the differences in investment strategies will generally result in some different securities being held by the Funds.


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Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund Team

Under normal circumstances, the Fund's portfolio management team meets regularly to review the portfolio as a whole and to discuss individual stock selection. The team typically meets weekly to review relevant developments related to holdings within the Fund. The team also holds ad hoc meetings as required to discuss unusual or material developments in the portfolio. The team takes collective responsibility for portfolio construction.

Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund is jointly and primarily managed by a team of experienced portfolio managers, which consists of:

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
Gerard Callahan
BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (1991) Oxford University
  Mr. Callahan joined Baillie Gifford in 1991 and is head of the Manager's U.K. Equity Team and Chairman of the International All Cap Portfolio Construction Group. He became a Partner of the firm in 2000 and Lead Manager of the Manager's U.K. Alpha Strategy in the same year. Mr. Callahan has been involved as a Portfolio Manager in the Manager's International strategies since 1998, initially in selecting U.K. stocks. He graduated BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Oxford in 1991.
Mr. Callahan has been a member of the team since 2007 and Chairman since 2010.
 
Iain Campbell
BA Modern History (2000)
Oxford University
  Mr. Campbell joined Baillie Gifford in 2004 and became a partner of Baillie Gifford & Co. in 2020. He is a member of the Japanese Specialist Team. Most of Mr. Campbell's investment career has been focused on Emerging and Developed Asian markets. He has responsibility for managing various specialist Developed Asia, including Japan, portfolios and is also a member of the International All Cap Portfolio Construction Group. Prior to joining Baillie Gifford, Mr. Campbell worked for Goldman Sachs as an analyst in the Investment Banking division. He graduated BA in Modern History from the University of Oxford in 2000.
Mr. Campbell has been a member of the team since 2010.
 
Sophie Earnshaw
MA in English Literature (2008)
University of Edinburgh
MPhil in 18th Century and Romantic Literature (2009)
University of Cambridge
CFA Charterholder
  Ms. Earnshaw joined Baillie Gifford in 2010 and is a portfolio manager in the Emerging Markets Equity Team and China A Share Team. She has also been Co-Manager of the China fund and a member of the International All Cap Portfolio Construction Group since 2014. Ms. Earnshaw is a CFA Charterholder. She graduated MA in English Literature from the University of Edinburgh in 2008 and MPhil in Eighteenth Century and Romantic Literature from the University of Cambridge in 2009.
Ms. Earnshaw has been a member of the team since 2014.
 
Joe Faraday
MEng in Chemical Engineering (2002)
University of Cambridge
MBA (2009)
University of Edinburgh
CFA Charterholder
  Mr. Faraday is a Client Service Director where he is responsible for servicing International All Cap Clients. He has been a member of the International All Cap Portfolio Construction Group since 2007. Mr. Faraday joined Baillie Gifford's Graduate Scheme in 2002 and worked in the Manager's European, North America, Developed Asian and Emerging Markets Equity Teams before transferring to the Clients Department in 2013. Following an engineering scholarship with the Smallpeice Trust in his gap year, Mr. Faraday graduated MEng in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cambridge in 2002 and gained an MBA from the University of Edinburgh in 2009. He is also a CFA Charterholder.
Mr. Faraday has been a member of the team since 2007.
 
Moritz Sitte
BSc in Business Administration (2009)
University of Regensburg
MSc in Finance and Investment (2010)
University of Edinburgh
CFA Charterholder
  Mr. Sitte joined Baillie Gifford in 2010 and is a portfolio manager in the European Equity Team. He has also been a member of the International All Cap Portfolio Construction Group since 2014. He graduated BSc in Business Administration from the University of Regensburg, Germany in 2009 and MSc in Finance and Investment from the University of Edinburgh in 2010. Mr. Sitte is a CFA Charterholder.
Mr. Sitte has been a member of the team since 2014.
 

The same team of portfolio managers selects the securities for this Fund and Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund. However, this Fund permits investment in both developed and emerging markets, whereas Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund focuses only on investment in developed markets. The Manager anticipates that the differences in investment strategies will generally result in some different securities being held by the Funds.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund Team

Under normal circumstances, the Fund's portfolio management team meets regularly to review existing holdings and individual stock decisions. The team also holds ad hoc meetings as required to discuss relevant developments in the portfolio. The ultimate decision to buy or sell a stock rests with members of the portfolio management team.

Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund is jointly and primarily managed by a team of experienced portfolio managers, which consists of:

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
Ben Durrant
BSc (Hons) in Mathematics (2012)
University of Edinburgh
CFA (U.K.) Charterholder
  Mr. Durrant is an Investment Manager in the Emerging Markets Team and before that he was an Investment Analyst in the Private Companies Team. He joined Baillie Gifford in 2017. He previously worked for RBS in their Group Strategy and Corporate Finance Team. He is also a Chartered Accountant and a CFA Charterholder. Ben graduated BSc (Hons) in Mathematics from the University of Edinburgh in 2012.
Mr. Durrant has been a member of the team since 2021.
 
Mike Gush
MEng (2003)
Durham University
  Mr. Gush joined Baillie Gifford in 2003 and became a Partner of Baillie Gifford & Co in 2020. He first worked in the U.K. and Japanese Equities Teams before moving to the Emerging Markets Equity Team in 2005. Mr. Gush is a named manager for Baillie Gifford's emerging markets and China funds, as well as being responsible for the Emerging Markets Small Cap Strategy. He has also been involved with the Global Stewardship Strategy since its inception in 2015. He became a portfolio manager in 2006 and has researched all Emerging Markets during his career. Mr. Gush also has previous experience managing the Pacific Horizon Investment Trust and Baillie Gifford Pacific Fund. He is a CFA Charterholder and graduated MEng from the University of Durham in 2003.
Mr. Gush has been a member of the team since 2005.
 
Andrew Stobart
MA in Economics (1987)
Cambridge University
  Mr. Stobart has been a portfolio manager in the Emerging Markets Team since 2007 and sits on the Emerging Markets All Cap Portfolio Construction Group. Mr. Stobart has also been a member of the International Alpha Portfolio Construction Group since 2008. Since joining Baillie Gifford as an Investment Analyst in 1991, Mr. Stobart has worked in the U.K., Japanese and North American Teams. Prior to joining Baillie Gifford, Mr. Stobart spent three years working in Investment Banking in London. Mr. Stobart graduated MA in Economics from the University of Cambridge in 1987.
Mr. Stobart has been a member of the team since 2007.
 

Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund Team

The Fund's portfolio management team seeks ideas from across the Baillie Gifford Group investment teams and, under normal circumstances, holds formal monthly meetings with the Manager's regional investment teams to review portfolio holdings and potential stock purchases. The team also holds ad hoc meetings as required to discuss relevant developments in the portfolio. Each member of the team has equal ownership and accountability for all portfolio decisions.

Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund is jointly and primarily managed by a team of experienced portfolio managers, which consists of:

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
Spencer Adair
BSc in Medicine (1997)
University of St. Andrews
CFA Charterholder
  Mr. Adair joined Baillie Gifford in 2000 and is a portfolio manager in the Global Alpha Team. He became a Partner in 2013 and has also spent time working in the Fixed Income, Japanese, European and U.K. Equity Teams. Spencer managed the Investment Grade Long Bond Fund whilst being a Fixed Income Portfolio Manager and the European portion of wider Global portfolios whilst in the European Team. He has also spent time with the Manager's Emerging Markets Team. Spencer has been involved in the Global Alpha portfolio since inception in 2005 and has focused exclusively on this portfolio management responsibility since early 2007. Mr. Adair graduated BSc in Medicine from the University of St Andrews in 1997, followed by two years of clinical training in Edinburgh.
Mr. Adair has been a member of the team since the inception of the strategy in 2005 and this is now his sole portfolio responsibility.
 


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
Malcolm MacColl
MA in Economics and History (1998)
University of St Andrews
MLitt in Economics, Politics, and Management (1999) University of St. Andrews
Member, CFA Society U.K.
  Mr. MacColl is a portfolio manager in the Global Alpha Team, having been involved with Global Alpha since the product's inception in 2005. He became a Partner of the firm in 2011 and will become the Joint Senior Partner of the firm on May 1, 2021. Mr. MacColl joined Baillie Gifford in 1999 and has spent time working in the U.K. Small Cap and North American Teams. Malcolm managed the North American portion of wider Global portfolios whilst in the North American Team. He is a member of the U.K. Society of Investment Professionals. Mr. MacColl graduated MA in Economics and History in 1998 and MLitt in Economics, Politics and Management in 1999, both from the University of St Andrews.
Mr. MacColl has been a member of the team since the inception of the strategy in 2005 and this is now his sole portfolio responsibility.
 
Helen Xiong
BSc (Hons) in Economics (2007)
Warwick University
MPhil in Economics (2008)
University of Cambridge
  Ms. Xiong joined joined Baillie Gifford in 2008 and is a Partner and investment manager on the Global Alpha Team. In addition to Global Alpha, Ms. Xiong has spent time working on the Manager's Developed Asia, UK, North America, Emerging Markets and Global Equity Teams. Before coming to live and work in the UK, Ms. Xiong lived in China, South Africa and Norway. She graduated BSc (Hons) in Economics from the University of Warwick in 2007 and MPhil in Economics from the University of Cambridge the following year.
Ms. Xiong has been a member of the team since 2021.
 

Baillie Gifford Global Stewardship Equities Fund Team

Under normal circumstances, the Fund's portfolio management team meets regularly to discuss individual stock selection, to assess relevant developments related to holdings within the Fund, and to review the portfolio as a whole. The team also holds ad hoc meetings as required to discuss relevant developments in the portfolio. The team takes collective responsibility for portfolio construction.

Baillie Gifford Global Stewardship Equities Fund is jointly and primarily managed by a team of experienced portfolio managers, which consists of:

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
Josie Bentley
MA (Oxon) in Music (2014)
University of Oxford
  Ms. Bentley joined Baillie Gifford in 2016 and is a portfolio manager in the European Equity Team and is a member of the Global Stewardship Portfolio Construction Group. She previously spent time in the International Growth, U.K. Equity and High Yield Bond Teams. Ms. Bentley started her career in London, working as a global board analyst at Russell Reynolds Associates. She graduated MA (Oxon) in Music from the University of Oxford in 2014.
Ms. Bentley has been a member of the team since 2020.
 
Matthew Brett
BA (Hons) in Natural Sciences (Psychology) (2003) University of Cambridge
PhD in Psychology
Bristol University
CFA Charterholder
  Mr. Brett is an Investment Manager in the Japanese Equities Team. He is manager of the Japanese All Cap Strategy and Lead Manager of the Japanese Income Growth Strategy. He is also a member of the Global Stewardship Portfolio Construction Group. Mr. Brett joined Baillie Gifford in 2003 and became a Partner in 2018. He is a CFA Charterholder. Mr. Brett graduated BA (Hons) in Natural Sciences (Psychology) from the University of Cambridge in 2000 and holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of Bristol.
Mr. Brett has been a member of the team since the Fund's inception in 2017.
 
Mike Gush
MEng (2003)
Durham University
CFA Charterholder
  Mr. Gush joined Baillie Gifford in 2003 and became a Partner of Baillie Gifford & Co in 2020. He first worked in the U.K. and Japanese Equities Teams before moving to the Emerging Markets Equity Team in 2005. Mr. Gush is a named manager for Baillie Gifford's emerging markets and China funds, as well as being responsible for the Emerging Markets Small Cap Strategy. He has also been involved with the Global Stewardship Strategy since its inception in 2015. He became a portfolio manager in 2006 and has researched all Emerging Markets during his career. Mr. Gush also has previous experience managing the Pacific Horizon Investment Trust and Baillie Gifford Pacific Fund. He is a CFA Charterholder and graduated MEng from the University of Durham in 2003.
Mr. Gush has been a member of the team since the Fund's inception in 2017.
 


128


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
Iain McCombie
MA (Hons) in Accounting
Aberdeen University
CFA Charterholder
  Mr. McCombie is the lead manager of the Manager's U.K. Core strategy. He is also a member of the Global Stewardship Portfolio Construction Group (PCG). Most recently, Mr. McCombie served as Chief of Investment Staff from 2013 to 2018 and became a Partner of the firm in 2005. He initially joined Baillie Gifford in 1994 and spent five years training as a portfolio manager in the U.S. Equities Team before joining the U.K. Equity Team in 1999. Mr. McCombie graduated MA in Accountancy from the University of Aberdeen and subsequently trained as a Chartered Accountant.
Mr. McCombie has been a member of the team since the Fund's inception in 2017.
 
Gary Robinson
MBiochem (2003)
University of Oxford
CFA Charterholder
  Mr. Robinson is a portfolio manager in the U.S. Equities Team. He graduated MBiochem in Biochemistry from the University of Oxford in 2003 and joined Baillie Gifford the same year. He spent time working on the Manager's Japanese, U.K. and European Equity Teams before moving to the U.S. Equities Team in 2008. Mr. Robinson is a generalist investor but retains a special interest in the healthcare sector dating back to his undergraduate degree. Mr. Robinson is also a member of the Global Stewardship Portfolio Construction Group.
Mr. Robinson has been a member of the team since the Fund's inception in 2017.
 
Zaki Sabir
BA in Business Accounting and Finance (2006) Newcastle University
  Mr. Sabir joined Baillie Gifford in 2007 and is a Senior Analyst in the Global Discovery Team. He has also been a member of the Global Stewardship Portfolio Construction Group since 2017. Mr. Sabir graduated BA in Business Accounting and Finance from the University of Newcastle in 2006.
Mr. Sabir has been a member of the team since the Fund's inception in 2017.
 

Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund Team

Under normal circumstances, the Fund's portfolio management team meets regularly to discuss individual stock selection and quarterly to discuss the portfolio as a whole, with a focus on identifying underlying themes which may be over-represented or under-represented. The team also holds ad hoc meetings as required to discuss relevant developments in the portfolio. Although individual members cover assigned areas of responsibility, all members are encouraged to look for ideas from across the relevant markets and from any of the Manager's investment teams.

While the whole team discusses investment decisions, the ultimate decision on whether to buy a stock rests with the team member who nominated it for discussion, such that the team harnesses the perspectives and insights of the group while retaining the accountability and efficiency of individual decision making.

Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund is jointly and primarily managed by a team of experienced portfolio managers, which consists of:

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
Donald Farquharson
MA (Hons) in Arabic Studies (1987)
University of St Andrews
CFA (U.K.) Charterholder
  Mr. Farquharson heads the Japanese Equities Team and has been a member of the International Alpha Portfolio Construction Group (PCG) since 2014. He joined Baillie Gifford in 2008 and became a Partner in 2017. He has 32 years' investment experience dedicated almost entirely to Japanese Equities. Mr. Farquharson spent 20 years working for Schroders as a Japanese specialist, latterly as Head of the Pan Pacific Equity Team. Between 1991 and 1995, he headed Schroders' Research Team in Tokyo. Mr. Farquharson graduated MA (Hons) in Arabic Studies from the University of St Andrews in 1987 and is a CFA Charterholder.
Mr. Farquharson has been a member of the team since 2014.
 
Angus Franklin
MA in Economics and Social History (1988)
St. Andrews University
Chartered Accountant (1992)
  Mr. Franklin conducts research for International Alpha Portfolios and became a Partner in 2012, having also worked in the UK, Emerging Markets and European Equity Teams since joining Baillie Gifford in 1994. Mr. Franklin graduated MA in Social and Economic History from The University of St Andrews and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1992.
Mr. Franklin has been a member of the team since the Fund's inception in 2006.
 


129


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
Toby Ross
MA in English Literature (2006)
University of Cambridge
CFA Charterholder
  Mr. Ross joined Baillie Gifford in 2006 and is Co-Head of the Global Income Growth Team and Joint Manager of The Scottish American Investment Company PLC (SAINTS). He has also been a member of the International Alpha Portfolio Construction Group since 2018. Since joining Baillie Gifford, Mr. Ross has also spent time as an Investment Analyst in the U.K. Equity Team and as a Global Sector Specialist. He graduated MA in English Literature from the University of Cambridge in 2006 and is a CFA Charterholder.
Mr. Ross has been a member of this team since 2018.
 
Andrew Stobart
MA in Economics (1987)
University of Cambridge
  Mr. Stobart has been a portfolio manager in the Emerging Markets Team since 2007 and sits on the Emerging Markets All Cap Portfolio Construction Group. Mr. Stobart has also been a member of the International Alpha Portfolio Construction Group since 2008. Since joining Baillie Gifford as an Investment Analyst in 1991, Mr. Stobart has worked in the U.K., Japanese and North American Teams. Prior to joining Baillie Gifford, Mr. Stobart spent three years working in Investment Banking in London. Mr. Stobart graduated MA in Economics from the University of Cambridge in 1987.
Mr. Stobart has been a member of this team since 2008.
 
Jenny Davis
BA in Music (2008)
Oxford University
  Ms. Davis is a portfolio manager for International Alpha clients and has been a member of the International Alpha Portfolio Construction Group (PCG) since 2016. She joined Baillie Gifford in 2011 and worked on two of the Manager's global equity strategies, having started her career at Neptune Investment Management. Ms. Davis graduated MA in Music from the University of Oxford in 2008, and latterly undertook postgraduate studies in Psychotherapy at the University of Edinburgh.
Ms. Davis has been a member of the team since 2016.
 
Tom Walsh
LLB (Hons) in Law & Economics (1999)
University of Edinburgh
CFA Charterholder
  Mr. Walsh is a portfolio manager for International Alpha clients and a member of the International Alpha Portfolio Construction Group (PCG). He joined Baillie Gifford in 2009, working on the U.K., European and Global Opportunities Teams, as well as spending four years as a member of the International All Cap PCG. Before joining Baillie Gifford, Mr. Walsh worked at Fidelity International, Merrill Lynch and Deloitte & Touche. He graduated LLB (Hons) in Law & Economics from the University of Edinburgh in 1999 and is both CFA and ACA qualified.
Mr. Walsh has been a member of the team since 2018.
 

Baillie Gifford International Concentrated Growth Equities Fund Team

Under normal circumstances, the Fund's portfolio management team meets periodically to review the portfolio as a whole and to discuss individual stock selection. The team periodically meets informally to review relevant developments related to holdings within the Fund. The team also holds ad hoc meetings as required to discuss relevant developments in the portfolio. The team takes collective responsibility for portfolio construction.

Baillie Gifford International Concentrated Growth Equities Fund is jointly and primarily managed by a team of experienced portfolio managers, which consists of:

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
James Anderson
BA in Modern History (1980)
Oxford University
MA in International Affairs (1982)
Oxford University
  Mr. Anderson has been the Manager and then Joint Manager of Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust since 2000 and is a co-manager of the International Concentrated Growth Strategy. He Chaired the International Growth Portfolio Group from its inception in 2003 until July 2019 and remains co-manager of Vanguard International Growth. In 2003, Mr. Anderson also co-founded the Manager's Long Term Global Growth Strategy. Prior to this, he headed the Manager's European Equity Team. Mr. Anderson has served as a member of the Advisory Board of the government sponsored Kay Review and as Chair of the subsequent industry working group that set up the U.K. Investor Forum. He joined Baillie Gifford in 1983 and became a Partner in 1987. Mr. Anderson graduated BA in History from the University of Oxford and after postgraduate study in Italy and Canada he gained an MA in International Affairs in 1982. He is a Trustee of the Johns Hopkins University and is the Non-Executive Chair of Kinnevik AB, a Swedish investment company.
Mr. Anderson has been a co-manager of this team since the Fund's inception in 2017. Mr. Anderson is expected to retire from the Manager and cease to serve as Portfolio Manager for the Fund effective on or about April 30, 2022.
 


130


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
Lawrence Burns
BA in Geography (2009)
University of Cambridge
  Mr. Burns joined Baillie Gifford in 2009 and became a Partner of Baillie Gifford & Co. in 2020. He is a portfolio manager in the Manager's strategies that focus on transformative growth companies. Mr. Burns has been a member of the International Growth Portfolio Construction Group since October 2012 and took over as Deputy Chair in July 2019. Mr. Burns is also a co-manager of the International Concentrated Growth Strategy. He has also spent time working in both the Emerging Markets and U.K. Equity Departments. Mr. Burns graduated BA in Geography from the University of Cambridge in 2009.
Mr. Burns has been a co-manager of the team since the Fund's inception in 2017.
 
Paulina Sliwinska
MA (Hons) in Arabic and Politics (2013)
University of Edinburgh
  Ms. Sliwinska joined Baillie Gifford in 2013. She has worked with regional and global equity teams and is an analyst in the International Growth Team and co-manager of International Concentrated Growth. Ms. Sliwinska graduated MA (Hons) Arabic & Politics from the University of Edinburgh in 2013 and is proficient or fluent in Arabic, French and Polish. She is a CFA Charterholder.
Ms. Sliwinska has been a co-manager of the team since the Fund's inception in 2017.
 

Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund Team

Under normal circumstances, the Fund's portfolio management team meets regularly to discuss individual stock selection. The team takes into account the views of a larger group of the Manager's senior portfolio managers that meets quarterly to discuss views on markets, which are advisory only and do not bind the decisions of the Fund's management team. The team also holds ad hoc meetings as required to discuss relevant developments in the portfolio. The team takes collective responsibility for portfolio construction.

Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund is jointly and primarily managed by a team of experienced portfolio managers, which consists of:

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
James Anderson
BA in Modern History (1980)
MA in International Affairs (1982)
Oxford University
  Mr. Anderson has been the Manager and then Joint Manager of Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust since 2000 and is a co-manager of the International Concentrated Growth Strategy. He Chaired the International Growth Portfolio Group from its inception in 2003 until July 2019 and remains co-manager of Vanguard International Growth. In 2003, Mr. Anderson also co-founded the Manager's Long Term Global Growth Strategy. Prior to this, he headed the Manager's European Equity Team. Mr. Anderson has served as a member of the Advisory Board of the government sponsored Kay Review and as Chair of the subsequent industry working group that set up the U.K. Investor Forum. He joined Baillie Gifford in 1983 and became a Partner in 1987. Mr. Anderson graduated BA in History from the University of Oxford and after postgraduate study in Italy and Canada he gained an MA in International Affairs in 1982. He is a Trustee of the Johns Hopkins University and is the Non-Executive Chair of Kinnevik AB, a Swedish investment company.
Mr. Anderson has been a member of this team since the Fund's inception in 2008. Mr. Anderson is expected to retire from the Manager and cease to serve as Portfolio Manager for the Fund effective on or about April 30, 2022.
 
Julia Angeles
PhD in Economics
University of Aarhus
  Ms. Angeles is a member of the International Growth and Health Innovation Portfolio Construction Groups. She joined Baillie Gifford in 2008 and has been part of different global and regional teams. Ms. Angeles previously worked as a Management Consultant at McKinsey & Company advising firms in Denmark, Russia and Hungary. She obtained a PhD in Economics from the University of Aarhus, Denmark, and speaks fluent Russian and Danish.
Ms. Angeles has been a member of the team since 2017.
 


131


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
Lawrence Burns
BA in Geography (2009)
University of Cambridge
  Mr. Burns joined Baillie Gifford in 2009 and became a Partner of Baillie Gifford & Co. in 2020. He is a portfolio manager in the Manager's strategies that focus on transformative growth companies. Mr. Burns has been a member of the International Growth Portfolio Construction Group since October 2012 and took over as Deputy Chair in July 2019. Mr. Burns is also a co-manager of the International Concentrated Growth Strategy. He has also spent time working in both the Emerging Markets and U.K. Equity Departments. Mr. Burns graduated BA in Geography from the University of Cambridge in 2009.
Mr. Burns has been a member of the team since 2012.
 
Thomas Coutts
BA in Modern Languages (1994)
Oxford University
  Mr. Coutts has been a member of the International Growth Portfolio Construction Group since March 2008 and took over as Chair in July 2019. He became a Partner in 2014 and the Manager's Chief of Investment Staff in 2018. Mr. Coutts joined Baillie Gifford in 1999 and spent a number of years in the Manager's U.K. and European Equity Teams before joining the dedicated International Growth research group full time in 2017. He graduated BA in Modern Languages in 1994.
Mr. Coutts has been a member of the team since the Fund's inception in 2008.
 
Brian Lum
MSci and BA (Hons) in Physics (2006)
University of Cambridge
CFA Charterholder
  Mr. Lum is a portfolio manager in the Manager's International Growth Research Team and became a member of the International Growth Portfolio Construction Group in May 2015. He also Chairs the Manager's International Smaller Companies Portfolio Construction Group. Mr. Lum joined Baillie Gifford in 2006 and initially worked in the North American and Emerging Markets departments, before spending a number of years focused on investment in smaller companies. He is a CFA Charterholder. Mr. Lum graduated MSci and BA (Hons) in Physics from the University of Cambridge in 2006.
Mr. Lum has been a member of this team since 2015.
 

Baillie Gifford International Smaller Companies Fund Team

Under normal circumstances, the Fund's portfolio management team meets regularly to discuss individual stock selection and at least quarterly to discuss the portfolio as a whole, with a focus on identifying underlying themes which may be over-represented or under-represented. The team also holds ad hoc meetings as required to discuss relevant developments in the portfolio. All members are encouraged to look for ideas from across the relevant markets and from any of the Manager's investment teams.

Baillie Gifford International Smaller Companies Fund is jointly and primarily managed by a team of experienced portfolio managers, which consists of:

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
Charlie Broughton
MA (Hons) in Medieval History and
Archaeology from (2013)
University of St Andrews
CFA Charterholder
  Mr. Broughton joined Baillie Gifford in 2014 and is a portfolio manager in the Smaller Companies Team. He is a CFA Charterholder. Mr. Broughton graduated MA (Hons) in Medieval History and Archaeology from the University of St Andrews in 2013.
Mr. Broughton has been a member of the team since 2021.
 
Praveen Kumar
BEng in Computer Science (2001)
Bangalore University
MBA (2008)
University of Cambridge
  Mr. Kumar joined Baillie Gifford in 2008 and is a portfolio manager in the Japanese Equities Team. He previously worked for FKI Logistex. Mr. Kumar graduated BEng in Computer Science from Bangalore University in 2001 and gained an MBA from the University of Cambridge in 2008.
Mr. Kumar has been a member of the team since the Fund's inception in 2018.
 


132


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
Brian Lum
MSci and BA (Hons) in Physics (2006)
University of Cambridge
CFA Charterholder
  Mr. Lum is a portfolio manager in the Manager's International Growth Research Team and became a member of the International Growth Portfolio Construction Group in May 2015. He also Chairs the Manager's International Smaller Companies Portfolio Construction Group. Mr. Lum joined Baillie Gifford in 2006 and initially worked in the North American and Emerging Markets departments, before spending a number of years focused on investment in smaller companies. He is a CFA Charterholder. Mr. Lum graduated MSci and BA (Hons) in Physics from the University of Cambridge in 2006.
Mr. Lum has been a member of the team, and Chairman, since the Fund's inception in 2018.
 
Milena Mileva
MPhil in Politics (2009)
Oxford University
BA in Social and Political Science (2007)
University of Cambridge
  Ms. Mileva joined Baillie Gifford in 2009 and is a portfolio manager in the U.K. Equity Team. She has also been a member of the Pan-European Portfolio Construction Group since 2014. Ms. Mileva graduated BA in Social & Political Science from the University of Cambridge in 2007 and MPhil in Politics from the University of Oxford in 2009.
Ms. Mileva has been a member of the team since the Fund's inception in 2018.
 
Steve Vaughan
BA (Hons) in Jurisprudence (2001)
Oxford University
MA in International Relations (2012)
Exeter
CFA Charterholder
  Mr. Vaughan joined Baillie Gifford in 2012 and is a portfolio manager in the Smaller Companies Team. He is a CFA Charterholder. Prior to joining Baillie Gifford, Mr. Vaughan was an Officer in the British Army for nine years. He graduated BA (Hons) in Jurisprudence from the University of Oxford in 2001 and MA in International Relations from the University of Exeter in 2012.
Mr. Vaughan has been a member of the team since the Fund's inception in 2018.
 

Baillie Gifford Japan Growth Fund

Under normal circumstances, the Fund's portfolio management team meets regularly to discuss stocks and periodically to discuss the overall composition of the portfolio.

Baillie Gifford Japan Growth Fund is jointly and primarily managed by a team of experienced portfolio managers, which consists of:

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
Donald Farquharson
MA (Hons) in Arabic Studies (1987)
University of St Andrews
CFA (U.K.) Charterholder
  Mr. Farquharson heads the Japanese Equities Team and has been a member of the International Alpha Portfolio Construction Group (PCG) since 2014. He joined Baillie Gifford in 2008 and became a Partner in 2017. He has 32 years' investment experience dedicated almost entirely to Japanese Equities. Mr. Farquharson spent 20 years working for Schroders as a Japanese specialist, latterly as Head of the Pan Pacific Equity Team. Between 1991 and 1995, he headed Schroders' Research Team in Tokyo. Mr. Farquharson graduated MA (Hons) in Arabic Studies from the University of St Andrews in 1987 and is a CFA Charterholder.
Mr. Farquharson has been a member of the team since the Fund's inception in 2020.
 
Tolibjon Tursunov
LLB in Law (2008)
Queen Mary
University of London
CFA (U.K.) Charterholder
  Mr. Tursunov joined Baillie Gifford in 2011 and is a portfolio manager in the Japanese Equities Team. He began his professional career in the Corporate and Operations Finance Department of British American Tobacco. Later, he set up a price-comparison website covering products and services in the insurance, banking and telecom sectors in Central Asia. Mr. Tursunov graduated LLB in Law from Queen Mary University of London in 2008 and is a CFA Charterholder.
Mr. Tursunov has been a member of the team since the Fund's inception in 2020.
 

Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund Team

Under normal circumstances, the Fund's portfolio management team meets regularly to discuss individual stock selection, review portfolio holdings and potential stock purchases. The team also holds ad hoc meetings as required to discuss relevant developments in the portfolio. All of the members of the team are responsible for researching stocks and every investor contributes to the generation of new ideas, stock research and stock discussions. Once a stock has been fully researched and discussed by all in the team, the portfolio managers are responsible for making the ultimate decision on its inclusion (or otherwise) in the portfolio. Their decisions place an emphasis on backing enthusiasm rather than achieving a full consensus. Each portfolio manager has ownership and accountability for portfolio decisions.


133


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund is jointly and primarily managed by a team of experienced portfolio managers, which consists of:

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
Tom Slater
BSc in Computer Science with Mathematics (2000) University of Edinburgh
CFA Charterholder
  Mr. Slater is Head of the U.S. Equities Team and is a Decision Maker on Long Term Global Growth Portfolios. He joined Baillie Gifford in 2000 and became a Partner of the firm in 2012. After serving as Deputy Manager for five years, Mr. Slater was appointed Joint Manager of Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust in 2015. During his time at Baillie Gifford he has also worked in the Developed Asia and U.K. Equity Teams. Mr. Slater's investment interest is focused on high growth companies both in listed equity markets and as an investor in private companies. He graduated BSc in Computer Science with Mathematics from the University of Edinburgh in 2000.
Mr. Slater has been a member of the team of portfolio managers for this Fund since the Fund's inception in 2014.
 
Mark Urquhart
BA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (1992) Oxford University
PhD in Politics (1996)
University of Edinburgh
  Mr. Urquhart is the head of the Long Term Global Growth Team, a strategy which he co-founded in 2003. He is also an investment manager on the China A-share Team. Mr. Urquhart joined Baillie Gifford in 1996, initially working as an Investment Analyst and Manager in the US, UK and Japanese Equities teams. He became a Partner in 2004. Mr. Urquhart graduated BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Oxford in 1992 and spent a year at Harvard as a Kennedy Scholar in 1993 before completing a PhD in Politics with a thesis on Nationalism in the EU at the University of Edinburgh in 1996.
Mr. Urquhart has been a member of the team of portfolio managers for this Fund since the Fund's inception in 2014.
 

Baillie Gifford Positive Change Equities Fund Team

Under normal circumstances, the Fund's portfolio management team meets regularly to discuss individual stock selection and review relevant developments related to holdings. The team takes collective responsibility for portfolio construction and meets formally approximately every six weeks to review the portfolio as a whole. The team also holds ad hoc meetings as required to discuss unusual or material developments in the portfolio.

Baillie Gifford Positive Change Equities Fund is jointly and primarily managed by a team of experienced portfolio managers, which consists of:

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
Kate Fox
MA in Economics (2011)
University of Edinburgh
CFA Charterholder
  Ms. Fox joined Baillie Gifford in 2002 and became a Partner of Baillie Gifford & Co in 2020. She is a portfolio manager and decision maker for the Positive Change strategy. Ms. Fox is a CFA Charterholder and graduated MA in Economics and Maths from the University of Edinburgh in 2001.
Ms. Fox has been a member of the team since the Fund's inception in 2017.
 
Lee Qian
BA (Hons) in Economics and Management (2012) Oxford University
CFA Charterholder
  Mr. Qian Joined Baillie Gifford in 2012 and is a portfolio manager and decision maker for the Positive Change strategy. He is a CFA Charterholder. Mr. Qian graduated BA (Hons) in Economics and Management from the University of Oxford in 2012.
Mr. Qian has been a member of the team since the Fund's inception in 2017.
 

Baillie Gifford U.S. Discovery Fund

Under normal circumstances, the Fund's portfolio management team meets weekly to discuss stocks and every six weeks to discuss the portfolio and individual stock enthusiasm. The team also meets quarterly to review the portfolio's positioning. This is in addition to the ad hoc meetings which are held as required to discuss relevant developments in the portfolio.


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Baillie Gifford U.S. Discovery Fund is jointly and primarily managed by a team of experienced portfolio managers, which consists of:

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
Douglas Brodie
BSc in Molecular Biology & Biochemistry (1997) University of Durham
DPhil in Molecular Immunology (2001)
University of Oxford
  Mr. Brodie joined Baillie Gifford in 2001 and is Head of the Discovery Team. Mr. Brodie became a Partner in 2015 and is a CFA Charterholder. He graduated BSc in Molecular Biology & Biochemistry from the University of Durham in 1997 and attained a DPhil in Molecular Immunology from the University of Oxford in 2001.
Mr. Brodie has been a member of the team since the Fund's inception in 2021.
 
Svetlana Viteva
BA in Economics and Business Administration (2008) American University in Bulgaria
MSc in Investment Analysis (2009)
University of Stirling
PhD in Accounting and Finance (2012)
University of Stirling
  Ms. Viteva joined Baillie Gifford in 2012 and, in addition to managing Baillie Gifford U.S. Discovery Fund, is an portfolio manager in the Discovery Team. She is a CFA Charterholder. Ms. Viteva is also a Deputy Manager of the global small cap investment trust, Edinburgh Worldwide Investment Trust. She graduated BA in Economics and BA in Business Administration from the American University in Bulgaria in 2008, MSc in Investment Analysis in 2009 and PhD in Accounting and Finance in 2012, both from the University of Stirling.
Ms. Viteva has been a member of the team since the Fund's inception in 2021.
 

Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity Growth Fund Team

Under normal circumstances, the Fund's portfolio management team meets regularly to discuss individual stock decisions and every seven weeks to discuss portfolio construction. The team also holds ad hoc meetings as required to discuss relevant developments in the portfolio. All of the members of the team are responsible for researching stocks and every investor contributes to the generation of new ideas, stock research and stock discussions. Once a stock has been fully researched and discussed by all in the team, the portfolio managers are responsible for making the ultimate decision on its inclusion (or otherwise) in the portfolio. Their decisions place an emphasis on backing enthusiasm rather than achieving a full consensus. Each portfolio manager has ownership and accountability for portfolio decisions.

Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity Growth Fund is jointly and primarily managed by a team of experienced portfolio managers, which consists of:

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
Dave Bujnowski
BSc in Finance and Philosophy Boston College (1993)
  Mr. Bujnowski joined Baillie Gifford in 2018 as a Senior Analyst and is now a portfolio manager in the U.S. Equities team. He became a Partner of the firm in 2021. Prior to joining Baillie Gifford, Mr. Bujnowski co-founded Coburn Ventures in 2005. In his 13 years at Coburn Ventures, Mr. Bujnowski was a Partner, primary client-facing consultant, research analyst and portfolio manager of a long-short, market neutral hedge fund. He started his career in 1996, joining Warburg Dillon Read's equity research group as an associate semiconductor analyst before joining UBS's Global Tech Strategy team. Mr. Bujnowski graduated from Boston College in 1993, where he majored in Finance and Philosophy.
Mr. Bujnowski has been a member of the team since 2020.
 
Kirsty Gibson
MA (Hons) in Economics (2011)
Edinburgh University
MSc Carbon Management (2012)
Edinburgh University
  Ms. Gibson joined Baillie Gifford in 2012 and is a portfolio manager in the U.S. Equities Team, and co-manager of the US Growth Trust. She was also a member of the Positive Change Portfolio Construction Group until 2020. Ms. Gibson graduated MA (Hons) in Economics in 2011 and MSc in Carbon Management in 2012, both from the University of Edinburgh.
Ms. Gibson has been a member of the team since 2015.
 
Gary Robinson
MBiochem (2003)
University of Oxford
CFA Charterholder
  Mr. Robinson is a portfolio manager in the U.S. Equities Team. He graduated MBiochem in Biochemistry from the University of Oxford in 2003 and joined Baillie Gifford the same year. He spent time working on the Manager's Japanese, U.K. and European Equity Teams before moving to the U.S. Equities Team in 2008. He became a Partner of the firm in 2019. Mr. Robinson is a generalist investor but retains a special interest in the healthcare sector dating back to his undergraduate degree. Mr. Robinson is also a member of the Global Stewardship Portfolio Construction Group.
Mr. Robinson has been a member of the team since 2008.
 


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Education

 

Investment Experience

 
Tom Slater
BSc in Computer Science with Mathematics (2000)
University of Edinburgh
CFA Charterholder
  Mr. Slater is Head of the U.S. Equities Team and is a Decision Maker on Long Term Global Growth Portfolios. He joined Baillie Gifford in 2000 and became a Partner of the firm in 2012. After serving as Deputy Manager for five years, Mr. Slater was appointed Joint Manager of Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust in 2015. During his time at Baillie Gifford he has also worked in the Developed Asia and U.K. Equity Teams. Mr. Slater's investment interest is focused on high growth companies both in listed equity markets and as an investor in private companies. He graduated BSc in Computer Science with Mathematics from the University of Edinburgh in 2000.
Mr. Slater has been a member of the team since 2015.
 

Compensation

The SAI provides information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of Fund shares.


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SHARES

Share Classes

The Trust is authorized to issue Class K and Institutional Class shares of each Fund covered by this Prospectus.

How Shares are Priced

Each share class has its own share price. The purchase price of each share class of a Fund's shares is based on that class's net asset value. The share price is computed for each share class as follows:

—  the total market value of all assets and fund-level liabilities of each Fund is calculated, then divided by the total amount of shares held in that Fund (the "Fund Asset Value"); then

—  the market value of the assets for each class is calculated on a pro-rata basis, based on the Fund Asset Value (the "Class Asset Value"); then

—  the market value of the class-specific liabilities attributable to each share class is calculated (the "Class Liabilities"); then

—  the share price for each class is calculated by deducting the Class Liabilities from the Class Asset Value.

When shares are priced

The net asset value for each share class will be determined as of a particular time of day (the "Pricing Point") on any day on which the NYSE is open for unrestricted trading. The Pricing Point is normally at the scheduled close of unrestricted trading on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time). In unusual circumstances, the Funds may determine that the Pricing Point shall be at an earlier, unscheduled close or halt of trading on the NYSE. The price at which purchase and redemption orders are effected is based on the next calculation of the net asset value after the order is received in good order. "Good order" means, among other things, that your request includes complete information. In general, an order is in "good order" if it includes: (i) the trade date of the purchase or redemption; (ii) the name of the Fund and share class; (iii) the U.S. dollar amount of the shares, in the case of a redemption you may also provide number of shares; (iv) the name and the account number set forth with sufficient clarity to avoid ambiguity; and (v) the relevant authorized signatories. In the case of a purchase, immediately available funds must also be received prior to the Pricing Point.

The net asset value for each class may be affected by changes in the value of currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar. This is because investments initially valued in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted to U.S. dollars using currency exchange rates obtained from pricing services at the Pricing Point on each day that the NYSE is open for unrestricted trading. If you are buying or selling shares, the share price you receive will be the share price determined after the purchase or redemption request is received by the applicable Fund (or your financial intermediary) in good order.

The net asset value of the Fund's shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem shares of the Fund. This is because the Fund may invest in securities that are primarily traded on foreign exchanges which may trade at times or on days when the Fund does not price its shares.

Current net asset values per share for each Fund that has commenced operation are available on the Funds' website at http://USmutualfund.bailliegifford.com.

How assets are valued

In accordance with the Trust's Pricing and Valuation Procedures, each Fund's investments are valued at their fair market value as follows:

1.  If reliable market quotations are readily available, the investments will generally be valued at the last quoted sale price on each business day or, if not traded on that business day, at the most recent quoted bid price.

2.  If reliable current market quotations are not readily available or quotations are not believed to be reliable due to market changes that occur after the most recent available quotations are obtained or for any other reason, the fair value of the investments will be assessed in accordance with the pricing and valuation procedures of the Trust, as more fully described in the SAI. Such market changes may:

º  relate to a single issuer or events relating to multiple issuers;

º  be considered to include changes in the value of U.S. securities or securities indices; or

º  occur after the close of the relevant market and before the time at which the applicable net asset value is determined.

Please see the section entitled "Purchase, Redemption, and Pricing of Shares—Determination of Net Asset Value" in the SAI for further information.

How to Buy or Exchange Shares

Purchase Process

You may purchase Institutional Class or Class K shares of any Fund by taking the following two steps:

1.  Request a Purchase.
If you purchase shares through a financial intermediary, you may make a purchase for shares by making a request to your intermediary. Your intermediary may charge you a transaction fee or other fee in return for its services.

For Class K, you may also email a purchase request to the Bank of New York Mellon (the "Transfer Agent") in a format prescribed by the Manager, which includes:

º  the name and class of the Fund;

º  the exact name in which shares are to be registered;

º  the shareholder account number;

º  the dollar amount of shares to be purchased;

º  a signature by all owners of the shares, in accordance with the form of registration;

º  the capacity of the signatory, if the signatory is acting in a fiduciary capacity, or as an agent on behalf of a corporation, partnership or trust; and

º  the trade date.


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All emails containing a purchase request must be unencrypted. The email address for purchase requests sent to the Transfer Agent is: BGUSInstTrades@bnymellon.com.

Please note, if this is your first purchase through a bank, broker or financial intermediary:

º  your financial intermediary may have different or additional requirements for opening an account and/or processing share purchases, or may be closed at times when the Fund is open;

º  your financial intermediary may need to determine which, if any, shares are available through that firm and to learn which other rules apply;

º  to open certain types of accounts, such as IRAs, you may be required to submit an account-specific application. If you are opening an account through a financial intermediary, such as a bank or broker, the financial intermediary should have the documents that you will need; and

º  individual participants in a participant-directed retirement plan (such as a 401(k) plan) must submit their investment elections in accordance with the relevant plan documentation.

If this is your first purchase and you are not purchasing through a financial intermediary (available for Class K shares only):

º  you will need to contact the Trust, which will determine if you are eligible to purchase Class K shares. If you are eligible, the Trust will ask you to complete an application form; and

º  bank account details provided to the Transfer Agent will be used to process all future redemptions, unless you contact the Transfer Agent to change those details.

The Manager, Transfer Agent, or your financial intermediary, as applicable, may ask you for additional information. Federal law requires financial institutions to obtain, verify and record identification information relating to investors, to help the U.S. government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities. A Fund may consequently be required to obtain, and potentially update, the following information from investors: (i) name; (ii) date of birth (for individuals); (iii) residential or business street address; (iv) Social Security Number, taxpayer identification number, or other identifying number; and (v) completed Forms W-8 or W-9. Individuals opening an account in the name of a legal entity (e.g., a partnership, business trust, limited liability company, corporation, etc.), may be required to supply the identity of the beneficial owners or controlling person(s) of the legal entity prior to the opening of the account. Each Fund or its service providers may release this information or any other information held by you to proper authorities if, in light of applicable laws or regulations concerning money laundering and similar activities, they determine it is in the best interests of the Fund or otherwise permitted by applicable law and appropriate to do so. The Funds or their service providers may also provide nonpublic personal financial information relating to shareholders or prospective

shareholders to third-parties as necessary to perform services for the Funds or to comply with requests from regulators or tax authorities.

The applicable Fund will then decide whether to accept your application on behalf of the Trust. Assuming your request is accepted, you will receive the account details for payment.

2.  Pay for shares.
Payment for shares can be made by:

º  electronic bank transfer to the nominated account;

º  exchanging securities on deposit with a custodian acceptable to the Manager or the Funds' distributor, BGFS; or

º  a combination of such securities and cash.

The Transfer Agent will then apply the payment to the purchase of full and fractional Fund shares of beneficial interest in the Fund, and will send you (or your financial intermediary will send you) a statement confirming the transaction. Please see the back cover of this Prospectus for information on how to contact the Trust. Please see the section below on how to pay for shares by exchanging securities.

Exchange Process

If you are an existing shareholder of Class K shares, you may request an exchange by submitting a request to your intermediary or the Transfer Agent. If you are an existing shareholder of Institutional Class shares, you may request an exchange by submitting a request to your intermediary or the Manager. Certain information may be required prior to the completion of any exchange.

When you can buy shares

Unless otherwise indicated in this Prospectus or the SAI, shares of each Fund are offered on a continuous basis and can be purchased on any day on which the NYSE is open for unrestricted trading.

With respect to transactions directly with the Fund/Transfer Agent, for a purchase order to be effective as of a particular day, the Fund must have accepted the order and have received immediately available funds by the Pricing Point on such day.

The Federal Reserve is closed on certain holidays on which the NYSE is open. These holidays are Columbus Day and Veterans Day. On these holidays, you will not be able to purchase shares by wiring Federal Funds because Federal Funds wiring does not occur on days when the Federal Reserve is closed.

Cancelling an order

Purchase orders cannot be cancelled after the Trust has received immediately available funds. This is the case even if the cancellation request is received prior to the Pricing Point.

Paying by exchanging securities

If you are paying for Fund shares with securities, please note:

—  You must obtain instructions by contacting the Funds. See "Contacts and Further Information" below;


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—  You must deliver all rights in the securities to the Funds to finalize the purchase of Fund shares;

—  You should obtain tax advice regarding the specific U.S. federal income tax consequences of this process. Generally speaking, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, payment using securities may give rise to a gain or loss by an investor that is subject to U.S. federal income taxation. This depends on several factors, including the investor's basis in the securities tendered and the extent to which the investor owns shares of the Fund following the exchange;

—  The securities will be valued in the same manner as the Fund's assets as described under "How Shares are Priced," subject to any charges or expenses which may be properly incurred as a consequence of such transaction;

—  The Manager will not approve the acceptance of securities in exchange for Fund shares unless:

º  The Manager, in its sole discretion, believes the securities are appropriate investments for the Fund;

º  You represent and agree that all securities offered to a Fund are not subject to any restrictions upon their sale by the Fund under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or that would otherwise impair the investors' ability to transfer them to the Fund or the Fund's ability to dispose of them subsequently; and

º  The securities may be acquired under the Fund's investment policies and restrictions.

—  No investor owning 5% or more of a Fund's shares may purchase additional Fund shares by exchange of securities, other than at the sole discretion of the Manager or BGFS in accordance with the applicable legal and regulatory restrictions on affiliated transactions.

Restrictions on Buying or Exchanging Shares

Minimum Investment

The minimum initial investment for Class K is $10 million. There is no minimum investment amount for Institutional Class shares. The Fund may, at its discretion, permit a smaller minimum total investment balance for Class K shares under certain circumstances.

If you purchase or exchange shares through a financial intermediary, the intermediary may impose different investment minimums.

Share Class Eligibility

You must be eligible for the share class you are applying for. The Funds offer two classes of shares through this Prospectus: Class K and Institutional Class. Class K and Institutional Class shares of each Fund have the same investment objectives and investments, but the different share classes have different expense structures and eligibility requirements. You should choose a share class for which you are eligible, with the expense structure that best meets your needs.

The principal differences between the share classes are as follows:

   

Class K

 

Institutional Class

 

Availability

 

Limited to institutional and other investors, as described below, that do not require or receive sub-accounting or recordkeeping payments from the Fund.

 

Available to certain banks, broker-dealers and other Financial Intermediaries, employer-sponsored retirement plans and other similar entities that require sub-accounting, sub-transfer agency, shareholder servicing payments, and/or recordkeeping payments from the Fund for some or all of their underlying investors.

 

Minimum Initial Investment

  $10 million  

None

 

Minimum Subsequent Investment

 

None

 

None

 

Sub-Accounting/Sub-Transfer Agency Expenses

 

None

 

Yes. Expenses may vary depending on the arrangements with financial intermediaries that offer Fund shares. Expenses are incurred pursuant to "fee for service" arrangements with financial intermediaries.(1)

 

Distribution (Rule 12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

None

 

Administration and Supervisory Fee

 

0.17

%

 

0.17

%

 

Sales Charge (Load)

 

None

 

None

 

Redemption Fees

 

None

 

None

 

(1)   Except where otherwise noted in the relevant Fund Summary, the "Other Expenses" shown for Institutional Class shares in the Fund Summaries under the heading "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" are based on historical expenses borne by Institutional Class shares during the last fiscal year. The impact on Other Expenses of sub-accounting payments (if any) that are made by Institutional Class shares is determined by rates charged by individual financial intermediaries through which investors in this Class typically hold their shares. As the composition of these intermediaries change, the impact of sub-accounting payments on the Other Expenses of Institutional Class will change. For Funds where Institutional Class shares were, during the Fund's last fiscal year, funded primarily by proprietary seed capital, the Other Expenses for Institutional Class shares may reflect little or no impact from sub-accounting payments, although this is expected to change in the future as the share class grows. Where "Other Expenses" have been estimated, this estimate includes sub-accounting expenses of 0.15% for Institutional Class.

Class K Shares

The following categories of investors and accounts may buy or exchange into Class K shares of a Fund, provided that they do


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not require or receive sub-accounting or recordkeeping payments from the Fund:

—  Institutional investors, including, but not limited to, employer-sponsored retirement plans (not including SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs or SARSEPs), endowments, foundations, insurance company general accounts, insurance company separate accounts, local, city, and state governmental institutions, and other tax-exempt entities that meet the requirements for qualification under Section 501 of the Code.

—  Unaffiliated U.S. registered mutual funds including those that operate as "fund of funds," collective trust funds, investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles.

—  Other investors for which the relevant Fund or BGFS has pre-approved the purchase.

The following categories of investors and accounts qualify to buy or exchange into Class K shares of a Fund but the $10 million investment minimum is waived:

—  Employer-sponsored retirement plans (not including SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs or SARSEPs) that invest through a record-keeper or third party retirement platform.

—  Advisory programs where the shares are acquired on behalf of program participants in connection with a comprehensive fee or other advisory fee arrangement between the program participant and a registered broker dealer or investment adviser, trust company, bank, family office, or multi-family office (referred to as the "Sponsor") in which the program participant pays the Sponsor a fee for investment advisory or related services and the Sponsor or a broker-dealer through which the relevant Fund's shares are acquired has an agreement with BGFS.

—  Any trust or plan established as part of a qualified tuition program under Section 529 of the Code, provided BGFS has entered into a contract with the state sponsor of the program or one of its service providers to provide certain services relating to the operation of the program or to provide Fund shares for purchase in connection with the program.

—  Clients (other than defined contribution employer sponsored retirement plans) of an institutional consultant where (a) the consultant has undertaken to provide certain services directly to the client with respect to the client's investment in a Fund and (b) the relevant Fund or BGFS has notified that consultant in writing that the proposed investment is permissible.

—  Investment companies or other pooled vehicles that are managed by the Manager or its affiliates.

—  Directors or officers of the relevant Fund, or partners or employees of the Manager or its affiliates, or members of the immediate family of any of those persons.

—  Existing institutional separate account clients of the Manager or its affiliates.

—  Investors for whom the Fund or the Manager determines that a strategic reason exists for such a waiver.

—  Investors with an account which the Fund or the Manager believes will grow to meet the investment minimum in the future.

Class K shares are not available for purchase or exchange directly by members of the public, except as explicitly provided herein, or by those who require any form of sub-accounting, sub-transfer agency and/or other shareholder services payments from the relevant Fund.

Institutional Class Shares

Institutional Class shares of a Fund are available to certain banks, broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries, employer-sponsored retirement plans and other similar entities that typically require sub-accounting, sub-transfer agency, shareholder services payments and/or recordkeeping payments from the Fund for some or all of their underlying investors.

The following investors and accounts qualify to buy or exchange Institutional Class shares of a Fund:

—  Employer-sponsored retirement plans that invest through a record-keeper or third-party retirement platform

—  Any trust or plan established as part of a qualified tuition program under Section 529 of the Code, if a contract exists between BGFS and/or its affiliates and the state sponsor of the program or one of its service providers, to provide the program:

º  services relating to operating the program; and/or

º  Fund shares for purchase which require sub-accounting, sub-transfer agency and/or other shareholder services payments from the Fund.

—  Advisory programs where the shares are acquired by a Sponsor on behalf of program participants if:

º  the program participant pays the Sponsor a fee for investment advisory or related services, under a comprehensive fee or other advisory fee arrangement; and

º  the Sponsor or the broker-dealer through which the relevant Fund's shares are acquired has an agreement with BGFS.

—  Other investors for which a Fund or BGFS has pre-approved the purchase or exchange.

Institutional Class shares are not available for purchase or exchange directly by members of the public, except as explicitly provided herein.

Exchanges

The Manager and each Fund reserves the right to reject any exchange application for any reason that the Manager or the Fund in its sole discretion deems appropriate. All exchanges are subject to the Manager's discretion.

Exchanges into a different series of the Trust – Class K or Institutional Class shareholders invested via a financial intermediary may be permitted to exchange their shares in one


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Fund for either Class K or Institutional Class shares in another series of the Trust at the discretion of the Manager so long as:

—  your financial intermediary's policies and procedures permit exchanges;

—  you are eligible to invest in the desired series of the Trust and share class;

—  both accounts have the same registration information; and

—  it is operationally viable to process the exchange.

Class K shareholders invested directly with the Transfer Agent may be permitted to exchange their Class K shares in one Fund for Class K shares in another series of the Trust.

Exchanges into the same Fund – Class K or Institutional Class shareholders invested via a financial intermediary are permitted to exchange between these classes so long as:

—  your financial intermediary's policies and procedures permit exchanges and

—  you are eligible to invest in the desired share class.

Class K shareholders invested directly with the Transfer Agent are generally not permitted to exchange their Class K shares in the Fund for Institutional Class shares of the same Fund.

You must be purchasing for your own account

Purchasers must be acquiring shares for their own account or through an authorized intermediary and for investment purposes only, or must otherwise be doing so in a manner acceptable to the Trust.

You must be a U.S. Person

Shares of each Fund are intended for investment by U.S. persons. The Manager and BGFS each reserve the right to reject any purchase order from any investor outside the U.S.

The Manager is not offering Fund shares to or with or otherwise promoting the Funds to any natural or legal persons domiciled or with a registered office in any European Economic Area member state ("EEA Member State") where the European Union's Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive ("AIFMD") is in force and effect. Furthermore, in light of the structure of the Funds and the manner in which they are managed, they do not fall within the scope of the AIFMD, and shareholders of the Funds are not subject to the protections of AIFMD or any implementing legislation relating to AIFMD. The Manager may in its discretion accept any such investor into a Fund, but only if it satisfied that, by accepting such investor, it would not be in breach of any law, rule, regulation or other legislative or administrative measure in or otherwise applicable to the relevant EEA Member State and such investor is otherwise eligible under the laws of such EEA Member State to invest in the Funds.

Purchases or exchanges may be rejected

Each Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason that the Fund in its sole discretion deems appropriate.

In all cases, the Manager and BGFS reserve the right to reject any particular investment or exchange. In particular, and without

limiting the generality of the foregoing the Manager or BGFS may reject an investment or exchange:

—  if in the opinion of the Manager or BGFS, the size of the investment and/or the transaction costs associated with the investment are such that there would be a dilution of a Fund's net asset value;

—  if the Fund is unable to verify your identity within a reasonable time;

—  if you are proposing to purchase shares using securities and the Manager has determined that this is not appropriate;

—  for initial or seed investments in a Fund that is not yet operational, if the investment is not of a size that would allow a Fund to commence operations at an appropriate scale (in the sole opinion of the Manager); and

—  to the extent a plan sponsor wishes to rely upon the Manager or BGFS to provide recordkeeping services, such as maintaining plan and participant records; processing enrolment; processing participants' investment elections, contributions, and distributions; and issuing account statements to participants or other personalized services with respect to individual beneficial owners.

Restrictions on Certain Fund Investors

The Funds are U.S. mutual funds. As a U.S. mutual fund, the Funds are prohibited from allowing investment by certain other mutual funds and certain types of private funds in excess of specific thresholds. In particular, the Funds are required to limit investment by funds commonly known as "hedge funds" or "private equity funds." Any investor or prospective investor in the Funds that is itself a fund should consider carefully what regulations may apply to it or the Funds, including Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act, in connection with any prospective investment. The Funds reserve the right to reject a purchase order or require an investor to redeem its shares to comply with the foregoing limitations.

Your account may be closed

If your account balance, or the account balance of your Fund or share class with a financial intermediary, falls below a minimum amount, the Fund may choose to redeem the shares in the account and mail you the proceeds. In these circumstances, you will receive at least 30 days' notice before your account is closed. In addition, if BGFS's or the Trust's relationship with the financial intermediary through which you hold shares of a Fund is terminated, and you do not transfer your account to a different authorized financial intermediary, the Trust reserves the right to redeem your shares of the Fund. The Trust will not be responsible for any loss in your account or any tax liability resulting from a redemption in these circumstances.

Fund may change the terms

Each Fund reserves the right to suspend or change the terms of the offering of its shares. Each Fund may stop offering shares completely or may offer shares only on a limited basis, for a period of time or permanently.


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Delivery of documents to accounts sharing an address

To reduce expenses, a Fund may mail only one copy of the Funds' Prospectus and each annual and semi-annual report to those addresses shared by two or more accounts. If you wish to receive individual copies of these documents, please call us at 1-844 394 6127, or contact your financial institution. We will begin sending you individual copies within thirty (30) days of receiving such request.

Buying, Selling, and Exchanging Shares through Financial Intermediaries

What is a financial intermediary?

Financial intermediaries are firms that provide certain administrative and account maintenance services to mutual fund investors. Financial intermediaries may include, among others, brokers, financial planners or advisers, banks, and insurance companies.

How do I access a Fund through a financial intermediary?

Any financial intermediary which is properly authorized by the Funds can accept purchase, redemption and exchange orders on their behalf. The financial intermediary is responsible for transmitting your transaction request and funds in good form and in a timely manner to the applicable Fund.

Orders received for a Fund by an authorized financial intermediary (or other financial intermediaries designated by the financial intermediary) prior to the Pricing Point will be deemed to have been accepted by the Fund at that time and will be executed at that day's closing share price.

The Funds will not be responsible for delays by the financial intermediary in transmitting your transaction request, including timely transfer of payment, to a Fund.

If you are purchasing, selling, exchanging or holding Fund shares through a program of services offered by a financial intermediary, you may be required by the financial intermediary to pay additional fees. You should contact the financial intermediary for information concerning what additional fees, if any, may be charged.

What services are provided by financial intermediaries?

The actual services provided, and the payments made for such services, will vary from intermediary to intermediary.

Examples of intermediary services include:

—  establishing and maintaining one or more omnibus accounts with the Transfer Agent;

—  establishing and maintaining sub-accounts and sub-account balances for each plan participant that may be a holder of Fund shares;

—  processing orders by shareholders to purchase, redeem and exchange shares;

—  transmitting to the Transfer Agent net purchase or net redemption orders reflecting purchase, redemption and exchange orders received by it with respect to Fund shareholders;

—  receiving and transmitting the purchase price or redemption proceeds relating to orders;

—  mailing periodic reports, transaction confirmations and sub-account information to beneficial owners and plan participants;

—  answering inquiries about the Funds or a plan participant's sub-account balances or distribution options;

—  providing assistance to shareholders effecting changes to their dividend options, account designations or addresses;

—  disbursing income dividends and capital gains distributions;

—  preparing and delivering to shareholders, and state and federal authorities including the United States Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"), such information respecting dividends and distributions paid by the Funds as may be required by law, rule or regulation; and

—  withholding on dividends and distributions as may be required by state or federal authorities from time to time.

How are financial intermediaries compensated?

It is expected that Institutional Class shares of the Funds will make payments, or reimburse the Manager or its affiliates for payments they make, to financial intermediaries that provide certain administrative, recordkeeping, and account maintenance services.

The amount of such payments and/or reimbursement is subject to the caps established by the Board and is reviewed by the Trustees periodically.

The nature and extent of sub-accounting services provided to Institutional Class shareholders and the amount of sub-accounting fees charged to the Funds will vary among financial intermediaries. Financial intermediaries may choose to hold Institutional Class shares and opt not to charge any sub-accounting fees with respect to a portion of, or even all of, the shares so held. Institutional Class shares bear sub-accounting expenses on a class-wide basis. As such, the rate at which these expenses are incurred, as a percentage of Institutional Class net assets, will be a blended rate of the rates charged by various financial intermediaries holding shares in the Funds. In instances where this blended rate is higher than the rate charged to a Fund by your financial intermediary, you will bear the higher blended rate instead of the lower rate charged to the Fund by your financial intermediary. In instances where this blended rate is lower than the rate charged to a Fund by your financial intermediary, you will bear the lower blended rate instead of the higher rate charged to the Fund by your financial intermediary. All payments made by the Funds to financial intermediaries are for bona fide shareholder services and are not primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund shares.

Additional information concerning payments the Fund, the Manager or their affiliates may make to financial intermediaries, and the services provided by financial intermediaries, can be found in the SAI under "Manager—Payments to Financial Intermediaries."


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

How to Sell Shares

Process

Redemption Request – You can redeem your shares by taking either of the following steps:

1.  Through your broker or financial intermediary. If you hold shares through a financial intermediary, you may redeem shares by making a request to your intermediary. Your intermediary may charge you a transaction fee or other fee in return for its services.

2.  Email a redemption request to the Transfer Agent, in the Manager's prescribed form, which includes:

º  the name and class of the Fund;

º  the exact name in which shares are registered;

º  the shareholder account number;

º  the number of shares or the dollar amount of shares to be redeemed;

º  a signature by all owners of the shares, in accordance with the form of registration;

º  the capacity of the signatory, if the signatory is acting in a fiduciary capacity, or as an agent on behalf of a corporation, partnership or trust; and

º  the trade date.

All emails containing a purchase request must be unencrypted. The email address for redemption requests sent to the Transfer Agent is: BGUSInstTrades@bnymellon.com.

Redemption orders cannot be cancelled after the Trust has received a redemption request. This is the case even if the request is received prior to the Pricing Point.

Redemption Payment – Cash payments will be transferred for payment into your account after a request for redemption is received by the Trust in good order. The Funds generally expect to pay out redemption proceeds to redeeming shareholders within 1 business day following the trade date indicated in the redemption request, but have in the past, and may in the future, delay settlement of redemptions to the third business day following the trade date in response to unusually large redemption requests, and each Fund reserves the right to satisfy redemption requests up to seven days following the trade date indicated in the redemption request. The possibility of delayed settlement is greater for smaller Funds or for Funds with particularly concentrated investor bases. The Funds typically meet redemption requests by using holdings of cash and cash equivalents or by selling portfolio assets. The Funds may also, under normal or stressed market conditions, use a credit facility or, if a Fund has received advanced notice of a shareholder's intent to redeem, trade portfolio holdings ahead of the trade date to meet significant requests for redemption.

If you request a whole or part in-kind distribution of securities held by the Fund in lieu of cash, the Manager will grant this if it determines, in the Manager's sole discretion, that to do so is lawful and will not be detrimental to the best interests of the remaining shareholders of the Fund. This is subject to each Fund's election under Rule 18f-1 described below under "Election

under Rule 18f-1." If you intend to request a distribution in kind, please note:

—  Securities distributed in connection with the request will be valued in accordance with the Fund's procedures for valuation described under "How Shares are Priced."

—  Securities and assets distributed will be selected by the Manager in accordance with procedures approved by the Board and generally will represent a pro-rata distribution of each holding in the Fund's portfolio, subject to certain exceptions under relevant procedures.

—  You may incur market-imposed taxes or charges in connection with assuming title to such securities from the Funds, and may incur brokerage charges on the sale of any such securities so received in payment of redemptions.

Change of Information – If you need to change or update your account information, you may do so through your financial intermediary, or by mailing or emailing the Transfer Agent a designation of the new accounts and any change in the accounts originally designated for the depositing of funds. This must be signed by the relevant authorized signatories of the subscriber. A Fund or its agent may take additional steps to verify changes to account information, especially bank account details, before transferring redemption amounts. If you hold an account directly with the Transfer Agent, all redemptions and dividend disbursements will be processed according to the bank account details you provided upon your initial account set-up, unless you have contacted the Transfer Agent to change those details. Please see the back cover of this Prospectus for information on how to contact the Transfer Agent.

When you can redeem shares

Shares may be redeemed on any day on which the NYSE is open for trading.

Please note that the Trust may suspend the right of redemption and may postpone payment for any Fund for more than seven days during an emergency which makes it impracticable for a Fund to dispose of its securities or to fairly determine the value of the net assets of the Fund, or during any other period permitted by the SEC for the protection of investors.

Automatic Redemptions

Each Fund reserves the right to redeem or require the transfer of any individual's shares if:

—  The holding of the shares by such person is unlawful;

—  In the opinion of the Board or the Fund's service providers, the holding might result in the Fund or the shareholders as a whole incurring any liability to taxation or suffering pecuniary or material administrative disadvantage which the Fund or the shareholders as a whole might not otherwise suffer or incur; or

—  The Fund cannot verify your identity.

Short-Term Trading

The Trust encourages shareholders to invest in the Funds as part of a long-term investment strategy and discourages excessive, short-term trading and other abusive trading practices,


143


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

sometimes referred to as "market timing." These practices may present risks to the Funds, including increased transaction costs, interference with the efficient management of the Funds, and dilution of investment returns.

Frequent, short-term trading, abusive trading practices and market timing (together, "Frequent Trading"), often in response to short-term fluctuations in the market, are not knowingly permitted by the Funds. The Funds do not accommodate frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund Shares by Fund shareholders. Frequent Trading into and out of a Fund may harm the Fund's performance by disrupting portfolio management strategies and by increasing expenses. These expenses are borne by all Fund shareholders, including long-term investors who do not generate such costs.

The Board has adopted a "Frequent Trading Policy" (the "Policy") to discourage Frequent Trading. Under the Policy, the Funds reserve the right to reject any exchanges or purchase orders or to suspend redemptions by any shareholder engaging in Frequent Trading activities.

As a means to protect each Fund and its shareholders from Frequent Trading in Class K and Institutional Class shares:

—  The Transfer Agent arranges for the compilation, monitoring and reporting of account-level information on underlying shareholder activity on a risk-based approach designed to identify trading that could adversely impact the Funds;

—  The Funds have obtained information from each Financial Intermediary holding shares in an omnibus account with the Funds regarding whether the Financial Intermediary has adopted and maintains procedures that are reasonably designed to protect the Funds against harmful short-term trading;

—  With respect to Funds that invest in securities that trade on foreign markets, pursuant to the Funds' fair valuation procedures, pricing adjustments may be made based on information received from a third-party, multi-factor fair valuation pricing service; and

—  The Board may from time to time consider whether it is necessary or appropriate for a Fund to impose a redemption fee not exceeding 2% that, in the Board's judgment, is necessary or appropriate to recoup the costs and limit any dilution resulting from frequent redemptions. Any such redemption fee would be imposed only to manage the impact of ongoing frequent trading or other abusive trading practices and would not be imposed retrospectively on historic trades.

Under the Policy, Frequent Trading includes certain material "Round Trip" transactions (meaning a series of transactions within the same Fund and within a defined time period, consisting of either (a) a purchase or exchange, followed by a redemption or exchange, followed by a purchase or exchange; or (b) a redemption or exchange, followed by a purchase or exchange, followed by a redemption or exchange). If a shareholder engages in Frequent Trading, the Funds may take certain remedial or preventive measures, including rejecting any purchase, in whole or in part. The Funds reserve the right to reject purchase orders

by any person whose trading activity in Fund shares is deemed harmful to the Funds.

While the Funds attempt to discourage Frequent Trading, there can be no guarantee that they will be able to identify investors who are engaging in Frequent Trading or limit their trading practices. Additionally, frequent trades of small amounts may not be detected. The Funds recognize that it may not always be able to detect or prevent Frequent Trading or other activity that may disadvantage the Funds or their shareholders.

A Fund shareholder's right to purchase shares through an automatic investment plan or redeem shares in full (or in part through a systematic redemption plan) are unaffected by these restrictions.

Escheatment

If your account is held directly with a Fund and is later deemed "abandoned" or "unclaimed" under state law, the Fund may be required to "escheat" or transfer the assets in your account to the applicable state's unclaimed property administration. The state may sell or redeem escheated shares and, if you subsequently seek to reclaim your proceeds of liquidation from the state, you may only be able to recover the amount received when the shares were sold or redeemed. The Fund and the Transfer Agent will not be liable to shareholders or their representatives for good faith compliance with state escheatment laws.

Election under Rule 18f-1

The Trust, on behalf of each Fund included in this Prospectus, has made an election pursuant to Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act committing each such Fund to pay in cash any request for redemption received during any 90-day period of up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's net asset value at the beginning of the period. This election is irrevocable without prior approval by the SEC. Each Fund reserves the right to pay redemption proceeds in-kind except as described above.

Share Dividends and Distributions

It is the practice of each Fund to distribute, annually, all net investment income received from investments alongside any net realized capital gains earned through trading activities.

Distributions will be automatically reinvested in Fund shares unless you submit a request for a cash payment with at least ten days' prior notice, before the record date for distribution, to the Transfer Agent.

Tax

The following discussion is for general information purposes only. Prospective and actual shareholders should consult their own tax advisers with respect to their particular circumstances and the effect of state, local, or foreign tax laws to which they may be subject.

The following discussion provides only limited information about the U.S. federal income tax treatment of shareholders that are not U.S. shareholders, and it does not address the U.S. federal income tax treatment of shareholders that are subject to special tax regimes such as certain financial institutions, insurance companies, dealers in securities or foreign currencies, U.S. shareholders whose functional currency (as defined in


144


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Section 985 of the Code) is not the U.S. dollar, persons investing through defined contribution plans and other tax-qualified plans, and persons that hold shares in a Fund as part of a "straddle," "conversion transaction," "hedge," or other integrated investment strategy. All such prospective and actual shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the U.S. tax treatment of an investment in shares of a Fund.

The discussion below as it relates to U.S. federal income tax consequences is based upon the Code and regulations, rulings, and judicial decisions thereunder as of the date hereof. Such authorities may be repealed, revoked, or modified (possibly on a retroactive basis) so as to result in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those discussed below. The Funds have not sought an opinion of legal counsel as to any specific U.S. tax matters.

U.S. Shareholders

The following discussion addresses certain U.S. federal income tax considerations which may be relevant to investors that:

—  are citizens or residents of the United States, or corporations, partnerships, or other entities created or organized under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof, estates that are subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of the source of their income or trusts if (i) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (ii) the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person; and

—  hold, directly or indirectly, shares of a Fund as a capital asset (each such investor a "U.S. shareholder").

Tax Status

Each Fund is treated as a separate taxable entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Each Fund has elected or, in the case of a new Fund, intends to elect to be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code and intends each year to qualify and be eligible for treatment as such. In order to qualify and be eligible for treatment as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code, each Fund must, among other things, derive at least 90% of its gross income each year from certain sources of "qualifying income" and comply with certain asset diversification and distribution requirements.

So long as a Fund qualifies for treatment as a regulated investment company, the Fund itself generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent that it distributes to its shareholders, in a timely manner, dividend, interest and certain other income, its net realized short-term capital gains and its net realized long-term capital gains.

The remainder of this discussion assumes that each Fund will qualify as a regulated investment company.

Excise Tax

Each Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax on the undistributed amounts, if it fails to distribute in a calendar

year substantially all of its ordinary income for such year and substantially all of its capital gain net income for the one year period ending October 31 (or for the one-year period ending December 31 if the Fund so elects), plus any retained amount from the prior year. Distributions made in January will generally be deemed to have been paid by such Fund on December 31 of the preceding year, if the distribution was declared and payable to shareholders of record on a date in October, November or December of that preceding year.

Each Fund intends generally to make distributions sufficient to avoid imposition of the 4% excise tax, although there can be no assurance it will make such distributions.

Personal Holding Company Rules

If a Fund were to be a "personal holding company," it would potentially need to comply with additional requirements with respect to its distributions to shareholders in order to avoid a fund-level tax under the personal holding company rules.

Distributions

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, distributions of investment income are generally taxable to shareholders subject to tax as ordinary income.

Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long a Fund owned (or is deemed to have owned) the investments that generated them, rather than how long the shareholder has owned its shares.

Distributions of net capital gains from the sale of investments that a Fund owned (or is deemed to have owned) for more than one year and that are properly reported by a Fund as capital gain dividends will be taxable as long-term capital gains and taxed to individuals at reduced rates relative to ordinary income. Distributions of gains from the sale of investments that a Fund owned (or is deemed to have owned) for one year or less will be taxable as ordinary income. Distributions of investment income reported by a Fund as derived from "qualified dividend income"—as further defined in the SAI—will be taxed in the hands of individuals at the rates applicable to long-term capital gains provided that holding period and other requirements are met at both the shareholder and Fund level.

Distributions are taxable to a shareholder (other than a tax-exempt shareholder or a shareholder investing through a tax-advantaged arrangement) even if they are paid from income or gains earned by a Fund before the shareholder's investment (and thus were included in the price paid by the shareholder for Fund shares). Distributions from a Fund will be taxed as described above whether received in cash or in additional Fund shares.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, each of the Funds may retain (a) investment company taxable income, subject to the distribution requirements applicable for qualification as a regulated investment company under the Code or (b) net capital gains and pay a Fund-level tax on any such retained amounts.

Medicare Tax

A 3.8% Medicare contribution tax is imposed on the "net investment income" of certain individuals, trusts and estates to the extent their income exceeds certain threshold amounts. Net


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

investment income generally includes for this purpose dividends, including any capital gain dividends paid by a Fund, and net gains recognized on the sale, exchange, redemption or other taxable disposition of shares of a Fund.

Sale, Exchange or Redemption

A sale, exchange, or redemption of shares of a Fund, including a redemption in-kind, is a taxable event to the selling, exchanging, or redeeming shareholder. An exchange of a Fund's shares for shares of another Baillie Gifford fund will be treated as a sale of the Fund's shares. Any gain resulting from a sale, exchange (including an exchange for shares of another Baillie Gifford fund), or redemption of shares in a Fund will generally (except in the case of a tax-exempt shareholder or a shareholder investing through a tax-advantaged arrangement) be subject to federal income tax at either short-term or long-term capital gain rates depending on how long the shareholder has owned the shares.

Foreign Currency and Other Derivative Transactions

A Fund's transactions in foreign currencies and certain derivative instruments, including options, futures contracts, forward contracts, swaps and straddles, as well as any of its hedging transactions may be subject to special tax rules and may produce a difference between the Fund's book income and taxable income. The special tax rules to which such transactions are subject may accelerate income or defer losses of a Fund, or otherwise affect the amount, timing or character of distributions to shareholders. A difference between a Fund's book and taxable income may cause a portion of the Fund's income distributions to constitute a return of capital for tax purposes or require the Fund to make distributions exceeding book income to qualify as a regulated investment company.

Debt Transactions

A Fund's investments in certain debt obligations may cause that Fund to recognize taxable income in excess of the cash generated by such obligations. As a result, a Fund could be required at times to liquidate other investments, including when it is not advantageous to do so, in order to satisfy its distribution requirements.

Foreign Taxes

Each Fund may be subject to foreign withholding and other taxes on income, gains and proceeds derived from foreign investments. Such taxes would reduce the yield on a Fund's investments. However, as described immediately below, shareholders may be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to their share of foreign taxes incurred by a Fund.

Foreign Tax Credit or Deduction

If more than 50% of a Fund's assets at taxable year end consist of the securities of foreign corporations, the Fund may elect to permit shareholders who are U.S. citizens or residents or U.S. corporations to claim a foreign tax credit or deduction (but not both) on their U.S. income tax returns for their pro-rata portions of foreign income taxes paid by the Fund. In such case, income of a Fund from non-U.S. sources that is distributed to Fund shareholders would be treated as income from non-U.S. sources to the shareholders. The amount of foreign income taxes paid by a Fund would be treated as foreign taxes paid directly by Fund

shareholders and, in addition, this amount would be treated as additional income to Fund shareholders from non-U.S. sources regardless of whether the Fund shareholder would be eligible to claim a foreign tax credit or deduction in respect of those taxes. Shareholders that are not subject to U.S. federal income tax, and those who invest in a Fund through tax-advantaged accounts (including those who invest through tax-advantaged retirement plans), generally will receive no benefit from any tax credit or deduction passed through by the Fund. Investors should consult their tax advisors for further information relating to the foreign tax credit and deduction, which are subject to certain restrictions and limitations (including, with respect to the foreign tax credit, a holding period requirement applied at both the Fund and the shareholder level). Prospective investors should also consult the discussion in the SAI regarding investment by a Fund in securities of certain foreign corporations.

Annual Tax Reports

Where required, the Funds will provide shareholders with federal tax information annually, including information about dividends and distributions paid during the preceding year.

IRS Returns

Shareholders may be required to file an information return with the IRS including, but not limited to, if they recognize certain levels of losses with respect to shares in a Fund ($2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder), or are deemed to have participated in a confidential transaction involving shares in a Fund.

FinCEN Form 114

Shareholders that are U.S. persons and own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of a Fund could be required to report annually their "financial interest" in the Fund's "foreign financial accounts," if any, on FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts. Shareholders are urged to consult a tax advisor regarding the applicability to them of this reporting requirement.

Backup Withholding Tax

A Fund generally is required to apply backup withholding and remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage of the taxable distributions and redemption proceeds paid to any individual shareholder who fails to properly furnish the Fund with a correct taxpayer identification number, who has under-reported dividend or interest income, or who fails to certify to the Fund that he or she is not subject to such withholding.

Non-U.S. Persons Tax Treatment

Fund shareholders who are not U.S. citizens or residents or that are foreign corporations, partnerships, trusts or estates may be subject to substantially different tax treatment with respect to distributions from the Funds.


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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The financial highlights tables for each Fund active as of December 31, 2020 are included below. Baillie Gifford Asia Ex Japan Fund, Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund, Baillie Gifford Japan Growth Fund, and Baillie Gifford U.S. Discovery Fund have not yet commenced operations, so financial highlights tables are not included for those Funds. The financial highlights tables for Baillie Gifford Asia Ex Japan Fund, Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund, Baillie Gifford Japan Growth Fund, and Baillie Gifford U.S. Discovery Fund will be included in the annual report covering the first fiscal year following the commencement of investment operations.

The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand each Fund's financial performance for the past 5 years or, if shorter, the period of the Fund's operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in each Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information for the years or periods ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2018, December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2020 has been audited by Cohen & Company, Ltd., the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the financial statements as of December 31, 2020 of each Fund active as of December 31, 2020, is included in the Funds' annual report, which is available upon request. Financial highlights for years or periods ending before December 31, 2017 were audited by the Funds' prior independent registered public accounting firm.

Baillie Gifford China A Shares Growth Fund

Selected data for a Class K share outstanding throughout each year:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the Period
December 19,
2019(a)
through
December 31,
2019
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

10.29

   

$

10.00

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment loss(b)

   

(0.02

)

   

(0.00

)(c)

 

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and foreign currency

   

9.51

     

0.29

   

Net increase in net asset value from investment operations

   

9.49

     

0.29

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

(0.14

)

   

   

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(0.14

)

   

   

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

19.64

   

$

10.29

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(d)

   

92.29

%

   

2.90

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

989

   

$

514

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, before waiver

   

10.52

%

   

90.51

%*

 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, after waiver

   

0.87

%

   

0.87

%*

 

Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets

   

(0.15

)%

   

(0.80

)%*

 

Portfolio turnover rate(e)

   

20

%

   

0

%

 

*  Annualized.

(a)  Commencement of investment operations.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

(d)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(e)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford China A Shares Growth Fund

Selected data for an Institutional Class share outstanding throughout each year:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the Period
December 19,
2019(a)
through
December 31,
2019
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

10.29

   

$

10.00

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment loss(b)

   

(0.02

)

   

(0.00

)(c)

 

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and foreign currency

   

9.51

     

0.29

   

Net increase in net asset value from investment operations

   

9.49

     

0.29

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

(0.14

)

   

   

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(0.14

)

   

   

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

19.64

   

$

10.29

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(d)

   

92.29

%

   

2.90

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

989

   

$

514

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, before waiver

   

10.52

%

   

90.51

%*

 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, after waiver

   

0.87

%

   

0.87

%*

 

Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets

   

(0.15

)%

   

(0.80

)%*

 

Portfolio turnover rate(e)

   

20

%

   

0

%

 

*  Annualized.

(a)  Commencement of investment operations.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

(d)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(e)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund

Selected data for a Class K share outstanding throughout each period:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Period
April 28, 2017(a)
through
December 31,
2017
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

13.11

   

$

10.03

   

$

12.06

   

$

10.74

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(b)

   

0.06

     

0.12

     

0.11

     

0.07

   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

   

3.61

     

3.11

     

(2.04

)

   

1.47

   

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from investment operations

   

3.67

     

3.23

     

(1.93

)

   

1.54

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

(0.17

)

   

(0.15

)

   

(0.04

)

   

(0.22

)

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

     

     

(0.06

)

   

   

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(0.17

)

   

(0.15

)

   

(0.10

)

   

(0.22

)

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

16.61

   

$

13.11

   

$

10.03

   

$

12.06

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(c)

   

27.98

%

   

32.24

%

   

(16.05

)%

   

14.39

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

246,283

   

$

247,155

   

$

152,397

   

$

6

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

   

0.64

%

   

0.66

%

   

0.67

%

   

0.66

%*

 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

   

0.49

%

   

1.04

%

   

0.99

%

   

0.87

%*

 

Portfolio turnover rate(d)

   

12

%

   

19

%

   

14

%

   

21

%

 

*  Annualized.

(a)  Commencement of investment operations.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(d)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund

Selected data for an Institutional Class share outstanding throughout each period:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Period
April 28, 2017(a)
through
December 31,
2017
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

13.10

   

$

10.02

   

$

12.06

   

$

10.74

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(b)

   

0.06

     

0.11

     

0.06

     

0.07

   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

   

3.58

     

3.13

     

(2.00

)

   

1.47

   

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from investment operations

   

3.64

     

3.24

     

(1.94

)

   

1.54

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

(0.15

)

   

(0.16

)

   

(0.04

)

   

(0.22

)

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

     

     

(0.06

)

   

   

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(0.15

)

   

(0.16

)

   

(0.10

)

   

(0.22

)

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

16.59

   

$

13.10

   

$

10.02

   

$

12.06

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(c)

   

27.77

%

   

32.28

%

   

(16.13

)%

   

14.39

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

12,143

   

$

9,179

   

$

1,862

   

$

6

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

   

0.76

%

   

0.73

%

   

0.77

%

   

0.66

%*

 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

   

0.43

%

   

0.89

%

   

0.59

%

   

0.87

%*

 

Portfolio turnover rate(d)

   

12

%

   

19

%

   

14

%

   

21

%

 

*  Annualized.

(a)  Commencement of investment operations.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(d)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


150


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund

Selected data for a Class K share outstanding throughout each period:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Period
April 28, 2017(a)
through
December 31,
2017
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

16.66

   

$

13.12

   

$

16.10

   

$

14.15

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(b)

   

0.07

     

0.26

     

0.04

     

0.08

   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

   

4.73

     

3.91

     

(2.68

)

   

2.13

   

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from investment operations

   

4.80

     

4.17

     

(2.64

)

   

2.21

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

(0.15

)

   

(0.34

)

   

(0.11

)

   

(0.26

)

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

(0.22

)

   

(0.29

)

   

(0.23

)

   

   

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(0.37

)

   

(0.63

)

   

(0.34

)

   

(0.26

)

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

21.09

   

$

16.66

   

$

13.12

   

$

16.10

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(c)

   

28.78

%

   

31.72

%

   

(16.36

)%

   

15.63

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

202,514

   

$

114,922

   

$

64,827

   

$

6

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

   

0.62

%

   

0.65

%

   

0.68

%

   

0.68

%*

 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

   

0.40

%

   

1.73

%

   

0.42

%

   

0.73

%*

 

Portfolio turnover rate(d)

   

20

%

   

11

%

   

26

%

   

12

%

 

*  Annualized.

(a)  Commencement of investment operations.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(d)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


151


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund

Selected data for an Institutional Class share outstanding throughout each period:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Period
April 28, 2017(a)
through
December 31,
2017
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

16.63

   

$

13.10

   

$

16.09

   

$

14.15

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(b)

   

0.05

     

0.26

     

0.07

     

0.01

   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

   

4.72

     

3.88

     

(2.73

)

   

2.21

   

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from investment operations

   

4.77

     

4.14

     

(2.66

)

   

2.22

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

(0.13

)

   

(0.32

)

   

(0.10

)

   

(0.28

)

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

(0.22

)

   

(0.29

)

   

(0.23

)

   

   

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(0.35

)

   

(0.61

)

   

(0.33

)

   

(0.28

)

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

21.05

   

$

16.63

   

$

13.10

   

$

16.09

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(c)

   

28.68

%

   

31.60

%

   

(16.50

)%

   

15.68

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

39,894

   

$

23,378

   

$

10,768

   

$

201

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

   

0.72

%

   

0.75

%

   

0.78

%

   

0.68

%*

 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

   

0.30

%

   

1.72

%

   

0.47

%

   

0.14

%*

 

Portfolio turnover rate(d)

   

20

%

   

11

%

   

26

%

   

12

%

 

(a)  Commencement of investment operations.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(d)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


152


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund

Selected data for a Class K share outstanding throughout each period:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Period
April 28, 2017(a)
through
December 31,
2017
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

21.64

   

$

17.57

   

$

22.79

   

$

18.22

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(b)

   

0.20

     

0.71

     

0.34

     

0.02

   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

   

6.08

     

4.21

     

(3.75

)

   

5.00

   

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from investment operations

   

6.28

     

4.92

     

(3.41

)

   

5.02

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

(0.36

)

   

(0.66

)

   

(0.26

)

   

(0.27

)

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

     

(0.19

)

   

(1.55

)

   

(0.18

)

 

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(0.36

)

   

(0.85

)

   

(1.81

)

   

(0.45

)

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

27.56

   

$

21.64

   

$

17.57

   

$

22.79

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(c)

   

29.04

%

   

28.00

%

   

(14.91

)%

   

27.57

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

2,441,338

   

$

1,328,535

   

$

499,172

   

$

73,349

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

   

0.80

%

   

0.83

%

   

0.84

%

   

0.85

%*

 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

   

0.95

%

   

3.55

%(d)

   

1.65

%

   

0.18

%*

 

Portfolio turnover rate(e)

   

24

%

   

15

%

   

22

%

   

33

%

 

*  Annualized.

(a)  Commencement of investment operations.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(d)  Large increase due to non-cash income.

(e)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


153


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund

Selected data for an Institutional Class share outstanding throughout each period:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Period
April 28, 2017(a)
through
December 31,
2017
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

21.64

   

$

17.56

   

$

22.80

   

$

18.22

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(b)

   

0.18

     

0.79

     

0.11

     

0.16

   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

   

6.07

     

4.12

     

(3.54

)

   

4.86

   

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from investment operations

   

6.25

     

4.91

     

(3.43

)

   

5.02

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

(0.34

)

   

(0.64

)

   

(0.26

)

   

(0.26

)

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

     

(0.19

)

   

(1.55

)

   

(0.18

)

 

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(0.34

)

   

(0.83

)

   

(1.81

)

   

(0.44

)

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

27.55

   

$

21.64

   

$

17.56

   

$

22.80

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(c)

   

28.91

%

   

27.94

%

   

(14.98

)%

   

27.61

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

1,226,335

   

$

663,593

   

$

255,795

   

$

6

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

   

0.89

%

   

0.92

%

   

0.95

%

   

0.85

%*

 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

   

0.86

%

   

3.81

%(d)

   

0.68

%

   

1.13

%*

 

Portfolio turnover rate(e)

   

24

%

   

15

%

   

22

%

   

33

%

 

*  Annualized.

(a)  Commencement of investment operations.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(d)  Large increase due to non-cash income.

(e)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


154


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund

Selected data for a Class K share outstanding throughout each period:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Period
April 28, 2017(a)
through
December 31,
2017
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

16.42

   

$

13.11

   

$

18.82

   

$

16.56

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(b)

   

0.03

     

0.35

     

0.11

     

0.02

   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

   

5.93

     

3.92

     

(1.92

)

   

2.96

   

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from investment operations

   

5.96

     

4.27

     

(1.81

)

   

2.98

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

(0.14

)

   

(0.58

)

   

(0.13

)

   

(0.15

)

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

(1.12

)

   

(0.38

)

   

(3.77

)

   

(0.57

)

 

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(1.26

)

   

(0.96

)

   

(3.90

)

   

(0.72

)

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

21.12

   

$

16.42

   

$

13.11

   

$

18.82

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(c)

   

36.35

%

   

32.48

%

   

(9.38

)%

   

17.97

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

267,923

   

$

81,234

   

$

41,427

   

$

56,163

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

   

0.65

%

   

0.67

%

   

0.68

%

   

0.68

%*

 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

   

0.18

%

   

2.22

%(d)

   

0.56

%

   

0.17

%*

 

Portfolio turnover rate(e)

   

23

%

   

17

%

   

18

%

   

27

%

 

*  Annualized.

(a)  Commencement of investment operations.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(d)  Large increase due to one-off taxable stock dividends that were treated as income.

(e)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level and excludes the value of portfolio securities received in-kind in connection with Fund capital shares sold.


155


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund

Selected data for an Institutional Class share outstanding throughout each period:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Period
April 28, 2017(a)
through
December 31,
2017
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

16.45

   

$

13.12

   

$

18.84

   

$

16.56

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(b)

   

0.02

     

0.39

     

0.12

     

0.04

   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

   

5.93

     

3.89

     

(1.94

)

   

2.95

   

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from investment operations

   

5.95

     

4.28

     

(1.82

)

   

2.99

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

(0.13

)

   

(0.57

)

   

(0.13

)

   

(0.14

)

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

(1.12

)

   

(0.38

)

   

(3.77

)

   

(0.57

)

 

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(1.25

)

   

(0.95

)

   

(3.90

)

   

(0.71

)

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

21.15

   

$

16.45

   

$

13.12

   

$

18.84

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(c)

   

36.22

%

   

32.56

%

   

(9.42

)%

   

18.03

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

27,677

   

$

7

   

$

5

   

$

6

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

   

0.74

%

   

0.67

%

   

0.68

%

   

0.67

%*

 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

   

0.09

%

   

2.56

%(d)

   

0.62

%

   

0.35

%*

 

Portfolio turnover rate(e)

   

23

%

   

17

%

   

18

%

   

27

%

 

*  Annualized.

(a)  Commencement of investment operations.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(d)  Large increase due to one-off taxable stock dividends that were treated as income.

(e)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level and excludes the value of portfolio securities received in-kind in connection with Fund capital shares sold.


156


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Global Stewardship Equities Fund

Selected data for a Class K share outstanding throughout each year:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Period
December 14,
2017(a)
through
December 31,
2017
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

11.62

   

$

9.09

   

$

10.15

   

$

10.00

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income (loss)(b)

   

(0.01

)

   

0.03

     

0.03

     

(0.00

)(c)

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

   

8.77

     

2.64

     

(0.99

)

   

0.15

   

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from investment operations

   

8.76

     

2.67

     

(0.96

)

   

0.15

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

     

(0.03

)

   

(0.02

)

   

   

From net realized gain on investments

   

(0.73

)

   

(0.11

)

   

(0.08

)

   

   

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(0.73

)

   

(0.14

)

   

(0.10

)

   

   

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

19.65

   

$

11.62

   

$

9.09

   

$

10.15

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(d)

   

75.39

%

   

29.37

%

   

(9.43

)%

   

1.50

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

3,129

   

$

1,784

   

$

1,378

   

$

1,523

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, before waiver

   

5.22

%

   

6.60

%

   

5.53

%

   

18.55

%*

 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, after waiver

   

0.65

%

   

0.65

%

   

0.65

%

   

0.65

%*

 

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

   

(0.10

)%

   

0.24

%

   

0.25

%

   

(0.31

)%*

 

Portfolio turnover rate(e)

   

17

%

   

21

%

   

14

%

   

0

%

 

*  Annualized.

(a)  Commencement of investment operations.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

(d)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(e)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


157


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Global Stewardship Equities Fund

Selected data for an Institutional Class share outstanding throughout each year:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Period
December 14,
2017(a)
through
December 31,
2017
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

11.62

   

$

9.09

   

$

10.15

   

$

10.00

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income (loss)(b)

   

(0.01

)

   

0.03

     

0.03

     

(0.00

)(c)

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

   

8.77

     

2.64

     

(0.99

)

   

0.15

   

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from investment operations

   

8.76

     

2.67

     

(0.96

)

   

0.15

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

     

(0.03

)

   

(0.02

)

   

   

From net realized gain on investments

   

(0.73

)

   

(0.11

)

   

(0.08

)

   

   

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(0.73

)

   

(0.14

)

   

(0.10

)

   

   

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

19.65

   

$

11.62

   

$

9.09

   

$

10.15

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(d)

   

75.39

%

   

29.37

%

   

(9.43

)%

   

1.50

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

3,129

   

$

1,784

   

$

1,379

   

$

1,523

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, before waiver

   

5.22

%

   

6.60

%

   

5.53

%

   

18.55

%*

 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, after waiver

   

0.65

%

   

0.65

%

   

0.65

%

   

0.80

%*

 

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

   

(0.10

)%

   

0.24

%

   

0.25

%

   

(0.31

)%*

 

Portfolio turnover rate(e)

   

17

%

   

21

%

   

14

%

   

0

%

 

*  Annualized.

(a)  Commencement of investment operations.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

(d)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(e)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


158


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund

Selected data for a Class K share outstanding throughout each period:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Period
April 28, 2017(a)
through
December 31,
2017
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

13.53

   

$

10.75

   

$

14.17

   

$

12.44

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(b)

   

0.10

     

0.26

     

0.17

     

0.01

   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

   

3.47

     

3.20

     

(2.52

)

   

2.25

   

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from investment operations

   

3.57

     

3.46

     

(2.35

)

   

2.26

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

(0.11

)

   

(0.34

)

   

(0.19

)

   

(0.17

)

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

(0.28

)

   

(0.34

)

   

(0.88

)

   

(0.36

)

 

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(0.39

)

   

(0.68

)

   

(1.07

)

   

(0.53

)

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

16.71

   

$

13.53

   

$

10.75

   

$

14.17

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(c)

   

26.40

%

   

32.16

%

   

(16.54

)%

   

18.19

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

1,083,711

   

$

566,554

   

$

290,186

   

$

108,728

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

   

0.59

%

   

0.61

%

   

0.62

%

   

0.63

%*

 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

   

0.74

%

   

2.09

%(d)

   

1.26

%

   

0.12

%*

 

Portfolio turnover rate(e)

   

24

%

   

13

%

   

33

%

   

12

%

 

*  Annualized.

(a)  Commencement of investment operations.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(d)  Large increase due to one-off taxable stock dividends that were treated as income.

(e)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


159


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund

Selected data for an Institutional Class share outstanding throughout each period:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Period
April 28, 2017(a)
through
December 31,
2017
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

13.58

   

$

10.79

   

$

14.19

   

$

12.44

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(b)

   

0.08

     

0.25

     

0.22

     

0.09

   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

   

3.49

     

3.22

     

(2.59

)

   

2.17

   

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from investment operations

   

3.57

     

3.47

     

(2.37

)

   

2.26

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

(0.11

)

   

(0.34

)

   

(0.15

)

   

(0.15

)

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

(0.28

)

   

(0.34

)

   

(0.88

)

   

(0.36

)

 

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(0.39

)

   

(0.68

)

   

(1.03

)

   

(0.51

)

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

16.76

   

$

13.58

   

$

10.79

   

$

14.19

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(c)

   

26.29

%

   

32.11

%

   

(16.68

)%

   

18.25

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

729,705

   

$

126,189

   

$

38,019

   

$

6

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

   

0.67

%

   

0.67

%

   

0.72

%

   

0.62

%*

 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

   

0.52

%

   

1.93

%(d)

   

1.58

%

   

1.01

%*

 

Portfolio turnover rate(e)

   

24

%

   

13

%

   

33

%

   

12

%

 

*  Annualized.

(a)  Commencement of investment operations.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(d)  Large increase due to one-off taxable stock dividends that were treated as income.

(e)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


160


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford International Concentrated Growth Equities Fund

Selected data for a Class K share outstanding throughout each period:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Period
December 14,
2017(a)
through
December 31,
2017
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

12.70

   

$

8.75

   

$

10.05

   

$

10.00

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income (loss)(b)

   

(0.04

)

   

0.03

     

(0.03

)

   

(0.00

)(c)

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

   

12.16

     

3.94

     

(1.27

)

   

0.05

   

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from investment operations

   

12.12

     

3.97

     

(1.30

)

   

0.05

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

     

(0.02

)

   

     

   

From net realized gain on investments

   

(12.51

)

   

     

     

   

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(12.51

)

   

(0.02

)

   

     

   

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

12.31

   

$

12.70

   

$

8.75

   

$

10.05

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(d)

   

97.24

%

   

45.26

%

   

(12.84

)%

   

0.50

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

42,357

   

$

101,797

   

$

55,852

   

$

502

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, before waiver

   

0.79

%

   

0.90

%

   

1.07

%

   

53.29

%*

 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, after waiver

   

0.72

%

   

0.72

%

   

0.72

%

   

0.72

%*

 

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

   

(0.26

)%

   

0.26

%(e)

   

(0.26

)%

   

(0.68

)%*

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

   

59

%

   

4

%

   

32

%

   

0

%

 

*  Annualized.

(a)  Commencement of investment operations.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

(d)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(e)  Large increase due to one-off taxable stock dividends that were treated as income.

(f)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


161


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford International Concentrated Growth Equities Fund

Selected data for an Institutional Class share outstanding throughout each period:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Period
December 14,
2017(a)
through
December 31,
2017
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

12.65

   

$

8.72

   

$

10.05

   

$

10.00

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income (loss)(b)

   

(0.09

)

   

0.03

     

(0.06

)

   

(0.00

)(c)

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

   

12.14

     

3.92

     

(1.27

)

   

0.05

   

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from investment operations

   

12.05

     

3.95

     

(1.33

)

   

0.05

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

     

(0.02

)

   

     

   

From net realized gain on investments

   

(12.51

)

   

     

     

   

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(12.51

)

   

(0.02

)

   

     

   

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

12.19

   

$

12.65

   

$

8.72

   

$

10.05

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(d)

   

97.09

%

   

45.32

%

   

(13.23

)%

   

0.50

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

18,012

   

$

876

   

$

476

   

$

502

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, before waiver

   

0.87

%

   

0.91

%

   

1.16

%

   

53.29

%*

 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, after waiver

   

0.80

%

   

0.73

%

   

0.81

%

   

0.87

%*

 

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

   

(0.47

)%

   

0.30

%(e)

   

(0.53

)%

   

(0.68

)%*

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

   

59

%

   

4

%

   

32

%

   

0

%

 

*  Annualized.

(a)  Commencement of investment operations.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

(d)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(e)  Large increase due to one-off taxable stock dividends that were treated as income.

(f)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


162


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund

Selected data for a Class K share outstanding throughout each period:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Period
April 28, 2017(a)
through
December 31,
2017
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

14.58

   

$

10.73

   

$

14.38

   

$

12.02

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income (loss)(b)

   

(0.05

)(c)

   

0.15

     

0.10

     

0.01

   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

   

9.21

     

3.87

     

(2.60

)

   

2.71

   

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from investment operations

   

9.16

     

4.02

     

(2.50

)

   

2.72

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

0.00

(d)

   

(0.15

)

   

(0.10

)

   

(0.07

)

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

(2.20

)

   

(0.02

)

   

(1.03

)

   

(0.29

)

 

Return of capital

   

     

     

(0.02

)

   

   

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(2.20

)

   

(0.17

)

   

(1.15

)

   

(0.36

)

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

21.54

   

$

14.58

   

$

10.73

   

$

14.38

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(e)

   

62.95

%

   

37.40

%

   

(17.32

)%

   

22.62

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

130,401

   

$

7

   

$

5

   

$

6

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

   

0.58

%

   

0.60

%

   

0.60

%

   

0.60

%*

 

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

   

(0.26

)%

   

1.17

%(f)

   

0.72

%

   

0.14

%*

 

Portfolio turnover rate(g)

   

26

%

   

6

%

   

14

%

   

9

%

 

*  Annualized.

(a)  Commencement of investment operations.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Calculation of the net gain or loss per share may not correlate to the aggregate investment income presented in the Statement of Operations due to the allocation of expenses across the share classes.

(d)  Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

(e)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(f)  Large increase due to one-off taxable stock dividends that were treated as income.

(g)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


163


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund

Selected data for an Institutional Class share outstanding throughout each period:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Period
April 28, 2017(a)
through
December 31,
2017
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

14.55

   

$

10.72

   

$

14.38

   

$

12.02

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income (loss)(b)

   

(0.03

)(c)

   

0.15

     

(0.01

)

   

0.01

   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

   

9.16

     

3.85

     

(2.49

)(d)

   

2.71

   

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from investment operations

   

9.13

     

4.00

     

(2.50

)

   

2.72

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

     

(0.15

)

   

(0.11

)

   

(0.07

)

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

(2.20

)

   

(0.02

)

   

(1.03

)

   

(0.29

)

 

Return of capital

   

     

     

(0.02

)

   

   

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(2.20

)

   

(0.17

)

   

(1.16

)

   

(0.36

)

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

21.48

   

$

14.55

   

$

10.72

   

$

14.38

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(e)

   

62.84

%

   

37.25

%

   

(17.34

)%

   

22.62

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

308,176

   

$

26,800

   

$

2,081

   

$

6

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

   

0.64

%

   

0.65

%

   

0.69

%

   

0.60

%*

 

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

   

(0.16

)%

   

1.09

%(f)

   

(0.23

)%

   

0.14

%*

 

Portfolio turnover rate(g)

   

26

%

   

6

%

   

14

%

   

9

%

 

*  Annualized.

(a)  Commencement of investment operations.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Calculation of the net gain or loss per share may not correlate to the aggregate investment income presented in the Statement of Operations due to the allocation of expenses across the share classes.

(d)  Calculation of the net gain or loss per share (both realized and unrealized) may not correlate to the aggregate realized and unrealized losses presented in the Statement of Operations due to the timing of sales and repurchases of Class shares in relation to fluctuating market values of the investments of the Fund.

(e)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(f)  Large increase due to one-off taxable stock dividends that were treated as income.

(g)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


164


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford International Smaller Companies Fund

Selected data for a Class K share outstanding throughout each period:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the Period
December 19,
2018(a)
through
December 31,
2018
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

12.30

   

$

9.95

   

$

10.00

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income (loss)(b)

   

(0.03

)

   

0.01

     

0.01

   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

   

6.00

     

2.64

     

(0.06

)

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from investment operations

   

5.97

     

2.65

     

(0.05

)

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

     

(0.11

)

   

   

From net realized gain on investments

   

(0.78

)

   

(0.19

)

   

   

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(0.78

)

   

(0.30

)

   

   

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

17.49

   

$

12.30

   

$

9.95

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(c)

   

48.61

%

   

26.58

%

   

(0.50

)%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

936

   

$

630

   

$

497

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, before waiver

   

17.20

%

   

15.15

%

   

95.80

%*

 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, after waiver

   

0.90

%

   

0.90

%

   

0.90

%*

 

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

   

(0.23

)%

   

0.13

%

   

1.85

%*

 

Portfolio turnover rate(d)

   

16

%

   

11

%

   

0

%

 

*  Annualized.

(a)  Commencement of investment operations.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(d)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


165


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford International Smaller Companies Fund

Selected data for an Institutional Class share outstanding throughout each period:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the Period
December 19,
2018(a)
through
December 31,
2018
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

12.30

   

$

9.95

   

$

10.00

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income (loss)(b)

   

(0.03

)

   

0.01

     

0.01

   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

   

6.00

     

2.64

     

(0.06

)

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from investment operations

   

5.97

     

2.65

     

(0.05

)

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

     

(0.11

)

   

   

From net realized gain on investments

   

(0.78

)

   

(0.19

)

   

   

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(0.78

)

   

(0.30

)

   

   

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

17.49

   

$

12.30

   

$

9.95

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(c)

   

48.61

%

   

26.58

%

   

(0.50

)%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

936

   

$

630

   

$

498

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, before waiver

   

17.20

%

   

15.15

%

   

95.80

%*

 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, after waiver

   

0.90

%

   

0.90

%

   

0.90

%*

 

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

   

(0.23

)%

   

0.13

%

   

1.85

%*

 

Portfolio turnover rate(d)

   

16

%

   

11

%

   

0

%

 

*  Annualized.

(a)  Commencement of investment operations.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(d)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


166


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund

Selected data for a Class K share outstanding throughout each period:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Period
April 28, 2017(a)
through
December 31,
2017
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

20.69

   

$

15.52

   

$

17.34

   

$

13.96

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment loss(b)

   

(0.17

)

   

(0.07

)

   

(0.04

)

   

(0.07

)

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

   

21.18

     

5.27

     

(0.22

)

   

3.45

   

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from investment operations

   

21.01

     

5.20

     

(0.26

)

   

3.38

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

(3.23

)

   

(0.03

)

   

(1.56

)

   

   

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(3.23

)

   

(0.03

)

   

(1.56

)

   

   

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

38.47

   

$

20.69

   

$

15.52

   

$

17.34

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(c)

   

101.76

%

   

33.50

%

   

(1.41

)%

   

24.21

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

221,188

   

$

136,096

   

$

75,402

   

$

70,639

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, before waiver

   

0.71

%

   

0.76

%

   

0.79

%

   

0.80

%*

 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, after waiver

   

0.71

%

   

0.76

%

   

0.77

%

   

0.77

%*

 

Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets

   

(0.57

)%

   

(0.41

)%

   

(0.23

)%

   

(0.61

)%*

 

Portfolio turnover rate(d)

   

40

%

   

5

%

   

16

%

   

13

%

 

(a)  Commencement of investment operations.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(d)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


167


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund

Selected data for an Institutional Class share outstanding throughout each period:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Period
April 28, 2017(a)
through
December 31,
2017
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

20.66

   

$

15.51

   

$

17.34

   

$

13.96

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment loss(b)

   

(0.22

)

   

(0.10

)

   

(0.19

)

   

(0.06

)

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

   

21.17

     

5.28

     

(0.08

)(c)

   

3.44

   

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from investment operations

   

20.95

     

5.18

     

(0.27

)

   

3.38

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

(3.23

)

   

(0.03

)

   

(1.56

)

   

   

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(3.23

)

   

(0.03

)

   

(1.56

)

   

   

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

38.38

   

$

20.66

   

$

15.51

   

$

17.34

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(d)

   

101.61

%

   

33.40

%

   

(1.47

)%

   

24.21

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

350,860

   

$

57,009

   

$

356

   

$

6

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, before waiver

   

0.79

%

   

0.86

%

   

0.88

%

   

0.80

%*

 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, after waiver

   

0.79

%

   

0.86

%

   

0.87

%

   

0.80

%*

 

Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets

   

(0.68

)%

   

(0.53

)%

   

(0.91

)%

   

(0.56

)%*

 

Portfolio turnover rate(e)

   

40

%

   

5

%

   

16

%

   

13

%

 

*  Annualized.

(a)  Commencement of investment operations.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Calculation of the net gain or loss per share (both realized and unrealized) may not correlate to the aggregate realized and unrealized losses presented in the Statement of Operations due to the timing of sales and repurchases of Class shares in relation to fluctuating market values of the investments of the Fund.

(d)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(e)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


168


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Positive Change Equities Fund

Selected data for a Class K share outstanding throughout each period:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Period
December 14,
2017(a)
through
December 31,
2017
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

13.13

   

$

10.10

   

$

10.16

   

$

10.00

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income (loss)(b)

   

(0.04

)

   

0.05

     

(0.02

)

   

(0.00

)(c)

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

   

11.65

     

3.04

     

(0.04

)(d)

   

0.16

   

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from investment operations

   

11.61

     

3.09

     

(0.06

)

   

0.16

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

     

(0.04

)

   

     

   

From net realized gain on investments

   

(0.93

)

   

(0.02

)

   

     

   

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(0.93

)

   

(0.06

)

   

     

   

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

23.81

   

$

13.13

   

$

10.10

   

$

10.16

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(e)

   

88.43

%

   

30.53

%

   

(0.59

)%

   

1.60

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

59,594

   

$

15,923

   

$

5,036

   

$

508

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, before waiver

   

1.02

%

   

1.63

%

   

3.21

%

   

53.13

%*

 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, after waiver

   

0.65

%

   

0.65

%

   

0.65

%

   

0.65

%*

 

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

   

(0.19

)%

   

0.44

%

   

(0.14

)%

   

(0.47

)%*

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

   

40

%

   

7

%

   

7

%

   

0

%

 

*  Annualized.

(a)  Commencement of investment operations.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

(d)  Calculation of the net gain or loss per share (both realized and unrealized) may not correlate to the aggregate realized and unrealized losses presented in the Statement of Operations due to the timing of sales and repurchases of Class shares in relation to fluctuating market values of the investments of the Fund.

(e)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(f)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


169


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Positive Change Equities Fund

Selected data for an Institutional Class share outstanding throughout each period:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Period
December 14,
2017(a)
through
December 31,
2017
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

13.13

   

$

10.10

   

$

10.16

   

$

10.00

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income (loss)(b)

   

(0.04

)

   

0.05

     

(0.02

)

   

(0.00

)(c)

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

   

11.63

     

3.03

     

(0.04

)(d)

   

0.16

   

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from investment operations

   

11.59

     

3.08

     

(0.06

)

   

0.16

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

     

(0.03

)

   

     

   

From net realized gain on investments

   

(0.93

)

   

(0.02

)

   

     

   

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(0.93

)

   

(0.05

)

   

     

   

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

23.79

   

$

13.13

   

$

10.10

   

$

10.16

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(e)

   

88.28

%

   

30.49

%

   

(0.59

)%

   

1.60

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

36,400

   

$

10,718

   

$

7,492

   

$

508

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, before waiver

   

1.05

%

   

1.63

%

   

3.21

%

   

53.13

%*

 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, after waiver

   

0.68

%

   

0.65

%

   

0.65

%

   

0.80

%*

 

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

   

(0.21

)%

   

0.41

%

   

(0.14

)%

   

(0.47

)%*

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

   

40

%

   

7

%

   

7

%

   

0

%

 

*  Annualized.

(a)  Commencement of investment operations.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

(d)  Calculation of the net gain or loss per share (both realized and unrealized) may not correlate to the aggregate realized and unrealized losses presented in the Statement of Operations due to the timing of sales and repurchases of Class shares in relation to fluctuating market values of the investments of the Fund.

(e)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(f)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


170


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity Growth Fund

Selected data for a Class K share outstanding throughout each period:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Period
April 28, 2017(a)
through
December 31,
2017
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

18.25

   

$

14.25

   

$

13.39

   

$

11.49

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment loss(b)

   

(0.16

)

   

(0.08

)

   

(0.07

)

   

(0.03

)

 

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and foreign currency

   

23.07

     

4.33

     

1.22

(c)

   

1.98

   

Net increase in net asset value from investment operations

   

22.91

     

4.25

     

1.15

     

1.95

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

(1.31

)

   

(0.25

)

   

(0.29

)

   

(0.05

)

 

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(1.31

)

   

(0.25

)

   

(0.29

)

   

(0.05

)

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

39.85

   

$

18.25

   

$

14.25

   

$

13.39

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(d)

   

125.57

%

   

29.78

%

   

8.60

%

   

17.01

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

58,076

   

$

13,867

   

$

10,594

   

$

1,344

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, before waiver

   

0.97

%

   

1.72

%

   

7.75

%

   

13.11

%*

 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, after waiver

   

0.65

%

   

0.65

%

   

0.63

%

   

0.57

%*

 

Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets

   

(0.55

)%

   

(0.45

)%

   

(0.46

)%

   

(0.31

)%*

 

Portfolio turnover rate(e)

   

33

%

   

18

%

   

107

%

   

15

%

 

*  Annualized.

(a)  Commencement of investment operations.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Calculation of the net gain or loss per share (both realized and unrealized) may not correlate to the aggregate realized and unrealized losses presented in the Statement of Operations due to the timing of sales and repurchases of Class shares in relation to fluctuating market values of the investments of the Fund.

(d)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(e)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


171


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity Growth Fund

Selected data for an Institutional Class share outstanding throughout each period:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Period
April 28, 2017(a)
through
December 31,
2017
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

18.23

   

$

14.21

   

$

13.39

   

$

11.49

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment loss(b)

   

(0.20

)

   

(0.10

)

   

(0.10

)

   

(0.03

)

 

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and foreign currency

   

23.06

     

4.37

     

1.21

(c)

   

1.98

   

Net increase in net asset value from investment operations

   

22.86

     

4.27

     

1.11

     

1.95

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

(1.31

)

   

(0.25

)

   

(0.29

)

   

(0.05

)

 

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(1.31

)

   

(0.25

)

   

(0.29

)

   

(0.05

)

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

39.78

   

$

18.23

   

$

14.21

   

$

13.39

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(d)

   

125.43

%

   

30.01

%(e)

   

8.30

%

   

17.01

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

42,732

   

$

3,464

   

$

6

   

$

6

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, before waiver

   

1.06

%

   

1.82

%

   

6.69

%

   

13.11

%*

 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, after waiver

   

0.74

%

   

0.75

%

   

0.78

%

   

0.72

%*

 

Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets

   

(0.65

)%

   

(0.56

)%

   

(0.53

)%

   

(0.31

)%*

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

   

33

%

   

18

%

   

107

%

   

15

%

 

*  Annualized.

(a)  Commencement of investment operations.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Calculation of the net gain or loss per share (both realized and unrealized) may not correlate to the aggregate realized and unrealized losses presented in the Statement of Operations due to the timing of sales and repurchases of Class shares in relation to fluctuating market values of the investments of the Fund.

(d)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(e)  Excluding reimbursement received from the Manager, total return for the period was 29.72%. See Note D.

(f)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


172


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE

INFORMATION

As noted in the Fund Summaries above, this section contains additional information regarding the calculation of each Fund's performance and the presentation of such performance. The Average Annual Total Returns Table in each Fund Summary compares the relevant Fund's returns with those of a broad-based market index. The sub-section below titled "Index Descriptions" describes the market indices that are used in each Fund Summary and referenced in the Principal Investment Strategies of certain Funds. The sub-section below titled "Share Class Performance" describes the calculation of each Fund's class-by-class performance. Information provided below is current as of March 31, 2021.

Unless otherwise noted, index returns reflect the reinvestment of income dividends and capital gains, if any, but do not reflect fees, taxes (including withholding taxes), brokerage commissions or other expenses of investing. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

Index Descriptions

The MSCI All Country Asia Ex Japan Index captures large and mid-cap representation across 2 of 3 Developed Markets countries (excluding Japan) and 9 Emerging Markets countries in Asia. With 1,171 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country. It is not possible to invest directly in the index. Performance data shown for the index is calculated gross of dividend tax withholding.

The MSCI All Country World Index ("ACWI") captures large and mid-cap representation across 23 Developed Markets and 27 Emerging Markets countries. With 2,964 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the global investable equity opportunity set. It is not possible to invest directly in the index. Performance data shown for the index is calculated gross of dividend tax withholding.

The MSCI ACWI (ex U.S.) Index captures large and mid-cap representation across 22 of 23 Developed Markets (DM) countries (excluding the U.S.) and 27 Emerging Markets (EM) countries. With 2,344 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the global equity opportunity set outside the U.S. It is not possible to invest directly in the index. Performance data shown for the index is calculated gross of dividend tax withholding.

The MSCI ACWI ex USA Small Cap Index captures small cap representation across 22 of 23 Developed Markets (DM) countries (excluding the U.S.) and 27 Emerging Markets (EM) countries. With 4,234 constituents, the index covers approximately 14% of the global equity opportunity set outside the U.S.

The MSCI China All Shares Index captures large and mid-cap representation across China A-shares, B-shares, H-shares, Red-chips, P-chips and foreign listings (e.g. ADRs). The index aims to reflect the opportunity set of China share classes listed in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenzhen and outside of China.

The MSCI China A Onshore Index captures large and mid cap representation across China securities listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges. It is not possible to invest directly in the index. Performance data shown for the index is calculated gross of dividend tax withholding.

The MSCI Emerging Markets ("EM") Index captures large and mid-cap representation across 27 Emerging Markets countries. With 1,381 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country. Emerging Markets countries include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates. It is not possible to invest directly in the index. Performance data shown for the index is calculated gross of dividend tax withholding.

The MSCI Europe Australasia Far East ("EAFE") Index is an equity index which captures large and mid-cap representation across 21 Developed Markets countries around the world, excluding the U.S. and Canada. With 874 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country. It is not possible to invest directly in the index. Performance data shown for the index is calculated gross of dividend tax withholding.

The Russell 1000 Growth Index captures the performance of the large-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 1000 Index companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. It is not possible to invest directly in the index.

The S&P 500 Index consists of securities from 500 companies and captures large-cap U.S. equities. The market capitalization of companies captured by the index totals approximately $35.4 trillion. The median market capitalization of a company included in the index is approximately $29.1 billion. It is not possible to invest directly in the index.

The Tokyo Stock Price Index ("TOPIX") is a free-float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that is calculated based on all the domestic common stocks listed on the TSE First Section. TOPIX has 2164 constituents.

Index Disclaimers

The S&P 500 is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, a division of S&P Global, or its affiliates. Standard & Poor's® and S&P® are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC, a division of S&P Global; Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC. Neither S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC, their affiliates nor their third party licensors make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the ability of any index to accurately represent the asset class or market sector that it purports to represent and neither S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC, their affiliates nor their third party licensors shall have any liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions of any index or the data included therein.


173


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indexes or any securities or financial products. This Prospectus is not approved, endorsed, reviewed or produced by MSCI. None of the MSCI data is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such.

The Russell 1000 Growth Index. The source of the index data is London Stock Exchange Group plc and its group undertakings (collectively, the "LSE Group"). © LSE Group 2020. FTSE Russell is a trading name of certain of the LSE Group companies. "Russell®" is a trade mark(s) of the relevant LSE Group companies and is used by any other LSE Group company under license. "TMX®" is a trade mark of TSX, Inc. and used by the LSE Group under license. All rights in the FTSE Russell indexes or data vest in the relevant LSE Group company which owns the index the data. Neither LSE Group nor its licensors accept any liability or any errors or omissions in the indexes or data and no party may rely on any indexes or data contained in this Prospectus. No further distribution of data from the LSE Group is permitted without the relevant LSE Group company's express written consent. The LSE Group does not promote, sponsor or endorse the content of this Prospectus.

The TOPIX Index Value and the TOPIX Marks are subject to the proprietary rights owned by Tokyo Stock Exchange, Inc. and Tokyo Stock Exchange, Inc. owns all rights and know-how relating to the TOPIX such as calculation, publication and use of the TOPIX Index Value and relating to the TOPIX Marks. No product is in any way sponsored, endorsed or promoted by the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Inc.

Share Class Performance

Information about a Fund's performance is based on that Fund's record to a recent date and is not intended to indicate future performance. Investment results of the Funds will fluctuate over time, and any representation of the Funds' total return for any prior period should not be considered as a representation of what an investor's total return will be in any future period. The Trust's annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders contain additional performance information for the Funds and are available upon request, without charge, by calling the telephone numbers listed at the end of this Prospectus.

The total return presentations in the Fund summaries has, for certain Funds, been based on the performance of a different class that dates back to a Fund's inception or that has the longest history of continuous operation. The resulting performance information shown has been adjusted to reflect certain fees and expenses applicable to Institutional Class shares, and, in some cases, Class K shares, which are expected generally to be higher than the fees and expenses of the class on which its performance information is based. These adjustments thus generally result in estimated performance results that are lower than the actual results of the class on which the performance information is based, as a result of differing levels of fees and expenses borne.

The following table shows the most recent inception dates for the classes of shares of the Funds that were operational as of December 31, 2020.

Fund

  Most Recent
Inception Date
of Fund
 

Class

  Most Recent
Inception Date
of Class
 
Baillie Gifford China A
Shares Growth Fund
  December 19, 2019
 
  K
Institutional
  December 19, 2019
December 19, 2019
 
Baillie Gifford
Developed EAFE
All Cap Fund
 
 
 
  April 15, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
  K
Institutional
Class 2
Class 3
Class 4
Class 5
  April 28, 2017
April 28, 2017
April 15, 2014
March 24, 2017

 
Baillie Gifford EAFE
Plus All Cap Fund
 
 
 
 
  December 17, 2009
 
 
 
 
 
  K
Institutional
Class 2
Class 3
Class 4
Class 5
  April 28, 2017
April 28, 2017
December 17, 2009
July 7, 2014(1)

 
Baillie Gifford
Emerging Markets
Equities Fund(2)
 
 
 
  April 4, 2003
 
 
 
 
 
  K
Institutional
Class 2
Class 3
Class 4
Class 5
  April 28, 2017
April 28, 2017
March 2, 2015
April 1, 2016
November 2, 2015(3)
April 4, 2013
 
Baillie Gifford Global
Alpha Equities Fund
 
 
 
 
  November 15, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
  K
Institutional
Class 2
Class 3
Class 4
Class 5
  April 28, 2017
April 28, 2017
January 6, 2013
November 15, 2011
July 10, 2017
 
Baillie Gifford Global
Stewardship Equities
Fund
  December 14, 2017
 
 
  K
Institutional
 
  December 14, 2017
December 14, 2017
 
 
Baillie Gifford
International Alpha
Fund(4)
 
 
 
  February 7, 2008
 
 
 
 
 
  K
Institutional
Class 2
Class 3
Class 4
Class 5
  April 28, 2017
April 28, 2017
February 7, 2008
September 1, 2010
July 10, 2017
April 7, 2014
 
Baillie Gifford
International
Concentrated Growth
Equities Fund
  December 14, 2017
 
 
 
  K
Institutional
 
 
  December 14, 2017
December 14, 2017
 
 
 
Baillie Gifford
International Growth
Fund
 
 
 
  March 6, 2008
 
 
 
 
 
  K
Institutional
Class 2
Class 3
Class 4
Class 5
  April 28, 2017
April 28, 2017
March 6, 2008
April 19, 2010
October 10, 2016
July 19, 2012
 
Baillie Gifford
International Smaller
Companies Fund
  December 19, 2018
 
 
  K
Institutional
 
  December 19, 2018
December 19, 2018
 
 


174


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Fund

  Most Recent
Inception Date
of Fund
 

Class

  Most Recent
Inception Date
of Class
 
Baillie Gifford
Long Term Global
Growth Fund
 
 
 
  June 10, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
  K
Institutional
Class 2
Class 3
Class 4
Class 5
  April 28, 2017
April 28, 2017
June 10, 2014

October 7, 2015(5)
April 9, 2018
 
Baillie Gifford Positive
Change Equities Fund
  December 14, 2017
 
  K
Institutional
  December 14, 2017
December 14, 2017
 
Baillie Gifford
U.S. Equity
Growth Fund(6)
  December 5, 2016
 
 
  K
Institutional
 
  May 1, 2017
April 28, 2017
 
 

(1)  Class 3 shares of Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund were operational between July 7, 2014 and April 9, 2018.

(2)  Effective January 1, 2015, the share class structure of Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund was changed, and shares previously designated as Class III shares were converted to Class 5 shares. The performance information provided in the Fund Summary for Class 5 reflects the performance for Class III for periods prior to January 1, 2015. Class III shares were subject to a higher shareholder service fee than Class 5 shares, and no adjustment has been made to the performance information shown for Class 5 to reflect its different expense structure.

(3)  Class 4 shares of Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund were operational from November 2, 2015 until October 10, 2016.

(4)  The Fund was active for intervals between November 1, 2000 and November 22, 2005, and was inactive until it most recently recommenced operations on February 7, 2008.

(5)  Class 4 shares of Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund were operational between October 7, 2015 and April 9, 2018.

(6)  The inception date for Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity Growth Fund is December 5, 2016, when Baillie Gifford International, LLC purchased Class 1 shares. Classes 1-5 of Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity Growth Fund were terminated effective May 1, 2017. For the purposes of the total return data and other data reflected in the Fund's financial highlights, the Fund has used December 5, 2016 as its inception date. For accounting purposes, the Fund considers December 6, 2016 to be the date it commenced operations.


175


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE

INFORMATION FOR SIMILAR ACCOUNTS

Certain Funds were recently organized and have little or no performance history of their own that is permitted to be shown in the "Fund Summary" section of this Prospectus. For some of these Funds, the following tables set forth historical performance information for all discretionary accounts, all of which are non-U.S. regulated open-end investment funds or other institutional accounts, managed by the Manager and its affiliates that have substantially similar investment objectives, policies, strategies, risks and investment restrictions as each listed Fund.

The results presented below may not necessarily equate with the return experienced by any particular investor as a result of the timing of investments and redemptions. In addition, the effect of taxes on any investor will depend on such person's tax status, and the results have not been reduced to reflect any income tax that may have been payable.

Composite Data

For certain Funds, Composite (defined by the Global Investment Performance Standards ("GIPS®") as an "aggregation of one or more portfolios managed according to a substantially similar investment mandate, objective or strategy") data is provided to illustrate, with respect to each Fund, the past performance of the Manager and its affiliates in managing all substantially similar accounts as measured against specified market indices. Composite data does not represent the performance of any of the Funds. The accounts in each Composite are separate and distinct from the Fund; the Composite performance is not intended as a substitute for the Fund's performance and should not be considered a prediction of the future performance of the Fund or the Manager. The performance of the accounts in each Composite may differ, sometimes significantly, from the performance of the Fund for a variety of reasons, including divergences in underlying investments resulting from various regulatory restrictions specific to mutual funds as well as other differences relating to jurisdiction and/or product design, such as the applicability of U.S. sanctions and other investment restrictions.

The Manager claims compliance with GIPS®. For GIPS® purposes, the Manager is defined and held out to the public as the investment management and advisory services provided by the Manager and Baillie Gifford & Co., its parent entity. Additional information regarding the Composites and the Manager's policies for valuing portfolios, calculating performance, and preparing compliant presentations are available upon request.

Each Composite's performance data shown below was calculated in accordance with recognized industry standards, consistently applied to all time periods. All returns presented were calculated on a total return basis and include all dividends and interest, accrued income and realized and unrealized gains and losses. All returns reflect the deduction of brokerage commissions and execution costs paid by the discretionary institutional accounts, without provision for federal or state income taxes. "Net of Fees" composite figures are calculated by reducing the gross return by the highest annual management fee

for the composite. Each Composite includes all actual discretionary institutional accounts managed by the Manager and its affiliates for at least one full month that have investment objectives, policies, strategies and risks substantially similar to those of the Fund. The Composites may include both tax-exempt and taxable accounts and all reinvestment of earnings. Each Composite's performance information is calculated on the basis of the returns of underlying accounts expressed in U.S. dollars; to the extent that accounts underlying a Composite are denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars. The accounts underlying a Composite may be denominated in various currencies other than U.S. dollars; the returns of those accounts have been converted to U.S. dollars as of each reference date, prior to factoring those accounts into the Composite performance. The performance shown would be different in the absence of such conversion.

Securities transactions are accounted for on trade date and accrual accounting is utilized. Cash and equivalents are included in performance returns. Monthly returns of a Composite combine the individual accounts' returns (calculated on a time-weighted rate of return basis that is revalued daily) by asset-weighting each account's asset value as of the beginning of the month. Annual returns are calculated by geometrically linking (i.e., calculating the product of) the monthly returns. Investors should be aware that the performance information shown below was calculated differently than the methodology mandated by the SEC for registered investment companies.

The discretionary institutional accounts that are included in the Composites may be subject to lower expenses than the Fund and are not subject to the same diversification requirements, specific tax restrictions and investment limitations imposed on the Fund by the 1940 Act or Subchapter M of the Code. Consequently, the performance results for each Composite may have been less favorable had they been subject to the same expenses as the Fund or had they been regulated as investment companies under the federal securities laws.

Similar Accounts

For Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund, historical performance information for a Similar Account, which is a non-U.S. regulated open-end investment fund, managed by the Manager and its affiliates that has substantially similar investment objectives, policies, strategies, risks and investment restrictions as the Fund, is provided. The performance of the Similar Account may differ, sometimes significantly, from the performance of the Fund for a variety of reasons, including divergences in underlying investments resulting from various regulatory restrictions specific to mutual funds as well as other differences relating to jurisdiction and/or product design. The Similar Account is not offered to U.S. investors and will not accept investments from any U.S. persons.

The Similar Account is separate and distinct from the Fund. The performance of the Similar Account is not intended as a substitute for the Fund's performance and should not be considered a prediction of the future performance of the Fund or the Manager.

The returns of the Similar Account have been converted to U.S. dollars. All returns presented were calculated on a total return basis and include all dividends and interest, accrued income and


176


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

realized and unrealized gains and losses. All returns reflect the deduction of brokerage commissions and execution costs paid by the Similar Account, without provision for federal or state income taxes. "Net of fees" figures are net of all actual fees and reflect the deduction of investment advisory fees and for the Similar Account, may also reflect the deduction of other fees, including, without limitation, custodial fees.

Securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date and accrual accounting is utilized. Cash and equivalents are included in performance returns. The Similar Account may be subject to lower expenses than the Fund and is not subject to the same diversification requirements, specific tax restrictions and investment limitations imposed on the Fund by the 1940 Act or Subchapter M of the Code. Consequently, the performance results for the Similar Account may have been less favorable had it been subject to the same expenses as the Fund or had it been regulated as an investment company under the federal securities laws.

Similar Account Performance for Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund:

Annualized Returns for periods ended December 31 (net of fees)

Period

  Baillie Gifford
China Fund (USD)
 

Index (USD)*

 
Since Inception
(11/24/2008)
   

17.82

%

   

14.47

%

 
10 Years    

11.87

%

   

8.58

%

 
5 Years    

23.44

%

   

16.14

%

 
3 Years    

18.36

%

   

11.48

%

 
1 Year    

60.96

%

   

33.61

%

 

*  Index: MSCI China All Share Index since 11/27/2019; MSCI All China Index from 05/02/2019 until 11/27/2019; MSCI Golden Dragon Index prior to 05/02/2019.

Similar Account Performance for Baillie Gifford Global Stewardship Equities Fund:

The Global Stewardship Composite

Annualized Returns for periods ended December 31 (net of fees)

Year

  Global
Stewardship
Composite
  MSCI ACWI
Index
 
Since Inception (December 31,
2015) to December 31, 2020
   

25.47

%

   

12.86

%

 
3 Years    

27.13

%

   

10.64

%

 
1 Year    

75.57

%

   

16.82

%

 

Calendar Year Returns for the periods ended December 31 (net of fees)

Year

  Global
Stewardship
Composite
  MSCI ACWI
Index
 

2020

   

75.57

%

   

16.82

%

 

2019

   

29.06

%

   

27.30

%

 

2018

   

-9.32

%

   

-8.93

%

 

2017

   

38.33

%

   

24.62

%

 

2016

   

9.42

%

   

8.49

%

 

Similar Account Performance for Baillie Gifford International Concentrated Growth Equities Fund:

The International Concentrated Growth Composite

Annualized Returns for periods ended December 31 (net of fees)

Year

  International
Concentrated
Growth
Composite
  MSCI ACWI
(ex. U.S.) Index
 
Since Inception (March 31,
2004) to December 31, 2019
   

15.93

%

   

6.71

%

 
10 Years    

19.12

%

   

5.40

%

 
5 Years    

30.35

%

   

9.44

%

 
3 Years    

34.65

%

   

5.38

%

 
1 Year    

90.67

%

   

11.13

%

 

Calendar Year Returns for the periods ended December 31 (net of fees)

Year

  International
Concentrated
Growth
Composite
  MSCI ACWI
(ex. U.S.) Index
 

2020

   

90.67

%

   

11.13

%

 

2019

   

44.91

%

   

22.13

%

 

2018

   

-11.64

%

   

-13.78

%

 

2017

   

48.95

%

   

27.77

%

 

2016

   

3.47

%

   

5.01

%

 

2015

   

7.90

%

   

-5.25

%

 

2014

   

1.00

%

   

-3.44

%

 

2013

   

34.51

%

   

15.78

%

 

2012

   

17.17

%

   

17.39

%

 

2011

   

-11.02

%

   

-13.32

%

 

Similar Account Performance for Baillie Gifford Positive Change Equities Fund:

The Positive Change Composite

Annualized Returns for periods ended December 31 (net of fees)

Year

  Positive Change
Composite
  MSCI ACWI
Index
 
Since Inception (January 31,
2017) to December 31, 2019
   

38.60

%

   

13.51

%

 
3 Years    

34.19

%

   

10.64

%

 
1 Year    

86.02

%

   

16.82

%

 

Calendar Year Returns for the period ended December 31 (net of fees)

Year

  Positive Change
Composite
  MSCI ACWI
Index
 

2020

   

86.02

%

   

16.82

%

 

2019

   

30.14

%

   

27.30

%

 

2018

   

-0.18

%

   

-8.93

%

 


177


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Similar Account Performance for Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity Growth Fund:

The U.S. Equity Growth Composite

Annualized Returns for periods ended December 31 (net of fees)

Year

  U.S. Equity
Growth
Composite
  S&P 500
Index
  Russell 1000
Growth
Index
 
Since Inception (August 31,
1997) to December 31, 2019
   

13.36

%

   

8.34

%

   

9.01

%

 
10 Years    

23.27

%

   

13.88

%

   

17.21

%

 
5 Years    

36.15

%

   

15.33

%

   

21.00

%

 
3 Years    

48.06

%

   

14.18

%

   

22.99

%

 
1 Year    

128.33

%

   

18.40

%

   

38.49

%

 

Calendar Year Returns for the periods ended December 31 (net of fees)

Year

  U.S. Equity
Growth
Composite
  S&P 500
Index
  Russell 1000
Growth
Index
 

2020

   

128.33

%

   

18.40

%

   

38.49

%

 

2019

   

30.47

%

   

31.49

%

   

36.39

%

 

2018

   

8.94

%

   

-4.38

%

   

-1.51

%

 

2017

   

35.37

%

   

21.83

%

   

30.21

%

 

2016

   

6.48

%

   

11.96

%

   

7.08

%

 

2015

   

8.55

%

   

1.38

%

   

5.67

%

 

2014

   

9.47

%

   

13.70

%

   

13.05

%

 

2013

   

26.84

%

   

32.38

%

   

33.48

%

 

2012

   

13.56

%

   

16.01

%

   

15.26

%

 

2011

   

1.16

%

   

2.10

%

   

2.64

%

 


178


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

CONTACTS AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Fund

  The SAI contains more detailed information about each Fund. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus, which means that it is legally considered to be part of this Prospectus.  

Investments

  Additional information about each Fund's investments can be found:
On the Manager's website at http://USmutualfund.bailliegifford.com. Following its commencement of operations, each Fund's portfolio holdings as of each calendar quarter's end, approximately 10 days after that quarter's end.
In the SAI. The Trust's policies on disclosing the Funds' portfolio holdings are described in the SAI.
In the annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. These reports will include a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected that Fund's performance during its last fiscal year to date.
 

Copies of Reports

  The Funds' Prospectus and the SAI are available and, following a Fund's commencement of operations, its annual report and semi-annual reports will be available, free of charge using the contacts below.
In addition to this, the reports can be found:
On the EDGAR database on the SEC's Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. This website includes reports and other information about the Funds. Copies of this information may be obtained, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following email address: publicinfo@sec.gov.
On the Trust's website, at http://USmutualfund.bailliegifford.com.
 

Books and Records

 

The books and records of the Fund are maintained at the offices of the Manager at Calton Square, 1 Greenside Row, Edinburgh, EH1 3AN and the offices of the Transfer Agent at 4400 Computer Drive, Westborough, Massachusetts, USA, 01581.

 

Other Shareholder Queries

 

Shareholders may request other information about the Fund and may direct inquiries to the Trust c/o Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited, or the Transfer Agent using the contacts below.

 

 

   

Contact the Trust

 

Online

 

http://USmutualfund.bailliegifford.com

 

Email

 

northamericanvehiclesteam@bailliegifford.com

 

Mail

  c/o Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited, One Greenside Row, Calton Square,
Edinburgh EH1 3AN
 

Toll-Free Telephone

 

1-844-394-6127

 
   

Contact the Transfer Agent

 

New Account Emails

 

BGUSNewAcctSetUp@bnymellon.com

 

Purchase and Redemption Requests

 

BGUSInstTrades@bnymellon.com

 

Inquiry Emails

 

BMI.InstInquiry@bnymellon.com

 

Mail

  BNY Mellon Asset Servicing, 4400 Computer Drive, 015-2W12,
Westborough, MA 01581-1722
 

Toll-Free Telephone

 

1-844-741-5143

 

Investment Company Act File No. 811-10145


179


Prospectus

May 1, 2021 (as revised July 2, 2021)

Baillie Gifford Funds

Classes of Shares

   

Class 2

 

Class 3

 

Class 4

 

Class 5

 

Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund

 

BGPTX

 

BGPFX

 

BGPWX

 

BGPVX

 

Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund

 

BGCWX

 

BGCJX

 

BGCLX

 

BGCVX

 

Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund

 

BGEHX

 

BGELX

 

BGEPX

 

BGEDX

 

Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund

 

BGATX

 

BGAEX

 

BGALX

 

BGAVX

 

Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund

 

BGITX

 

BGIFX

 

BGIUX

 

BGIVX

 

Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund

 

BGETX

 

BGEUX

 

BGEFX

 

BGEVX

 

Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund

 

BGLTX

 

BGLOX

 

BGLFX

 

BGADX

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

Each fund listed above (each, a "Fund") is a series of Baillie Gifford Funds (the "Trust") and may offer multiple classes of shares. This Prospectus covers only Class 2, Class 3, Class 4 and Class 5 shares of the Funds.


Table of Contents

Fund Summaries

   

1

   

Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund

   

1

   

Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund

   

6

   

Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund

   

11

   

Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund

   

16

   

Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund

   

21

   

Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund

   

26

   

Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund

   

31

   

Additional Information about Principal Strategies and Risks

   

36

   

Principal Investment Strategies

   

36

   

Selected Investment Techniques and Topics

   

43

   

Principal Investment Risks

   

46

   

Fund Management

   

59

   

Investment Manager

   

59

   

Investment Teams

   

61

   

Shares

   

68

   

Share Classes

   

68

   

How Shares are Priced

   

68

   

How to Buy or Exchange Shares

   

68

   

Restrictions on Buying or Exchanging Shares

   

69

   

How to Sell Shares

   

71

   

Share Dividends and Distributions

   

73

   

Tax

   

73

   

Financial Highlights

   

76

   

Additional Performance Information

   

97

   

Contacts and Further Information

   

99

   

Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

FUND SUMMARIES

Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees

(Fees paid directly from your investment)

Class 2

 

Class 3

 

Class 4

 

Class 5

 
 

None

     

None

     

None

     

None

   

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

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

   

Class 2

 

Class 3

 

Class 4

 

Class 5

 

Advisory Fees

   

0.35

%

   

0.35

%

   

0.35

%

   

0.35

%

 

Service Fees(a)

   

0.17

%

   

0.10

%

   

0.07

%

   

0.02

%

 

Other Expenses

   

0.12

%

   

0.12

%

   

0.12

%(b)

   

0.12

%(b)

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses
   

0.64

%

   

0.57

%

   

0.54

%

   

0.49

%

 

(a)  Service Fees differ between the classes of the Fund to reflect varying levels of shareholder servicing fees payable to Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited, as described in detail under "Fund Management—Shareholder Services" below.

(b)  Classes 4 and 5 were unfunded as of December 31, 2020. Therefore Other Expenses have been estimated for these Classes based on the Other Expenses of Class 2 shares.

Example of Expenses

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, regardless of whether or not you redeem your shares at the end of such periods. It also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same.

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your expenses would be:

   

Class 2

 

Class 3

 

Class 4

 

Class 5

 
1 Year  

$

65

   

$

58

   

$

55

   

$

50

   
3 Years  

$

205

   

$

183

   

$

173

   

$

157

   
5 Years  

$

357

   

$

318

   

$

302

   

$

274

   
10 Years  

$

798

   

$

714

   

$

677

   

$

616

   

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses" above, affect the Fund's performance. During the Fund's most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 12% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in non-U.S. countries with developed markets.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in common stocks and other equity securities of companies whose principal activities are in developed markets in Europe, Australasia and/or the Far East. The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund is not constrained with respect to market capitalization and may participate in initial public offerings ("IPOs") and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S. In selecting companies for investment, the portfolio managers focus on issuers in developed markets, but in some circumstances may gain exposure to emerging markets.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up approach to stock selection and retain flexibility to invest without being constrained by the MSCI EAFE benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors that may include: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 50 and 90 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, which in recent periods has included Japan. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5+ years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook. The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

Principal Risks

The Fund's net asset value and returns will be impacted by the performance of the underlying investments of the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the Fund.

The principal risks of investing in the Fund (in alphabetical order after the first five risks) are:

  Investment Style Risk – Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited (the "Manager") actively makes investment decisions for the Fund through bottom-up stock selection. Accordingly, the Fund will have risk characteristics that differ from its benchmark index. The Manager's judgments about the attractiveness, relative value, or potential appreciation of a particular stock may prove to be incorrect and cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index. There can be no assurance that the Manager's investment decisions will produce the desired results.


1


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

  Growth Stock Risk – The prices of growth stocks may be based largely on expectations of future earnings, and their prices can decline rapidly and significantly in reaction to negative news. Growth stocks may underperform stocks in other broad style categories (and the stock market as a whole) over any period of time and may shift in and out of favor with investors generally, sometimes rapidly, depending on changes in market, economic, and other factors.

  Long-Term Investment Strategy Risk – The Fund pursues a long-term investment approach, typically seeking returns over a period of several years. This investment style may cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index or other mutual funds over extended periods of time, and the Fund may not perform as expected in the long term. An investment in the Fund may be more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the risk of short- or medium-term fluctuations in the value of the Fund's portfolio.

  Non-U.S. Investment Risk – Non-U.S. securities are subject to additional risks, including less liquidity, increased volatility, less transparency, withholding or other taxes, increased vulnerability to adverse changes in local and global economic conditions, less regulation, and possible fluctuation in value due to adverse political conditions. Foreign portfolio transactions generally involve higher commission rates, transfer taxes, and custodial costs than similar transactions in the U.S.

  Asia Risk – Investing in securities of companies located in or with exposure to Asian countries involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including different financial reporting standards, currency exchange rate fluctuations, and highly regulated markets with the potential for government interference. The economies of many Asian countries are heavily dependent on international trade and on only a few industries or commodities and, as a result, can be adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls and other measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. Some Asian securities may be less liquid than U.S. or other foreign securities. See "China Risk" and "Japan Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in those countries.

  China Risk – Investing in securities of Chinese issuers involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including, among others, more frequent trading suspensions and government interventions (including by nationalization of assets), currency exchange rate fluctuations or blockages, limits on the use of brokers and on foreign ownership, different financial reporting standards, higher dependence on exports and international trade, potential for increased trade tariffs, sanctions, embargoes and other trade limitations, custody risks, and potential adverse tax consequences. U.S. sanctions or other investment restrictions could preclude the Fund from investing in certain Chinese issuers or cause the Fund to sell investments at a disadvantageous time. Significant portions of the Chinese securities markets may become rapidly illiquid, as Chinese issuers have the ability to suspend the trading of their equity securities, and have

shown a willingness to exercise that option in response to market volatility and other events.

  Conflicts of Interest Risk – The Manager's relationships with the Fund's institutional investor base may give rise to various conflicts of interest, since the Manager will sometimes have an incentive to favor those shareholders over other shareholders in the Fund. In addition, the Manager serves as investment adviser to various clients other than the Fund, some of whom may pursue strategies that are substantially similar or nearly identical to investment strategies pursued by the Fund. This "side-by-side" management may give rise to various conflicts of interest, including, for example, in connection with the fair allocation of trades among the Manager's clients or the sharing of different, more, or more timely information regarding investment performance, portfolio holdings, strategy developments and/or the Manager's general market outlook. Furthermore, if investment personnel of the Manager hold board or other positions at outside companies, they could be exposed to material non-public information potentially impeding or delaying a Fund's ability to buy or sell certain investments, or they could otherwise be restricted in their ability to participate in a Fund's investment process.

  Currency Risk – The Fund may realize a loss if it has exposure to a non-U.S. currency, and this non-U.S. currency declines in value, relative to the U.S. dollar. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

  Equity Securities Risk – Equity securities may react more strongly to changes in an issuer's financial condition or prospects than other securities of the same issuer. Investing in equity securities indirectly, such as through participatory notes or depositary receipts, may involve other risks such as the risk that the counterparty may default or that the investment does not track the underlying security as expected.

  Focused Investment Risk – Should the Fund focus its investments in related, or a limited number of, countries, regions, sectors, or companies, this would create more risk and greater volatility than if the Fund's investments were less focused.

  Geographic Focus Risk – The Fund expects to focus its investments in a limited number of countries or geographic regions, and as a result may not offer the same level of diversification of risks as a more broadly global fund because the Fund will be exposed to a smaller geographic area. The performance of a fund that is less diversified across countries or geographic regions will be closely tied to market, currency, economic, political, environmental, or regulatory conditions and developments in the countries or regions in which the fund invests, and may be more volatile than the performance of a more geographically-diversified portfolio.

  Government and Regulatory Risk – Governmental and regulatory authorities in the United States and other countries, have taken, and may in the future take, actions intervening in the markets in which the Fund invests and in the economy more generally. Governmental and regulatory authorities may also act to increase the scope or burden of


2


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

regulations applicable to the Fund or to the companies in which the Fund invests. The effects of these actions on the markets generally, and Fund's investment program in particular, can be uncertain and could restrict the ability of the Fund to fully implement its investment strategies, either generally, or with respect to certain securities, industries, or countries. By contrast, markets in some non-U.S. countries historically have been subject to little regulation or oversight by governmental or regulatory authorities, which could heighten the risk of loss due to fraud or market failures in those countries. Governments, agencies, or other regulatory bodies in any country may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the Fund or the market value of an instrument held by the Fund.

  Information Technology Risk – Cyber-attacks, disruptions, or failures that affect the Fund's service providers, counterparties, the securities markets generally, other market participants, or issuers of securities held by the Fund may adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders, including by causing losses for the Fund or impairing Fund operations.

  IPO Risk – The Fund may purchase securities in IPOs. These securities are subject to many of the same risks of investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile.

  Japan Risk – The Japanese economy has only recently emerged from a prolonged economic downturn. Since the year 2000, Japan's economic growth rate has remained relatively low, and it may remain low in the future. Japan's economy is characterized by an aging demographic, declining population, large government debt, and a highly regulated labor market. In the longer term, Japan will have to address the effects of an aging population, including the impact of a shrinking work force and higher welfare costs. Japan's economic recovery has been affected by economic distress resulting from a number of natural disasters, including disasters that caused damage to nuclear power plants in the region. Such environmental catastrophes have caused Japan's financial markets to fluctuate dramatically. Japan continues to be subject to the risk of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons and tsunamis, which could negatively affect the Japanese economy.

  Large-Capitalization Securities Risk – Returns on investments in securities of large companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of smaller and medium-sized companies. Larger companies may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller and medium-sized companies to competitive challenges or to changes in business, product, financial, or other market conditions. Larger companies may not be able to achieve or maintain growth at the high rates that may be achieved by well-managed smaller and medium-sized companies.

  Liquidity Risk – The Fund's investments may be subject to low trading volume, lack of a market maker, contractual lock-in periods or regulatory restrictions, and the Fund may hold large positions in particular securities. As a result, it may not

be possible to sell an investment at a particular time or at an acceptable price. Liquidity risk may be magnified during periods of changing interest rates, significant shareholder redemptions or market turmoil. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. In some cases, due to unanticipated levels of illiquidity the Fund may seek to meet its redemption obligations wholly or in part by distributions of assets in-kind.

  Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk – The value of the Fund's investments could be adversely affected by events that disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global markets such as war, terrorism, public health crises, and geopolitical events and by changes in non-U.S. and U.S. economic and political conditions. As a result of these events, the Fund could lose money, experience significant redemptions, encounter operational difficulties, and suffer other negative impacts.

  Market Risk – The value of the Fund's investments will be affected by fluctuations in the stock markets in which the Fund is invested, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. Declines in securities market prices may reduce the net asset value of the Fund's shares.

  Service Provider Risk – The Fund will be affected by the Manager's investment techniques, analyses, assessments and employee retention. Similarly, adverse events or performance failures at a service provider, such as human error, inadequate controls or insolvency, have the ability to adversely affect the Fund.

  Settlement Risk – The Fund may experience delays in settlement due to the different clearance and settlement procedures in non-U.S. countries. Such delays may increase credit risk to the Fund, limit the ability of the Fund to reinvest the proceeds of a sale of securities, or prevent the Fund from selling securities at times and prices it considers desirable.

  Small- and Medium-Capitalization Securities Risk – Securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies can be more volatile due to various factors including more limited product lines, financial and management resources and market distribution channels, as well as shorter operating histories and potentially reduced liquidity, especially during market declines, than the securities of larger, more established companies.

  Valuation Risk – In certain circumstances, some of the Fund's portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations by employing the fair value procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board"). This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. There is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund


3


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time.

Performance

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's annual total returns from year to year and by comparing the Fund's average annual total returns with those of the Fund's benchmark. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.

Annual Total Returns – Class 2 Shares

Highest Quarterly Return: 25.46% (Q2, 2020)

Lowest Quarterly Return: -20.92% (Q1, 2020)

In the table below, after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown for Class 2 shares only, and after-tax returns for other share classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on your tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant if you are tax-exempt or if you hold your Fund shares through tax-advantaged arrangements. A description of the Fund's comparative index and details regarding the calculation of the Fund's class-by-class performance are provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Additional Performance Information."

Average Annual Total
Returns for Periods Ended
December 31, 2020
 

1 Year

 

5 Years

  Since Fund
Inception
(04/15/2014)
 

Class 2 Returns Before Taxes

   

27.95

%

   

12.78

%

   

9.14

%

 
Class 2 Returns After Taxes on
Distributions
   

27.72

%

   

12.56

%

   

8.90

%

 
Class 2 Returns After Taxes on
Distributions and Sale of Fund
Shares
   

16.83

%

   

10.28

%

   

7.32

%

 

Class 3 Returns Before Taxes(1)

   

28.04

%

   

12.82

%

   

9.17

%

 

Class 4 Returns Before Taxes(2)

   

27.95

%

   

12.78

%

   

9.14

%

 

Class 5 Returns Before Taxes(3)

   

27.95

%

   

12.78

%

   

9.14

%

 
Comparative Index
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
 

MSCI EAFE Index(4)

   

8.28

%

   

7.96

%

   

5.21

%

 

(1)  Performance for Class 3 shares prior to their date of inception (March 24, 2017) is derived from the historical performance of Class 2 shares, and has not been adjusted for the lower shareholder servicing fees applicable to Class 3 shares; had it, returns would have been higher.

(2)  Performance for Class 4 shares, which were unfunded as of December 31, 2020, is derived from the historical performance of Class 2 shares, and has not been adjusted for the lower shareholder servicing fees applicable to Class 4 shares; had it, returns would have been higher.

(3)  Performance for Class 5 shares, which were unfunded as of December 31, 2020, is derived from the historical performance of Class 2 shares, and has not been adjusted for the lower shareholder servicing fees applicable to Class 5 shares; had it, returns would have been higher.

(4)  The source of the index data is MSCI Inc. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indexes or any securities or financial products. This Prospectus is not approved, endorsed, reviewed or produced by MSCI. None of the MSCI data is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such.

Updated information on the Fund's investment performance can be obtained by visiting http://USmutualfund.bailliegifford.com.

Management

Investment Manager

Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited

Portfolio Managers

Name

 

Title

  Year Commenced
Service with the
Fund
 

Gerard Callahan

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2014

   

Iain Campbell

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2014

   

Sophie Earnshaw

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2014

   

Joe Faraday

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2014

   

Moritz Sitte

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2014

   

Purchasing or Exchanging Fund Shares

Investors may purchase or exchange shares of the Fund by submitting a request directly to the Manager, as further described in the section below entitled "Shares—How to Buy or Exchange Shares." The purchase or exchange of shares of Class 2, Class 3, Class 4 and Class 5 of the Fund ("Legacy Class Shares") is subject to Fund eligibility requirements and share class eligibility requirements as follows:

—  Fund Eligibility – Only existing shareholders, who already hold Legacy Class Shares of the Fund ("Legacy Shareholders") are eligible to purchase Legacy Class Shares of the Fund. Legacy Shareholders may also request permission from the Manager to exchange their Legacy Class Shares in the Fund for the same class of Legacy Class Shares in another Fund. Legacy Shareholders may also be able to exchange their Legacy Class Shares for Class K or Institutional Class shares of either the same Fund or a different Fund. Exchanges will be granted at the Manager's discretion. Additional information about such exchanges is provided in the sections of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—How to Buy or Exchange Shares" and "Shares—Restrictions on Buying or Exchanging Shares."

—  Share Class Eligibility and Minimum Total Investment – Eligibility for Legacy Class Shares of the Fund shall be determined with reference to the market value of


4


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

assets managed by the Manager and its affiliates for the shareholder, whether in the Funds, another pooled vehicle or otherwise (the "Total Investment"). The minimum Total Investment for each class of shares is as follows:

Class

 

Total Investment

 

Class 2

  USD 25 Million  

Class 3

  USD 100 Million  

Class 4

  USD 200 Million  

Class 5

  USD 500 Million  

The Manager and Baillie Gifford Funds Services LLC ("BGFS"), the Fund's distributor, each reserves the right to waive any minimum in their sole discretion, and to reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason. The Manager will make all determinations as to aggregation of shareholder accounts for purposes of determining eligibility.

Redeeming Fund Shares

Fund shares are redeemable, and under ordinary circumstances you may redeem the Fund's shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for trading by sending a written request in the form prescribed by the Manager by email to the Trust at BGNAVTrading@bailliegifford.com.

Tax

The Fund intends to make distributions that will be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are a tax-exempt investor or otherwise investing through a tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA or 401(k) plan. If you are investing through such a tax-advantaged account, you may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from that account.


5


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees

(Fees paid directly from your investment)

Class 2

 

Class 3

 

Class 4

 

Class 5

 
 

None

     

None

     

None

     

None

   

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

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

   

Class 2

 

Class 3

 

Class 4

 

Class 5

 

Advisory Fees

   

0.35

%

   

0.35

%

   

0.35

%

   

0.35

%

 

Service Fees(a)

   

0.17

%

   

0.10

%

   

0.07

%

   

0.02

%

 

Other Expenses

   

0.10

%

   

0.10

%

   

0.10

%(b)

   

0.10

%(b)

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses
   

0.62

%

   

0.55

%

   

0.52

%

   

0.47

%

 

(a)  Service Fees differ between the share classes of the Fund to reflect varying levels of shareholder servicing fees payable to Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited, as described in detail under "Fund Management—Shareholder Services" below.

(b)  Share classes 4 and 5 were unfunded as of December 31, 2020. Therefore Other Expenses have been estimated for these share classes based on the Other Expenses of Class 2 shares.

Example of Expenses

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, regardless of whether or not you redeem your shares at the end of such periods. It also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same.

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your expenses would be:

   

Class 2

 

Class 3

 

Class 4

 

Class 5

 
1 Year  

$

63

   

$

56

   

$

53

   

$

48

   
3 Years  

$

199

   

$

176

   

$

167

   

$

151

   
5 Years  

$

346

   

$

307

   

$

291

   

$

263

   
10 Years  

$

774

   

$

689

   

$

653

   

$

591

   

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses" above, affect the Fund's performance. During the Fund's most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 20% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in non-U.S. countries with developed and emerging markets.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 85% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in common stocks and other equity securities of companies whose principal activities are in Europe, Australasia and/or the Far East. The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund is not constrained with respect to market capitalization and may participate in initial public offerings ("IPOs") and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S. In selecting companies for investment, the portfolio managers focus on issuers in both developed and emerging markets.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up approach to stock selection and retain flexibility to invest without being constrained by the MSCI EAFE benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors that may include: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 60 and 90 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, which in recent periods has included Japan. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5+ years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

Principal Risks

The Fund's net asset value and returns will be impacted by the performance of the underlying investments of the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the Fund.

The principal risks of investing in the Fund (in alphabetical order after the first six risks) are:

—  Investment Style Risk – Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited (the "Manager") actively makes investment decisions for the Fund through bottom-up stock selection. Accordingly, the Fund will have risk characteristics that differ from its benchmark index. The Manager's judgments about the attractiveness, relative value, or potential appreciation of a particular stock may prove to be incorrect and cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its


6


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

benchmark index. There can be no assurance that the Manager's investment decisions will produce the desired results.

  Growth Stock Risk – The prices of growth stocks may be based largely on expectations of future earnings, and their prices can decline rapidly and significantly in reaction to negative news. Growth stocks may underperform stocks in other broad style categories (and the stock market as a whole) over any period of time and may shift in and out of favor with investors generally, sometimes rapidly, depending on changes in market, economic, and other factors.

  Long-Term Investment Strategy Risk – The Fund pursues a long-term investment approach, typically seeking returns over a period of several years. This investment style may cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index or other mutual funds over extended periods of time, and the Fund may not perform as expected in the long term. An investment in the Fund may be more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the risk of short- or medium-term fluctuations in the value of the Fund's portfolio.

  Non-U.S. Investment Risk – Non-U.S. securities are subject to additional risks, including less liquidity, increased volatility, less transparency, withholding or other taxes, increased vulnerability to adverse changes in local and global economic conditions, less regulation, and possible fluctuation in value due to adverse political conditions. Foreign portfolio transactions generally involve higher commission rates, transfer taxes, and custodial costs than similar transactions in the U.S.

  Emerging Markets Risk – To the extent the Fund invests in emerging market securities, the Fund may be exposed to greater market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in developed markets.

  Asia Risk – Investing in securities of companies located in or with exposure to Asian countries involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including different financial reporting standards, currency exchange rate fluctuations, and highly regulated markets with the potential for government interference. The economies of many Asian countries are heavily dependent on international trade and on only a few industries or commodities and, as a result, can be adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls and other measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. Some Asian securities may be less liquid than U.S. or other foreign securities. See "China Risk" and "Japan Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in those countries.

  Additionally, many of the economies of countries in Asia are considered emerging market or frontier market economies. These Asian economies are often characterized by high inflation, undeveloped financial service sectors, frequent currency fluctuations, devaluations, or restrictions, political and social instability, and less efficient markets. See "Emerging Markets Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in such countries.

  China Risk – Investing in securities of Chinese issuers involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including, among others, more frequent trading suspensions and government interventions (including by nationalization of assets), currency exchange rate fluctuations or blockages, limits on the use of brokers and on foreign ownership, different financial reporting standards, higher dependence on exports and international trade, potential for increased trade tariffs, sanctions, embargoes and other trade limitations, and custody risks. U.S. sanctions or other investment restrictions could preclude the Fund from investing in certain Chinese issuers or cause the Fund to sell investments at a disadvantageous time. Significant portions of the Chinese securities markets may become rapidly illiquid, as Chinese issuers have the ability to suspend the trading of their equity securities, and have shown a willingness to exercise that option in response to market volatility and other events.

  Conflicts of Interest Risk – The Manager's relationships with the Fund's institutional investor base may give rise to various conflicts of interest, since the Manager will sometimes have an incentive to favor those shareholders over other shareholders in the Fund. In addition, the Manager serves as investment adviser to various clients other than the Fund, some of whom may pursue strategies that are substantially similar or nearly identical to investment strategies pursued by the Fund. This "side-by-side" management may give rise to various conflicts of interest, including, for example, in connection with the fair allocation of trades among the Manager's clients or the sharing of different, more, or more timely information regarding investment performance, portfolio holdings, strategy developments and/or the Manager's general market outlook. Furthermore, if investment personnel of the Manager hold board or other positions at outside companies, they could be exposed to material non-public information potentially impeding or delaying a Fund's ability to buy or sell certain investments, or they could otherwise be restricted in their ability to participate in a Fund's investment process.

  Currency Risk – The Fund may realize a loss if it has exposure to a non-U.S. currency, and this non-U.S. currency declines in value, relative to   the U.S. dollar. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

  Equity Securities Risk – Equity securities may react more strongly to changes in an issuer's financial condition or prospects than other securities of the same issuer. Investing in equity securities indirectly, such as through participatory notes or depositary receipts, may involve other risks such as the risk that the counterparty may default or that the investment does not track the underlying security as expected.

  Focused Investment Risk – Should the Fund focus its investments in related, or a limited number of, countries, regions, sectors, or companies, this would create more risk and greater volatility than if the Fund's investments were less focused.


7


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

  Geographic Focus Risk – The Fund expects to focus its investments in a limited number of countries or geographic regions, and as a result may not offer the same level of diversification of risks as a more broadly global fund because the Fund will be exposed to a smaller geographic area. The performance of a fund that is less diversified across countries or geographic regions will be closely tied to market, currency, economic, political, environmental, or regulatory conditions and developments in the countries or regions in which the fund invests, and may be more volatile than the performance of a more geographically-diversified portfolio.

  Government and Regulatory Risk – Governmental and regulatory authorities in the United States and other countries, have taken, and may in the future take, actions intervening in the markets in which the Fund invests and in the economy more generally. Governmental and regulatory authorities may also act to increase the scope or burden of regulations applicable to the Fund or to the companies in which the Fund invests. The effects of these actions on the markets generally, and Fund's investment program in particular, can be uncertain and could restrict the ability of the Fund to fully implement its investment strategies, either generally, or with respect to certain securities, industries, or countries. By contrast, markets in some non-U.S. countries historically have been subject to little regulation or oversight by governmental or regulatory authorities, which could heighten the risk of loss due to fraud or market failures in those countries. Governments, agencies, or other regulatory bodies in any country may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the Fund or the market value of an instrument held by the Fund.

  Information Technology Risk – Cyber-attacks, disruptions, or failures that affect the Fund's service providers, counterparties, the securities markets generally, other market participants, or issuers of securities held by the Fund may adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders, including by causing losses for the Fund or impairing Fund operations.

  IPO Risk – The Fund may purchase securities in IPOs. These securities are subject to many of the same risks of investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile.

  Japan Risk – The Japanese economy has only recently emerged from a prolonged economic downturn. Since the year 2000, Japan's economic growth rate has remained relatively low, and it may remain low in the future. Japan's economy is characterized by an aging demographic, declining population, large government debt, and a highly regulated labor market. In the longer term, Japan will have to address the effects of an aging population, including the impact of a shrinking work force and higher welfare costs. Japan's economic recovery has been affected by economic distress resulting from a number of natural disasters, including disasters that caused damage to nuclear power plants in the region. Such environmental catastrophes have caused Japan's financial markets to fluctuate dramatically.

Japan continues to be subject to the risk of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons and tsunamis, which could negatively affect the Japanese economy.

  Large-Capitalization Securities Risk – Returns on investments in securities of large companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of smaller and medium-sized companies. Larger companies may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller and medium-sized companies to competitive challenges or to changes in business, product, financial, or other market conditions. Larger companies may not be able to achieve or maintain growth at the high rates that may be achieved by well-managed smaller and medium-sized companies.

  Liquidity Risk – The Fund's investments may be subject to low trading volume, lack of a market maker, contractual lock-in periods or regulatory restrictions, and the Fund may hold large positions in particular securities. As a result, it may not be possible to sell an investment at a particular time or at an acceptable price. Liquidity risk may be magnified during periods of changing interest rates, significant shareholder redemptions or market turmoil. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. In some cases, due to unanticipated levels of illiquidity the Fund may seek to meet its redemption obligations wholly or in part by distributions of assets in-kind.

  Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk – The value of the Fund's investments could be adversely affected by events that disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global markets such as war, terrorism, public health crises, and geopolitical events and by changes in non-U.S. and U.S. economic and political conditions. As a result of these events, the Fund could lose money, experience significant redemptions, encounter operational difficulties, and suffer other negative impacts.

  Market Risk – The value of the Fund's investments will be affected by fluctuations in the stock markets in which the Fund is invested, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. Declines in securities market prices may reduce the net asset value of the Fund's shares.

  Service Provider Risk – The Fund will be affected by the Manager's investment techniques, analyses, assessments and employee retention. Similarly, adverse events or performance failures at a service provider, such as human error, inadequate controls or insolvency, have the ability to adversely affect the Fund.

  Settlement Risk – The Fund may experience delays in settlement due to the different clearance and settlement procedures in non-U.S. countries. Such delays may increase credit risk to the Fund, limit the ability of the Fund to reinvest the proceeds of a sale of securities, or prevent the Fund from selling securities at times and prices it considers desirable.


8


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

  Small- and Medium-Capitalization Securities Risk – Securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies can be more volatile due to various factors including more limited product lines, financial and management resources and market distribution channels, as well as shorter operating histories and potentially reduced liquidity, especially during market declines, than the securities of larger, more established companies.

  Valuation Risk – In certain circumstances, some of the Fund's portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations by employing the fair value procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board"). This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. There is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time.

Performance

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's annual total returns from year to year and by comparing the Fund's average annual total returns with those of the Fund's benchmark. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.

Annual Total Returns – Class 2 Shares

Highest Quarterly Return: 24.30% (Q2, 2020)

Lowest Quarterly Return: -20.42% (Q1, 2020)

In the table below, after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown for Class 2 shares only, and after-tax returns for other share classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on your tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant if you are tax-exempt or if you hold your Fund shares through tax-advantaged arrangements. A description of the Fund's comparative index and details regarding the calculation of the Fund's class-by-class performance are provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Additional Performance Information."

Average Annual Total
Returns for Periods Ended
December 31, 2020
 

1 Year

 

5 Years

 

10 Years

 

Class 2 Returns Before Taxes

   

28.77

%

   

13.37

%

   

8.99

%

 
Class 2 Returns After Taxes on
Distributions
   

28.31

%

   

12.91

%

   

8.28

%

 
Class 2 Returns After Taxes on
Distributions and Sale of Fund
Shares
   

17.45

%

   

10.71

%

   

7.06

%

 

Class 3 Returns Before Taxes(1)

   

28.80

%

   

13.38

%

   

8.99

%

 

Class 4 Returns Before Taxes(2)

   

28.77

%

   

13.37

%

   

8.99

%

 

Class 5 Returns Before Taxes(3)

   

28.77

%

   

13.37

%

   

8.99

%

 
Comparative Index
(reflects no deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes)
 

MSCI EAFE Index(4)

   

8.28

%

   

7.96

%

   

6.00

%

 

(1)  Performance for Class 3 shares for periods prior to it being funded on August 3, 2020 is derived from the historical performance of Class 2 shares, and has not been adjusted for the lower shareholder servicing fees applicable to Class 3 shares; had it, returns would have been higher.

(2)  Performance for Class 4 shares, which were unfunded as of December 31, 2020, is derived from the historical performance of Class 2 shares, and has not been adjusted for the lower shareholder servicing fees applicable to Class 4 shares; had it, returns would have been higher.

(3)  Performance for Class 5 shares, which were unfunded as of December 31, 2020, is derived from the historical performance of Class 2 shares, and has not been adjusted for the lower shareholder servicing fees applicable to Class 5 shares; had it, returns would have been higher.

(4)  The source of the index data is MSCI Inc. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indexes or any securities or financial products. This Prospectus is not approved, endorsed, reviewed or produced by MSCI. None of the MSCI data is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such.

Updated information on the Fund's investment performance can be obtained by visiting http://USmutualfund.bailliegifford.com.

Management

Investment Manager

Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited

Portfolio Managers

Name

 

Title

  Year Commenced
Service with the
Fund
 

Gerard Callahan

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2009

   

Iain Campbell

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2010

   

Sophie Earnshaw

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2014

   

Joe Faraday

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2009

   

Moritz Sitte

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2014

   

Purchasing or Exchanging Fund Shares

Investors may purchase or exchange shares of the Fund by submitting a request directly to the Manager, as further described in the section below entitled "Shares—How to Buy or Exchange Shares." The purchase or exchange of shares of Class 2, Class 3, Class 4 and Class 5 of the Fund ("Legacy


9


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Class Shares") is subject to Fund eligibility requirements and share class eligibility requirements as follows:

—  Fund Eligibility – Only existing shareholders, who already hold Legacy Class Shares of the Fund ("Legacy Shareholders") are eligible to purchase Legacy Class Shares of the Fund. Legacy Shareholders may also request permission from the Manager to exchange their Legacy Class Shares in the Fund for the same class of Legacy Class Shares in another Fund. Legacy Shareholders may also be able to exchange their Legacy Class Shares for Class K or Institutional Class shares of either the same Fund or a different Fund. Exchanges will be granted at the Manager's discretion. Additional information about such exchanges is provided in the sections of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—How to Buy or Exchange Shares" and "Shares—Restrictions on Buying or Exchanging Shares."

—  Share Class Eligibility and Minimum Total Investment – Eligibility for Legacy Class Shares of the Fund shall be determined with reference to the market value of assets managed by the Manager and its affiliates for the shareholder, whether in the Funds, another pooled vehicle or otherwise (the "Total Investment"). The minimum Total Investment for each class of shares is as follows:

Class

 

Total Investment

 

Class 2

  USD 25 Million  

Class 3

  USD 100 Million  

Class 4

  USD 200 Million  

Class 5

  USD 500 Million  

The Manager and Baillie Gifford Funds Services LLC ("BGFS"), the Fund's distributor, each reserves the right to waive any minimum in their sole discretion, and to reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason. The Manager will make all determinations as to aggregation of shareholder accounts for purposes of determining eligibility.

Redeeming Fund Shares

Fund shares are redeemable, and under ordinary circumstances you may redeem the Fund's shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for trading by sending a written request in the form prescribed by the Manager by email to the Trust at BGNAVTrading@bailliegifford.com.

Tax

The Fund intends to make distributions that will be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are a tax-exempt investor or otherwise investing through a tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA or 401(k) plan. If you are investing through such a tax-advantaged account, you may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from that account.


10


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees

(Fees paid directly from your investment)

Class 2

 

Class 3

 

Class 4

 

Class 5

 
 

None

     

None

     

None

     

None

   

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

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

   

Class 2

 

Class 3

 

Class 4

 

Class 5

 

Advisory Fees

   

0.53

%

   

0.53

%

   

0.53

%

   

0.53

%

 

Service Fees(a)

   

0.17

%

   

0.10

%

   

0.07

%

   

0.02

%

 

Other Expenses

   

0.10

%

   

0.10

%

   

0.10

%

   

0.10

%

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses
   

0.80

%

   

0.73

%

   

0.70

%

   

0.65

%

 

(a)  Service Fees differ between the classes of the Fund to reflect varying levels of shareholder servicing fees payable to Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited, as described in detail under "Fund Management—Shareholder Services" below.

Example of Expenses

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, regardless of whether or not you redeem your shares at the end of such periods. It also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same.

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your expenses would be:

   

Class 2

 

Class 3

 

Class 4

 

Class 5

 
1 Year  

$

82

   

$

75

   

$

72

   

$

66

   
3 Years  

$

255

   

$

233

   

$

224

   

$

208

   
5 Years  

$

444

   

$

406

   

$

390

   

$

362

   
10 Years  

$

990

   

$

906

   

$

871

   

$

810

   

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses" above, affect the Fund's performance. During the Fund's most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 24% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in countries of emerging and frontier markets.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of companies located in countries represented in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. The countries represented in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index include markets that may be less sophisticated than more developed markets in terms of participation by investors, analyst coverage, liquidity, and regulation. The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts or participatory notes, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund is not constrained with respect to market capitalization and may participate in initial public offerings ("IPOs") and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S. The portfolio managers have flexibility to gain exposure to one or more emerging markets through investing in exchange traded funds ("ETFs") that track relevant equity indices.

The portfolio managers primarily employ a bottom-up approach to stock selection and select companies without being constrained by the MSCI Emerging Markets benchmark. The portfolio managers may reference the benchmark to set limits on the relative weighting of countries in the portfolio. The portfolio managers can also consider macro-economic factors when identifying potential investments. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 60 and 100 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, and the Fund expects to invest significantly in Chinese companies including through China A shares, which are common stocks and other equity securities that are listed or traded on a Chinese stock exchange and which are quoted in renminbi. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5 years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

Principal Risks

The Fund's net asset value and returns will be impacted by the performance of the underlying investments of the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the Fund.


11


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

The principal risks of investing in the Fund (in alphabetical order after the first six risks) are:

  Investment Style Risk – Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited (the "Manager") actively makes investment decisions for the Fund through bottom-up stock selection. Accordingly, the Fund will have risk characteristics that differ from its benchmark index. The Manager's judgments about the attractiveness, relative value, or potential appreciation of a particular stock may prove to be incorrect and cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index. There can be no assurance that the Manager's investment decisions will produce the desired results.

  Growth Stock Risk – The prices of growth stocks may be based largely on expectations of future earnings, and their prices can decline rapidly and significantly in reaction to negative news. Growth stocks may underperform stocks in other broad style categories (and the stock market as a whole) over any period of time and may shift in and out of favor with investors generally, sometimes rapidly, depending on changes in market, economic, and other factors.

  Long-Term Investment Strategy Risk – The Fund pursues a long-term investment approach, typically seeking returns over a period of several years. This investment style may cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index or other mutual funds over extended periods of time, and the Fund may not perform as expected in the long term. An investment in the Fund may be more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the risk of short- or medium-term fluctuations in the value of the Fund's portfolio.

  Geographic Focus Risk – The Fund expects to focus its investments in a limited number of countries or geographic regions, and as a result may not offer the same level of diversification of risks as a more broadly global fund because the Fund will be exposed to a smaller geographic area. The performance of a fund that is less diversified across countries or geographic regions will be closely tied to market, currency, economic, political, environmental, or regulatory conditions and developments in the countries or regions in which the fund invests, and may be more volatile than the performance of a more geographically-diversified portfolio.

  Emerging Markets Risk – Because the Fund invests in emerging market securities, the Fund may be exposed to greater market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in developed markets.

  Asia Risk – Investing in securities of companies located in or with exposure to Asian countries involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including different financial reporting standards, currency exchange rate fluctuations, and highly regulated markets with the potential for government interference. The economies of many Asian countries are heavily dependent on international trade and on only a few industries or commodities and, as a result, can be adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls

and other measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. Some Asian securities may be less liquid than U.S. or other foreign securities. See "China Risk" for additional details.

Additionally, many of the economies of countries in Asia are considered emerging market or frontier market economies. These Asian economies are often characterized by high inflation, undeveloped financial service sectors, frequent currency fluctuations, devaluations, or restrictions, political and social instability, and less efficient markets. See "Emerging Markets Risk" and "Frontier Markets Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in such countries.

  China Risk – Investing in securities of Chinese issuers involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including, among others, more frequent trading suspensions and government interventions (including by nationalization of assets), currency exchange rate fluctuations or blockages, limits on the use of brokers and on foreign ownership, different financial reporting standards, higher dependence on exports and international trade, potential for increased trade tariffs, sanctions, embargoes and other trade limitations, and custody risks. U.S. sanctions or other investment restrictions could preclude the Fund from investing in certain Chinese issuers or cause the Fund to sell investments at a disadvantageous time. Significant portions of the Chinese securities markets may become rapidly illiquid, as Chinese issuers have the ability to suspend the trading of their equity securities, and have shown a willingness to exercise that option in response to market volatility and other events.

  Conflicts of Interest Risk – The Manager's relationships with the Fund's institutional investor base may give rise to various conflicts of interest, since the Manager will sometimes have an incentive to favor those shareholders over other shareholders in the Fund. In addition, the Manager serves as investment adviser to various clients other than the Fund, some of whom may pursue strategies that are substantially similar or nearly identical to investment strategies pursued by the Fund. This "side-by-side" management may give rise to various conflicts of interest, including, for example, in connection with the fair allocation of trades among the Manager's clients or the sharing of different, more, or more timely information regarding investment performance, portfolio holdings, strategy developments and/or the Manager's general market outlook. Furthermore, if investment personnel of the Manager hold board or other positions at outside companies, they could be exposed to material non-public information potentially impeding or delaying a Fund's ability to buy or sell certain investments, or they could otherwise be restricted in their ability to participate in a Fund's investment process.

  Currency Risk – The Fund may realize a loss if it has exposure to a non-U.S. currency, and this non-U.S. currency declines in value, relative to the U.S. dollar. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.


12


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

  Equity Securities Risk – Equity securities may react more strongly to changes in an issuer's financial condition or prospects than other securities of the same issuer. Investing in equity securities indirectly, such as through participatory notes or depositary receipts, may involve other risks such as the risk that the counterparty may default or that the investment does not track the underlying security as expected.

  Focused Investment Risk – Should the Fund focus its investments in related, or a limited number of, countries, regions, sectors, or companies, this would create more risk and greater volatility than if the Fund's investments were less focused.

  Frontier Markets Risk – Frontier markets are those emerging markets that are considered to be among the smallest, least mature and least liquid and, as a result, may be more volatile and less liquid than investments in more developed markets or in other emerging market countries. Emerging markets risk may be especially heightened in frontier markets.

  Government and Regulatory Risk – Governmental and regulatory authorities in the United States and other countries, have taken, and may in the future take, actions intervening in the markets in which the Fund invests and in the economy more generally. Governmental and regulatory authorities may also act to increase the scope or burden of regulations applicable to the Fund or to the companies in which the Fund invests. The effects of these actions on the markets generally, and Fund's investment program in particular, can be uncertain and could restrict the ability of the Fund to fully implement its investment strategies, either generally, or with respect to certain securities, industries, or countries. By contrast, markets in some non-U.S. countries historically have been subject to little regulation or oversight by governmental or regulatory authorities, which could heighten the risk of loss due to fraud or market failures in those countries. Governments, agencies, or other regulatory bodies in any country may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the Fund or the market value of an instrument held by the Fund.

  Information Technology Risk – Cyber-attacks, disruptions, or failures that affect the Fund's service providers, counterparties, the securities markets generally, other market participants, or issuers of securities held by the Fund may adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders, including by causing losses for the Fund or impairing Fund operations.

  IPO Risk – The Fund may purchase securities in IPOs. These securities are subject to many of the same risks of investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile.

  Large-Capitalization Securities Risk – Returns on investments in securities of large companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of smaller and medium-sized companies. Larger companies may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller and medium-sized companies to competitive challenges or to changes in business, product,

financial, or other market conditions. Larger companies may not be able to achieve or maintain growth at the high rates that may be achieved by well-managed smaller and medium-sized companies.

  Liquidity Risk – The Fund's investments may be subject to low trading volume, lack of a market maker, contractual lock-in periods or regulatory restrictions, and the Fund may hold large positions in particular securities. As a result, it may not be possible to sell an investment at a particular time or at an acceptable price. Liquidity risk may be magnified during periods of changing interest rates, significant shareholder redemptions or market turmoil. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. In some cases, due to unanticipated levels of illiquidity the Fund may seek to meet its redemption obligations wholly or in part by distributions of assets in-kind.

  Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk – The value of the Fund's investments could be adversely affected by events that disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global markets such as war, terrorism, public health crises, and geopolitical events and by changes in non-U.S. and U.S. economic and political conditions. As a result of these events, the Fund could lose money, experience significant redemptions, encounter operational difficulties, and suffer other negative impacts.

  Market Risk – The value of the Fund's investments will be affected by fluctuations in the stock markets in which the Fund is invested, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. Declines in securities market prices may reduce the net asset value of the Fund's shares.

  Non-U.S. Investment Risk – Non-U.S. securities are subject to additional risks, including less liquidity, increased volatility, less transparency, withholding or other taxes, increased vulnerability to adverse changes in local and global economic conditions, less regulation, and possible fluctuation in value due to adverse political conditions. Foreign portfolio transactions generally involve higher commission rates, transfer taxes, and custodial costs than similar transactions in the U.S.

  Service Provider Risk – The Fund will be affected by the Manager's investment techniques, analyses, assessments and employee retention. Similarly, adverse events or performance failures at a service provider, such as human error, inadequate controls or insolvency, have the ability to adversely affect the Fund.

  Settlement Risk – The Fund may experience delays in settlement due to the different clearance and settlement procedures in non-U.S. countries. Such delays may increase credit risk to the Fund, limit the ability of the Fund to reinvest the proceeds of a sale of securities, or prevent the Fund from selling securities at times and prices it considers desirable.

  Small- and Medium-Capitalization Securities Risk – Securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies can be more


13


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

volatile due to various factors including more limited product lines, financial and management resources and market distribution channels, as well as shorter operating histories and potentially reduced liquidity, especially during market declines, than the securities of larger, more established companies.

  Underlying Funds Risk – Investments in other pooled investment vehicles may indirectly expose the Fund to all of the risks applicable to an investment in such other pool. The Fund must pay its pro rata portion of the other pooled vehicle's fees and expenses. If such pool is an ETF or other product traded on a securities exchange or otherwise actively traded, its shares may trade at a premium or discount to their net asset value, an effect that might be more pronounced in less liquid markets. Further, the Manager or an affiliate may serve as investment adviser to some pooled vehicles in which the Fund invests, leading to potential conflicts of interest.

  Valuation Risk – In certain circumstances, some of the Fund's portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations by employing the fair value procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board"). This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. There is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time.

Performance

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's annual total returns from year to year and by comparing the Fund's average annual total returns with those of the Fund's benchmark. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.

Annual Total Returns – Class 5 Shares

Highest Quarterly Return: 25.25% (Q4, 2020)

Lowest Quarterly Return: -26.48% (Q1, 2020)

In the table below, after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown for Class 5 shares only, and after-tax returns for other share classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on your tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant if you are tax-exempt or if you hold your Fund shares through tax-advantaged arrangements. A description of the Fund's comparative index and details regarding the calculation of the Fund's class-by-class performance are provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Additional Performance Information."

Average Annual Total
Returns for Periods Ended
December 31, 2020
 

1 Year

 

5 Years

 

10 Years

 

Class 5 Returns Before Taxes

   

29.25

%

   

17.44

%

   

6.87

%

 
Class 5 Returns After Taxes on
Distributions
   

28.87

%

   

16.54

%

   

6.20

%

 
Class 5 Returns After Taxes on
Distributions and Sale of Fund
Shares
   

17.64

%

   

13.97

%

   

5.31

%

 

Class 2 Returns Before Taxes(1)

   

29.06

%

   

17.26

%

   

6.75

%

 

Class 3 Returns Before Taxes(2)

   

29.15

%

   

17.34

%

   

6.81

%

 

Class 4 Returns Before Taxes(3)

   

29.19

%

   

17.38

%

   

6.84

%

 
Comparative Index
(reflects no deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes)
 

MSCI Emerging Markets Index(4)

   

18.69

%

   

13.20

%

   

3.99

%

 

(1)  Performance for Class 2 shares prior to their date of inception (March 2, 2015) is derived from the historical performance of Class 5 shares, and has been adjusted for the higher shareholder servicing fees applicable to Class 2 shares.

(2)  Performance for Class 3 shares prior to their date of inception (April 1, 2016) is derived from the historical performance of Class 5 shares, and has been adjusted for the higher shareholder servicing fees applied to Class 3 shares.

(3)  Performance for Class 4 shares for periods prior to it being funded on January 10, 2020 is derived from the historical performance of Class 5 shares and has been adjusted for the period during which higher shareholder servicing fees applied to Class 4 shares.

(4)  The source of the index data is MSCI Inc. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indexes or any securities or financial products. This Prospectus is not approved, endorsed, reviewed or produced by MSCI. None of the MSCI data is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such.

Updated information on the Fund's investment performance can be obtained by visiting http://USmutualfund.bailliegifford.com.

Management

Investment Manager

Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited

Portfolio Managers

Name

 

Title

  Year Commenced
Service with the
Fund
 

Ben Durrant

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2021

   

Mike Gush

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2005

   

Andrew Stobart

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2007

   


14


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Purchasing or Exchanging Fund Shares

Investors may purchase or exchange shares of the Fund by submitting a request directly to the Manager, as further described in the section below entitled "Shares—How to Buy or Exchange Shares." The purchase or exchange of shares of Class 2, Class 3, Class 4 and Class 5 of the Fund ("Legacy Class Shares") is subject to Fund eligibility requirements and share class eligibility requirements as follows:

—  Fund Eligibility – Only existing shareholders, who already hold Legacy Class Shares of the Fund ("Legacy Shareholders") are eligible to purchase Legacy Class Shares of the Fund. Legacy Shareholders may also request permission from the Manager to exchange their Legacy Class Shares in the Fund for the same class of Legacy Class Shares in another Fund. Legacy Shareholders may also be able to exchange their Legacy Class Shares for Class K or Institutional Class shares of either the same Fund or a different Fund. Exchanges will be granted at the Manager's discretion. Additional information about such exchanges is provided in the sections of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—How to Buy or Exchange Shares" and "Shares—Restrictions on Buying or Exchanging Shares."

—  Share Class Eligibility and Minimum Total Investment – Eligibility for Legacy Class Shares of the Fund shall be determined with reference to the market value of assets managed by the Manager and its affiliates for the shareholder, whether in the Funds, another pooled vehicle or otherwise (the "Total Investment"). The minimum Total Investment for each class of shares is as follows:

Class

 

Total Investment

 

Class 2

  USD 25 Million  

Class 3

  USD 100 Million  

Class 4

  USD 200 Million  

Class 5

  USD 500 Million  

The Manager and Baillie Gifford Funds Services LLC ("BGFS"), the Fund's distributor, each reserves the right to waive any minimum in their sole discretion, and to reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason. The Manager will make all determinations as to aggregation of shareholder accounts for purposes of determining eligibility.

Redeeming Fund Shares

Fund shares are redeemable, and under ordinary circumstances you may redeem the Fund's shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for trading by sending a written request in the form prescribed by the Manager by email to the Trust at BGNAVTrading@bailliegifford.com.

Tax

The Fund intends to make distributions that will be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are a tax-exempt investor or otherwise investing through a tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA or 401(k) plan. If you are investing through such a tax-advantaged account, you may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from that account.


15


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees

(Fees paid directly from your investment)

Class 2

 

Class 3

 

Class 4

 

Class 5

 
 

None

     

None

     

None

     

None

   

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

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

   

Class 2

 

Class 3

 

Class 4

 

Class 5

 

Advisory Fees

   

0.40

%

   

0.40

%

   

0.40

%

   

0.40

%

 

Service Fees(a)

   

0.17

%

   

0.10

%

   

0.07

%

   

0.02

%

 

Other Expenses

   

0.08

%

   

0.08

%

   

0.08

%

   

0.08

%(b)

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses
   

0.65

%

   

0.58

%

   

0.55

%

   

0.50

%

 

(a)  Service Fees differ between the classes of the Fund to reflect varying levels of shareholder servicing fees payable to Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited, as described in detail under "Fund Management—Shareholder Services" below.

(b)  Class 5 was unfunded as of December 31, 2020. Therefore Other Expenses have been estimated for Class 5 based on the Other Expenses of Class 2 shares.

Example of Expenses

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, regardless of whether or not you redeem your shares at the end of such periods. It also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same.

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your expenses would be:

   

Class 2

 

Class 3

 

Class 4

 

Class 5

 
1 Year  

$

66

   

$

59

   

$

56

   

$

51

   
3 Years  

$

208

   

$

186

   

$

176

   

$

160

   
5 Years  

$

362

   

$

324

   

$

307

   

$

280

   
10 Years  

$

810

   

$

726

   

$

689

   

$

628

   

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may lead to higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses" above, affect the Fund's performance. During the Fund's most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 23% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a global, diversified portfolio of equities, which include common stock and other equity securities, of issuers located in countries of developed and emerging markets.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities. The Fund invests predominantly in a diversified portfolio of securities issued by companies located in countries represented in the MSCI ACWI Index, cash and cash equivalents. The Fund invests in companies whose principal activities are in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Europe, Australasia, Africa, the Middle East and/or the Far East. The Fund ordinarily invests in securities of issuers located in at least three different countries. In addition, under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 40% of its total assets in securities of companies located outside the U.S. when market conditions are favorable, but, when market conditions are not favorable, the Fund will invest at least 30% of its total assets in companies located outside the U.S. The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund typically invests in issuers with a market capitalization of more than $4 billion at the time of purchase and may participate in initial public offerings ("IPOs") and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up approach to stock selection and select companies without being constrained by the MSCI ACWI benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 70 and 120 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5 years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

Principal Risks

The Fund's net asset value and returns will be impacted by the performance of the underlying investments of the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the Fund.


16


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

The principal risks of investing in the Fund (in alphabetical order after the first four risks) are:

  Investment Style Risk – Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited (the "Manager") actively makes investment decisions for the Fund through bottom-up stock selection. Accordingly, the Fund will have risk characteristics that differ from its benchmark index. The Manager's judgments about the attractiveness, relative value, or potential appreciation of a particular stock may prove to be incorrect and cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index. There can be no assurance that the Manager's investment decisions will produce the desired results.

  Growth Stock Risk – The prices of growth stocks may be based largely on expectations of future earnings, and their prices can decline rapidly and significantly in reaction to negative news. Growth stocks may underperform stocks in other broad style categories (and the stock market as a whole) over any period of time and may shift in and out of favor with investors generally, sometimes rapidly, depending on changes in market, economic, and other factors.

  Long-Term Investment Strategy Risk – The Fund pursues a long-term investment approach, typically seeking returns over a period of several years. This investment style may cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index or other mutual funds over extended periods of time, and the Fund may not perform as expected in the long term. An investment in the Fund may be more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the risk of short- or medium-term fluctuations in the value of the Fund's portfolio.

  Non-U.S. Investment Risk – Non-U.S. securities are subject to additional risks, including less liquidity, increased volatility, less transparency, withholding or other taxes, increased vulnerability to adverse changes in local and global economic conditions, less regulation, and possible fluctuation in value due to adverse political conditions. Foreign portfolio transactions generally involve higher commission rates, transfer taxes, and custodial costs than similar transactions in the U.S.

  Asia Risk – Investing in securities of companies located in or with exposure to Asian countries involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including different financial reporting standards, currency exchange rate fluctuations, and highly regulated markets with the potential for government interference. The economies of many Asian countries are heavily dependent on international trade and on only a few industries or commodities and, as a result, can be adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls and other measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. Some Asian securities may be less liquid than U.S. or other foreign securities. See "China Risk" and "Japan Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in those countries.

  Additionally, many of the economies of countries in Asia are considered emerging market or frontier market economies. These Asian economies are often characterized by high

inflation, undeveloped financial service sectors, frequent currency fluctuations, devaluations, or restrictions, political and social instability, and less efficient markets. See "Emerging Markets Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in such countries.

  China Risk – Investing in securities of Chinese issuers involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including, among others, more frequent trading suspensions and government interventions (including by nationalization of assets), currency exchange rate fluctuations or blockages, limits on the use of brokers and on foreign ownership, different financial reporting standards, higher dependence on exports and international trade, potential for increased trade tariffs, sanctions, embargoes and other trade limitations, and custody risks. U.S. sanctions or other investment restrictions could preclude the Fund from investing in certain Chinese issuers or cause the Fund to sell investments at a disadvantageous time. Significant portions of the Chinese securities markets may become rapidly illiquid, as Chinese issuers have the ability to suspend the trading of their equity securities, and have shown a willingness to exercise that option in response to market volatility and other events.

  Conflicts of Interest Risk – The Manager's relationships with the Fund's institutional investor base may give rise to various conflicts of interest, since the Manager will sometimes have an incentive to favor those shareholders over other shareholders in the Fund. In addition, the Manager serves as investment adviser to various clients other than the Fund, some of whom may pursue strategies that are substantially similar or nearly identical to investment strategies pursued by the Fund. This "side-by-side" management may give rise to various conflicts of interest, including, for example, in connection with the fair allocation of trades among the Manager's clients or the sharing of different, more, or more timely information regarding investment performance, portfolio holdings, strategy developments and/or the Manager's general market outlook. Furthermore, if investment personnel of the Manager hold board or other positions at outside companies, they could be exposed to material non-public information potentially impeding or delaying a Fund's ability to buy or sell certain investments, or they could otherwise be restricted in their ability to participate in a Fund's investment process.

  Currency Risk – The Fund may realize a loss if it has exposure to a non-U.S. currency, and this non-U.S. currency declines in value, relative to the U.S. dollar. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

  Emerging Markets Risk – To the extent the Fund invests in emerging market securities, the Fund may be exposed to greater market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in developed markets.

  Equity Securities Risk – Equity securities may react more strongly to changes in an issuer's financial condition or prospects than other securities of the same issuer. Investing


17


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

in equity securities indirectly, such as through participatory notes or depositary receipts, may involve other risks such as the risk that the counterparty may default or that the investment does not track the underlying security as expected.

  Focused Investment Risk – Should the Fund focus its investments in related, or a limited number of, countries, regions, sectors, or companies, this would create more risk and greater volatility than if the Fund's investments were less focused.

  Government and Regulatory Risk – Governmental and regulatory authorities in the United States and other countries, have taken, and may in the future take, actions intervening in the markets in which the Fund invests and in the economy more generally. Governmental and regulatory authorities may also act to increase the scope or burden of regulations applicable to the Fund or to the companies in which the Fund invests. The effects of these actions on the markets generally, and Fund's investment program in particular, can be uncertain and could restrict the ability of the Fund to fully implement its investment strategies, either generally, or with respect to certain securities, industries, or countries. By contrast, markets in some non-U.S. countries historically have been subject to little regulation or oversight by governmental or regulatory authorities, which could heighten the risk of loss due to fraud or market failures in those countries. Governments, agencies, or other regulatory bodies in any country may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the Fund or the market value of an instrument held by the Fund.

  Information Technology Risk – Cyber-attacks, disruptions, or failures that affect the Fund's service providers, counterparties, the securities markets generally, other market participants, or issuers of securities held by the Fund may adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders, including by causing losses for the Fund or impairing Fund operations.

  IPO Risk – The Fund may purchase securities in IPOs. These securities are subject to many of the same risks of investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile.

  Japan Risk – The Japanese economy has only recently emerged from a prolonged economic downturn. Since the year 2000, Japan's economic growth rate has remained relatively low, and it may remain low in the future. Japan's economy is characterized by an aging demographic, declining population, large government debt, and a highly regulated labor market. In the longer term, Japan will have to address the effects of an aging population, including the impact of a shrinking work force and higher welfare costs. Japan's economic recovery has been affected by economic distress resulting from a number of natural disasters, including disasters that caused damage to nuclear power plants in the region. Such environmental catastrophes have caused Japan's financial markets to fluctuate dramatically. Japan continues to be subject to the risk of natural disasters,

such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons and tsunamis, which could negatively affect the Japanese economy.

  Large-Capitalization Securities Risk – Returns on investments in securities of large companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of smaller and medium-sized companies. Larger companies may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller and medium-sized companies to competitive challenges or to changes in business, product, financial, or other market conditions. Larger companies may not be able to achieve or maintain growth at the high rates that may be achieved by well-managed smaller and medium-sized companies.

  Liquidity Risk – The Fund's investments may be subject to low trading volume, lack of a market maker, contractual lock-in periods or regulatory restrictions, and the Fund may hold large positions in particular securities. As a result, it may not be possible to sell an investment at a particular time or at an acceptable price. Liquidity risk may be magnified during periods of changing interest rates, significant shareholder redemptions or market turmoil. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. In some cases, due to unanticipated levels of illiquidity the Fund may seek to meet its redemption obligations wholly or in part by distributions of assets in-kind.

  Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk – The value of the Fund's investments could be adversely affected by events that disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global markets such as war, terrorism, public health crises, and geopolitical events and by changes in non-U.S. and U.S. economic and political conditions. As a result of these events, the Fund could lose money, experience significant redemptions, encounter operational difficulties, and suffer other negative impacts.

  Market Risk – The value of the Fund's investments will be affected by fluctuations in the stock markets in which the Fund is invested, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. Declines in securities market prices may reduce the net asset value of the Fund's shares.

  Service Provider Risk – The Fund will be affected by the Manager's investment techniques, analyses, assessments and employee retention. Similarly, adverse events or performance failures at a service provider, such as human error, inadequate controls or insolvency, have the ability to adversely affect the Fund.

  Settlement Risk – The Fund may experience delays in settlement due to the different clearance and settlement procedures in non-U.S. countries. Such delays may increase credit risk to the Fund, limit the ability of the Fund to reinvest the proceeds of a sale of securities, or prevent the Fund from selling securities at times and prices it considers desirable.

  Small- and Medium-Capitalization Securities Risk – Securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies can be more


18


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

volatile due to various factors including more limited product lines, financial and management resources and market distribution channels, as well as shorter operating histories and potentially reduced liquidity, especially during market declines, than the securities of larger, more established companies.

  Valuation Risk – In certain circumstances, some of the Fund's portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations by employing the fair value procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board"). This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. There is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time.

Performance

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's annual total returns from year to year and by comparing the Fund's average annual total returns with those of the Fund's benchmark. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.

Annual Total Returns – Class 3 Shares

Highest Quarterly Return: 28.12% (Q2, 2020)

Lowest Quarterly Return: -18.91% (Q1, 2020)

In the table below, after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown for Class 3 shares only, and after-tax returns for other share classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on your tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant if you are tax-exempt or if you hold your Fund shares through tax-advantaged arrangements. A description of the Fund's comparative index and details regarding the calculation of the Fund's class-by-class performance are provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Additional Performance Information."

Average Annual Total
Returns for Periods Ended
December 31, 2020
 

1 Year

 

5 Years

  Since Fund
Inception
(11/15/2011)
 

Class 3 Returns Before Taxes

   

36.40

%

   

18.32

%

   

15.49

%

 
Class 3 Returns After Taxes on
Distributions
   

34.67

%

   

16.13

%

   

13.87

%

 
Class 3 Returns After Taxes on
Distributions and Sale of Fund
Shares
   

22.82

%

   

14.24

%

   

12.43

%

 

Class 2 Returns Before Taxes(1)

   

36.31

%

   

18.24

%

   

15.41

%

 

Class 4 Returns Before Taxes(2)

   

36.45

%

   

18.35

%

   

15.50

%

 

Class 5 Returns Before Taxes(3)

   

36.40

%

   

18.32

%

   

15.49

%

 
Comparative Index
(reflects no deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes)
 

MSCI ACWI Index(4)

   

16.82

%

   

12.85

%

   

11.42

%

 

(1)  Performance for Class 2 shares prior to their date of inception (January 6, 2013) is derived from the historical performance of Class 3 shares, and has been adjusted for the higher shareholder servicing fees applicable to Class 2 shares.

(2)  Performance for Class 4 shares prior to their date of inception (July 10, 2017) is derived from the historical performance of Class 3 shares, and has not been adjusted for the lower shareholder servicing fees applicable to Class 4 shares; had it, returns would have been higher.

(3)  Performance for Class 5 shares, which were unfunded as of December 31, 2020, is derived from the historical performance of Class 3 shares and has not been adjusted for the lower shareholder servicing fees applicable to Class 5 shares; had it, returns would have been higher.

(4)  The source of the index data is MSCI Inc. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indexes or any securities or financial products. This Prospectus is not approved, endorsed, reviewed or produced by MSCI. None of the MSCI data is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such.

Updated information on the Fund's investment performance can be obtained by visiting http://USmutualfund.bailliegifford.com.

Management

Investment Manager

Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited

Portfolio Managers

Name

 

Title

  Year Commenced
Service with the
Fund
 

Spencer Adair

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2011

   

Malcolm MacColl

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2011

   

Helen Xiong

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2021

   

Purchasing or Exchanging Fund Shares

Investors may purchase or exchange shares of the Fund by submitting a request directly to the Manager, as further described in the section below entitled "Shares—How to Buy or Exchange Shares." The purchase or exchange of shares of Class 2, Class 3, Class 4 and Class 5 of the Fund ("Legacy


19


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Class Shares") is subject to Fund eligibility requirements and share class eligibility requirements as follows:

—  Fund Eligibility – Only existing shareholders, who already hold Legacy Class Shares of the Fund ("Legacy Shareholders") are eligible to purchase Legacy Class Shares of the Fund. Legacy Shareholders may also request permission from the Manager to exchange their Legacy Class Shares in the Fund for the same class of Legacy Class Shares in another Fund. Legacy Shareholders may also be able to exchange their Legacy Class Shares for Class K or Institutional Class shares of either the same Fund or a different Fund. Exchanges will be granted at the Manager's discretion. Additional information about such exchanges is provided in the sections of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—How to Buy or Exchange Shares" and "Shares—Restrictions on Buying or Exchanging Shares."

—  Share Class Eligibility and Minimum Total Investment – Eligibility for Legacy Class Shares of the Fund shall be determined with reference to the market value of assets managed by the Manager and its affiliates for the shareholder, whether in the Funds, another pooled vehicle or otherwise (the "Total Investment"). The minimum Total Investment for each class of shares is as follows:

Class

 

Total Investment

 

Class 2

  USD 25 Million  

Class 3

  USD 100 Million  

Class 4

  USD 200 Million  

Class 5

  USD 500 Million  

The Manager and Baillie Gifford Funds Services LLC ("BGFS"), the Fund's distributor, each reserves the right to waive any minimum in their sole discretion, and to reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason. The Manager will make all determinations as to aggregation of shareholder accounts for purposes of determining eligibility.

Redeeming Fund Shares

Fund shares are redeemable, and under ordinary circumstances you may redeem the Fund's shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for trading by sending a written request in the form prescribed by the Manager by email to the Trust at BGNAVTrading@bailliegifford.com.

Tax

The Fund intends to make distributions that will be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are a tax-exempt investor or otherwise investing through a tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA or 401(k) plan. If you are investing through such a tax-advantaged account, you may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from that account.


20


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees

(Fees paid directly from your investment)

Class 2

 

Class 3

 

Class 4

 

Class 5

 
 

None

     

None

     

None

     

None

   

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

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

   

Class 2

 

Class 3

 

Class 4

 

Class 5

 

Advisory Fees

   

0.34

%

   

0.34

%

   

0.34

%

   

0.34

%

 

Service Fees(a)

   

0.17

%

   

0.10

%

   

0.07

%

   

0.02

%

 

Other Expenses

   

0.08

%

   

0.08

%

   

0.08

%

   

0.08

%

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses
   

0.59

%

   

0.52

%

   

0.49

%

   

0.44

%

 

(a)  Service Fees differ between the classes of the Fund to reflect varying levels of shareholder servicing fees payable to Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited, as described in detail under "Fund Management—Shareholder Services" below.

Example of Expenses

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, regardless of whether or not you redeem your shares at the end of such periods. It also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same.

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your expenses would be:

   

Class 2

 

Class 3

 

Class 4

 

Class 5

 
1 Year  

$

60

   

$

53

   

$

50

   

$

45

   
3 Years  

$

189

   

$

167

   

$

157

   

$

141

   
5 Years  

$

329

   

$

291

   

$

274

   

$

246

   
10 Years  

$

738

   

$

653

   

$

616

   

$

555

   

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses" above, affect the Fund's performance. During the Fund's most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 24% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in an international portfolio of equities, which include common stock and other equity securities, of issuers located in countries of developed and emerging markets.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in common stocks and other equity securities. The Fund invests predominantly in securities issued by companies located in countries represented in the MSCI ACWI (ex U.S.) Index, which includes issuers from a range of developed and emerging market countries. The Fund ordinarily invests in securities of issuers located in at least three countries outside the U.S. The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund is not constrained with respect to market capitalization and may participate in initial public offerings ("IPOs") and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up approach to stock selection and principally select companies without being constrained by the MSCI ACWI (ex U.S.) benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 70 and 110 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, which in recent periods have included Japan and China. The Fund expects to invest in Chinese companies, among other means, through China A shares, which are common stocks and other equity securities that are listed or traded on a Chinese stock exchange and which are quoted in renminbi. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5 years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

Principal Risks

The Fund's net asset value and returns will be impacted by the performance of the underlying investments of the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the Fund.


21


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

The principal risks of investing in the Fund (in alphabetical order after the first four risks) are:

  Investment Style Risk – Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited (the "Manager") actively makes investment decisions for the Fund through bottom-up stock selection. Accordingly, the Fund will have risk characteristics that differ from its benchmark index. The Manager's judgments about the attractiveness, relative value, or potential appreciation of a particular stock may prove to be incorrect and cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index. There can be no assurance that the Manager's investment decisions will produce the desired results.

  Growth Stock Risk – The prices of growth stocks may be based largely on expectations of future earnings, and their prices can decline rapidly and significantly in reaction to negative news. Growth stocks may underperform stocks in other broad style categories (and the stock market as a whole) over any period of time and may shift in and out of favor with investors generally, sometimes rapidly, depending on changes in market, economic, and other factors.

  Long-Term Investment Strategy Risk – The Fund pursues a long-term investment approach, typically seeking returns over a period of several years. This investment style may cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index or other mutual funds over extended periods of time, and the Fund may not perform as expected in the long term. An investment in the Fund may be more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the risk of short- or medium-term fluctuations in the value of the Fund's portfolio.

  Non-U.S. Investment Risk – Non-U.S. securities are subject to additional risks, including less liquidity, increased volatility, less transparency, withholding or other taxes, increased vulnerability to adverse changes in local and global economic conditions, less regulation, and possible fluctuation in value due to adverse political conditions. Foreign portfolio transactions generally involve higher commission rates, transfer taxes, and custodial costs than similar transactions in the U.S.

  Asia Risk – Investing in securities of companies located in or with exposure to Asian countries involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including different financial reporting standards, currency exchange rate fluctuations, and highly regulated markets with the potential for government interference. The economies of many Asian countries are heavily dependent on international trade and on only a few industries or commodities and, as a result, can be adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls and other measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. Some Asian securities may be less liquid than U.S. or other foreign securities. See "China Risk" and "Japan Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in those countries.

  Additionally, many of the economies of countries in Asia are considered emerging market or frontier market economies. These Asian economies are often characterized by high

inflation, undeveloped financial service sectors, frequent currency fluctuations, devaluations, or restrictions, political and social instability, and less efficient markets. See "Emerging Markets Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in such countries.

  China Risk – Investing in securities of Chinese issuers involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including, among others, more frequent trading suspensions and government interventions (including by nationalization of assets), currency exchange rate fluctuations or blockages, limits on the use of brokers and on foreign ownership, different financial reporting standards, higher dependence on exports and international trade, potential for increased trade tariffs, sanctions, embargoes and other trade limitations, and custody risks. U.S. sanctions or other investment restrictions could preclude the Fund from investing in certain Chinese issuers or cause the Fund to sell investments at a disadvantageous time. Significant portions of the Chinese securities markets may become rapidly illiquid, as Chinese issuers have the ability to suspend the trading of their equity securities, and have shown a willingness to exercise that option in response to market volatility and other events.

  Conflicts of Interest Risk – The Manager's relationships with the Fund's institutional investor base may give rise to various conflicts of interest, since the Manager will sometimes have an incentive to favor those shareholders over other shareholders in the Fund. In addition, the Manager serves as investment adviser to various clients other than the Fund, some of whom may pursue strategies that are substantially similar or nearly identical to investment strategies pursued by the Fund. This "side-by-side" management may give rise to various conflicts of interest, including, for example, in connection with the fair allocation of trades among the Manager's clients or the sharing of different, more, or more timely information regarding investment performance, portfolio holdings, strategy developments and/or the Manager's general market outlook. Furthermore, if investment personnel of the Manager hold board or other positions at outside companies, they could be exposed to material non-public information potentially impeding or delaying a Fund's ability to buy or sell certain investments, or they could otherwise be restricted in their ability to participate in a Fund's investment process.

  Currency Risk – The Fund may realize a loss if it has exposure to a non-U.S. currency, and this non-U.S. currency declines in value, relative to the U.S. dollar. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

  Emerging Markets Risk – To the extent the Fund invests in emerging market securities, the Fund may be exposed to greater market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in developed markets.

  Equity Securities Risk – Equity securities may react more strongly to changes in an issuer's financial condition or prospects than other securities of the same issuer. Investing


22


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

in equity securities indirectly, such as through participatory notes or depositary receipts, may involve other risks such as the risk that the counterparty may default or that the investment does not track the underlying security as expected.

  Focused Investment Risk – Should the Fund focus its investments in related, or a limited number of, countries, regions, sectors, or companies, this would create more risk and greater volatility than if the Fund's investments were less focused.

  Geographic Focus Risk – The Fund expects to focus its investments in a limited number of countries or geographic regions, and as a result may not offer the same level of diversification of risks as a more broadly global fund because the Fund will be exposed to a smaller geographic area. The performance of a fund that is less diversified across countries or geographic regions will be closely tied to market, currency, economic, political, environmental, or regulatory conditions and developments in the countries or regions in which the fund invests, and may be more volatile than the performance of a more geographically-diversified portfolio.

  Government and Regulatory Risk – Governmental and regulatory authorities in the United States and other countries, have taken, and may in the future take, actions intervening in the markets in which the Fund invests and in the economy more generally. Governmental and regulatory authorities may also act to increase the scope or burden of regulations applicable to the Fund or to the companies in which the Fund invests. The effects of these actions on the markets generally, and Fund's investment program in particular, can be uncertain and could restrict the ability of the Fund to fully implement its investment strategies, either generally, or with respect to certain securities, industries, or countries. By contrast, markets in some non-U.S. countries historically have been subject to little regulation or oversight by governmental or regulatory authorities, which could heighten the risk of loss due to fraud or market failures in those countries. Governments, agencies, or other regulatory bodies in any country may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the Fund or the market value of an instrument held by the Fund.

  Information Technology Risk – Cyber-attacks, disruptions, or failures that affect the Fund's service providers, counterparties, the securities markets generally, other market participants, or issuers of securities held by the Fund may adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders, including by causing losses for the Fund or impairing Fund operations.

  IPO Risk – The Fund may purchase securities in IPOs. These securities are subject to many of the same risks of investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile.

  Japan Risk – The Japanese economy has only recently emerged from a prolonged economic downturn. Since the year 2000, Japan's economic growth rate has remained

relatively low, and it may remain low in the future. Japan's economy is characterized by an aging demographic, declining population, large government debt, and a highly regulated labor market. In the longer term, Japan will have to address the effects of an aging population, including the impact of a shrinking work force and higher welfare costs. Japan's economic recovery has been affected by economic distress resulting from a number of natural disasters, including disasters that caused damage to nuclear power plants in the region. Such environmental catastrophes have caused Japan's financial markets to fluctuate dramatically. Japan continues to be subject to the risk of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons and tsunamis, which could negatively affect the Japanese economy.

  Large-Capitalization Securities Risk – Returns on investments in securities of large companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of smaller and medium-sized companies. Larger companies may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller and medium-sized companies to competitive challenges or to changes in business, product, financial, or other market conditions. Larger companies may not be able to achieve or maintain growth at the high rates that may be achieved by well-managed smaller and medium-sized companies.

  Liquidity Risk – The Fund's investments may be subject to low trading volume, lack of a market maker, contractual lock-in periods or regulatory restrictions, and the Fund may hold large positions in particular securities. As a result, it may not be possible to sell an investment at a particular time or at an acceptable price. Liquidity risk may be magnified during periods of changing interest rates, significant shareholder redemptions or market turmoil. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. In some cases, due to unanticipated levels of illiquidity the Fund may seek to meet its redemption obligations wholly or in part by distributions of assets in-kind.

  Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk – The value of the Fund's investments could be adversely affected by events that disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global markets such as war, terrorism, public health crises, and geopolitical events and by changes in non-U.S. and U.S. economic and political conditions. As a result of these events, the Fund could lose money, experience significant redemptions, encounter operational difficulties, and suffer other negative impacts.

  Market Risk – The value of the Fund's investments will be affected by fluctuations in the stock markets in which the Fund is invested, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. Declines in securities market prices may reduce the net asset value of the Fund's shares.

  Service Provider Risk – The Fund will be affected by the Manager's investment techniques, analyses, assessments and employee retention. Similarly, adverse events or performance failures at a service provider, such as human


23


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

error, inadequate controls or insolvency, have the ability to adversely affect the Fund.

  Settlement Risk – The Fund may experience delays in settlement due to the different clearance and settlement procedures in non-U.S. countries. Such delays may increase credit risk to the Fund, limit the ability of the Fund to reinvest the proceeds of a sale of securities, or prevent the Fund from selling securities at times and prices it considers desirable.

  Small- and Medium-Capitalization Securities Risk – Securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies can be more volatile due to various factors including more limited product lines, financial and management resources and market distribution channels, as well as shorter operating histories and potentially reduced liquidity, especially during market declines, than the securities of larger, more established companies.

  Valuation Risk – In certain circumstances, some of the Fund's portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations by employing the fair value procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board"). This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. There is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time.

Performance

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's annual total returns from year to year and by comparing the Fund's average annual total returns with those of the Fund's benchmark. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.

Annual Total Returns – Class 2 Shares

Highest Quarterly Return: 25.55% (Q2, 2020)

Lowest Quarterly Return: -20.78% (Q1, 2020)

In the table below, after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown for Class 2 shares only, and after-tax returns for other share classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on your tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant if you are tax-exempt or if you hold your Fund shares through tax-advantaged arrangements. A description of the Fund's comparative index and details regarding the calculation of the Fund's class-by-class performance are provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Additional Performance Information."

Average Annual Total
Returns for Periods Ended
December 31, 2020
 

1 Year

 

5 Years

 

10 Years

 

Class 2 Returns Before Taxes

   

26.45

%

   

14.64

%

   

8.89

%

 
Class 2 Returns After Taxes on
Distributions
   

25.87

%

   

13.55

%

   

8.00

%

 
Class 2 Returns After Taxes on
Distributions and Sale of Fund
Shares
   

16.24

%

   

11.61

%

   

6.99

%

 

Class 3 Returns Before Taxes

   

26.54

%

   

14.72

%

   

8.97

%

 

Class 4 Returns Before Taxes(1)

   

26.57

%

   

14.72

%

   

8.93

%

 

Class 5 Returns Before Taxes(2)

   

26.64

%

   

14.81

%

   

8.99

%

 
Comparative Index
(reflects no deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes)
 

MSCI ACWI (ex U.S.) Index(3)

   

11.13

%

   

9.43

%

   

5.40

%

 

(1)  Performance for Class 4 shares prior to their date of inception (July 10, 2017) is derived from the historical performance of Class 2 shares, and has not been adjusted for the lower shareholder servicing fees applicable to Class 4 shares; had it, returns would have been higher.

(2)  Performance for Class 5 shares prior to their date of inception (April 7, 2014) is derived from the historical performance of Class 2 shares, and has not been adjusted for the lower shareholder servicing fees applicable to Class 5 shares; had it, returns would have been higher.

(3)  The source of the index data is MSCI Inc. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indexes or any securities or financial products. This Prospectus is not approved, endorsed, reviewed or produced by MSCI. None of the MSCI data is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such.

Updated information on the Fund's investment performance can be obtained by visiting http://USmutualfund.bailliegifford.com.

Management

Investment Manager

Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited


24


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Portfolio Managers

Name

 

Title

  Year Commenced
Service with the
Fund
 

Donald Farquharson

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2014

   

Angus Franklin

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2006

   

Toby Ross

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2018

   

Andrew Stobart

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2008

   

Jenny Davis

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2016

   

Tom Walsh

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2018

   

Purchasing or Exchanging Fund Shares

Investors may purchase or exchange shares of the Fund by submitting a request directly to the Manager, as further described in the section below entitled "Shares—How to Buy or Exchange Shares." The purchase or exchange of shares of Class 2, Class 3, Class 4 and Class 5 of the Fund ("Legacy Class Shares") is subject to Fund eligibility requirements and share class eligibility requirements as follows:

  Fund Eligibility – Only existing shareholders, who already hold Legacy Class Shares of the Fund ("Legacy Shareholders") are eligible to purchase Legacy Class Shares of the Fund. Legacy Shareholders may also request permission from the Manager to exchange their Legacy Class Shares in the Fund for the same class of Legacy Class Shares in another Fund. Legacy Shareholders may also be able to exchange their Legacy Class Shares for Class K or Institutional Class shares of either the same Fund or a different Fund. Exchanges will be granted at the Manager's discretion. Additional information about such exchanges is provided in the sections of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—How to Buy or Exchange Shares" and "Shares—Restrictions on Buying or Exchanging Shares."

  Share Class Eligibility and Minimum Total Investment – Eligibility for Legacy Class Shares of the Fund shall be determined with reference to the market value of assets managed by the Manager and its affiliates for the shareholder, whether in the Funds, another pooled vehicle or otherwise (the "Total Investment"). The minimum Total Investment for each class of shares is as follows:

Class

 

Total Investment

 

Class 2

  USD 25 Million  

Class 3

  USD 100 Million  

Class 4

  USD 200 Million  

Class 5

  USD 500 Million  

The Manager and Baillie Gifford Funds Services LLC ("BGFS"), the Fund's distributor, each reserves the right to waive any minimum in their sole discretion, and to reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason. The Manager will make all determinations as to aggregation of shareholder accounts for purposes of determining eligibility.

Redeeming Fund Shares

Fund shares are redeemable, and under ordinary circumstances you may redeem the Fund's shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for trading by sending a written request in the form prescribed by the Manager by email to the Trust at BGNAVTrading@bailliegifford.com.

Tax

The Fund intends to make distributions that will be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are a tax-exempt investor or otherwise investing through a tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA or 401(k) plan. If you are investing through such a tax-advantaged account, you may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from that account.


25


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees

(Fees paid directly from your investment)

Class 2

 

Class 3

 

Class 4

 

Class 5

 
 

None

     

None

     

None

     

None

   

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

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

   

Class 2

 

Class 3

 

Class 4

 

Class 5

 

Advisory Fees

   

0.33

%

   

0.33

%

   

0.33

%

   

0.33

%

 

Service Fees(a)

   

0.17

%

   

0.10

%

   

0.07

%

   

0.02

%

 

Other Expenses

   

0.08

%

   

0.08

%

   

0.08

%

   

0.08

%

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses
   

0.58

%

   

0.51

%

   

0.48

%

   

0.43

%

 

(a)  Service Fees differ between the classes of the Fund to reflect varying levels of shareholder servicing fees payable to Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited, as described in detail under "Fund Management—Shareholder Services" below.

Example of Expenses

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, regardless of whether or not you redeem your shares at the end of such periods. It also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same.

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your expenses would be:

   

Class 2

 

Class 3

 

Class 4

 

Class 5

 
1 Year  

$

59

   

$

52

   

$

49

   

$

44

   
3 Years  

$

186

   

$

164

   

$

154

   

$

138

   
5 Years  

$

324

   

$

285

   

$

269

   

$

241

   
10 Years  

$

726

   

$

640

   

$

604

   

$

542

   

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses" above, affect the Fund's performance. During the Fund's most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 26% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a diversified, international portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in countries of developed and emerging markets.

The Fund invests predominantly in securities issued by companies located in countries outside the U.S., including a range of developed and emerging market countries. The Fund may, however, invest up to 10% of its net assets in common stocks and other equities of companies located in the U.S. Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in at least three countries outside the U.S. and typically maintains substantial exposure to emerging markets. The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund is not constrained with respect to market capitalization and may participate in initial public offerings ("IPOs") and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S. In selecting companies for investment, the portfolio managers generally consider issuers in both developed and emerging markets.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up approach to stock selection and select companies without being constrained by a benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 50 and 60 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, which in recent periods have included Japan and China. The Fund expects to have considerable exposure to Chinese companies, including through China A shares, which are common stocks and other equity securities that are listed or traded on a Chinese stock exchange and which are quoted in renminbi. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5 years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook. Because the Fund aims to hold securities for long periods, the Fund does not expect to actively reduce its holdings of shares of particular issuers (other than in response to purchase and redemption requests) even if market movements cause the Fund to operate as a non-diversified company for an extended period of time.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

Principal Risks

The Fund's net asset value and returns will be impacted by the performance of the underlying investments of the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not


26


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the Fund.

The principal risks of investing in the Fund (in alphabetical order after the first four risks) are:

  Investment Style Risk – Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited (the "Manager") actively makes investment decisions for the Fund through bottom-up stock selection. Accordingly, the Fund will have risk characteristics that differ from its benchmark index. The Manager's judgments about the attractiveness, relative value, or potential appreciation of a particular stock may prove to be incorrect and cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index. There can be no assurance that the Manager's investment decisions will produce the desired results.

  Growth Stock Risk – The prices of growth stocks may be based largely on expectations of future earnings, and their prices can decline rapidly and significantly in reaction to negative news. Growth stocks may underperform stocks in other broad style categories (and the stock market as a whole) over any period of time and may shift in and out of favor with investors generally, sometimes rapidly, depending on changes in market, economic, and other factors.

  Long-Term Investment Strategy Risk – The Fund pursues a long-term investment approach, typically seeking returns over a period of several years. This investment style may cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index or other mutual funds over extended periods of time, and the Fund may not perform as expected in the long term. An investment in the Fund may be more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the risk of short- or medium-term fluctuations in the value of the Fund's portfolio.

  Non-U.S. Investment Risk – Non-U.S. securities are subject to additional risks, including less liquidity, increased volatility, less transparency, withholding or other taxes, increased vulnerability to adverse changes in local and global economic conditions, less regulation, and possible fluctuation in value due to adverse political conditions. Foreign portfolio transactions generally involve higher commission rates, transfer taxes, and custodial costs than similar transactions in the U.S.

  Asia Risk – Investing in securities of companies located in or with exposure to Asian countries involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including different financial reporting standards, currency exchange rate fluctuations, and highly regulated markets with the potential for government interference. The economies of many Asian countries are heavily dependent on international trade and on only a few industries or commodities and, as a result, can be adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls and other measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. Some Asian securities may be less liquid than U.S. or other foreign securities. See "China Risk" and "Japan Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in those countries.

  Additionally, many of the economies of countries in Asia are considered emerging market or frontier market economies. These Asian economies are often characterized by high inflation, undeveloped financial service sectors, frequent currency fluctuations, devaluations, or restrictions, political and social instability, and less efficient markets. See "Emerging Markets Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in such countries.

  China Risk – Investing in securities of Chinese issuers involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including, among others, more frequent trading suspensions and government interventions (including by nationalization of assets), currency exchange rate fluctuations or blockages, limits on the use of brokers and on foreign ownership, different financial reporting standards, higher dependence on exports and international trade, potential for increased trade tariffs, sanctions, embargoes and other trade limitations, and custody risks. U.S. sanctions or other investment restrictions could preclude the Fund from investing in certain Chinese issuers or cause the Fund to sell investments at a disadvantageous time. Significant portions of the Chinese securities markets may become rapidly illiquid, as Chinese issuers have the ability to suspend the trading of their equity securities, and have shown a willingness to exercise that option in response to market volatility and other events.

  Conflicts of Interest Risk – The Manager's relationships with the Fund's institutional investor base may give rise to various conflicts of interest, since the Manager will sometimes have an incentive to favor those shareholders over other shareholders in the Fund. In addition, the Manager serves as investment adviser to various clients other than the Fund, some of whom may pursue strategies that are substantially similar or nearly identical to investment strategies pursued by the Fund. This "side-by-side" management may give rise to various conflicts of interest, including, for example, in connection with the fair allocation of trades among the Manager's clients or the sharing of different, more, or more timely information regarding investment performance, portfolio holdings, strategy developments and/or the Manager's general market outlook. Furthermore, if investment personnel of the Manager hold board or other positions at outside companies, they could be exposed to material non-public information potentially impeding or delaying a Fund's ability to buy or sell certain investments, or they could otherwise be restricted in their ability to participate in a Fund's investment process.

  Currency Risk – The Fund may realize a loss if it has exposure to a non-U.S. currency, and this non-U.S. currency declines in value, relative to the U.S. dollar. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

  Emerging Markets Risk – To the extent the Fund invests in emerging market securities, the Fund may be exposed to greater market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in developed markets.


27


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

  Equity Securities Risk – Equity securities may react more strongly to changes in an issuer's financial condition or prospects than other securities of the same issuer. Investing in equity securities indirectly, such as through participatory notes or depositary receipts, may involve other risks such as the risk that the counterparty may default or that the investment does not track the underlying security as expected.

  Focused Investment Risk – Should the Fund focus its investments in related, or a limited number of, countries, regions, sectors, or companies, this would create more risk and greater volatility than if the Fund's investments were less focused.

  Geographic Focus Risk – The Fund expects to focus its investments in a limited number of countries or geographic regions, and as a result may not offer the same level of diversification of risks as a more broadly global fund because the Fund will be exposed to a smaller geographic area. The performance of a fund that is less diversified across countries or geographic regions will be closely tied to market, currency, economic, political, environmental, or regulatory conditions and developments in the countries or regions in which the fund invests, and may be more volatile than the performance of a more geographically-diversified portfolio.

  Government and Regulatory Risk – Governmental and regulatory authorities in the United States and other countries, have taken, and may in the future take, actions intervening in the markets in which the Fund invests and in the economy more generally. Governmental and regulatory authorities may also act to increase the scope or burden of regulations applicable to the Fund or to the companies in which the Fund invests. The effects of these actions on the markets generally, and Fund's investment program in particular, can be uncertain and could restrict the ability of the Fund to fully implement its investment strategies, either generally, or with respect to certain securities, industries, or countries. By contrast, markets in some non-U.S. countries historically have been subject to little regulation or oversight by governmental or regulatory authorities, which could heighten the risk of loss due to fraud or market failures in those countries. Governments, agencies, or other regulatory bodies in any country may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the Fund or the market value of an instrument held by the Fund.

  Information Technology Risk – Cyber-attacks, disruptions, or failures that affect the Fund's service providers, counterparties, the securities markets generally, other market participants, or issuers of securities held by the Fund may adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders, including by causing losses for the Fund or impairing Fund operations.

  IPO Risk – The Fund may purchase securities in IPOs. These securities are subject to many of the same risks of investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile.

  Japan Risk – The Japanese economy has only recently emerged from a prolonged economic downturn. Since the year 2000, Japan's economic growth rate has remained relatively low, and it may remain low in the future. Japan's economy is characterized by an aging demographic, declining population, large government debt, and a highly regulated labor market. In the longer term, Japan will have to address the effects of an aging population, including the impact of a shrinking work force and higher welfare costs. Japan's economic recovery has been affected by economic distress resulting from a number of natural disasters, including disasters that caused damage to nuclear power plants in the region. Such environmental catastrophes have caused Japan's financial markets to fluctuate dramatically. Japan continues to be subject to the risk of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons and tsunamis, which could negatively affect the Japanese economy.

  Large-Capitalization Securities Risk – Returns on investments in securities of large companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of smaller and medium-sized companies. Larger companies may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller and medium-sized companies to competitive challenges or to changes in business, product, financial, or other market conditions. Larger companies may not be able to achieve or maintain growth at the high rates that may be achieved by well-managed smaller and medium-sized companies.

  Liquidity Risk – The Fund's investments may be subject to low trading volume, lack of a market maker, contractual lock-in periods or regulatory restrictions, and the Fund may hold large positions in particular securities. As a result, it may not be possible to sell an investment at a particular time or at an acceptable price. Liquidity risk may be magnified during periods of changing interest rates, significant shareholder redemptions or market turmoil. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. In some cases, due to unanticipated levels of illiquidity the Fund may seek to meet its redemption obligations wholly or in part by distributions of assets in-kind.

  Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk – The value of the Fund's investments could be adversely affected by events that disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global markets such as war, terrorism, public health crises, and geopolitical events and by changes in non-U.S. and U.S. economic and political conditions. As a result of these events, the Fund could lose money, experience significant redemptions, encounter operational difficulties, and suffer other negative impacts.

  Market Risk – The value of the Fund's investments will be affected by fluctuations in the stock markets in which the Fund is invested, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. Declines in securities market prices may reduce the net asset value of the Fund's shares.


28


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

  Service Provider Risk – The Fund will be affected by the Manager's investment techniques, analyses, assessments and employee retention. Similarly, adverse events or performance failures at a service provider, such as human error, inadequate controls or insolvency, have the ability to adversely affect the Fund.

  Settlement Risk – The Fund may experience delays in settlement due to the different clearance and settlement procedures in non-U.S. countries. Such delays may increase credit risk to the Fund, limit the ability of the Fund to reinvest the proceeds of a sale of securities, or prevent the Fund from selling securities at times and prices it considers desirable.

  Small- and Medium-Capitalization Securities Risk – Securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies can be more volatile due to various factors including more limited product lines, financial and management resources and market distribution channels, as well as shorter operating histories and potentially reduced liquidity, especially during market declines, than the securities of larger, more established companies.

  Valuation Risk – In certain circumstances, some of the Fund's portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations by employing the fair value procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board"). This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. There is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time.

Performance

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's annual total returns from year to year and by comparing the Fund's average annual total returns with those of the Fund's benchmarks. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.

Annual Total Returns – Class 2 Shares

Highest Quarterly Return: 36.72% (Q2, 2020)

Lowest Quarterly Return: -21.66% (Q3, 2011)

In the table below, after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown for Class 2 shares only, and after-tax returns for other share classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on your tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant if you are tax-exempt or if you hold your Fund shares through tax-advantaged arrangements. The table compares the Fund's returns to two broad-based securities market indices that the Fund believes provide appropriate market benchmarks for the Fund's performance. A description of the Fund's comparative indices and details regarding the calculation of the Fund's class-by-class performance are provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Additional Performance Information."

Average Annual Total
Returns for Periods Ended
December 31, 2020
 

1 Year

 

5 Years

 

10 Years

 

Class 2 Returns Before Taxes

   

62.95

%

   

22.33

%

   

12.79

%

 
Class 2 Returns After Taxes on
Distributions
   

59.34

%

   

20.83

%

   

11.71

%

 
Class 2 Returns After Taxes on
Distributions and Sale of Fund
Shares
   

39.83

%

   

17.98

%

   

10.31

%

 

Class 3 Returns Before Taxes

   

63.07

%

   

22.41

%

   

12.87

%

 

Class 4 Returns Before Taxes(1)

   

63.12

%

   

22.43

%

   

12.84

%

 

Class 5 Returns Before Taxes(2)

   

63.20

%

   

22.51

%

   

13.15

%

 
Comparative Index
(reflects no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)
 

MSCI ACWI (ex U.S.) Index(3)

   

11.13

%

   

9.43

%

   

5.40

%

 

MSCI EAFE Index(3)

   

8.28

%

   

7.96

%

   

6.00

%

 

(1)  Performance for Class 4 shares prior to their date of inception (October 10, 2016) is derived from the historical performance of Class 2 shares, and has not been adjusted for the lower shareholder servicing fees applicable to Class 4 shares; had it, returns would have been higher.

(2)  Performance of Class 5 shares prior to their date of inception (July 19, 2012) is derived from the historical performance of Class 2 shares, and has not been adjusted for the lower shareholder servicing fees applicable to Class 5 shares; had it, returns would have been higher.

(3)  The source of the index data is MSCI Inc. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indexes or any securities or financial products. This Prospectus is not approved, endorsed, reviewed or produced by MSCI. None of the MSCI data is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such.

Updated information on the Fund's investment performance can be obtained by visiting http://USmutualfund.bailliegifford.com.

Management

Investment Manager

Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited


29


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Portfolio Managers

Name

 

Title

  Year Commenced
Service with the
Fund
 

James Anderson

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2008

   

Julia Angeles

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2017

   

Lawrence Burns

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2012

   

Thomas Coutts

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2008

   

Brian Lum

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2015

   

Purchasing or Exchanging Fund Shares

Investors may purchase or exchange shares of the Fund by submitting a request directly to the Manager, as further described in the section below entitled "Shares—How to Buy or Exchange Shares." The purchase or exchange of shares of Class 2, Class 3, Class 4 and Class 5 of the Fund ("Legacy Class Shares") is subject to Fund eligibility requirements and share class eligibility requirements as follows:

—  Fund Eligibility – Only existing shareholders, who already hold Legacy Class Shares of the Fund ("Legacy Shareholders") are eligible to purchase Legacy Class Shares of the Fund. Legacy Shareholders may also request permission from the Manager to exchange their Legacy Class Shares in the Fund for the same class of Legacy Class Shares in another Fund. Legacy Shareholders may also be able to exchange their Legacy Class Shares for Class K or Institutional Class shares of either the same Fund or a different Fund. Exchanges will be granted at the Manager's discretion. Additional information about such exchanges is provided in the sections of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—How to Buy or Exchange Shares" and "Shares—Restrictions on Buying or Exchanging Shares."

—  Share Class Eligibility and Minimum Total Investment – Eligibility for Legacy Class Shares of the Fund shall be determined with reference to the market value of assets managed by the Manager and its affiliates for the shareholder, whether in the Funds, another pooled vehicle or otherwise (the "Total Investment"). The minimum Total Investment for each class of shares is as follows:

Class

 

Total Investment

 

Class 2

  USD 25 Million  

Class 3

  USD 100 Million  

Class 4

  USD 200 Million  

Class 5

  USD 500 Million  

The Manager and Baillie Gifford Funds Services LLC ("BGFS"), the Fund's distributor, each reserves the right to waive any minimum in their sole discretion, and to reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason. The Manager will make all determinations as to aggregation of shareholder accounts for purposes of determining eligibility.

Redeeming Fund Shares

Fund shares are redeemable, and under ordinary circumstances you may redeem the Fund's shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for trading by sending a written request in the form prescribed by the Manager by email to the Trust at BGNAVTrading@bailliegifford.com.

Tax

The Fund intends to make distributions that will be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are a tax-exempt investor or otherwise investing through a tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA or 401(k) plan. If you are investing through such a tax-advantaged account, you may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from that account.


30


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees

(Fees paid directly from your investment)

Class 2

 

Class 3

 

Class 4

 

Class 5

 
 

None

     

None

     

None

     

None

   

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

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

   

Class 2

 

Class 3

 

Class 4

 

Class 5

 

Advisory Fees

   

0.45

%

   

0.45

%

   

0.45

%

   

0.45

%

 

Service Fees(a)

   

0.17

%

   

0.10

%

   

0.07

%

   

0.02

%

 

Other Expenses

   

0.09

%

   

0.09

%(b)

   

0.09

%(b)

   

0.09

%

 
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses
   

0.71

%

   

0.64

%

   

0.61

%

   

0.56

%

 

(a)  Service Fees differ between the classes of the Fund to reflect varying levels of shareholder servicing fees payable to Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited, as described in detail under "Fund Management—Shareholder Services" below.

(b)  Classes 3 and 4 were unfunded as of December 31, 2020. Therefore Other Expenses have been estimated for these Classes based on the Other Expenses of Class 2 shares.

Example of Expenses

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, regardless of whether or not you redeem your shares at the end of such periods. It also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same.

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your expenses would be:

   

Class 2

 

Class 3

 

Class 4

 

Class 5

 
1 Year  

$

73

   

$

65

   

$

62

   

$

57

   
3 Years  

$

227

   

$

205

   

$

195

   

$

179

   
5 Years  

$

395

   

$

357

   

$

340

   

$

313

   
10 Years  

$

883

   

$

798

   

$

762

   

$

701

   

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses" above, affect the Fund's performance. During the Fund's most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 40% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a portfolio of global equity securities, which include common stock and other equity securities, without reference to benchmark constraints.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities. While the portfolio managers are not constrained by geographic limitations, the Fund ordinarily invests in securities of issuers located in at least six different countries. In addition, under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 40% of its total assets in securities of companies located outside the U.S. when market conditions are favorable, but, when market conditions are not favorable, will invest at least 30% of its total assets in companies located outside the U.S. The Fund may invest in issuers located in emerging markets.

The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund typically invests primarily in issuers with a market capitalization of more than $4 billion at the time of purchase and may participate in initial public offerings ("IPOs") and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up approach to stock selection and select investments without regard to the geographic, industry, sector, or individual company weightings on any index. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The portfolio managers generally select securities of between 30 and 60 growth companies. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, and the Fund expects to have considerable exposure to Chinese companies including through China A shares, which are common stocks and other equity securities that are listed or traded on a Chinese stock exchange and which are quoted in renminbi. The Fund is a non-diversified fund, which means that it may invest a relatively large percentage of its assets in a small number of issuers, industries or sectors. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5-10 years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

Principal Risks

The Fund's net asset value and returns will be impacted by the performance of the underlying investments of the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the Fund.


31


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

The principal risks of investing in the Fund (in alphabetical order after the first six risks) are:

  Investment Style Risk – Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited (the "Manager") actively makes investment decisions for the Fund through bottom-up stock selection. Accordingly, the Fund will have risk characteristics that differ from its benchmark index. The Manager's judgments about the attractiveness, relative value, or potential appreciation of a particular stock may prove to be incorrect and cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index. There can be no assurance that the Manager's investment decisions will produce the desired results.

  Growth Stock Risk – The prices of growth stocks may be based largely on expectations of future earnings, and their prices can decline rapidly and significantly in reaction to negative news. Growth stocks may underperform stocks in other broad style categories (and the stock market as a whole) over any period of time and may shift in and out of favor with investors generally, sometimes rapidly, depending on changes in market, economic, and other factors.

  Long-Term Investment Strategy Risk – The Fund pursues a long-term investment approach, typically seeking returns over a period of several years. This investment style may cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index or other mutual funds over extended periods of time, and the Fund may not perform as expected in the long term. An investment in the Fund may be more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the risk of short- or medium-term fluctuations in the value of the Fund's portfolio.

  Non-Diversification Risk – The Fund is classified as a "non-diversified" fund. A non-diversified fund may hold a smaller number of portfolio securities, with larger positions in each security it holds, than many other mutual funds. To the extent the Fund invests in a relatively small number of issuers, a decline in the market value of a particular security held by the Fund may affect its value more than if it invested in a larger number of issuers. The value of the Fund's shares may be more volatile than the values of shares of more diversified funds. See also "Focused Investment Risk."

  Non-U.S. Investment Risk – Non-U.S. securities are subject to additional risks, including less liquidity, increased volatility, less transparency, withholding or other taxes, increased vulnerability to adverse changes in local and global economic conditions, less regulation, and possible fluctuation in value due to adverse political conditions. Foreign portfolio transactions generally involve higher commission rates, transfer taxes, and custodial costs than similar transactions in the U.S.

  China Risk – Investing in securities of Chinese issuers involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including, among others, more frequent trading suspensions and government interventions (including by nationalization of assets), currency exchange rate fluctuations or blockages, limits on the use of brokers and on foreign ownership, different financial reporting standards, higher dependence on

exports and international trade, potential for increased trade tariffs, sanctions, embargoes and other trade limitations, and custody risks. U.S. sanctions or other investment restrictions could preclude the Fund from investing in certain Chinese issuers or cause the Fund to sell investments at a disadvantageous time. Significant portions of the Chinese securities markets may become rapidly illiquid, as Chinese issuers have the ability to suspend the trading of their equity securities, and have shown a willingness to exercise that option in response to market volatility and other events.

  Asia Risk – Investing in securities of companies located in or with exposure to Asian countries involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including different financial reporting standards, currency exchange rate fluctuations, and highly regulated markets with the potential for government interference. The economies of many Asian countries are heavily dependent on international trade and on only a few industries or commodities and, as a result, can be adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls and other measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. Some Asian securities may be less liquid than U.S. or other foreign securities. See "China Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in that country.

  Additionally, many of the economies of countries in Asia are considered emerging market or frontier market economies. These Asian economies are often characterized by high inflation, undeveloped financial service sectors, frequent currency fluctuations, devaluations, or restrictions, political and social instability, and less efficient markets. See "Emerging Markets Risk" for additional details regarding the risks of investing in such countries.

  Conflicts of Interest Risk – The Manager's relationships with the Fund's institutional investor base may give rise to various conflicts of interest, since the Manager will sometimes have an incentive to favor those shareholders over other shareholders in the Fund. In addition, the Manager serves as investment adviser to various clients other than the Fund, some of whom may pursue strategies that are substantially similar or nearly identical to investment strategies pursued by the Fund. This "side-by-side" management may give rise to various conflicts of interest, including, for example, in connection with the fair allocation of trades among the Manager's clients or the sharing of different, more, or more timely information regarding investment performance, portfolio holdings, strategy developments and/or the Manager's general market outlook. Furthermore, if investment personnel of the Manager hold board or other positions at outside companies, they could be exposed to material non-public information potentially impeding or delaying a Fund's ability to buy or sell certain investments, or they could otherwise be restricted in their ability to participate in a Fund's investment process.

  Currency Risk – The Fund may realize a loss if it has exposure to a non-U.S. currency, and this non-U.S. currency declines in value, relative to the U.S. dollar. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects


32


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

  Emerging Markets Risk – To the extent the Fund invests in emerging market securities, the Fund may be exposed to greater market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in developed markets.

  Equity Securities Risk – Equity securities may react more strongly to changes in an issuer's financial condition or prospects than other securities of the same issuer. Investing in equity securities indirectly, such as through participatory notes or depositary receipts, may involve other risks such as the risk that the counterparty may default or that the investment does not track the underlying security as expected.

  Focused Investment Risk – Because the Fund focuses its investments in a limited number of companies, its investment strategy could result in more risk or greater volatility in returns than if the Fund's investments were less focused.

  Government and Regulatory Risk – Governmental and regulatory authorities in the United States and other countries, have taken, and may in the future take, actions intervening in the markets in which the Fund invests and in the economy more generally. Governmental and regulatory authorities may also act to increase the scope or burden of regulations applicable to the Fund or to the companies in which the Fund invests. The effects of these actions on the markets generally, and Fund's investment program in particular, can be uncertain and could restrict the ability of the Fund to fully implement its investment strategies, either generally, or with respect to certain securities, industries, or countries. By contrast, markets in some non-U.S. countries historically have been subject to little regulation or oversight by governmental or regulatory authorities, which could heighten the risk of loss due to fraud or market failures in those countries. Governments, agencies, or other regulatory bodies in any country may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the Fund or the market value of an instrument held by the Fund.

  Information Technology Risk – Cyber-attacks, disruptions, or failures that affect the Fund's service providers, counterparties, the securities markets generally, other market participants, or issuers of securities held by the Fund may adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders, including by causing losses for the Fund or impairing Fund operations.

  IPO Risk – The Fund may purchase securities in IPOs. These securities are subject to many of the same risks of investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile.

  Large-Capitalization Securities Risk – Returns on investments in securities of large companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of smaller and medium-sized companies. Larger companies may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller and medium-sized companies

to competitive challenges or to changes in business, product, financial, or other market conditions. Larger companies may not be able to achieve or maintain growth at the high rates that may be achieved by well-managed smaller and medium-sized companies.

  Liquidity Risk – The Fund's investments may be subject to low trading volume, lack of a market maker, contractual lock-in periods or regulatory restrictions, and the Fund may hold large positions in particular securities. As a result, it may not be possible to sell an investment at a particular time or at an acceptable price. Liquidity risk may be magnified during periods of changing interest rates, significant shareholder redemptions or market turmoil. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. In some cases, due to unanticipated levels of illiquidity the Fund may seek to meet its redemption obligations wholly or in part by distributions of assets in-kind.

  Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk – The value of the Fund's investments could be adversely affected by events that disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global markets such as war, terrorism, public health crises, and geopolitical events and by changes in non-U.S. and U.S. economic and political conditions. As a result of these events, the Fund could lose money, experience significant redemptions, encounter operational difficulties, and suffer other negative impacts.

  Market Risk – The value of the Fund's investments will be affected by fluctuations in the stock markets in which the Fund is invested, factors affecting a particular industry or industries, real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. Declines in securities market prices may reduce the net asset value of the Fund's shares.

  Service Provider Risk – The Fund will be affected by the Manager's investment techniques, analyses, assessments and employee retention. Similarly, adverse events or performance failures at a service provider, such as human error, inadequate controls or insolvency, have the ability to adversely affect the Fund.

  Settlement Risk – The Fund may experience delays in settlement due to the different clearance and settlement procedures in non-U.S. countries. Such delays may increase credit risk to the Fund, limit the ability of the Fund to reinvest the proceeds of a sale of securities, or prevent the Fund from selling securities at times and prices it considers desirable.

  Small- and Medium-Capitalization Securities Risk – Securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies can be more volatile due to various factors including more limited product lines, financial and management resources and market distribution channels, as well as shorter operating histories and potentially reduced liquidity, especially during market declines, than the securities of larger, more established companies.

  Valuation Risk – In certain circumstances, some of the Fund's portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of


33


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

factors other than market quotations by employing the fair value procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board"). This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. There is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time.

Performance

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's annual total returns from year to year and by comparing the Fund's average annual total returns with those of the Fund's benchmark. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.

Annual Total Returns – Class 2 Shares

Highest Quarterly Return: 44.24% (Q2, 2020)

Lowest Quarterly Return: -16.50% (Q4, 2018)

In the table below, after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown for Class 2 shares only, and after-tax returns for other share classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on your tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant if you are tax-exempt or if you hold your Fund shares through tax-advantaged arrangements. A description of the Fund's comparative index and details regarding the calculation of the Fund's class-by-class performance are provided in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Additional Performance Information."

Average Annual Total
Returns for Periods Ended
December 31, 2020
 

1 Year

 

5 Years

  Since Fund
Inception
(06/10/2014)
 

Class 2 Returns Before Taxes

   

101.77

%

   

31.52

%

   

26.54

%

 
Class 2 Returns After Taxes on
Distributions
   

98.00

%

   

30.40

%

   

25.65

%

 
Class 2 Returns After Taxes on
Distributions and Sale of Fund
Shares
   

62.87

%

   

26.11

%

   

22.28

%

 

Class 3 Returns Before Taxes(1)

   

101.77

%

   

31.52

%

   

26.54

%

 

Class 4 Returns Before Taxes(2)

   

101.77

%

   

31.52

%

   

26.54

%

 

Class 5 Returns Before Taxes(3)

   

101.99

%

   

31.55

%

   

26.56

%

 
Comparative Index
(reflects no deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes)
 

MSCI ACWI Index(4)

   

16.82

%

   

12.85

%

   

9.14

%

 

(1)  Performance for Class 3 shares, which were unfunded as of December 31, 2020, is derived from the historical performance of Class 2 shares, and has not been adjusted for the lower shareholder servicing fees applicable to Class 3 shares; had it, returns would have been higher.

(2)  Performance for Class 4 shares, which were unfunded as of December 31, 2020, is derived from the historical performance of Class 2 shares, and has not been adjusted for the lower shareholder servicing fees applicable to Class 4 shares; had it, returns would have been higher.

(3)  Performance for Class 5 shares for periods prior to it being funded on July 14, 2020 is derived from the historical performance of Class 2 shares, and has not been adjusted for the lower shareholder servicing fees applicable to Class 5 shares; had it, returns would have been higher.

(4)  The source of the index data is MSCI Inc. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indexes or any securities or financial products. This Prospectus is not approved, endorsed, reviewed or produced by MSCI. None of the MSCI data is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such.

Updated information on the Fund's investment performance can be obtained by visiting http://USmutualfund.bailliegifford.com.

Management

Investment Manager

Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited

Portfolio Managers

Name

 

Title

  Year Commenced
Service with the
Fund
 

Tom Slater

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2014

   

Mark Urquhart

 

Portfolio Manager

   

2014

   

Purchasing or Exchanging Fund Shares

Investors may purchase or exchange shares of the Fund by submitting a request directly to the Manager, as further described in the section below entitled "Shares—How to Buy or Exchange


34


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Shares." The purchase or exchange of shares of Class 2, Class 3, Class 4 and Class 5 of the Fund ("Legacy Class Shares") is subject to Fund eligibility requirements and share class eligibility requirements as follows:

—  Fund Eligibility – Only existing shareholders, who already hold Legacy Class Shares of the Fund ("Legacy Shareholders") are eligible to purchase Legacy Class Shares of the Fund. Legacy Shareholders may also request permission from the Manager to exchange their Legacy Class Shares in the Fund for the same class of Legacy Class Shares in another Fund. Legacy Shareholders may also be able to exchange their Legacy Class Shares for Class K or Institutional Class shares of either the same Fund or a different Fund. Exchanges will be granted at the Manager's discretion. Additional information about such exchanges is provided in the sections of the Prospectus entitled "Shares—How to Buy or Exchange Shares" and "Shares—Restrictions on Buying or Exchanging Shares."

—  Share Class Eligibility and Minimum Total Investment – Eligibility for Legacy Class Shares of the Fund shall be determined with reference to the market value of assets managed by the Manager and its affiliates for the shareholder, whether in the Funds, another pooled vehicle or otherwise (the "Total Investment"). The minimum Total Investment for each class of shares is as follows:

Class

 

Total Investment

 

Class 2

  USD 25 Million  

Class 3

  USD 100 Million  

Class 4

  USD 200 Million  

Class 5

  USD 500 Million  

The Manager and Baillie Gifford Funds Services LLC ("BGFS"), the Fund's distributor, each reserves the right to waive any minimum in their sole discretion, and to reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason. The Manager will make all determinations as to aggregation of shareholder accounts for purposes of determining eligibility.

Redeeming Fund Shares

Fund shares are redeemable, and under ordinary circumstances you may redeem the Fund's shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for trading by sending a written request in the form prescribed by the Manager by email to the Trust at BGNAVTrading@bailliegifford.com.

Tax

The Fund intends to make distributions that will be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are a tax-exempt investor or otherwise investing through a tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA or 401(k) plan. If you are investing through such a tax-advantaged account, you may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from that account.


35


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT

PRINCIPAL STRATEGIES AND RISKS

Principal Investment Strategies

Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in non-U.S. countries with developed markets.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in common stocks and other equity securities of companies whose principal activities are in developed markets in Europe, Australasia and/or the Far East. The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund is not constrained with respect to market capitalization and may participate in IPOs and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S. In selecting companies for investment, the portfolio managers focus on issuers in developed markets, but in some circumstances may gain exposure to emerging markets. Under normal circumstances, the Fund aims to remain fully invested in equities, holding cash and cash equivalents primarily during periods of investment reallocation, or in connection with purchases of or redemptions from the Fund.

The portfolio managers retain flexibility to invest without being constrained by the MSCI EAFE benchmark and, therefore, there may be listings in the benchmark that are not included in the Fund's portfolio and holdings in the Fund's portfolio that are not included in the benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors that may include: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 50 and 90 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, which in recent periods has included Japan. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5+ years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up stock-picking approach that seeks to make long-term investments in well-managed businesses with genuine and sustainable competitive advantages. The portfolio managers seek to identify companies that are likely to generate above average growth in earnings and cash flows, based on fundamental research. When evaluating an

issuer, the Manager considers questions, such as the following: (i) Will the issuer have significantly larger earnings and cash flows in five years?; (ii) Is the issuer's management sensibly guarding the shareholders' capital?; (iii) Why is the expected growth not reflected in the security's current share price?; and (iv) What would make the Manager sell?

The Fund is managed by the same portfolio managers as Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund. The Fund invests in a manner similar to that of Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund, except that the Fund does not include among its principal investment strategies the investment in emerging markets.

The portfolio managers may sell a holding if they determine there has been a material deterioration in the investment case or as appropriate to make other investments or meet redemptions.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar. In response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may deviate from its investment policies by taking temporary defensive positions with some or all of its assets in high quality income securities, cash or cash equivalents. As a result, during such conditions, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

See "Selected Investment Techniques and Topics—Location of Issuers" below for additional detail on how the Fund classifies the location of issuers in which it invests.

Principal Investment Risks

The "Principal Investment Risks" section below identifies and describes the principal risks of investing in the Fund.


36


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in non-U.S. countries with developed and emerging markets.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 85% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in common stocks and other equity securities of companies whose principal activities are in Europe, Australasia and/or the Far East. The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund is not constrained with respect to market capitalization and may participate in IPOs and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S. In selecting companies for investment, the portfolio managers focus on issuers in both developed and emerging markets. Under normal circumstances, the Fund aims to remain fully invested in equities, holding cash and cash equivalents primarily during periods of investment reallocation, or in connection with purchases of or redemptions from the Fund.

The portfolio managers retain flexibility to invest without being constrained by the MSCI EAFE benchmark and, therefore, there may be listings in the benchmark that are not included in the Fund's portfolio and holdings in the Fund's portfolio that are not included in the benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors that may include: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 60 and 90 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, which in recent periods has included Japan. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5+ years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up stock-picking approach that seeks to make long-term investments in well-managed businesses with genuine and sustainable competitive advantages. The portfolio managers seek to identify companies that are likely to generate above average growth in earnings and cash flows, based on fundamental research. When evaluating an issuer, the Manager considers questions, such as the following: (i) Will the issuer have significantly larger earnings and cash flows in five years?; (ii) Is the issuer's management sensibly guarding the shareholders' capital?; (iii) Why is the expected growth not reflected in the security's current share price?; and (iv) What would make the Manager sell?

The Fund is managed by the same portfolio managers as Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund. The Fund invests in a manner similar to that of Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund, except that the Fund includes among its principal investment strategies investment in emerging markets.

The portfolio managers may sell a holding if they determine there has been a material deterioration in the investment case or as appropriate to make other investments or meet redemptions.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar. In response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may deviate from its investment policies by taking temporary defensive positions with some or all of its assets in high quality income securities, cash or cash equivalents. As a result, during such conditions, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

See "Selected Investment Techniques and Topics—Location of Issuers" below for additional detail on how the Fund classifies the location of issuers in which it invests.

Principal Investment Risks

The "Principal Investment Risks" section below identifies and describes the principal risks of investing in the Fund.


37


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in countries of emerging and frontier markets.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of companies located in countries represented in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. The countries represented in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index include markets that may be less sophisticated than more developed markets in terms of participation by investors, analyst coverage, liquidity, and regulation. The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts or participatory notes, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund is not constrained with respect to market capitalization and may participate in IPOs and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S. Under normal circumstances, the Fund aims to remain fully invested in equities, holding cash and cash equivalents primarily during periods of investment reallocation, or in connection with purchases of or redemptions from the Fund. The portfolio managers have flexibility to gain exposure to one or more emerging markets through investing in ETFs that track relevant equity indices.

The portfolio managers select companies without being constrained by the MSCI Emerging Markets benchmark and, therefore, there may be listings in the benchmark that are not included in the Fund's portfolio and holdings in the Fund's portfolio that are not included in the benchmark. The portfolio managers may reference the benchmark to set limits on the relative weighting of countries in the portfolio. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 60 and 100 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, and the Fund expects to invest significantly in Chinese companies including through China A shares, which are common stocks and other equity securities that are listed or traded on a Chinese stock exchange and which are quoted in renminbi. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5 years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The portfolio managers primarily employ a bottom-up stock-picking approach that seeks to make long-term investments in well-managed businesses with genuine and sustainable competitive advantages. The portfolio managers can also

consider macro-economic factors when identifying potential investments. The portfolio managers seek to identify companies that are likely to generate above average growth in earnings and cash flows, based on fundamental research. The Manager's fundamental research process focuses on: (i) the opportunity for an issuer to deliver superior returns; (ii) the ability of the issuer to execute on that opportunity; and (iii) the current market valuation of the security.

The portfolio managers may sell a holding if they determine there has been a material deterioration in the investment case or as appropriate to make other investments or meet redemptions.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar. In response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may deviate from its investment policies by taking temporary defensive positions with some or all of its assets in high quality income securities, cash or cash equivalents. As a result, during such conditions, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

See "Selected Investment Techniques and Topics—Location of Issuers" below for additional detail on how the Fund classifies the location of issuers in which it invests.

Principal Investment Risks

The "Principal Investment Risks" section below identifies and describes the principal risks of investing in the Fund.


38


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a global, diversified portfolio of equities, which include common stock and other equity securities, of issuers located in countries of developed and emerging markets.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities. The Fund invests predominantly in a diversified portfolio of securities issued by companies located in countries represented in the MSCI ACWI Index, cash and cash equivalents. The Fund invests in companies whose principal activities are in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Europe, Australasia, Africa, the Middle East and/or the Far East. The Fund ordinarily invests in securities of issuers located in at least three different countries. In addition, under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 40% of its total assets in securities of companies located outside the U.S. when market conditions are favorable, but, when market conditions are not favorable, the Fund will invest at least 30% of its total assets in companies located outside the U.S. For purposes of establishing whether a 40% or 30% threshold applies when measuring the test described in the prior sentence, the Manager will determine, in its sole discretion, whether market conditions are favorable and in making such determination may consider any factors it deems relevant, including but not limited to: the relative prospects for growth among U.S. and non-U.S. companies; long- or short-term fluctuations, or expected fluctuations, in currency exchange rates; the relative monetary or fiscal health of the U.S. compared to other countries; the relative market stability, or expected stability, of the U.S. compared to other countries; and the relative weighting of the U.S. and non-U.S. countries on global equity market indices.

The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund typically invests in issuers with a market capitalization of more than $4 billion at the time of purchase and may participate in IPOs and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S. Under normal circumstances, the Fund aims to remain fully invested in equities, holding cash and cash equivalents primarily during periods of investment reallocation, or in connection with purchases of or redemptions from the Fund.

The portfolio managers select companies without being constrained by the MSCI ACWI benchmark and, therefore, there may be listings in the benchmark that are not included in the Fund's portfolio and holdings in the Fund's portfolio that are not included in the benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage,

management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 70 and 120 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5 years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up stock-picking approach that seeks to make long-term investments in well-managed businesses with genuine and sustainable competitive advantages. The portfolio managers seek to identify companies that are likely to generate above average growth in earnings and cash flows over the long term, based on fundamental research. The Manager's fundamental research process focuses on: (i) the opportunity for an issuer to deliver superior returns; (ii) the ability of the issuer to execute on that opportunity; and (iii) the current market valuation of the issuer.

The portfolio managers may sell a holding if they determine there has been a material deterioration in the investment case or as appropriate to make other investments or meet redemptions.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar. In response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may deviate from its investment policies by taking temporary defensive positions with some or all of its assets in high quality income securities, cash or cash equivalents. As a result, during such conditions, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

Much like other actively-managed long equity growth strategies maintained by the Manager and represented by other Funds included in this prospectus, the Fund's portfolio managers focus their selection of individual holdings around seeking to generate "alpha," or investment returns that are differentiated from the baseline returns of the overall equity markets in which the Fund invests. The inclusion of "alpha" in the Fund's name does not reflect any greater or lesser correlation with or reference to any benchmark index's constituents or returns than for other series of the Trust without "alpha" in their names.

See "Selected Investment Techniques and Topics—Location of Issuers" below for additional detail on how the Fund classifies the location of issuers in which it invests.

Principal Investment Risks

The "Principal Investment Risks" section below identifies and describes the principal risks of investing in the Fund.


39


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in an international portfolio of equities, which include common stock and other equity securities, of issuers located in countries of developed and emerging markets.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in common stocks and other equity securities. The Fund invests predominantly in securities issued by companies located in countries represented in the MSCI ACWI (ex U.S.) Index, which includes issuers from a range of developed and emerging market countries. The Fund ordinarily invests in securities of issuers located in at least three countries outside the U.S. The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund is not constrained with respect to market capitalization and may participate in IPOs and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S. Under normal circumstances, the Fund aims to remain fully invested in equities, holding cash and cash equivalents primarily during periods of investment reallocation, or in connection with purchases of or redemptions from the Fund.

The portfolio managers principally select companies without being constrained by the MSCI ACWI (ex U.S.) benchmark and, therefore, there may be listings in the benchmark that are not included in the Fund's portfolio and holdings in the Fund's portfolio that are not included in the benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 70 and 110 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, which in recent periods have included Japan and China. The Fund expects to invest in Chinese companies, among other means, through China A shares, which are common stocks and other equity securities that are listed or traded on a Chinese stock exchange and which are quoted in renminbi. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5 years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up stock-picking approach that seeks to make long-term investments in well-managed businesses with genuine and sustainable competitive advantages. The portfolio managers seek to identify companies that are likely to generate above average growth in earnings and cash flows, based on fundamental research. The Manager's

fundamental research process focuses on: (i) the opportunity for an issuer to deliver superior returns; (ii) the ability of the issuer to execute on that opportunity; and (iii) the current market valuation of the issuer.

The portfolio managers may sell a holding if they determine there has been a material deterioration in the investment case or as appropriate to make other investments or meet redemptions.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar. In response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may deviate from its investment policies by taking temporary defensive positions with some or all of its assets in high quality income securities, cash or cash equivalents. As a result, during such conditions, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

The inclusion of "alpha" in the Fund's name does not reflect any greater or lesser correlation with or reference to any benchmark index's constituents or returns than for other series of the Trust without "alpha" in their names.

See "Selected Investment Techniques and Topics—Location of Issuers" below for additional detail on how the Fund classifies the location of issuers in which it invests.

Principal Investment Risks

The "Principal Investment Risks" section below identifies and describes the principal risks of investing in the Fund.


40


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a diversified, international portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in countries of developed and emerging markets.

The Fund invests predominantly in securities issued by companies located in countries outside the U.S., including a range of developed and emerging market countries. The Fund may, however, invest up to 10% of its net assets in common stocks and other equities of companies located in the U.S. Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in at least three countries outside the U.S. and typically maintains substantial exposure to emerging markets. The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund is not constrained with respect to market capitalization and may participate in IPOs and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S. In selecting companies for investment, the portfolio managers generally consider issuers in both developed and emerging markets. Under normal circumstances, the Fund aims to remain fully invested in equities, holding cash and cash equivalents primarily during periods of investment reallocation, or in connection with purchases of or redemptions from the Fund.

The portfolio managers select companies without being constrained by the MSCI ACWI ex U.S. benchmark and, therefore, there may be listings in the benchmark that are not included in the Fund's portfolio and holdings in the Fund's portfolio that are not included in the benchmark. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The intended outcome is a diversified portfolio of between 50 and 60 growth companies with the potential to outperform the benchmark over the long term. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, which in recent periods have included Japan and China. The Fund expects to have considerable exposure to Chinese companies, including through China A shares, which are common stocks and other equity securities that are listed or traded on a Chinese stock exchange and which are quoted in renminbi. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5 years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook. Because the Fund aims to hold securities for long periods, the Fund does not expect to actively reduce its holdings of shares of particular issuers (other than in response to purchase and redemption requests) even if market movements cause the Fund to operate as a non-diversified company for an extended period of time.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up stock-picking approach that seeks to make long-term investments in well-managed businesses with genuine and sustainable competitive advantages. The portfolio managers seek to identify companies that are likely to generate above average growth in earnings and cash flows, based on fundamental research. The Manager's fundamental research process focuses on: (i) the opportunity for an issuer to deliver superior returns; (ii) the ability of the issuer to execute on that opportunity; and (iii) the current market valuation of the issuer.

The portfolio managers may sell a holding if they determine there has been a material deterioration in the investment case or as appropriate to make other investments or meet redemptions.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar. In response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may deviate from its investment policies by taking temporary defensive positions with some or all of its assets in high quality income securities, cash or cash equivalents. As a result, during such conditions, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

See "Selected Investment Techniques and Topics—Location of Issuers" below for additional detail on how the Fund classifies the location of issuers in which it invests.

Principal Investment Risks

The "Principal Investment Risks" section below identifies and describes the principal risks of investing in the Fund.


41


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund

Investment Objective

Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation.

Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to meet its objective by investing in a portfolio of global equity securities, which include common stock and other equity securities, without reference to benchmark constraints.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities. While the portfolio managers are not constrained by geographic limitations, the Fund ordinarily invests in securities of issuers located in at least six different countries.

In addition, under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 40% of its total assets in securities of companies located outside the U.S. when market conditions are favorable, but, when market conditions are not favorable, will invest at least 30% of its total assets in companies located outside the U.S. For purposes of establishing whether a 40% or 30% threshold applies when measuring the test described in the prior sentence, the Manager will determine, in its sole discretion, whether market conditions are favorable and in making such determination may consider any factors it deems relevant, including but not limited to: the relative prospects for growth among U.S. and non-U.S. companies; long- or short-term fluctuations, or expected fluctuations, in currency exchange rates; the relative monetary or fiscal health of the U.S. compared to other countries; the relative market stability, or expected stability, of the U.S. compared to other countries; and the relative weighting of the U.S. and non-U.S. countries on global equity market indices. The Fund may invest in issuers located in emerging markets.

The Fund invests in equity securities either directly or indirectly, such as through depositary receipts, and may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. The Fund typically invests primarily in issuers with a market capitalization of more than $4 billion at the time of purchase and may participate in IPOs and in securities offerings that are not registered in the U.S. Under normal circumstances, the Fund aims to remain fully invested in equities, holding cash and cash equivalents primarily during periods of investment reallocation, or in connection with purchases of or redemptions from the Fund.

The portfolio managers select investments without regard to the geographic, industry, sector, or individual company weightings on any index. The portfolio managers focus on company research and the long-term outlook of companies and industries. Ideas can come from a wide variety of sources, including, but not limited to, research trips, company meetings, and relationships with industry thought leaders and academic institutions. Stock ideas are normally researched to assess a range of factors, including: long-term growth potential, geographic and industry positioning, competitive advantage, management, financial strength and valuation. The portfolio managers generally select securities of between 30 and 60 growth companies. The process can result in significant exposure to a single country or a small number of countries, and the Fund expects to have considerable exposure to Chinese companies including through China A shares, which are common stocks and other equity securities that

are listed or traded on a Chinese stock exchange and which are quoted in renminbi. The Fund is a non-diversified fund, which means that it may invest a relatively large percentage of its assets in a small number of issuers, industries or sectors. The Fund aims to hold securities for long periods (typically 5-10 years), which results in relatively low portfolio turnover and is in line with the Fund's long-term investment outlook.

The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up stock-picking approach that seeks to make long-term investments in well-managed businesses with genuine and sustainable competitive advantages. The portfolio managers seek to identify companies that are likely to generate above average growth in earnings and cash flows, based on fundamental research. The Manager's disciplined investment framework focuses on: (i) the issuer's opportunities within its industry, (ii) the issuer's competitive advantages, (iii) the financial strength of the issuer, (iv) how the issuer's management deploys capital, and (v) the market valuation of the issuer.

The portfolio managers may sell a holding if they determine there has been a material deterioration in the investment case or as appropriate to make other investments or meet redemptions.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies. The Fund does not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expects to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar. In response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may deviate from its investment policies by taking temporary defensive positions with some or all of its assets in high quality income securities, cash or cash equivalents. As a result, during such conditions, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

See "Selected Investment Techniques and Topics—Location of Issuers" below for additional detail on how the Fund classifies the location of issuers in which it invests.

Principal Investment Risks

The "Principal Investment Risks" section below identifies and describes the principal risks of investing in the Fund.


42


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Selected Investment Techniques and Topics

In addition to the principal investment strategies discussed above, the Funds may engage in certain non-principal investment strategies. Additional context and details regarding both the Funds' principal investment strategies and the Funds' non-principal investment strategies are provided below.

Active and Frequent Trading

The Funds generally will not engage in active and frequent trading of portfolio securities as part of their ordinary-course efforts to achieve their principal investment strategies. However, unusual market conditions may trigger increased trading and/or portfolio turnover for a Fund to the extent the relevant investment team deems such actions necessary or appropriate. A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs affect the Fund's performance.

"Alpha" Funds

The inclusion of the word "Alpha" in the name of certain Funds is not meant to suggest a specific investment style or that a Fund targets a specific return over and above its benchmark index. Nor should the word "Alpha" be interpreted as claiming any higher degree of active management than any other Fund.

Capitalization Criteria and Investment Limitations

Unless otherwise stated, all market capitalization criteria and percentage limitations on Fund investments listed in this Prospectus will apply at the time of investment. A Fund would not violate these limitations unless an excess or deficiency occurs or exists immediately after and as a result of an investment.

References to assets in the percentage limitations on the Funds' investments refer to total assets, unless otherwise indicated.

Unless otherwise stated, when a Fund is described as investing in a particular type of security or other instrument, the Fund may make such investments directly or indirectly. Indirect exposure may be achieved through a combination of multiple instruments or through a combination of one or more investment instruments and cash or cash equivalents. Indirect investments may include depositary receipts, derivatives (based on either notional or mark-to-market value depending on the instrument and circumstances), placement warrants or other structured products. Indirect exposure may also be gained through investments in operating companies and pooled vehicles such as mutual funds, exchange traded funds ("ETFs"), private funds, and non-U.S. investment vehicles. Because the Funds are subject to various regulatory requirements and limitations, a Fund's ability to obtain direct exposure to certain asset classes and investments may be prevented or restricted.

Cash Balances

Although each Fund will aim to remain fully invested in equities, each Fund may hold uninvested cash balances at the Fund's custodian or invest in cash equivalent securities, such as money market funds, in order to facilitate daily portfolio operations and to take temporary defensive positions.

Considerations Related to Large Shareholders

To the extent that a significant portion of a Fund's shares are held by a limited number of shareholders or their affiliates, there is a risk that the subscription and redemption activities of these shareholders with regard to Fund shares could disrupt such Fund's investment strategies, which could have adverse consequences for the Fund and other shareholders. Such subscriptions could cause the Fund to maintain larger-than-expected cash positions pending acquisition of investments. A redemption by a large shareholder could require the Fund to sell investments, including at inopportune times, and could result in the Fund recognizing significant capital gains, including short-term capital gains, that would be distributed to shareholders in order for the Fund to meet the requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company and avoid a Fund-level tax. In addition, institutional separate accounts managed by the Manager may invest in a Fund and, therefore, the Manager at times may have discretionary authority over redemption decisions by a significant portion of the investor base holding shares of a Fund. In such instances, the Manager's decision to make changes to or rebalance its client's allocations in the separate accounts may impact the Fund's performance.

CPO Exemption

The Manager is registered as a commodity pool operator ("CPO") with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") and is a member of the National Futures Association (the "NFA"). However, the Manager has filed with the NFA a notice with respect to the Funds claiming an exclusion from the definition of the term CPO under the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended, and the rules of the CFTC promulgated thereunder. As a result, the Manager, as adviser to the Funds, is not currently subject to registration or regulation as a CPO with respect to the Funds. However, if in the future a Fund no longer meets the marketing or de minimis trading qualifications for this exclusion, the Manager would withdraw its notice with respect to the Fund claiming exclusion from the definition of a CPO, and the Manager, as adviser to such Fund, would be subject to registration and regulation as a CPO with respect to such Fund.

Currency Hedging

The Funds have not historically used, but may in the future use, various investment products to hedge the risks to the Funds from exposure to local currency movements. These products include currency forward contracts and options thereon, and options and "spot" transactions directly in foreign currencies.

New financial products and risk management techniques continue to be developed and the Funds may use these new investments and techniques to the extent they are consistent with the Funds' investment objectives and strategies.

Emerging Markets

Certain Funds may invest in issuers located in emerging markets. The Funds consider emerging markets countries to be comprised of those that are not categorized by MSCI as developed markets, excluding frontier markets.

Frontier Markets

Certain Funds may invest in issuers located in frontier markets. The Funds consider frontier markets countries to be comprised of


43


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

those that the Manager considers to be more developed than the least developed countries but less developed than emerging market countries. Frontier markets include, among others, Croatia, Estonia, Lithuania, Kazakhstan, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Kenya, Mauritius, Morocco, Nigeria, Tunisia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

Growth Companies

Each Fund may invest in growth companies. When assessing whether a company is "growth," a Fund considers a range of factors, including, but not limited to, the ability of the company to grow earnings faster than the market expects.

Illiquid Securities

A Fund may not purchase or otherwise acquire any illiquid securities if, immediately after the acquisition, the value of illiquid securities held by the Fund would exceed 15% of the Fund's net assets. The term "illiquid securities" for this purpose means securities that a Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the securities.

Illiquid securities may include those securities whose disposition is restricted by securities laws, such as Rule 144A or private placement securities.

If any Fund determines at any time that it owns illiquid securities in excess of 15% of its net assets, it will cease to undertake new commitments to acquire illiquid securities until its holdings no longer exceed this 15% limit, report the occurrence in compliance with relevant requirements under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and, depending on circumstances, may take additional steps to reduce its holdings of illiquid securities.

Industry Classification of Issuers

The Manager shall make reasonable determinations as to the appropriate issuer industry classification, or sector classification of security issuers. As part of this determination, the Manager may take into account internal analysis or third party information such as categories, data or methodologies from Bloomberg Industry Classification Systems (BICS), Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) codes, Standard Industry Classification (SIC) Codes, North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Codes, the FTSE/Dow Jones Industry Classification Benchmark (ICV system) or any other reasonable industry classification system (including systems developed by the Manager). The Manager may use information differently for different industries, sectors or clients. The Manager's determinations may differ from the determinations of other investment professionals, or other third parties. Even where the Manager generally relies on a particular classification system, it may depart from that system in specific cases at its discretion.

Investing in China through the Stock Connect programs and QFI program

Funds that invest in China may invest in China "A" Shares ("A Shares" or "China A Shares"). China A Shares are common stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in China that

are listed or traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, or any other stock exchange in China and which are quoted in renminbi ("RMB"). These Funds may access China A Shares through the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect program and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect program (together the "Stock Connect programs") or through the Manager's qualified foreign investor ("QFI") license. Historically, investments in stocks, bonds, and warrants listed and traded on a mainland Chinese stock exchange, investment companies, and other financial instruments (collectively referred to as "China Securities") approved by the China Securities Regulatory Commission ("CSRC") were limited for investment by non-Chinese investors. The CSRC has now granted the Manager a QFI license allowing the Manager to invest in China Securities and the Funds now have access to the Stock Connect programs.

The Stock Connect programs are securities trading and clearing link programs that enable international investors to invest in China A Shares. Trading under the Stock Connect programs is subject to an aggregate daily quota, which limits the maximum net buy value of cross-boundary trades under each of the Stock Connect programs each day. This is monitored by the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong on a real-time basis and reset every day. If the daily quota drops to zero or is exceeded, no further buy orders will be accepted for the remainder of that day (although sales of China A Shares are permitted regardless of the daily quota). The daily quota is not specific to any one particular investor. The Stock Connect programs are also subject to various other restrictions which may constrain a Fund's ability to invest in a particular company at a particular time, such as limits on when markets are open and trades processed and additional regulations and listing rules imposed by China and the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges.

Under the QFI program, there are certain regulatory constraints including, without limitation, restrictions on the types of instruments available for purchase by the license holder, the ability of the license holder to repatriate funds, and the structure of custodial and brokerage accounts for trading in Chinese securities. In particular, with respect to the QFI custodial arrangements, to the extent a Fund's cash is commingled with the assets of other clients of a Chinese custodian and the Chinese custodian becomes insolvent, a Fund will not have any proprietary rights to the cash deposited in the account, and a Fund will become an unsecured creditor, ranking pari passu with all other unsecured creditors, of the Chinese custodian. Although the relevant QFI regulations have recently been revised to relax regulatory restrictions on the onshore capital management by QFI license holders (including removing investment quota limit and simplifying routine repatriation of investment proceeds), it is a new development and therefore subject to uncertainties as to how well it will be implemented in practice, especially at the early stage. For additional information regarding custody risks that may be applicable to both the QFI and Stock Connect programs, see "Principal Investment Risks—Non-U.S. Investment Risk" below and "Risks—Emerging Markets Risk—Custody Risk" in the Statement of Additional Information (the "SAI").

See also "Principal Investment Risks—China Risk" below.


44


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Investment Companies

Each Fund may invest in other investment companies, including ETFs, to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act places limits on each Fund's ability to invest in other registered investment companies, though the Funds may generally invest without limitation in unaffiliated unregistered pooled investment vehicles, other registered investment companies advised by the Manager and, in reliance on available exemptive relief, in ETFs. As a shareholder of these kinds of investment vehicles, a Fund may indirectly bear fees which are in addition to the fees the Fund pays its own service providers. To the extent permitted by law, the Funds may invest in collective investment vehicles that are sponsored by, and advised by, the Manager or an affiliate of the Manager (an "Affiliated Vehicle"). Any fee payable to the Manager or an affiliate thereof by any Affiliated Vehicle in respect of an investment by a Fund in such Affiliated Vehicle shall be reimbursed to the Fund by the Manager. Therefore, a Fund will only bear that portion of Affiliated Vehicle expenses payable to persons or entities other than the Manager or its affiliates, and will not be responsible for fees collected by the Manager at both the Fund level and the Affiliated Vehicle level.

Location of Issuers

A number of the Funds' policies are determined by reference to whether an issuer is "located in" a particular country or group of countries, whether its "principal activities" are in certain regions, or whether the issuer is located outside the U.S. more generally.

In determining where an issuer is located for these purposes, or where an issuer's principal activities are, the Manager will consider a number of factors (together, designed to determine whether an issuer is economically tied to country or region), including but not limited to:

—  the markets in which the issuer's securities are principally traded;

—  where the issuer's headquarters, principal offices or operations are located;

—  where the issuer is organized;

—  the percentage of the issuer's revenues or profits derived from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed in the relevant country;

—  the Manager's own internal analysis; and

—  information provided by third party data analytics service providers.

No single factor will necessarily be determinative nor must all be present for the Manager to determine where an issuer is located. The Manager may weight these factors differently with respect to

different geographic policies, different countries or different series of the Trust.

By way of example, the Manager may consider a company that is organized in the U.S., with its principal place of business in the U.S. and whose securities are traded principally on a U.S. exchange to be located outside the U.S., or to have its principal activities outside the U.S., if, for instance, more than 50% of the company's revenues are derived from activity outside the U.S. This may be true even if the Manager does not determine that the company is located in a specific non-U.S. country.

The categorization for compliance testing purposes may differ from how different portfolio managers, investment professionals, or third parties assign the location of individual issuers.

Portfolio Holdings

A description of the Trust's policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Funds' portfolio securities is available in the SAI.

Further Information

Further information about the Funds' investment strategies and investment instruments is available in the SAI.


45


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your shares in a Fund will change with the value of the Fund's investments. Many factors can affect that value. The factors that are most likely to have a material effect on a particular Fund's portfolio as a whole are called "principal risks."

The principal risks most relevant to each Fund are summarized in the "Fund Summaries." The risks described below expand on, and add to, the discussion in the "Fund Summaries." The chart below identifies which risks apply to each Fund, which may include additional risks to those described in the "Fund Summaries." The risks are described in alphabetical order and not in the order of importance or potential exposure. Each Fund may be subject to additional risks other than those identified below, because the types of investments made by each Fund can change over time. There is no guarantee that a Fund will be able to achieve its investment objective. It is possible to lose money by investing in a Fund.

Risk

  Baillie
Gifford
Developed
EAFE All
Cap Fund
  Baillie
Gifford
EAFE Plus
All Cap
Fund
  Baillie
Gifford
Emerging
Markets
Equities
Fund
  Baillie
Gifford
Global Alpha
Equities
Fund
  Baillie
Gifford
International
Alpha Fund
  Baillie
Gifford
International
Growth Fund
  Baillie
Gifford
Long Term
Global
Growth Fund
 

Asia Risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

China Risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conflicts of Interest Risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Currency Risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Emerging Markets Risk

         

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity Securities Risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Focused Investment Risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frontier Markets Risk

                 

                                 

Geographic Focus Risk

 

 

 

         

 

         

Government and Regulatory Risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Growth Stock Risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Information Technology Risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Style Risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IPO Risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Japan Risk

 

 

         

 

 

         

Large-Capitalization Securities Risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liquidity Risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-Term Investment Strategy Risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Market Risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Diversification Risk

                                                 

 

Non-U.S. Investment Risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service Provider Risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Settlement Risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Small- and Medium-Capitalization
Securities Risk
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Underlying Funds Risk

                 

                                 

Valuation Risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Securities and techniques appearing in bold below but not otherwise defined below, are described in greater detail in the SAI, under the heading "Fund Investments—Investment Glossary."


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Asia Risk

The economies of countries in Asia are in all stages of economic development, and investing in companies located in or with exposure to Asian countries involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers. The economies of many Asian countries, such as Hong Kong, South Korea, and Singapore, are heavily dependent on international trade and on only a few industries or commodities and, as a result, can be adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls and other measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. As export-driven economies, the economies of these countries are affected by developments in the economies and trade policies of their principal trading partners, which may include China, Japan, and the U.S. Many Asian economies are also intertwined, such that the countries may experience recessions at the same time or respond similarly to adverse events. Also, securities of some companies in Asia can be less liquid than U.S. or other foreign securities, potentially making it difficult for a Fund to sell such securities at a desirable time and price.

Furthermore, many Asian economies, such as China, South Korea and India, have experienced rapid growth and industrialization, and there is no assurance that their growth rate will be maintained. Companies in Asia may be subject to risks such as nationalization or other forms of government interference. Some Asian countries have governments with relatively short histories, which may increase the risk of political instability. Flooding, monsoons and other natural disasters also can significantly affect the value of investments.

Additionally, many Asian economies are considered emerging market economies. These countries are often characterized by undeveloped financial service sectors, high inflation, frequent currency fluctuations, devaluations, or restrictions, political and social instability, and less efficient markets. Investments in emerging Asian markets are generally subject to a greater risk of loss than investments in developed Asian markets. For example, investments in securities of issuers located in India involve heightened risks that include, among others, political and legal uncertainty, greater government control over the economy, and greater risk of hyperinflation, currency fluctuations, blockage of currency movements, repatriation of capital invested, and the nationalization or expropriation of assets. Moreover, India has experienced civil unrest and hostilities with neighboring countries, including Pakistan, and has confronted separatist movements, religious clashes, and border disputes. In addition, the availability of financial instruments with exposure to Indian financial markets may be substantially limited by the restrictions on foreign investors. These factors, coupled with the lack of extensive accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices, as compared to in the U.S., may increase the risk of loss.

Investing in issuers located in Asia also exposes a Fund to additional risks, as further described in this section under "China Risk", "Japan Risk", "Emerging Markets Risk", "Frontier Markets Risk", "Non-U.S. Investment Risk", and "Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk" and in the SAI under "Special Risks of Investing in Asian Securities" and "Special Risk Considerations of Investing in China."

China Risk

Special Risk Considerations of Investing in China

Investing in securities of Chinese issuers, including by investing in China A Shares, involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, in part because the Chinese government exercises significant control over the Chinese economy through heavy involvement in economic and regulatory policy. Certain risks and considerations of investing in Chinese issuers include among others, more frequent trading suspensions and government interventions (including by nationalization of assets), currency exchange rate fluctuations or blockages, limits on the use of brokers and on foreign ownership, different financial reporting standards, higher dependence on exports and international trade, restrictions on the size of permissible positions in individual Chinese issuers, potential for increased trade tariffs, sanctions, embargoes and other trade limitations, greater political, economic, social, legal and tax-related uncertainty, high market volatility caused by any potential regional territorial conflicts, social instability, or natural disasters, and custody risks. U.S. sanctions or other investment restrictions could preclude a Fund from investing in certain Chinese issuers or cause a Fund to sell investments at a disadvantageous time. Changes to political and economic relationships, including recent trade disputes and strained international relations, between China and other countries and changes to China's socioeconomic systems may adversely affect the Fund's investments in China. Additionally, portions of the Chinese securities markets may become rapidly and unexpectedly illiquid, as Chinese issuers have the ability to suspend the trading of their equity securities and have exercised that ability in the past in response to market volatility and other events. If the liquidity of investments became impaired, it could make investments more difficult to value, limit a Fund's ability to obtain cash to meet redemptions on a timely basis, hinder a Fund's ability to honor redemption requests within the allowable time period, and force a Fund to sell securities at a reduced price or under unfavorable conditions.

Stock Connect Investing Risk

A Fund may directly invest in A Shares listed and traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange or Shenzhen Stock Exchange through the Stock Connect programs, or on such other stock exchanges in China which participate in the Stock Connect programs from time to time. A Fund's investments in Stock Connect A Shares are generally subject to Chinese securities regulations and listing rules, among other restrictions that may affect a Fund's investments and returns, including daily limits on net purchases across the whole stock connect system and transfer restrictions. In addition, when investing through the Stock Connect programs, a Fund will not have access to the full market of China A Shares. Such investments are also subject to heightened tax and settlement risk and the risk of price fluctuations of A Shares during times when the Stock Connect programs are not trading. The Stock Connect programs are relatively new programs. Further developments are likely and there can be no assurance as to the programs' continued existence or whether future developments regarding the programs may restrict or adversely affect a Fund's investments or returns.


47


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

QFI Investing Risk

The Funds may, in the future, directly access securities of companies listed on exchanges located in China through the Manager's QFI license. Investing in securities of Chinese issuers through the QFI program presents additional risks. Under the QFI program, there are certain regulatory restrictions relating to, among other things, investment scope, repatriation of funds, foreign shareholding limits, and account structure, which could change at any time and adversely affect a Fund's investments. Additionally, there are ongoing uncertainties regarding how recent changes to the QFI program will be implemented.

Cross-Exchange Trading Risk

Trades do not cross between the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges and a separate broker is assigned for each exchange. If a Fund rebalances across both exchanges, the Fund must trade out of stocks listed on one exchange with a broker and trade into stocks on the other exchange with a separate broker. As a result, the Fund may incur additional fees.

Chinese Currency and Repatriation Risk

The Chinese government heavily regulates the domestic exchange of foreign currencies within China. Chinese law requires that all domestic transactions must be settled in RMB, which places significant restrictions on the remittance of foreign currencies and strictly regulates currency exchange from RMB. There is no assurance that there will always be sufficient amounts of RMB for a Fund to remain fully invested. Any restrictions on repatriation of a Fund's portfolio investments may have an adverse effect on a Fund's ability to meet redemption requests or achieve its investment objective.

China A Shares Tax Risk

Investments in A Shares could result in unexpected tax liabilities for a Fund. Chinese law imposes withholding taxes on dividends and interest paid to foreign investors by companies listed in China, as well as capital gains realized by such investors, subject to certain temporary exemptions applicable to capital gains and value-added tax on gains realized from investments in A Shares. Application of these rules, including as a result of revocation of any temporary exemptions, could result in tax liabilities for a Fund, which could negatively affect investment returns for shareholders. Any restrictions on repatriation could limit a Fund's ability to satisfy the distribution requirements applicable to regulated investment companies under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and a Fund may be required to sell other investments (including when it is not advantageous to do so) to meet such distribution requirements. If a Fund were unable to meet such distribution requirements, the Fund would be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the Fund level.

Investing in issuers located in China also exposes a Fund to additional risks, as further described in this section and under "Asia Risk", "Emerging Markets Risk", "Non-U.S. Investment Risk", and "Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk" and in the SAI under "Special Risks of Investing in Asian Securities" and "Special Risk Considerations of Investing in China."

Conflicts of Interest Risk

The following does not purport to be a comprehensive list or complete explanation of all potential conflicts of interest which may affect a Fund. Any Fund may encounter circumstances, or enter into transactions, in which conflicts of interest may arise, which are not listed or discussed below.

Conflicts Relating to the Funds' Mixed Shareholder Base

Due to the distribution strategy adopted by the Manager, each Fund expects that a significant portion of its shares will be held by institutional investors such as private defined benefit retirement plans, city and state retirement systems, endowments, foundations, and other pooled investment vehicles, including other mutual funds. These institutional investors will often have broader shareholder servicing relationships with the Manager and its affiliates than other Fund shareholders and will likely receive information or reporting regarding their accounts that is different from the regular reporting the Fund makes to shareholders as a whole. In some cases, these institutional investors will have separate contractual arrangements with the Manager relating to their investment in the Fund. The Manager and the Fund each maintains a code of ethics as well as various procedures and guidelines designed to promote equal treatment and fairness among Fund shareholders and to prevent the inappropriate flow of material, non-public information. Nevertheless, the Manager's relationships with the Fund's institutional investor base gives rise to various conflicts of interest, since the Manager will sometimes have an incentive to favor those shareholders over other shareholders in the Fund.

Furthermore, one or more of the Manager's clients may invest in the Fund and, therefore, the Manager at times may have discretion to cause a significant portion of the Fund's investor base to redeem its investments in the Fund. Such redemptions may be made to make changes to or rebalance client allocations, including to the Fund, and may impact the Fund's performance. In addition, when a significant portion of the Fund's assets are held by other clients of the Manager, redemptions from the Fund may be more correlated with one another, which could have a negative impact on the Fund's liquidity.

Conflicts Relating to Side-by-Side Management of the Funds and Other Accounts

The Manager serves as investment adviser to various clients other than the Funds, including institutional separate accounts and other U.S. and non-U.S. pooled investment vehicles. Some of these clients may pursue strategies that are substantially similar or nearly identical to investment strategies pursued by a Fund. Other clients may pursue strategies that differ from a Fund's but which involve investments in many of the same securities. This "side-by-side" management gives rise to various potential or actual conflicts of interest. For example, one client may be seeking to invest in (or divest from) the same securities at the same time as a Fund. In addition, the Manager may invest on behalf of other clients in a company's securities issued prior to an IPO. Those client accounts may maintain their holdings, increase their holdings or sell their holdings in connection with the company's IPO. Since the Funds would generally invest only at the time of, or after, an IPO, the Manager could be subject to conflicts in connection with the Funds' later investment in the company. For example, the Manager could have an incentive to


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have the Funds purchase shares at the time of, or after, the IPO if doing so would benefit the Manager's other accounts. While the Manager maintains procedures to mitigate such conflicts, including procedures for the fair allocation of trades among its clients, it may have an incentive to favor some clients over others, particularly where the Manager is acting for a client account whose management fee depends on the performance of the account. No Fund currently pays a performance fee of any kind, while other accounts managed by the Manager do pay performance fees.

In addition, different client types typically have different client service relationships with the Manager. For example, an institutional separate account client whose account pursues the same investment strategy as a Fund may receive different, more, or more timely information regarding investment performance, portfolio holdings, strategy developments and/or the Manager's general market outlook than shareholders in the Fund. This informational advantage could provide an opportunity for a client to take actions that may have a detrimental impact on the Fund and its shareholders. For example, earlier reporting of negative news may cause a client to withdraw its investment with the Manager, causing a sale of portfolio securities that further depresses market prices for those securities and negatively impacts the net asset value of the Fund, in the event it is managed in parallel with that client's account. The Manager maintains various internal guidelines, procedures and processes to mitigate the conflicts of interest that arise from these diverse client relationships. Included among these are trade allocation policies designed to address potential conflicts in situations where two or more funds or accounts participate in investment decisions involving the same securities. While these guidelines, procedures and processes are designed to ensure that all the Manager's clients are treated fairly, there is no guarantee that they will be effective in all cases.

Conflicts Relating to Investment Personnel Holding Positions in External Organizations

Subject to compliance oversight by the Manager, investment personnel may hold board or other non-executive positions in companies outside of Baillie Gifford ("External Organizations"), which could expose those individuals to material non-public information ("MNPI"). Any MNPI known could be imputed to the entire Baillie Gifford organization, including the Manager, which could impact trading across all Baillie Gifford strategies and limit the ability of the Manager to execute trades on behalf of the Funds. In addition to impacting a Fund's ability to trade in the External Organization, the possession of MNPI could also restrict the Manager's ability to trade the securities of public companies in which the External Organization also invests alongside the Fund. While the Manager has implemented compliance measures to mitigate the impact of this risk, there is no guarantee that exposure to MNPI can be completely prevented. Because a Fund might not be able to buy or sell a company's securities during times when the Manager is deemed to be in possession of MNPI, its performance could be negatively impacted. In addition, where a portfolio manager of a Fund holds an External Organization position, he or she may be restricted from participating in deliberations concerning certain investments related to that External Organization.

Currency Risk

If a Fund trades in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, or receives income in or takes a long position in a non-U.S. currency, and that currency declines in value relative to the U.S. dollar, the return to the Fund will be reduced. The Funds may invest without limitation in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold such currencies directly. The Funds do not expect to engage in currency hedging and thus expect to be fully exposed to currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

The values of non-U.S. currencies may fluctuate relative to the U.S. dollar in response to, among other factors, changes in supply and demand in the currency exchange markets, trade balances, actual or perceived interest rate changes, long-term opportunities for investment and capital appreciation, intervention (or failure to intervene) by national governments, central banks, or supranational entities such as the International Monetary Fund, the imposition of currency controls, and other political or regulatory developments. For further information, please see "Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk" below.

If a Fund trades in securities quoted or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, or receives income in or takes a position in a non-U.S. currency, and that currency becomes illiquid, the Fund may not be able to convert that non-U.S. currency into U.S. dollars. As a result, the Manager may decide to purchase U.S. dollars in a parallel market in which the exchange rate is materially and adversely different. This will add to the cost of trading. For further information, please see "Liquidity Risk" below.

Exchange rates for many currencies (e.g., some emerging country currencies) are particularly affected by exchange control regulations.

Emerging Markets Risk

Investments in emerging markets are generally subject to a greater risk of loss than investments in developed markets.

Emerging market economies may experience greater volatility, lower trading volume and liquidity, greater risk of expropriation, nationalization, and social, political and economic instability than more established markets. Emerging markets economies may also have less developed accounting, legal and regulatory systems, higher levels of inflation, deflation or currency devaluation, greater risk of market shut down, and more significant governmental limitations on investment policy when compared with typical developed markets. For example, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, which regulates auditors of U.S. public companies, is unable to inspect audit work papers in certain foreign countries. Investors in foreign countries often have limited rights and few practical remedies to pursue shareholder claims, including class actions or fraud claims, and the ability of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), the U.S. Department of Justice and other authorities to bring and enforce actions against foreign issuers or foreign persons is limited.

Settlement and asset custody practices for transactions in emerging markets may differ from those in developed markets. Such differences may include delays in settlement and certain settlement practices, such as delivery of securities prior to receipt


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of payment, which increase the likelihood of a "failed settlement." Failed settlements can result in losses. Similarly, the reliability of trading and settlement systems in some emerging markets may not be equal to that available in more developed markets, which may result in problems realizing investments. See "Non-U.S. Investment Risk" below.

In addition, issuers (including governments) in emerging market countries may have less financial stability than in other countries. There is also the potential for unfavorable action such as expropriation, nationalization, embargo, and acts of war. As a result, there will tend to be an increased risk of price volatility in investments in emerging market countries, which may be magnified by currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.

The securities of emerging market companies may trade less frequently and in smaller volumes than more widely held securities. They may also be reliant on a few industries, international trade or revenue from particular commodities. The existence of overburdened infrastructure and obsolete financial systems also present risks in certain countries, as do environmental problems.

Market disruptions or substantial market corrections may limit very significantly the liquidity of securities of certain companies in a particular country or geographic region, or of all companies in the country or region. A Fund may be unable to liquidate its positions in such securities at any time, or at a favorable price, in order to meet such Fund's obligations. For example, restrictive investment quotas, controls and other dealing limitations may apply.

For these and other reasons, investments in emerging markets are often considered speculative. To the extent any Fund invests in emerging markets, it will be subject to all of the general risks described in this Prospectus as well as special risks (some of which are described in the SAI) that may affect the region where such Fund invests. See also "Frontier Markets Risk" below.

Equity Securities Risk

Equity securities represent an ownership interest, or the right to acquire an ownership interest, in an issuer. In addition to common stocks, equity securities include, without limitation, preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. Different types of equity securities provide different voting and dividend rights and priority in the event of a bankruptcy and/or insolvency of the issuer. The Funds may invest in, and gain exposure to, common stocks and other equity securities through purchasing depositary receipts as described under "Depositary Receipts" below.

Equity securities may experience significant price volatility, and the market prices of equity securities can decline in a rapid or unpredictable manner.

The value of a company's equity securities may fall as a result of factors directly relating to that company, such as decisions or actions taken by its management or employees, which could include fraud or a criminal act, or lower demand for the company's products or services. The value of an equity security may also fall because of factors affecting not just the company, but also companies in the same industry or in a number of different industries, such as increases in production costs.

The value of a company's equity securities may also be affected by changes in financial markets that are relatively unrelated to the company or its industry, such as changes in interest rates or currency exchange rates or adverse circumstances involving the credit markets. In addition, because a company's equity securities rank junior in priority to the interests of bond holders and other creditors, a company's equity securities will usually react more strongly than its bonds and other debt to actual or perceived changes in the company's financial condition or prospects. The market prices of equity securities trading at high multiples of current earnings often are more sensitive to changes in future earnings expectations than the market prices of equity securities trading at lower multiples.

The Funds may invest in the equity securities of issuers with smaller to medium-sized market capitalizations. See "Small- and Medium-Capitalization Securities Risk" below.

Depositary Receipts

The Funds may invest in depositary receipts, including American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs"). ADRs are dollar-denominated receipts issued generally by domestic banks and representing the deposit with the bank of a security of a non-U.S. issuer, and are publicly traded on exchanges or over-the-counter in the United States. EDRs are receipts similar to ADRs and are issued and traded in Europe. GDRs may be offered privately in the United States and also traded in public or private markets in other countries. Investments in non-U.S. issuers through ADRs, GDRs, EDRs, and other types of depositary receipts generally involve risks applicable to other types of investments in non-U.S. issuers, including political, regulatory, and economic risks. Investments in depositary receipts may similarly be less liquid and more volatile than the underlying securities in their primary trading market.

The values of depositary receipts may decline for a number of reasons relating to the issuers or sponsors of the depositary receipts, including, but not limited to, insolvency of the issuer or sponsor. Investing in these instruments exposes a Fund to credit and counterparty risk with respect to the issuer of the ADR, EDR or GDR, in addition to the risks of the underlying investment. There may be less publicly available information regarding the issuer of the securities underlying a depositary receipt than if those securities were traded directly in U.S. securities markets. If a depositary receipt is denominated in a different currency than its underlying securities, the Fund will be subject to the currency risk of both the investment in the depositary receipt and the underlying security. Holders of depositary receipts may also have limited or no rights to take action with respect to the underlying securities or to compel the issuer of the receipts to take action.

Depositary receipts may be sponsored or unsponsored. Although the two types of depositary receipt facilities are similar, there are differences regarding a holder's rights and obligations and the practices of market participants. With sponsored facilities, the underlying issuer typically bears some of the costs of the depositary receipts (such as dividend payment fees of the depositary), although most sponsored depositary receipt holders may bear costs such as deposit and redemption fees. Depositaries of most sponsored depositary receipts agree to distribute notices of shareholder meetings, voting instructions,


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and other shareholder communications and financial information to the depositary receipt holders at the underlying issuer's request. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all the costs of the facility. The depositary usually charges fees upon the deposit and redemption of the underlying securities, the conversion of dividends into U.S. dollars or other currency, the disposition of non-cash distributions, and the performance of other services. The depositary of an unsponsored facility frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the underlying issuer or to pass through voting rights with respect to the underlying securities to depositary receipt holders.

Convertible Securities

Convertible securities are generally bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks, synthetic convertible securities and other securities or investments that may be converted or exchanged (by the holder or issuer) into equity securities of the issuer (or cash or securities of equivalent value). A convertible security may be called for redemption or conversion by the issuer after a particular date and under certain circumstances (including a specified price) established upon issue. If a convertible security held by a Fund is called for redemption or conversion, the Fund could be required to tender it for redemption, convert it into the underlying common stock or sell it to a third party. A convertible security will normally also provide income and is subject to interest rate risk.

Convertible securities typically provide yields lower than comparable non-convertible securities. Their values may be more volatile than those of non-convertible securities, reflecting changes in the values of the securities into which they are convertible. Convertible securities may also be subordinate to other debt securities issued by the same issuer. Issuers of convertible securities are often not as strong financially as issuers with higher credit ratings.

Participatory Notes

From time to time, a Fund may use participatory notes ("P-Notes") to gain exposure to securities in certain foreign markets. P-Notes are a type of derivative that generally are traded over-the-counter and constitute general unsecured contractual obligations of the banks or broker-dealers that issue them. Generally, banks and broker-dealers associated with non-U.S. based brokerage firms buy securities listed on certain foreign exchanges and then issue P-Notes which are designed to replicate the performance of the securities and markets. The performance results of P-Notes will not replicate exactly the performance of the securities or markets that the notes seek to replicate due to transaction costs and other expenses. The return on a P-Note that is linked to a particular underlying security generally is increased to the extent of any dividends paid in connection with the underlying security. However, the holder of a P-Note typically does not receive voting or other rights as it would if it directly owned the underlying security, and P-Notes present similar risks to investing directly in the underlying security. Additionally, P-Notes entail the risk that the counterparty or issuer of the P-Note may not be able to fulfill its obligations, that the holder and counterparty or issuer may disagree as to the meaning or application of contractual terms, or that the instrument may not perform as expected. Additionally, while P-Notes may be listed on an exchange, there is no

guarantee that a liquid market will exist or that the counterparty or issuer of a P-Note will be willing to repurchase such instrument when a Fund wishes to sell it. For further information about some of the risks, please see "Emerging Markets Risk," "Liquidity Risk," "Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk," and "Non-U.S. Investment Risk" in this section.

Preferred Securities

Preferred stocks (or "preferred securities") represent equity interests in a company that generally entitles the holder to receive, in preference for the holders of other stocks such as common stocks, dividends and a fixed share of the proceeds resulting from a liquidation of the company. Preferred securities may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return and are subject to issuer-specific risks.

Dividends for preferred securities are typically paid after payments to debt and bond holders. Unlike debt securities, dividend payments on a preferred security typically must be declared by the issuer's board of directors. An issuer's board of directors is generally under no obligation to pay dividends. A preferred security may therefore lose substantial value if the board of directors of the issuer decides not to pay dividends. Further, because many preferred securities pay dividends at a fixed rate, their market price can be sensitive to changes in interest rates. If a Fund owns a preferred stock that is deferring its distribution, it may also be required to recognize income for tax purposes despite the fact that it is not receiving current distributions with respect to this position.

Preferred security holders commonly have no or limited voting rights with respect to the issuing company, which will limit the ability of the Fund to influence the issuer.

Many preferred securities allow holders to convert the preferred securities into common stock of the issuer. Consequently, their market price can be sensitive to changes in the value of the issuer's common stock. Declining common stock values may also cause the value of the Fund's investments to decline.

Preferred securities often have call features which allow the issuer to redeem the security at its discretion. The redemption of a preferred security having a higher than average yield may cause a decrease in the Fund's yield.

Preferred stocks may trade less frequently and in a more limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than many other securities, such as common stocks, corporate debt securities, and U.S. government securities.

Focused Investment Risk

Funds whose investments are focused in related, or a limited number of, countries, regions, sectors, companies or industries (e.g., different industries within broad sectors, such as technology or financial services), or in securities from issuers with high positive correlations to one another, are subject to greater overall risk than funds whose investments are more diversified.

A Fund that invests in the securities of a limited number of issuers is particularly exposed to adverse developments affecting those issuers. In such cases, a decline in the market price of a particular security held by the Fund is likely to affect the Fund's


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performance more than if the Fund invested in the securities of a larger number of issuers.

To the extent that a Fund focuses its investments in securities denominated in a particular foreign currency or in investments tied economically to (or related to) a narrowly defined geographic area, it will be subject to increased risks, when compared with more diversified funds. The political and economic prospects of one country or group of countries within the same geographic region may affect other countries in that region. Similarly, a recession, debt crisis or decline in currency valuation in one country can spread to other countries. Furthermore, companies in a particular geographic region or country may be sensitive to the same events, such as weather, natural disasters, public health crises, or events affecting other companies in that region or country because of common characteristics, risk exposures and regulatory burdens. Issuers in the same area may also react similarly to specific economic, market, political or other developments. See also "Non-U.S. Investment Risk" below.

A Fund that focuses its investments in a certain type of issuer will be particularly vulnerable to events affecting such type of issuer. Also, certain Funds may have greater risk to the extent they invest a substantial portion of their assets in a group of related industries (or "sectors"). The industries comprising any particular sector and investments in a particular foreign currency or in a narrowly defined geographic area outside the United States may share common characteristics, are often subject to similar business risks and regulatory burdens, and react similarly to economic, market, political or other developments.

Furthermore, certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impacts of climate change on the demand for and the development of goods and services and related production costs, and the impacts of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, as well as any indirect consequences of regulation or business trends driven by climate change.

Frontier Markets Risk

Frontier markets are those emerging markets that are considered to be among the smallest, least mature and least liquid and, as a result, may be more volatile and less liquid than investments in more developed markets or in other emerging market countries. Some of these markets may have unstable governments, economies based on only a few industries and securities markets that trade only a limited number of securities. Many frontier markets do not have well-developed regulatory systems and disclosure standards may be less stringent than those of more developed markets. The risks of expropriation, nationalization, and social, political, and economic instability are greater in frontier markets than in more developed markets. These risks, which are characteristic of many emerging markets generally, may be especially heightened in frontier markets, due to political, economic, financial, or other factors.

Geographic Focus Risk

A Fund that focuses its investments in a limited number of countries or geographic regions will not offer the same level of diversification of risks as a more broadly global fund because it will be exposed to a smaller geographic area. The performance of a Fund that is less diversified across countries or geographic

regions will be closely tied to market, currency, economic, political, environmental, or regulatory conditions and developments in the countries or regions in which the Fund invests, and may be more volatile than the performance of a more geographically-diversified portfolio.

Government and Regulatory Risk

Governmental and regulatory authorities in the United States and other countries, have taken, and may in the future take, actions intervening in the markets in which a Fund invests and in the economy more generally. Governmental and regulatory authorities may also act to increase the scope or burden of regulations applicable to a Fund or to the companies in which a Fund invests. The effects of these actions on the markets generally, and a Fund's investment program in particular, can be uncertain and could restrict the ability of a Fund to fully implement its investment strategies, either generally, or with respect to certain securities, industries, or countries. For example, sanctions or other investment restrictions imposed by governments could preclude a Fund from investing in certain issuers or cause a Fund to sell investments at a disadvantageous time; new regulations on social media companies or new anti-trust regulations could adversely affect the value of certain growth stocks held by a Fund; and new regulations promulgated by securities regulators could increase the costs of investing in a Fund by increasing expenses borne by the Fund in order to comply with such regulations.

By contrast, markets in some non-U.S. countries historically have been subject to little regulation or oversight by governmental or regulatory authorities, which could heighten the risk of loss due to fraud or market failures in those countries. For example, a foreign government's decision not to subject companies to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices, and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S.-based companies could increase the risk that accounting fraud goes undetected. The lack of government-enforced oversight may result in investors having limited rights and few practical remedies to pursue shareholder claims.

Furthermore, governments, agencies, or other regulatory bodies may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect a Fund or the market value of an instrument held by a Fund. The Manager cannot predict the effects of any new laws or regulation that may be implemented, and there can be no assurance that any new laws or regulations will not adversely affect a Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective. For example, financial entities, such as investment companies and investment advisers, are generally subject to extensive government regulation which may change frequently and have significant adverse consequences on a Fund. Similarly, investments in certain industries, sectors, or countries may also be subject to extensive regulation. Economic downturns and political changes can trigger economic, legal, budgetary, tax, and other regulatory changes. Regulatory changes may impact the way a Fund is regulated or the way a Fund's investments are regulated, affect the expenses incurred directly by a Fund and the value of its investments, and limit and/or preclude a Fund's ability to pursue its investment strategy or achieve its investment objective.


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Growth Stock Risk

The prices of growth stocks may be based largely on expectations of future earnings, and can decline rapidly and significantly in reaction to negative news about various factors, such as earnings, revenues, the economy, political developments, or other news. Growth stocks may underperform stocks in other broad style categories (and the stock market as a whole) over any period of time. Growth stocks may shift in and out of favor with investors generally, sometimes rapidly, depending on changes in market, economic, and other factors. As a result, at times when it holds investments in growth stocks, the Fund may underperform other investment funds that favor different investment styles. Because growth companies typically reinvest their earnings, growth stocks typically do not pay dividends at levels associated with other types of stocks, if at all.

Information Technology Risk

The Funds, their service providers, and other market participants increasingly depend on complex information technology and communications systems. These systems are subject to a number of different threats or risks that could adversely affect the Funds and their shareholders, despite the efforts of the Funds and their service providers to adopt technologies, processes, and practices intended to mitigate these risks.

Unauthorized third parties may attempt to improperly access, modify, disrupt the operations of, or prevent access to these systems of the Funds, the Funds' service providers, counterparties, or other market participants or data within those systems (each, a "cyber-attack"). Successful cyber-attacks against, or security breakdowns of, a Fund, the Manager, or a custodian, transfer agent, or other affiliated or third-party service provider may adversely affect the Funds or their shareholders. In general, cyber-attacks are deliberate, but unintentional events may have similar effects. Power or communications outages, acts of god, information technology equipment malfunctions, operational errors, and inaccuracies within software or data processing systems may also disrupt business operations or impact critical data.

Cyber-attacks, and other technical issues may interfere with the processing of shareholder or other transactions, affect a Fund's ability to calculate its net asset value, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential Fund information, impede trading, cause reputational damage, and subject a Fund to regulatory fines, penalties or financial losses, reimbursement or other compensation costs, and additional compliance costs. They may render records of Fund assets and transactions, shareholder ownership of Fund shares, and other data integral to the functioning of the Fund inaccessible or inaccurate or incomplete. There is also a risk that cyber-attacks may not be detected.

Market events may also occur at a pace that overloads current information technology and communication systems and processes of the Funds, the Funds' service providers, or other market participants, affecting their ability to conduct the Funds' operations.

Similar types of information technology risks are present for issuers of securities or other instruments in which the Funds invest, which could result in material adverse consequences for

such issuers, and may cause the Funds' investments to lose value.

The Funds and their service providers have established business continuity and other plans and processes to address the possibility of cyber-attacks, disruptions, or failures. However, there are inherent limitations in such plans and processes, including that they do not apply to third parties, the possibility that risks may not have been identified or new risks may emerge in the future. The Funds also cannot directly control any information security plans and systems put in place by their service providers, counterparties, issuers in which the Funds invest, or securities markets and exchanges. In addition, such third-parties may have limited indemnification obligations to the Manager or the Funds.

Investment Style Risk

The Manager actively makes investment decisions for the Funds through bottom-up stock selection. Accordingly, each Fund will have risk characteristics that differ from its benchmark index. The Manager's judgments about the attractiveness, relative value, or potential appreciation of a particular stock may prove to be incorrect and cause the Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index. There can be no assurance that the Manager's investment decisions will produce the desired results. There can also be no assurances that the Manager is able to identify a sufficient number of potential investments to meet a Fund's investment strategy. This risk is heightened for Funds with more focused investment strategies that rely on identifying a small number of companies the Manager believes present truly outstanding investment opportunities.

IPO Risk

Each Fund may purchase securities in IPOs. These securities are subject to many of the same risks of investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile. At any particular time or from time to time a Fund may not be able to invest in securities issued in IPOs, or invest to the extent desired because, for example, only a small portion (if any) of the securities being offered in an IPO may be made available to such Fund. In addition, under certain market conditions a relatively small number of companies may issue securities in IPOs. Similarly, as the number of funds to which IPO securities are allocated increases, the number of securities issued to any one fund, if any, may decrease. The investment performance of a Fund during periods when it is unable to invest significantly or at all in IPOs may be lower than during periods when the Fund is able to do so. In addition, as a Fund increases in size, the impact of IPOs on the Fund's performance will generally decrease.

Japan Risk

Investing in Japan may involve greater geopolitical, economic, and environmental risk than investing in the United States or other developed economies. For example, despite Japan's recent economic growth and emerging economic relationships with neighboring Southeast Asian countries, the growth of the Japanese economy has been behind that of other major developed economies. Part of the reason for this is that Japan,


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like many Asian countries, is still heavily dependent upon international trade, such as oil imports, and thus susceptible to the adverse effects of trade barriers, exchange controls, and other measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. One trading partner in particular is China, whose political relationship with Japan has, at times, been stressed. Such rising political tensions could adversely affect the Japanese economy and destabilize the region.

The value of Japan's currency, the yen, has been susceptible to fluctuations. Increases in its value may cause a decline in exports that could weaken the Japanese economy. Japan has in the past, countered drastic shifts in its currency by intervening in the currency markets in an attempt to maintain or reduce the value of the yen. This intervention in the currency markets could cause the value of the yen to swing sharply and unpredictably and could cause losses to investors.

Japan has an aging population and a significant population decline, which has resulted in a shrinking workforce. Its labor market appears to be undergoing fundamental structural changes, as it has shifted from a labor market familiar with lifetime employment to a market adjusted to meet the need for increased labor mobility. This change in the labor market may adversely affect Japan's economic competitiveness. Furthermore, natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanoes, typhoons, and tsunamis have and may continue to pose negative effects on the Japanese economy.

Investing in issuers located in Japan also exposes a Fund to additional risks, as further described in this section under "Asia Risk", "Non-U.S. Investment Risk", and "Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk" and in the SAI under "Special Risks of Investing in Asian Securities."

Large-Capitalization Securities Risk

Securities issued by large-capitalization companies may present risks not present in smaller companies. For example, larger companies may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller and mid-sized companies to competitive challenges or to changes in business, product, financial, or other market conditions. Larger companies may not be able to maintain growth at the high rates that may be achieved by smaller companies, especially during strong economic periods. Returns on investments in securities of large companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of smaller and mid-sized companies.

Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that a Fund may not be able to dispose of securities or close out derivatives transactions readily at a favorable time or prices (or at all) or at prices approximating those at which the Fund currently values them. For example, certain investments may be subject to restrictions on resale, may trade in the over-the-counter market or in limited volume, or may not have an active trading market. Such investments may also be particularly susceptible to valuation risk. See "Valuation Risk" below.

Liquidity risk may be magnified during periods of changing interest rates, significant shareholder redemptions or market turmoil.

The Funds are all subject to the risk that low trading volume, lack of a market maker, large positions in securities of particular issuers, or legal restrictions (including daily price fluctuation limits or 'circuit breakers') could make any investment illiquid. The market for certain investments may also become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer. For example, securities issued by the U.S. Treasury have exhibited periods of greatly reduced liquidity when disruptions in fixed income markets have occurred, such as the events surrounding the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers in 2008.

An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect a Fund's value or prevent the Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. In addition, it may be difficult for a Fund to value illiquid securities accurately. Securities of issuers in emerging markets and frontier markets may be particularly susceptible to this risk. See "Emerging Markets Risk" and "Frontier Markets Risk" above.

Illiquid securities may also trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. Illiquid securities are more susceptible than other securities to price declines when market prices decline generally.

Furthermore, disposal of illiquid securities may entail registration expenses and other transaction costs that are higher than those for liquid securities. For example, a Fund may hold restricted securities and there can be no assurance that a trading market will exist at any time for any particular restricted security. Limitations on the resale of these securities may have an adverse effect on their marketability, and may prevent a Fund from disposing of them promptly at reasonable prices. A Fund may have to bear the expense of registering the securities for resale and the risk of substantial delays in effecting the registration.

If a Fund holds illiquid securities it may be forced to sell other securities or instruments that are more liquid, but at an unfavorable price, time and conditions, in order to meet redemption requests. A Fund may seek to borrow money to meet its obligations (including among other things redemption obligations) if it is unable to dispose of illiquid investments, resulting in borrowing expenses and possible leveraging of a Fund. In some cases, due to unanticipated levels of illiquidity a Fund may choose to meet its redemption obligations wholly or in part by distributions of assets in-kind.

Mutual funds with principal investment strategies that involve securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations, non-U.S. securities, Rule 144A securities, derivatives or securities with substantial market or credit risk tend to have the greatest exposure to liquidity risk.

Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act requires each Fund to adopt a liquidity risk management program to assess and manage its liquidity risk. Under its program, a Fund is required to classify its investments into specific liquidity categories and monitor compliance with limits on investments in illiquid securities. While the liquidity risk management program attempts to assess and manage liquidity risk, there is no guarantee it will be effective in its operations and it may not reduce the liquidity risk inherent in a Fund's investments.


54


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Long-Term Investment Strategy Risk

The Funds pursue a long-term investment approach, typically seeking returns over a period of several years, which can comprise a full market cycle or more. This investment style may cause a Fund to lose money or underperform compared to its benchmark index or other mutual funds over extended periods of time, and a Fund may not perform as expected in the long term. The market price of the Funds' investments may fluctuate daily due to economic and other events that affect particular companies and other issuers or the market as a whole. Short- and medium-term price fluctuations may be especially pronounced in less developed markets or in companies with lower market capitalizations in which the Funds may invest.

Investments in certain industries or markets may be subject to wider variations in performance as a result of special risks common to such markets or industries. For example, information technology companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may be affected by worldwide technological developments and their products and services may quickly become outdated. Similarly, emerging market economies may experience lower trading volume and liquidity, greater risk of expropriation, nationalization, and social, political and economic instability than more developed markets, which may result in greater volatility and significant short- or medium-term price fluctuations.

An investment in the Funds may be more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the risk of short- or medium-term fluctuations in the value of a Fund's portfolio, including short- or medium-term losses.

Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk

Geopolitical, environmental and other events may disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global economies and markets. These disruptions could prevent the Funds from implementing their investment strategies and achieving their investment objectives, and increase the Funds' exposure to the other risks detailed in this Prospectus. Given the increasing interdependence among global economies and markets, conditions in one country, market, or region might adversely affect markets, issuers, and/or foreign exchange rates in other countries, including the U.S. War, terrorism, public health crises, and geopolitical events, such as sanctions, tariffs, trade disputes, the imposition of exchange controls or other cross-border trade barriers, have led, and in the future may lead, to increased short-term market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on U.S. and world economies and markets generally. Terrorism in the U.S. and around the world has had a similar global impact and has increased geopolitical risk.

Natural and environmental disasters, such as earthquakes and tsunamis, can be highly disruptive to economies and markets, adversely impacting individual companies and industries, securities markets, interest rates, credit ratings, inflation, investor sentiment, and other factors affecting the value of the Funds' investments. Similarly dramatic disruptions can be caused by communicable diseases, epidemics, pandemics, plagues and other public health crises.

Communicable diseases, including those that result in pandemics or epidemics, may pose significant threats to human health, and such diseases, along with any efforts to contain their spread, may

be highly disruptive to both global and local economies and markets, with significant negative impact on individual issuers, sectors, industries, and asset classes. Significant public health crises, including those triggered by the transmission of a communicable disease and efforts to contain it may result in, among other things, border closings and other significant travel restrictions and disruptions, significant disruptions to business operations, supply chains and customer activity, lower consumer demand for goods and services, event cancellations and restrictions, service cancellations, reductions and other changes, significant challenges in healthcare service preparation and delivery, and prolonged quarantines, as well as general concern and uncertainty. All of these disruptive effects were present, for example, in the global pandemic linked to the outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus designated as COVID-19 that was first reported in China in December 2019. The effects of any disease outbreak may be greater in countries with less developed disease prevention and control programs and may also exacerbate other pre-existing political, social, economic, market and financial risks. A pandemic and its effects may be short term or may last for an extended period of time, and in either case can result in significant market volatility, exchange trading suspensions and closures, declines in global financial markets, higher default rates, and a substantial economic downturn or recession. The foregoing could impair a Fund's ability to maintain operational standards (such as with respect to satisfying redemption requests), disrupt the operations of a Fund's service providers, adversely affect the value and liquidity of a Fund's investments, and negatively impact a Fund's performance, and overall prevent a Fund from implementing its investment strategies and achieving its investment objective.

Certain locations and industries may be particularly susceptible to this risk, and other risks may be heightened by such events. See, for example, China Risk, Emerging Markets Risk, Frontier Markets Risk, Information Technology Risk, Japan Risk, Liquidity Risk, Service Provider Risk, and Valuation Risk.

Securities and financial markets may be susceptible to market manipulation or other fraudulent trade practices, which could disrupt the orderly functioning of these markets or adversely affect the values of investments traded in these markets, including investments held by the Funds.

Market disruptions, including sudden government interventions (e.g., currency controls), can also prevent the Funds from implementing their investment strategies efficiently and achieving their investment objectives. For example, a market disruption may adversely affect the orderly functioning of the securities markets and may cause the Funds' derivatives counterparties to discontinue offering derivatives on some underlying securities, reference rates, or indices, or to offer them on a more limited basis.

While the U.S. government has honored its credit obligations continuously for more than 200 years, it remains possible that the U.S. could default on its obligations. While it is impossible to predict the consequences of such an unprecedented event, it is likely that a default by the U.S. would be highly disruptive to the U.S. and global securities markets and could significantly impair the value of the Funds' investments. Similarly, political events within the U.S. can result in the shutdown of government services, which could negatively affect the U.S. economy,


55


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

decrease the value of many Fund investments, and increase uncertainty in or impair the operation of the U.S. or other securities markets.

Uncertainties regarding the viability of the European Union have disrupted and may continue to disrupt markets in the U.S. and around the world. If one or more countries leave the European Union or the European Union dissolves, the world's securities markets would likely be significantly disrupted and the Manager's business may be adversely affected. In June 2016, the United Kingdom held a referendum in which voters approved an exit from the European Union, commonly referred to as "Brexit." The United Kingdom formally left the European Union on January 31, 2020. There is still a significant degree of uncertainty about the potential consequences of Brexit. Brexit may cause increased volatility and have a significant adverse impact on world financial markets, other international trade agreements, and the United Kingdom and European Union economies, as well as the broader global economy for some time. The consequences of the United Kingdom's or another country's exit from the European Union and/or Eurozone also could threaten the stability of the euro for remaining countries and could negatively affect the financial markets of other countries in the European region and beyond.

Because of the fast-moving nature of current U.S.-China trade disputes, there is a heightened risk that events occurring after the close of Chinese markets may have a material impact on the value of Chinese securities held by a Fund. The likelihood of such an occurrence and impact of such events may be difficult to assess before a Fund's Pricing Point (as defined below) on the same day, which may impact the accuracy of the NAV per share calculated by a Fund on a given day. The Funds maintain policies and procedures intended to mitigate this risk.

Market Risk

Market risk is the risk of unfavorable market-induced changes in the value of securities owned by a Fund.

Market prices of investments held by the Funds are volatile and will go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. The prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors including, but not limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest or currency rates, changes in actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers, adverse investor sentiment generally, market liquidity, real or perceived adverse market conditions and the risks inherent in investment in securities markets.

The total return of a Fund may consequently fluctuate within a wide range, so you could lose money over short or even long periods. Even if economic conditions do not change, the value of an investment in a Fund could decline if the particular industries, sectors or companies in which a Fund invests do not perform well or are adversely affected by events. Further, legal, political, regulatory and tax changes also may cause fluctuations in markets and securities prices.

Non-Diversification Risk

Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund is classified as a "non-diversified" fund. A non-diversified fund may hold a smaller number of portfolio securities, with larger positions in each security it holds, than many other mutual funds. To the extent a

Fund invests in a relatively small number of issuers, a decline in the market value of a particular security held by the Fund may affect its value more than if it invested in a larger number of issuers. The value of such Fund's shares may be more volatile than the values of shares of more diversified funds. See also "Focused Investment Risk."

Non-U.S. Investment Risk

Investing in non-U.S. securities (i.e., those which are not primarily traded on a United States securities exchange) involves additional and more varied risks than those typically resulting from investing in U.S. markets. Similar risks may apply to securities traded on a U.S. securities exchange that are issued by companies with significant exposure to non-U.S. countries.

The laws of some foreign countries may limit a Fund's ability to invest in securities of certain issuers located in those countries.

The securities of some foreign governments, companies, and securities markets are less liquid, and at times more volatile, than comparable U.S. securities and securities markets. For example, the securities markets of many non-U.S. countries include securities of only a limited number of companies in a limited number of industries. As a result, the market prices of many of those securities fluctuate more than those of U.S. securities.

In addition, there may be a possibility of nationalization or expropriation of assets, imposition of currency exchange controls, confiscatory taxation, and diplomatic developments that could adversely affect the values of the Fund's investments in certain non-U.S. countries. There may be a greater risk of economic turmoil as a result of political events (civil unrest, national elections, changes in political conditions and foreign relations, imposition of exchange controls and repatriation restrictions), social and economic events (labor strikes, rising inflation) and natural disasters, causing the Fund's investments in that country to experience gains or losses. The securities of some non-U.S. entities could also become subject to sanctions or embargoes that adversely affect the Fund's investment.

Issuers of non-U.S. securities are subject to different, and often less comprehensive, accounting, reporting, custody, auditing and disclosure requirements than domestic issuers. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. entity than about a U.S. entity. Moreover, in certain non-U.S. countries, legal remedies available to investors may be more limited than those available with regard to U.S. investments. It may be difficult to obtain and enforce judgments against non-U.S. entities. In addition, some jurisdictions may limit a Fund's ability to profit from short-term trading (as defined in the relevant jurisdiction).

Non-U.S. transaction costs, such as brokerage commissions and custody costs may be higher than in the U.S. In some non-U.S. markets, custody arrangements for securities provide significantly less protection than custody arrangements in U.S. markets. Prevailing custody and trade settlement practices (e.g., the requirement to pay for securities prior to receipt) could similarly expose a Fund to credit and other risks it does not have in the U.S. with respect to participating brokers, custodians, clearing banks or other clearing agents, escrow agents, and issuers.

Non-U.S. securities are normally denominated and traded in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Consequently, the value of


56


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

the Fund's assets may be affected favorably or unfavorably by currency exchange rates, exchange control regulations, and restrictions or prohibitions on the repatriation of non-U.S. currencies. See "Currency Risk" above.

Non-U.S. countries may also have additional requirements with respect to the ownership of securities. For example, many non-U.S. countries have additional reporting requirements that may be subject to interpretation or change without prior notice to investors. While the Funds make reasonable efforts to stay informed of foreign reporting requirements relating to the Funds' foreign portfolio securities, no assurance can be given that the Funds will satisfy applicable foreign reporting requirements at all times. There are also special tax considerations which apply to securities of non-U.S. issuers and securities principally traded overseas. Income and gains with respect to investments in certain countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes. See "Tax" below and the SAI for further details.

Additionally, U.S. investors are required to maintain a license to invest directly in many non-U.S. markets. These licenses are often subject to limitations, including maximum investment amounts. Once a license is obtained, a Fund's ability to continue to invest directly is subject to the risk that the license will be terminated or suspended. If a license is terminated or suspended, to obtain exposure to the market, the Fund may be required to purchase ADRs, GDRs, shares of other funds that are licensed to invest directly, or derivative instruments. The receipt of a foreign license by one of the Manager's clients may preclude other clients, including a Fund, from obtaining a similar license, and this could limit the Fund's investment opportunities. In addition, the activities of another of the Manager's clients could cause the suspension or revocation of a license and thereby limit the Funds' investment opportunities.

Service Provider Risk

Each Fund is subject to the risk that the Manager will apply techniques and analyses to the Funds' investment practices that are not as successful as the techniques and analyses used by other investment advisers. There is no guarantee that the Manager will be able to enhance the returns of the Funds or preserve the Funds' assets. The Manager also may fail to use derivatives effectively, including by choosing to hedge or not to hedge positions at disadvantageous times. The Manager's judgments about the attractiveness, relative value, or potential appreciation of a particular sector, security, commodity or investment strategy or as to a hedging or allocation strategy may prove to be incorrect, and may cause the Funds to incur losses.

There can be no assurance that key personnel of the Manager will continue to be employed by the Manager. The loss of their services could have an adverse impact on the Manager's ability to achieve the Funds' investment objectives. A change in laws or regulations due to political or economic events, such as Brexit, may impact the Manager's ability to retain its portfolio managers and other key personnel. For additional information on Brexit see "Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk" above.

The Funds are also subject to the risk of loss as a result of other services provided by the Manager and other service providers, including pricing, administrative, accounting, tax, legal, custody, transfer agency, and other services. The Funds currently utilize entities affiliated with the Bank of New York Mellon to serve as

transfer agent, administrator, custodian and fund accounting agent to the Funds. This arrangement could magnify losses resulting from a systems failure affecting the Bank of New York Mellon. Loss may be caused by inadequate procedures and controls, human error, system failures, negligence, misfeasance or fraud by a service provider or insolvency of a service provider. For example, trading delays or errors (both human and systematic) could prevent a Fund from benefiting from potential investment gains or avoiding losses on the security.

Settlement Risk

Markets in different countries have different clearance and settlement procedures. Certain markets may from time to time be unable to keep pace with the volume of transactions.

Delays in settlement may increase credit risk to the Funds or limit the ability of the Funds to reinvest the proceeds of a sale of securities. Delays in settlement may also subject the Funds to penalties for their failure to deliver to on-purchasers of securities whose delivery to the Fund was delayed.

Delays in the settlement of securities purchased by a Fund may also limit the ability of such Fund to sell those securities at times and prices it considers desirable, and may subject such Fund to losses and costs due to its own inability to settle with subsequent purchasers of the securities from it. A Fund may be required to borrow monies it had otherwise expected to receive in connection with the settlement of securities it has sold, in order to meet its obligations to others.

Limits on the ability of the Funds to purchase or sell securities due to settlement delays could increase any variance between the Funds' performance and that of their benchmark indices.

Small- and Medium-Capitalization Securities Risk

The securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies may be more volatile and may involve more risk than the securities of larger companies. These companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, may lack the competitive strength of larger companies, and may depend on a few key employees. In addition, these companies may have been recently organized and may have little or no track record of success. Similarly, the securities of small- and medium-sized companies may trade less frequently and in smaller volumes than securities of larger companies. The prices of these securities may consequently fluctuate more sharply than those of other securities, and the Funds may experience difficulty in establishing or closing out positions in these securities at prevailing market prices. Moreover, there may be less publicly available information about the issuers of these securities or less market interest in these securities than in the case of larger companies, both of which can cause significant price volatility.

Some securities of small- and medium-sized issuers may also be illiquid or may be restricted as to resale. A Fund may therefore be unable to liquidate its positions in such securities at any time, or at a favorable price, in order to meet the Fund's obligations.

Underlying Funds Risk

A Fund that invests in U.S. or non-U.S. pooled investment vehicles, such as ETFs, mutual funds, and private funds, ("Underlying Funds") will be exposed to the risk that the


57


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Underlying Fund does not perform as expected and indirectly to all of the risks applicable to an investment in such Underlying Funds. In addition, lack of liquidity in the Underlying Fund could result in its value being more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities, and may limit the ability of a Fund to sell or redeem its interest in the underlying fund at a time or at a price it might consider desirable. The investment policies and limitations of the Underlying Funds may not be the same as those of a Fund; as a result, a Fund may be subject to additional or different risks, or may achieve a reduced investment return, as a result of its investment in Underlying Funds. If an Underlying Fund is an exchange-traded fund or other product traded on a securities exchange or otherwise actively traded, its shares may trade at a premium or discount to their net asset value, an effect that might be more pronounced in less liquid markets. A Fund bears its proportionate share of the fees and expenses of any Underlying Fund in which it invests.

The Manager or an affiliate may serve as investment adviser to some Underlying Funds, leading to potential conflicts of interest and other risks. For example, the Manager would have an incentive to invest in Underlying Funds in need of seed capital, even if the expenses of such Underlying Funds are higher than alternative investments or alternative investments would be more appropriate for a Fund in light of its investment strategy. Investment by a Fund in an Underlying Fund may be beneficial to the Manager or an affiliate in the management of the Underlying Fund, by helping to achieve economies of scale or enhancing cash flows. Due to this and other factors, the Manager will, in some circumstances, have an incentive to invest a Fund's assets in an Underlying Fund sponsored or managed by the Manager or its affiliates in lieu of investments by a Fund directly in portfolio securities, or may have an incentive to invest in the affiliated Underlying Fund over a pool sponsored or managed by others. Similarly, the Manager may have an incentive to delay or decide against the sale of interests held by a Fund in an Underlying Funds sponsored or managed by the Manager or its affiliates. It is possible that other clients of the Manager or its affiliates will purchase or sell interests in an Underlying Fund sponsored or managed by the Manager or its affiliates at prices and at times more favorable than those at which a Fund does so. In addition, the Manager's fiduciary duty to an affiliated Underlying Fund may subject a Fund to restrictions on redemptions in certain circumstances, which may make a Fund's investments in affiliated Underlying Funds less liquid than investments in other Underlying Funds.

Valuation Risk

In certain circumstances, some of a Fund's portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations by employing the fair value procedures adopted by the Board. This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. There are multiple methods that can be used to value a portfolio holding when market quotations are not readily available. The value established for any portfolio holding at a point in time might differ from what would be produced using a different methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one

day to the next than if market quotations were used. Technological issues or other service disruption issues involving third-party service providers may cause a Fund to value its investments incorrectly. In addition, there is no assurance that a Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that a Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by a Fund at that time. Investors who purchase or redeem shares on days when a Fund is holding fair-valued investments may receive fewer or more shares or lower or higher redemption proceeds than they would have received if the Fund had not fair-valued the holding(s) or had used a different valuation methodology.

The SAI includes more information about the Funds, their investments and the related risks.


58


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

FUND MANAGEMENT

Investment Manager

Each Fund is advised and managed by the Manager, Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited. The Manager's principal place of business is Calton Square, 1 Greenside Row, Edinburgh EH1 3AN, Scotland. The Manager also has an office in New York City, New York, USA. The Manager is a wholly owned subsidiary of Baillie Gifford & Co., which is controlled by its working partners. The Manager, its parent, Baillie Gifford & Co., and their affiliates are referred to as "Baillie Gifford."

Experience

The Manager is a registered investment adviser which, together with its affiliates, advises other mutual funds and a variety of private accounts, including accounts managed on behalf of corporate and public pension plan sponsors, endowments, foundations, sovereign wealth funds, and family office clients. The Manager was organized in 1983, and had approximate assets under management of $285.3 billion as of December 31, 2020.

Investment Services

The Manager selects and reviews each Fund's investments and provides executive and other personnel for the management of the Trust, pursuant to the Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement between the Manager and the Trust on behalf of each Fund, as amended from time to time (the "Advisory Agreement").

The semi-annual report to shareholders for the period ended June 30, 2020 includes a discussion regarding the basis of the Board's approval of the Advisory Agreement insofar as it relates to each Fund.

Under the Advisory Agreement, each Fund pays the Manager an advisory fee quarterly (the "Advisory Fee"). The Advisory Fee is calculated and accrued daily as a percentage of the average daily net assets of each Fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, the advisory fees paid by the Funds were as follows:

Fund

  Aggregate Advisory Fee
(percentage of each
Fund's average daily net
assets)
 

Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund

   

0.35

%

 

Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund

   

0.35

%

 

Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund

   

0.53

%

 

Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund

   

0.40

%

 

Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund

   

0.34

%

 

Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund

   

0.33

%

 

Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund

   

0.45

%

 

The Advisory Fee paid by each Fund under the Advisory Agreement is calculated and accrued daily on the basis of the annual rate noted below and expressed as a percentage of the Fund's average daily net assets.

Fund

  Average Daily Net Assets
of the Fund (billions)
  Annual Advisory
Fee Rate at Each
Asset Level
(percentage of the
Fund's average daily
net assets)
 
Baillie Gifford
Developed EAFE
All Cap Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.35%
0.31%
0.29%
 
Baillie Gifford
EAFE Plus
All Cap Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.35%
0.31%
0.29%
 
Baillie Gifford
Emerging Markets
Equities Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.55%
0.51%
0.49%
 
Baillie Gifford
Global Alpha
Equities Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.40%
0.36%
0.34%
 
Baillie Gifford
International
Alpha Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.35%
0.31%
0.29%
 
Baillie Gifford
International
Growth Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.35%
0.31%
0.29%
 
Baillie Gifford
Long Term Global
Growth Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.45%
0.41%
0.39%
 

Upon termination of the Advisory Agreement at other than quarter end, the Advisory Fee for the partial quarter shall be determined by reference to the termination date and shall be prorated accordingly.

Shareholder Services

The Manager provides certain shareholder services to the Funds, pursuant to the Shareholder Servicing Agreement between the Manager and the Trust on behalf of each Fund (the "Shareholder Servicing Agreement").

For these services, which include client and shareholder servicing, reporting and other support, each shareholder pays a shareholder servicing fee (the "Shareholder Service Fee").

The principal economic difference among the various share classes of each Fund is the level of Shareholder Service Fee payable, as follows:

Fund

 

Class 2

 

Class 3

 

Class 4

 

Class 5

 
Baillie Gifford
Developed EAFE
All Cap Fund
   

0.17

%

   

0.10

%

   

0.07

%

   

0.02

%

 
Baillie Gifford
EAFE Plus
All Cap Fund
   

0.17

%

   

0.10

%

   

0.07

%

   

0.02

%

 
Baillie Gifford
Emerging Markets
Equities Fund
   

0.17

%

   

0.10

%

   

0.07

%

   

0.02

%

 
Baillie Gifford
Global Alpha
Equities Fund
   

0.17

%

   

0.10

%

   

0.07

%

   

0.02

%

 


59


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Fund

 

Class 2

 

Class 3

 

Class 4

 

Class 5

 
Baillie Gifford
International
Alpha Fund
   

0.17

%

   

0.10

%

   

0.07

%

   

0.02

%

 
Baillie Gifford
International
Growth Fund
   

0.17

%

   

0.10

%

   

0.07

%

   

0.02

%

 
Baillie Gifford
Long Term Global
Growth Fund
   

0.17

%

   

0.10

%

   

0.07

%

   

0.02

%

 

Share class eligibility is determined by the total assets under management with the Manager, as detailed in the "Shares" section below. The Shareholder Service Fee payable decreases as the amount of total assets under management with the Manager increases. This is because the cost to service that client decreases as a percentage of the assets in that account.

The amount and complexity of these services (and costs) will vary between shareholders. Also note that some of these costs are variable (increasing as the assets increase) but some are fixed. As a result, the Shareholder Service Fees decline, in basis points terms, as the assets increase but, in general, rise, in dollar terms, as the assets increase.

The Trust has adopted a Shareholder Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act with respect to Class 2-5 shares of each Fund (the "Shareholder Service Plan"). However, no distribution payments under Rule 12b-1 have been authorized by the Board as of the date of this Prospectus, and no distribution fees under Rule 12b-1 are currently payable under the Shareholder Service Plan. If the Board authorizes distribution payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 in the future for any class of shares, the Manager or another service provider might collect distribution fees under Rule 12b-1, but only after appropriate authorization by the Board and after this Prospectus has been updated to reflect such additional fees. Should distribution payments under Rule 12b-1 be collected, these fees would be paid out of the applicable Fund's assets on an ongoing basis, and over time these fees could increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.

Participating Affiliate Arrangements

The Manager has entered into a personnel-sharing arrangement with its Hong Kong-based affiliate, Baillie Gifford Asia (Hong Kong) Limited ("Baillie Gifford Asia"). Pursuant to this arrangement, Baillie Gifford Asia acts as a "participating affiliate" of the Manager and certain employees of Baillie Gifford Asia are treated as "associated persons" of the Manager. In this capacity, these individuals are subject to the oversight of the Manager and its Chief Compliance Officer. These associated persons, on behalf of the Manager, provide trade execution and related services to the Funds. The personnel-sharing arrangement is based on no-action letters of the staff of the SEC that permit SEC-registered investment advisers to rely on and use the resources of advisory affiliates, subject to certain conditions.

Baillie Gifford Asia is not registered as an investment adviser with the SEC. The Manager may in the future enter into additional personnel-sharing arrangements, including with its non-U.S. unregistered investment advisory affiliates, for a variety of

investment advisory services, including investment research and portfolio management.

Expenses

The organizational and operational expenses of the Funds are borne by the relevant Fund, including but not limited to brokerage commissions, transfer taxes and extraordinary expenses in connection with its portfolio transactions, all applicable taxes, independent trustee compensation, interest charges, charges of custodians, auditing and legal expenses.

Certain expenses, not including advisory and custodial fees or other expenses related to the management of a Fund's assets, may be allocated to a specific class of shares if those expenses are actually incurred in a different amount with respect to a class, or if services are provided with respect to a class that are of a different kind or to a different degree than with respect to other classes.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Investment Teams

Investment decisions made by the Manager for the Funds are made by teams of portfolio managers organized for that purpose.

Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund Team

Under normal circumstances, the Fund's portfolio management team meets regularly to review the portfolio as a whole and to discuss individual stock selection. The team typically meets weekly to review relevant developments related to holdings within the Fund. The team also holds ad hoc meetings as required to discuss unusual or material developments in the portfolio. The team takes collective responsibility for portfolio construction.

Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund is jointly and primarily managed by a team of experienced portfolio managers, which consists of:

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
Gerard Callahan
BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (1991) Oxford University
  Mr. Callahan joined Baillie Gifford in 1991 and is head of the Manager's U.K. Equity Team and Chairman of the International All Cap Portfolio Construction Group. He became a Partner of the firm in 2000 and Lead Manager of the Manager's U.K. Alpha Strategy in the same year. Mr. Callahan has been involved as a Portfolio Manager in the Manager's International strategies since 1998, initially in selecting U.K. stocks. He graduated BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Oxford in 1991.
Mr. Callahan has been a member of the team since 2007 and Chairman since 2010.
 
Iain Campbell
BA Modern History (2000)
Oxford University
  Mr. Campbell joined Baillie Gifford in 2004 and became a partner of Baillie Gifford & Co. in 2020. He is a member of the Japanese Specialist Team. Most of Mr. Campbell's investment career has been focused on Emerging and Developed Asian markets. He has responsibility for managing various specialist Developed Asia, including Japan, portfolios and is also a member of the International All Cap Portfolio Construction Group. Prior to joining Baillie Gifford, Mr. Campbell worked for Goldman Sachs as an analyst in the Investment Banking division. He graduated BA in Modern History from the University of Oxford in 2000.
Mr. Campbell has been a member of the team since 2010.
 
Sophie Earnshaw
MA in English Literature (2008)
University of Edinburgh
MPhil in 18th Century and Romantic Literature (2009)
University of Cambridge
CFA Charterholder
  Ms. Earnshaw joined Baillie Gifford in 2010 and is a portfolio manager in the Emerging Markets Equity Team and China A Share Team. She has also been Co-Manager of the China fund and a member of the International All Cap Portfolio Construction Group since 2014. Ms. Earnshaw is a CFA Charterholder. She graduated MA in English Literature from the University of Edinburgh in 2008 and MPhil in Eighteenth Century and Romantic Literature from the University of Cambridge in 2009.
Ms. Earnshaw has been a member of the team since 2014.
 
Joe Faraday
MEng in Chemical Engineering (2002)
University of Cambridge
MBA (2009)
University of Edinburgh
CFA Charterholder
  Mr. Faraday is a Client Service Director where he is responsible for servicing International All Cap Clients. He has been a member of the International All Cap Portfolio Construction Group since 2007. Mr. Faraday joined Baillie Gifford's Graduate Scheme in 2002 and worked in the Manager's European, North America, Developed Asian and Emerging Markets Equity Teams before transferring to the Clients Department in 2013. Following an engineering scholarship with the Smallpeice Trust in his gap year, Mr. Faraday graduated MEng in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cambridge in 2002 and gained an MBA from the University of Edinburgh in 2009. He is also a CFA Charterholder.
Mr. Faraday has been a member of the team since 2007.
 


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
Moritz Sitte
BSc in Business Administration (2009)
University of Regensburg
MSc in Finance and Investment (2010)
University of Edinburgh
CFA Charterholder
  Mr. Sitte joined Baillie Gifford in 2010 and is a portfolio manager in the European Equity Team. He has also been a member of the International All Cap Portfolio Construction Group since 2014. He graduated BSc in Business Administration from the University of Regensburg, Germany in 2009 and MSc in Finance and Investment from the University of Edinburgh in 2010. Mr. Sitte is a CFA Charterholder.
Mr. Sitte has been a member of the team since 2014.
 

The same team of portfolio managers selects the securities for this Fund and Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund. However, Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund permits investment in both developed and emerging markets, whereas this Fund focuses only on investment in developed markets. The Manager anticipates that the differences in investment strategies will generally result in some different securities being held by the Funds.

Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund Team

Under normal circumstances, the Fund's portfolio management team meets regularly to review the portfolio as a whole and to discuss individual stock selection. The team typically meets weekly to review relevant developments related to holdings within the Fund. The team also holds ad hoc meetings as required to discuss unusual or material developments in the portfolio. The team takes collective responsibility for portfolio construction.

Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund is jointly and primarily managed by a team of experienced portfolio managers, which consists of:

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
Gerard Callahan
BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (1991) Oxford University
  Mr. Callahan joined Baillie Gifford in 1991 and is head of the Manager's U.K. Equity Team and Chairman of the International All Cap Portfolio Construction Group. He became a Partner of the firm in 2000 and Lead Manager of the Manager's U.K. Alpha Strategy in the same year. Mr. Callahan has been involved as a Portfolio Manager in the Manager's International strategies since 1998, initially in selecting U.K. stocks. He graduated BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Oxford in 1991.
Mr. Callahan has been a member of the team since 2007 and Chairman since 2010.
 
Iain Campbell
BA Modern History (2000)
Oxford University
  Mr. Campbell joined Baillie Gifford in 2004 and became a partner of Baillie Gifford & Co. in 2020. He is a member of the Japanese Specialist Team. Most of Mr. Campbell's investment career has been focused on Emerging and Developed Asian markets. He has responsibility for managing various specialist Developed Asia, including Japan, portfolios and is also a member of the International All Cap Portfolio Construction Group. Prior to joining Baillie Gifford, Mr. Campbell worked for Goldman Sachs as an analyst in the Investment Banking division. He graduated BA in Modern History from the University of Oxford in 2000.
Mr. Campbell has been a member of the team since 2010.
 
Sophie Earnshaw
MA in English Literature (2008)
University of Edinburgh
MPhil in 18th Century and Romantic Literature (2009) University of Cambridge
CFA Charterholder
  Ms. Earnshaw joined Baillie Gifford in 2010 and is a portfolio manager in the Emerging Markets Equity Team and China A Share Team. She has also been Co-Manager of the China fund and a member of the International All Cap Portfolio Construction Group since 2014. Ms. Earnshaw is a CFA Charterholder. She graduated MA in English Literature from the University of Edinburgh in 2008 and MPhil in Eighteenth Century and Romantic Literature from the University of Cambridge in 2009.
Ms. Earnshaw has been a member of the team since 2014.
 
Joe Faraday
MEng in Chemical Engineering (2002)
University of Cambridge
MBA (2009)
University of Edinburgh
CFA Charterholder
  Mr. Faraday is a Client Service Director where he is responsible for servicing International All Cap Clients. He has been a member of the International All Cap Portfolio Construction Group since 2007. Mr. Faraday joined Baillie Gifford's Graduate Scheme in 2002 and worked in the Manager's European, North America, Developed Asian and Emerging Markets Equity Teams before transferring to the Clients Department in 2013. Following an engineering scholarship with the Smallpeice Trust in his gap year, Mr. Faraday graduated MEng in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cambridge in 2002 and gained an MBA from the University of Edinburgh in 2009. He is also a CFA Charterholder.
Mr. Faraday has been a member of the team since 2007.
 


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
Moritz Sitte
BSc in Business Administration (2009)
University of Regensburg
MSc in Finance and Investment (2010)
University of Edinburgh
CFA Charterholder
  Mr. Sitte joined Baillie Gifford in 2010 and is a portfolio manager in the European Equity Team. He has also been a member of the International All Cap Portfolio Construction Group since 2014. He graduated BSc in Business Administration from the University of Regensburg, Germany in 2009 and MSc in Finance and Investment from the University of Edinburgh in 2010. Mr. Sitte is a CFA Charterholder.
Mr. Sitte has been a member of the team since 2014.
 

The same team of portfolio managers selects the securities for this Fund and Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund. However, this Fund permits investment in both developed and emerging markets, whereas Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund focuses only on investment in developed markets. The Manager anticipates that the differences in investment strategies will generally result in some different securities being held by the Funds.

Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund Team

Under normal circumstances, the Fund's portfolio management team meets regularly to review existing holdings and individual stock decisions. The team also holds ad hoc meetings as required to discuss relevant developments in the portfolio. The ultimate decision to buy or sell a stock rests with members of the portfolio management team.

Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund is jointly and primarily managed by a team of experienced portfolio managers, which consists of:

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
Ben Durrant
BSc (Hons) in Mathematics (2012)
University of Edinburgh
CFA (U.K.) Charterholder
  Mr. Durrant is an Investment Manager in the Emerging Markets Team and before that he was an Investment Analyst in the Private Companies Team. He joined Baillie Gifford in 2017. He previously worked for RBS in their Group Strategy and Corporate Finance Team. He is also a Chartered Accountant and a CFA Charterholder. Ben graduated BSc (Hons) in Mathematics from the University of Edinburgh in 2012.
Mr. Durrant has been a member of the team since 2021.
 
Mike Gush
MEng (2003)
Durham University
  Mr. Gush joined Baillie Gifford in 2003 and became a Partner of Baillie Gifford & Co in 2020. He first worked in the U.K. and Japanese Equities Teams before moving to the Emerging Markets Equity Team in 2005. Mr. Gush is a named manager for Baillie Gifford's emerging markets and China funds, as well as being responsible for the Emerging Markets Small Cap Strategy. He has also been involved with the Global Stewardship Strategy since its inception in 2015. He became a portfolio manager in 2006 and has researched all Emerging Markets during his career. Mr. Gush also has previous experience managing the Pacific Horizon Investment Trust and Baillie Gifford Pacific Fund. He is a CFA Charterholder and graduated MEng from the University of Durham in 2003.
Mr. Gush has been a member of the team since 2005.
 
Andrew Stobart
MA in Economics (1987)
Cambridge University
  Mr. Stobart has been a portfolio manager in the Emerging Markets Team since 2007 and sits on the Emerging Markets All Cap Portfolio Construction Group. Mr. Stobart has also been a member of the International Alpha Portfolio Construction Group since 2008. Since joining Baillie Gifford as an Investment Analyst in 1991, Mr. Stobart has worked in the U.K., Japanese and North American Teams. Prior to joining Baillie Gifford, Mr. Stobart spent three years working in Investment Banking in London. Mr. Stobart graduated MA in Economics from the University of Cambridge in 1987.
Mr. Stobart has been a member of the team since 2007.
 

Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund Team

The Fund's portfolio management team seeks ideas from across the Baillie Gifford Group investment teams and, under normal circumstances, holds formal monthly meetings with the Manager's regional investment teams to review portfolio holdings and potential stock purchases. The team also holds ad hoc meetings as required to discuss relevant developments in the portfolio. Each member of the team has equal ownership and accountability for all portfolio decisions.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund is jointly and primarily managed by a team of experienced portfolio managers, which consists of:

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
Spencer Adair
BSc in Medicine (1997)
University of St. Andrews
CFA Charterholder
  Mr. Adair joined Baillie Gifford in 2000 and is a portfolio manager in the Global Alpha Team. He became a Partner in 2013 and has also spent time working in the Fixed Income, Japanese, European and U.K Equity Teams. Spencer managed the Investment Grade Long Bond Fund whilst being a Fixed Income Portfolio Manager and the European portion of wider Global portfolios whilst in the European Team. He has also spent time with the Manager's Emerging Markets Team. Spencer has been involved in the Global Alpha portfolio since inception in 2005 and has focused exclusively on this portfolio management responsibility since early 2007. Mr. Adair graduated BSc in Medicine from the University of St Andrews in 1997, followed by two years of clinical training in Edinburgh.
Mr. Adair has been a member of the team since the inception of the strategy in 2005 and this is now his sole portfolio responsibility.
 
Malcolm MacColl
MA in Economics and History (1998)
University of St Andrews
MLitt in Economics, Politics, and Management (1999) University of St. Andrews
Member, CFA Society U.K.
  Mr. MacColl is a portfolio manager in the Global Alpha Team, having been involved with Global Alpha since the product's inception in 2005. He became a Partner of the firm in 2011 and will become the Joint Senior Partner of the firm on May 1, 2021. Mr. MacColl joined Baillie Gifford in 1999 and has spent time working in the U.K. Small Cap and North American Teams. Malcolm managed the North American portion of wider Global portfolios whilst in the North American Team. He is a member of the U.K. Society of Investment Professionals. Mr. MacColl graduated MA in Economics and History in 1998 and MLitt in Economics, Politics and Management in 1999, both from the University of St Andrews.
Mr. MacColl has been a member of the team since the inception of the strategy in 2005 and this is now his sole portfolio responsibility.
 
Helen Xiong
BSc (Hons) in Economics (2007)
Warwick University
MPhil in Economics (2008)
University of Cambridge
  Ms. Xiong joined Baillie Gifford in 2008 and is a Partner and investment manager on the Global Alpha Team. In addition to Global Alpha, she has spent time working on the Manager's Developed Asia, U.K., North America, Emerging Markets and Global Equity Teams. Before coming to live and work in the U.K., Ms. Xiong lived in China, South Africa and Norway. She graduated BSc (Hons) in Economics from the University of Warwick in 2007 and MPhil in Economics from the University of Cambridge the following year.
Ms. Xiong has been a member of the team since 2021.
 

Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund Team

Under normal circumstances, the Fund's portfolio management team meets regularly to discuss individual stock selection and quarterly to discuss the portfolio as a whole, with a focus on identifying underlying themes which may be over-represented or under-represented. The team also holds ad hoc meetings as required to discuss relevant developments in the portfolio. Although individual members cover assigned areas of responsibility, all members are encouraged to look for ideas from across the relevant markets and from any of the Manager's investment teams.

While the whole team discusses investment decisions, the ultimate decision on whether to buy a stock rests with the team member who nominated it for discussion, such that the team harnesses the perspectives and insights of the group while retaining the accountability and efficiency of individual decision making.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund is jointly and primarily managed by a team of experienced portfolio managers, which consists of:

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
Donald Farquharson
MA (Hons) in Arabic Studies (1987)
University of St Andrews
CFA (U.K.) Charterholder
  Mr. Farquharson heads the Japanese Equities Team and has been a member of the International Alpha Portfolio Construction Group (PCG) since 2014. He joined Baillie Gifford in 2008 and became a Partner in 2017. He has 32 years' investment experience dedicated almost entirely to Japanese Equities. Mr. Farquharson spent 20 years working for Schroders as a Japanese specialist, latterly as Head of the Pan Pacific Equity Team. Between 1991 and 1995, he headed Schroders' Research Team in Tokyo. Mr. Farquharson graduated MA (Hons) in Arabic Studies from the University of St Andrews in 1987 and is a CFA Charterholder.
Mr. Farquharson has been a member of the team since 2014.
 
Angus Franklin
MA in Economics and Social History (1988)
St. Andrews University
Chartered Accountant (1992)
  Mr. Franklin conducts research for International Alpha Portfolios. Mr. Franklin became a Partner in 2012, having also worked in the U.K., Emerging Markets and European Equity Teams since joining Baillie Gifford in 1994. Mr. Franklin graduated MA in Social and Economic History from The University of St Andrews and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1992.
Mr. Franklin has been a member of the team since the Fund's inception in 2006.
 
Toby Ross
MA in English Literature (2006)
University of Cambridge
CFA Charterholder
  Mr. Ross joined Baillie Gifford in 2006 and is Co-Head of the Global Income Growth Team and Joint Manager of The Scottish American Investment Company PLC (SAINTS). He has also been a member of the International Alpha Portfolio Construction Group since 2018. Since joining Baillie Gifford, Mr. Ross has also spent time as an Investment Analyst in the U.K. Equity Team and as a Global Sector Specialist. He graduated MA in English Literature from the University of Cambridge in 2006 and is a CFA Charterholder.
Mr. Ross has been a member of this team since 2018.
 
Andrew Stobart
MA in Economics (1987)
University of Cambridge
  Mr. Stobart has been a portfolio manager in the Emerging Markets Team since 2007 and sits on the Emerging Markets All Cap Portfolio Construction Group. Mr. Stobart has also been a member of the International Alpha Portfolio Construction Group since 2008. Since joining Baillie Gifford as an Investment Analyst in 1991, Mr. Stobart has worked in the U.K., Japanese and North American Teams. Prior to joining Baillie Gifford, Mr. Stobart spent three years working in Investment Banking in London. Mr. Stobart graduated MA in Economics from the University of Cambridge in 1987.
Mr. Stobart has been a member of this team since 2008.
 
Jenny Davis
BA in Music (2008)
Oxford University
  Ms. Davis is a portfolio manager for International Alpha clients and has been a member of the International Alpha Portfolio Construction Group (PCG) since 2016. She joined Baillie Gifford in 2011 and worked on two of the Manager's global equity strategies, having started her career at Neptune Investment Management. Ms. Davis graduated MA in Music from the University of Oxford in 2008, and latterly undertook postgraduate studies in Psychotherapy at the University of Edinburgh.
Ms. Davis has been a member of the team since 2016.
 
Tom Walsh
LLB (Hons) in Law & Economics (1999)
University of Edinburgh
CFA Charterholder
  Mr. Walsh is a portfolio manager for International Alpha clients and a member of the International Alpha Portfolio Construction Group (PCG). He joined Baillie Gifford in 2009, working on the U.K., European and Global Opportunities Teams, as well as spending four years as a member of the International All Cap PCG. Before joining Baillie Gifford, Mr. Walsh worked at Fidelity International, Merrill Lynch and Deloitte & Touche. He graduated LLB (Hons) in Law & Economics from the University of Edinburgh in 1999 and is both CFA and ACA qualified.
Mr. Walsh has been a member of the team since 2018.
 


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund Team

Under normal circumstances, the Fund's portfolio management team meets regularly to discuss individual stock selection. The team takes into account the views of a larger group of the Manager's senior portfolio managers that meets quarterly to discuss views on markets, which are advisory only and do not bind the decisions of the Fund's management team. The team also holds ad hoc meetings as required to discuss relevant developments in the portfolio. The team takes collective responsibility for portfolio construction.

Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund is jointly and primarily managed by a team of experienced portfolio managers, which consists of:

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
James Anderson
BA in Modern History (1980)
MA in International Affairs (1982)
Oxford University
  Mr. Anderson has been the Manager and then Joint Manager of Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust since 2000 and is a co-manager of the International Concentrated Growth Strategy. He Chaired the International Growth Portfolio Group from its inception in 2003 until July 2019 and remains co-manager of Vanguard International Growth. In 2003, Mr. Anderson also co-founded the Manager's Long Term Global Growth Strategy. Prior to this, he headed the Manager's European Equity Team. Mr. Anderson has served as a member of the Advisory Board of the government sponsored Kay Review and as Chair of the subsequent industry working group that set up the U.K. Investor Forum. He joined Baillie Gifford in 1983 and became a Partner in 1987. Mr. Anderson graduated BA in History from the University of Oxford and after postgraduate study in Italy and Canada he gained an MA in International Affairs in 1982. He is a Trustee of the Johns Hopkins University and is the Non-Executive Chair of Kinnevik AB, a Swedish investment company.
Mr. Anderson has been a member of this team since the Fund's inception in 2008. Mr. Anderson is expected to retire from the Manager and cease to serve as Portfolio Manager for the Fund effective on or about April 30, 2022.
 
Julia Angeles
PhD in Economics
University of Aarhus
  Ms. Angeles is a member of the International Growth and Health Innovation Portfolio Construction Groups. She joined Baillie Gifford in 2008 and has been part of different global and regional teams. Ms. Angeles previously worked as a Management Consultant at McKinsey & Company advising firms in Denmark, Russia and Hungary. She obtained a PhD in Economics from the University of Aarhus, Denmark, and speaks fluent Russian and Danish.
Ms. Angeles has been a member of the team since 2017.
 
Lawrence Burns
BA in Geography (2009)
University of Cambridge
  Mr. Burns joined Baillie Gifford in 2009 and became a Partner of Baillie Gifford & Co. in 2020. He is a portfolio manager in the Manager's strategies that focus on transformative growth companies. Mr. Burns has been a member of the International Growth Portfolio Construction Group since October 2012 and took over as Deputy Chair in July 2019. Mr. Burns is also a co-manager of the International Concentrated Growth Strategy. He has also spent time working in both the Emerging Markets and U.K. Equity Departments. Mr. Burns graduated BA in Geography from the University of Cambridge in 2009
Mr. Burns has been a member of the team since 2012.
 
Thomas Coutts
BA in Modern Languages (1994)
Oxford University
  Mr. Coutts has been a member of the International Growth Portfolio Construction Group since March 2008 and took over as Chair in July 2019. He became a Partner in 2014 and the Manager's Chief of Investment Staff in 2018. Mr. Coutts joined Baillie Gifford in 1999 and spent a number of years in the Manager's U.K. and European Equity Teams before joining the dedicated International Growth research group full time in 2017. He graduated BA in Modern Languages in 1994.
Mr. Coutts has been a member of the team since the Fund's inception in 2008.
 
Brian Lum
MSci and BA (Hons) in Physics (2006)
University of Cambridge
CFA Charterholder
  Mr. Lum is a portfolio manager in the Manager's International Growth Research Team and became a member of the International Growth Portfolio Construction Group in May 2015. He also Chairs the Manager's International Smaller Companies Portfolio Construction Group. Mr. Lum joined Baillie Gifford in 2006 and initially worked in the North American and Emerging Markets departments, before spending a number of years focused on investment in smaller companies. He is a CFA Charterholder. Mr. Lum graduated MSci and BA (Hons) in Physics from the University of Cambridge in 2006.
Mr. Lum has been a member of this team since 2015.
 


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund Team

Under normal circumstances, the Fund's portfolio management team meets regularly to discuss individual stock selection, review portfolio holdings and potential stock purchases. The team also holds ad hoc meetings as required to discuss relevant developments in the portfolio. All of the members of the team are responsible for researching stocks and every investor contributes to the generation of new ideas, stock research and stock discussions. Once a stock has been fully researched and discussed by all in the team, the portfolio managers are responsible for making the ultimate decision on its inclusion (or otherwise) in the portfolio. Their decisions place an emphasis on backing enthusiasm rather than achieving a full consensus. Each portfolio manager has ownership and accountability for portfolio decisions.

Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund is jointly and primarily managed by a team of experienced portfolio managers, which consists of:

Education

 

Investment Experience

 
Tom Slater
BSc in Computer Science with Mathematics (2000) University of Edinburgh
CFA Charterholder
  Mr. Slater is Head of the U.S. Equities Team and is a Decision Maker on Long Term Global Growth Portfolios. He joined Baillie Gifford in 2000 and became a Partner of the firm in 2012. After serving as Deputy Manager for five years, Mr. Slater was appointed Joint Manager of Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust in 2015. During his time at Baillie Gifford he has also worked in the Developed Asia and U.K. Equity Teams. Mr. Slater's investment interest is focused on high growth companies both in listed equity markets and as an investor in private companies. He graduated BSc in Computer Science with Mathematics from the University of Edinburgh in 2000.
Mr. Slater has been a member of the team of portfolio managers for this Fund since the Fund's inception in 2014.
 
Mark Urquhart
BA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (1992) Oxford University
PhD in Politics (1996)
University of Edinburgh
  Mr. Urquhart is the head of the Long Term Global Growth Team, a strategy which he co-founded in 2003. He is also an investment manager on the China A-share Team. Mr. Urquhart joined Baillie Gifford in 1996, initially working as an Investment Analyst and Manager in the U.S., U.K. and Japanese Equities teams. He became a Partner in 2004. Mr. Urquhart graduated BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Oxford in 1992 and spent a year at Harvard as a Kennedy Scholar in 1993 before completing a PhD in Politics with a thesis on Nationalism in the E.U. at the University of Edinburgh in 1996.
Mr. Urquhart has been a member of the team of portfolio managers for this Fund since the Fund's inception in 2014.
 

Compensation

The SAI provides information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of Fund shares.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

SHARES

Share Classes

The Trust is authorized to issue Class 2, Class 3, Class 4, and Class 5 shares of each Fund covered by this Prospectus.

How Shares are Priced

Each share class has its own share price. The purchase price of each share class of a Fund's shares is based on that class's net asset value. The share price is computed for each share class as follows:

—  the total market value of all assets and fund-level liabilities of each Fund is calculated, then divided by the total amount of shares held in that Fund (the "Fund Asset Value"); then

—    the market value of the assets for each class is calculated on a pro-rata basis, based on the Fund Asset Value (the "Class Asset Value"); then

—    the market value of the class-specific liabilities attributable to each share class is calculated (the "Class Liabilities"); then

—    the share price for each class is calculated by deducting the Class Liabilities from the Class Asset Value.

When shares are priced

The net asset value for each share class will be determined as of a particular time of day (the "Pricing Point") on any day on which the NYSE is open for unrestricted trading. The Pricing Point is normally at the scheduled close of unrestricted trading on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time). In unusual circumstances, the Funds may determine that the Pricing Point shall be at an earlier, unscheduled close or halt of trading on the NYSE. The price at which purchase and redemption orders are effected is based on the next calculation of the net asset value after the order is received in good order. "Good order" means, among other things, that your request includes complete information. In general, an order is in "good order" if it includes: (i) the trade date of the purchase or redemption; (ii) the name of the Fund and share class; (iii) the U.S. dollar amount of the shares, in the case of a redemption you may also provide number of shares; (iv) the name and the account number set forth with sufficient clarity to avoid ambiguity; and (v) the relevant authorized signatories. In the case of a purchase, immediately available funds must also be received prior to the Pricing Point.

The net asset value for each class may be affected by changes in the value of currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar. This is because investments initially valued in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted to U.S. dollars using currency exchange rates obtained from pricing services at the Pricing Point on each day that the NYSE is open for unrestricted trading. If you are buying or selling shares, the share price you receive will be the share price determined after the purchase or redemption request is received by the applicable Fund (or your financial intermediary) in good order.

The net asset value of the Fund's shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem shares of the Fund. This is because the Fund may invest in securities

that are primarily traded on foreign exchanges which may trade at times or on days when the Fund does not price its shares.

How assets are valued

In accordance with the Trust's Pricing and Valuation Procedures, each Fund's investments are valued at their fair market value as follows:

1.  If reliable market quotations are readily available, the investments will generally be valued at the last quoted sale price on each business day or, if not traded on that business day, at the most recent quoted bid price.

2.  If reliable current market quotations are not readily available or quotations are not believed to be reliable due to market changes that occur after the most recent available quotations are obtained or for any other reason, the fair value of the investments will be assessed in accordance with the pricing and valuation procedures of the Trust, as more fully described in the SAI. Such market changes may:

º  relate to a single issuer or events relating to multiple issuers;

º  be considered to include changes in the value of U.S. securities or securities indices; or

º  occur after the close of the relevant market and before the time at which the applicable net asset value is determined.

Please see the section entitled "Purchase, Redemption, and Pricing of Shares—Determination of Net Asset Value" in the SAI for further information.

How to Buy or Exchange Shares

Purchase Process

You may purchase shares of any Fund by taking the following two steps:

1.  Request a Purchase.
The share classes offered through this Prospectus are only available to existing shareholders in one of these classes of the Funds. If you are an existing shareholder in the Legacy Class Shares, you may request a further purchase by submitting a request to the Manager (in the format prescribed by the Manager), which includes:

º  the name and class of the Fund;

º  the exact name in which shares are to be registered;

º  the shareholder account number;

º  the dollar amount of shares to be purchased;

º  a signature by all owners of the shares, in accordance with the form of registration;

º  the capacity of the signatory, if the signatory is acting in a fiduciary capacity, or as an agent on behalf of a corporation, partnership or trust; and

º  the trade date.

The email address for purchase requests sent to the Manager is: BGNAVTrading@bailliegifford.com.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

The Manager or the Bank of New York Mellon (the "Transfer Agent") may ask you for additional information. Federal law requires financial institutions to obtain, verify and record identification information relating to investors, to help the U.S. government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities. A Fund may consequently be required to obtain, and potentially update, the following information from investors: (i) name; (ii) date of birth (for individuals); (iii) residential or business street address; (iv) Social Security Number, taxpayer identification number, or other identifying number; and (v) completed Forms W-8 or W-9. Additional information may be required for corporations and other entities. Each Fund or its service providers may release this information or any other information held by you to proper authorities if, in light of applicable laws or regulations concerning money laundering and similar activities, they determine it is in the best interests of the Fund or otherwise permitted by applicable law and appropriate to do so. The Funds or their service providers may also provide nonpublic personal financial information relating to shareholders or prospective shareholders to third-parties as necessary to perform services for the Funds or to comply with requests from regulators or tax authorities.

The applicable Fund will then decide whether to accept your application on behalf of the Trust. Assuming your request is accepted, you will receive the account details for payment.

2.  Pay for shares.
Payment for shares can be made by:

º  electronic bank transfer to the nominated account;

º  exchanging securities on deposit with a custodian acceptable to the Manager or the Funds' distributor, BGFS; or

º  a combination of such securities and cash.

The Transfer Agent will then apply the payment to the purchase of full and fractional Fund shares of beneficial interest in the Fund, and will send you a statement confirming the transaction. Please see the back cover of this Prospectus for information on how to contact the Trust. Please see the section below on how to pay for shares by exchanging securities.

Exchange Process

If you are an existing shareholder of Legacy Class Shares, you may request an exchange by submitting a request to the Manager. Certain information may be required prior to the completion of any exchange.

When you can buy shares

Unless otherwise indicated in this Prospectus or the SAI, shares of each Fund are offered on a continuous basis and can be purchased on any day on which the NYSE is open for unrestricted trading.

For a purchase order to be effective as of a particular day, the Fund must have accepted the order and have received immediately available funds by the Pricing Point on such day.

The Federal Reserve is closed on certain holidays on which the NYSE is open. These holidays are Columbus Day and Veterans Day. On these holidays, you will not be able to purchase shares

by wiring Federal Funds because Federal Funds wiring does not occur on days when the Federal Reserve is closed.

Cancelling an order

Purchase orders cannot be cancelled after the Trust has received immediately available funds. This is the case even if the cancellation request is received prior to the Pricing Point.

Paying by exchanging securities

If you are paying for Fund shares with securities, please note:

—  You must obtain instructions by contacting the Funds. See "Contacts and Further Information" below;

—  You must deliver all rights in the securities to the Funds to finalize the purchase of Fund shares;

—  You should obtain tax advice regarding the specific U.S. federal income tax consequences of this process. Generally speaking, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, payment using securities may give rise to a gain or loss by an investor that is subject to U.S. federal income taxation. This depends on several factors, including the investor's basis in the securities tendered and the extent to which the investor owns shares of the Fund following the exchange;

—  The securities will be valued in the same manner as the Fund's assets as described under "How Shares are Priced," subject to any charges or expenses which may be properly incurred as a consequence of such transaction;

—  The Manager will not approve the acceptance of securities in exchange for Fund shares unless:

º  The Manager, in its sole discretion, believes the securities are appropriate investments for the Fund;

º  You represent and agree that all securities offered to a Fund are not subject to any restrictions upon their sale by the Fund under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or that would otherwise impair the investors' ability to transfer them to the Fund or the Fund's ability to dispose of them subsequently; and

º  The securities may be acquired under the Fund's investment policies and restrictions.

—  No investor owning 5% or more of a Fund's shares may purchase additional Fund shares by exchange of securities, other than at the sole discretion of the Manager or BGFS in accordance with the applicable legal and regulatory restrictions on affiliated transactions.

Restrictions on Buying or Exchanging Shares

Fund and Share Class Eligibility

The purchase or exchange of Legacy Class Shares, which are currently closed to new investors, is subject to Fund eligibility requirements and share class eligibility requirements.

Fund Eligibility – Only Legacy Shareholders are able to purchase or exchange Legacy Class Shares of that Fund.

Share Class Eligibility – In addition to the requirements described above, eligibility for Legacy Class Shares shall be determined


69


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

with reference to the Total Investment. The minimum Total Investment for each class of shares is as follows:

Class

 

Total Investment(1)(2)(3)

 

Class 2

  USD 25 Million  

Class 3

  USD 100 Million  

Class 4

  USD 200 Million  

Class 5

  USD 500 Million  

(1)  The Fund may, at its discretion, permit a smaller minimum for any class of shares under certain circumstances.

(2)  The Manager will make all determinations as to aggregation of shareholder accounts for purposes of determining eligibility.

(3)  In the case of shares held of record by retirement plans which are Participant Directed Plans, the shareholder for the purposes of the Total Investment for each class of shares is the Participant Directed Plan.

The Total Investment will be determined by the Manager on each "Determination Date", which will be:

—  March 31 of each year, if exchanging into a more expensive class of shares; or

—  The close of business on the last day of the calendar quarter, if exchanging into a less expensive class of shares.

Each shareholder's shares will then be converted to the available class of shares of the relevant Fund with the lowest Shareholder Service Fee for which the shareholder is eligible. This conversion will occur within 15 business days following the Determination Date. This conversion generally should not result in the recognition of gain or loss in the converted Fund's shares or the tax basis changing. Also, the holding period of the new class of shares should generally include the holding period of the converted shares.

Investors should be aware that all the classes of the Funds may not be available in all jurisdictions.

Historical Exception – Effective January 1, 2015, the share class structure of Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund was changed as follows: shares previously designated as Class I were converted into Class 1 shares; shares previously designated as Class II shares were converted into Class 2 shares; and shares previously designated as Class III shares were converted into Class 5 shares. The Fund also added Class 3 and Class 4 shares. Notwithstanding the foregoing minimum Total Investment requirements for Class 2 shares and Class 3 shares described in the table above:

—  any shareholder who held Class II shares of Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund as of January 1, 2015 will be entitled to hold Class 2 shares of Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund so long as such client maintains a minimum Total Investment with the Manager of $15 million; and

—  any shareholder who held Class III shares of Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund as of January 1, 2015 will be entitled to hold Class 5 shares of Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund so long as such client maintains a minimum Total Investment with the Manager of $50 million.

If, on any Determination Date (as defined above), the value of any such shareholder's Total Investment with the Manager is below $15 million or $50 million, as applicable, such

shareholder's shares will be automatically converted to the class of shares which is then being offered with the lowest Shareholder Service Fee for which the shareholder is eligible as described in the below paragraph.

Exchange Eligibility

Legacy Shareholders may request permission from the Manager to exchange their Legacy Class Shares in one Fund for the same share class in a different Fund. In certain situations, Legacy Class Shares of one Fund may be exchanged for Class K or Institutional Class shares of the same Fund or a different fund. Shareholders requesting an exchange must meet the eligibility requirements of the fund and share class that the shareholder seeks to receive. If less than all of an investment is exchanged out of Legacy Class Shares, such exchange will not trigger a recalculation of Total Investment (as defined below) for purposes of determining Legacy Class Share eligibility.

Exchanges can only be requested by sending a completed application to the Manager. The Manager must approve all exchanges, and all exchanges are at the Manager's discretion. The Manager and each Fund reserves the right to reject any exchange application for any reason that the Manager or the Fund in its sole discretion deems appropriate. Exchanges may involve a simultaneous purchase and redemption transaction either in kind or in cash, which may have tax implications. Additional information about the exchange application is located in "How to Buy Shares—Process—Request a Purchase or Exchange."

You must be a U.S. Person

Shares of each Fund are intended for investment by U.S. persons. The Manager and BGFS each reserve the right to reject any purchase order from any investor outside the U.S.

The Manager is not offering Fund shares to or with or otherwise promoting the Funds to any natural or legal persons domiciled or with a registered office in any European Economic Area member state ("EEA Member State") where the European Union's Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive ("AIFMD") is in force and effect. Furthermore, in light of the structure of the Funds and the manner in which they are managed, they do not fall within the scope of the AIFMD, and shareholders of the Funds are not subject to the protections of AIFMD or any implementing legislation relating to AIFMD. The Manager may in its discretion accept any such investor into a Fund, but only if it satisfied that, by accepting such investor, it would not be in breach of any law, rule, regulation or other legislative or administrative measure in or otherwise applicable to the relevant EEA Member State and such investor is otherwise eligible under the laws of such EEA Member State to invest in the Funds.

You must be purchasing for your own account

Purchasers must be acquiring shares for their own account or through an authorized intermediary and for investment purposes only, or must otherwise be doing so in a manner acceptable to the Trust.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Purchases or exchanges may be rejected

Each Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason that the Fund in its sole discretion deems appropriate.

In all cases, the Manager and BGFS reserve the right to reject any particular investment or exchange. In particular, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing the Manager or BGFS may reject an investment or exchange:

—  if in the opinion of the Manager or BGFS, the size of the investment and/or the transaction costs associated with the investment are such that there would be a dilution of a Fund's net asset value;

—  if the Fund is unable to verify your identity within a reasonable time;

—  if you are proposing to purchase shares using securities and the Manager has determined that this is not appropriate;

—  for initial or seed investments in a Fund that is not yet operational, if the investment is not of a size that would allow a Fund to commence operations at an appropriate scale (in the sole opinion of the Manager); and

—  to the extent a plan sponsor wishes to rely upon the Manager or BGFS to provide recordkeeping services, such as maintaining plan and participant records; processing enrolment; processing participants' investment elections, contributions, and distributions; and issuing account statements to participants or other personalized services with respect to individual beneficial owners.

Restrictions on Certain Fund Investors

The Funds are U.S. mutual funds. As a U.S. mutual fund, the Funds are prohibited from allowing investment by certain other mutual funds and certain types of private funds in excess of specific thresholds. In particular, the Funds are required to limit investment by funds commonly known as "hedge funds" or "private equity funds." Any investor or prospective investor in the Funds that is itself a fund should consider carefully what regulations may apply to it or the Funds, including Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act, in connection with any prospective investment. The Funds reserve the right to reject a purchase order or require an investor to redeem its shares to comply with the foregoing limitations.

Fund may change the terms

Each Fund reserves the right to suspend or change the terms of the offering of its shares. Each Fund may stop offering shares completely or may offer shares only on a limited basis, for a period of time or permanently.

Delivery of documents to accounts sharing an address

To reduce expenses, a Fund may mail only one copy of the Funds' Prospectus and each annual and semi-annual report to those addresses shared by two or more accounts. If you wish to receive individual copies of these documents, please call us at 1-844 394 6127, or contact your financial institution. We will begin sending you individual copies within thirty (30) days of receiving such request.

How to Sell Shares

Process

Redemption Request – You can redeem your shares by emailing the Manager a redemption request, in a format prescribed by the Manager, which includes:

—  the name and class of the Fund;

—  the exact name in which shares are registered;

—  the shareholder account number;

—  the number of shares or the dollar amount of shares to be redeemed;

—  a signature by all owners of the shares, in accordance with the form of registration;

—  the capacity of the signatory, if the signatory is acting in a fiduciary capacity, or as an agent on behalf of a corporation, partnership or trust; and

—  the trade date.

The email address for redemption requests sent to the Manager is: BGNAVTrading@bailliegifford.com.

Redemption orders cannot be cancelled after the Trust has received a redemption request. This is the case even if the request is received prior to the Pricing Point.

Redemption Payment – Cash payments will be transferred for payment into your account after a request for redemption is received by the Trust in good order. The Funds generally expect to pay out redemption proceeds to redeeming shareholders within 3 business days following the trade date indicated in the redemption request. The Funds typically meet redemption requests by using holdings of cash and cash equivalents or by selling portfolio assets. The Funds may also, under normal or stressed market conditions, use a credit facility or, if a Fund has received advanced notice of a shareholder's intent to redeem, trade portfolio holdings ahead of the trade date to meet significant requests for redemption. The Funds reserve the right to satisfy redemption requests up to 7 days following the trade date indicated in the redemption request. The possibility of delayed settlement is greater for smaller Funds or for Funds with particularly concentrated investor bases.

If you request a whole or part in-kind distribution of securities held by the Fund in lieu of cash, the Manager will grant this if it determines, in the Manager's sole discretion, that to do so is lawful and will not be detrimental to the best interests of the remaining shareholders of the Fund. This is subject to each Fund's election under Rule 18f-1 described below under "Election under Rule 18f-1." If you intend to request a distribution in kind, please note:

—  Securities distributed in connection with the request will be valued in accordance with the Fund's procedures for valuation described under "How Shares are Priced."

—  Securities and assets distributed will be selected by the Manager in accordance with procedures approved by the Board and generally will represent a pro-rata distribution of each holding in the Fund's portfolio, subject to certain exceptions under relevant procedures.


71


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

—  You may incur market-imposed taxes or charges in connection with assuming title to such securities from the Funds, and may incur brokerage charges on the sale of any such securities so received in payment of redemptions.

Change of Information – If you need to change or update your account information, you may do so by emailing the Trust a designation of the new accounts and any change in the accounts originally designated for the depositing of funds. This must be signed by the relevant authorized signatories of the subscriber. All redemptions and dividend disbursements will be processed according to the bank account details you provided upon your initial account set-up, unless you have contacted the Trust to change those details. Please see the back cover of this Prospectus for information on how to contact the Trust.

When you can redeem shares

Shares may be redeemed on any day on which the NYSE is open for trading.

Please note that the Trust may suspend the right of redemption and may postpone payment for any Fund for more than seven days during an emergency which makes it impracticable for a Fund to dispose of its securities or to fairly determine the value of the net assets of the Fund, or during any other period permitted by the SEC for the protection of investors.

Automatic Redemptions

Each Fund reserves the right to redeem or require the transfer of any individual's shares if:

—  The holding of the shares by such person is unlawful;

—  In the opinion of the Board or the Fund's service providers, the holding might result in the Fund or the shareholders as a whole incurring any liability to taxation or suffering pecuniary or material administrative disadvantage which the Fund or the shareholders as a whole might not otherwise suffer or incur;

—  A shareholder's Total Investment falls below $1 million.

Before doing so, the Trust shall notify the shareholder in writing and allow the shareholder 30 days to purchase additional shares to meet the minimum requirement. In the case of shares held of record by retirement plans which are Participant Directed Plans, the shareholder for the purposes of the Total Investment is the Participant Directed Plan; or

—  The Fund cannot verify your identity.

Short-Term Trading

The Trust encourages shareholders to invest in the Funds as part of a long-term investment strategy and discourages excessive, short-term trading and other abusive trading practices, sometimes referred to as "market timing." These practices may present risks to the Funds, including increased transaction costs, interference with the efficient management of the Funds, and dilution of investment returns.

Frequent, short-term trading, abusive trading practices and market timing (together, "Frequent Trading"), often in response to short-term fluctuations in the market, are not knowingly permitted by the Funds. The Funds do not accommodate

frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund Shares by Fund shareholders. Frequent Trading into and out of a Fund may harm the Fund's performance by disrupting portfolio management strategies and by increasing expenses. These expenses are borne by all Fund shareholders, including long-term investors who do not generate such costs.

The Board has adopted a "Frequent Trading Policy" (the "Policy") to discourage Frequent Trading. The following policies and procedures are applicable to the classes of shares offered in this Prospectus.

Monitoring Shareholder Activity – The Transfer Agent arranges for the compilation, monitoring and reporting of account-level information on shareholder activity on a risk-based approach designed to identify trading that could adversely impact the Funds.

Authority to Refuse Transactions – The Trust, the Manager and BGFS each reserves the right to reject any purchase order for any reason.

Purchase and Redemption Requests – Purchase and redemption requests by record shareholders must be made by written request by email to the Manager and/or BGFS. (Any exceptions to this written redemption request requirement may be made by the Manager. The Manager and BGFS expects that exceptions will be rare and only for extraordinary circumstances.)

Review of Shareholder Activity – The Manager and BGFS report to the Board regularly on purchases and redemptions of Fund shares.

Fair Valuation – With respect to Funds that invest in securities that trade on foreign markets, pursuant to the Funds' fair valuation procedures, pricing adjustments may be made based on information received from a third-party, multi-factor fair valuation pricing service.

Redemption Fees – The Board may from time to time consider whether it is necessary or appropriate for a Fund to impose a redemption fee not exceeding 2% that, in the Board's judgment, is necessary or appropriate to recoup the costs and limit any dilution resulting from frequent redemptions.

While the Funds attempt to discourage Frequent Trading, there can be no guarantee that they will be able to identify investors who are engaging in Frequent Trading or limit their trading practices. Additionally, frequent trades of small amounts may not be detected. The Funds recognize that it may not always be able to detect or prevent Frequent Trading or other activity that may disadvantage the Funds or their shareholders.

A Fund shareholder's right to purchase shares through an automatic investment plan or redeem shares in full (or in part through a systematic redemption plan) are unaffected by these restrictions.

Election under Rule 18f-1

The Trust, on behalf of each Fund included in this Prospectus, has made an election pursuant to Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act committing each such Fund to pay in cash any request for redemption received during any 90-day period of up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's net asset value at the beginning of the period. This election is irrevocable without prior approval


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

by the SEC. Each Fund reserves the right to pay redemption proceeds in-kind except as described above.

Share Dividends and Distributions

It is the practice of each Fund to distribute, annually, all net investment income received from investments alongside any net realized capital gains earned through trading activities.

Distributions will be automatically reinvested in Fund shares unless you submit a request for a cash payment with at least ten days' prior notice, before the record date for distribution, to the Transfer Agent.

Tax

The following discussion is for general information purposes only. Prospective and actual shareholders should consult their own tax advisers with respect to their particular circumstances and the effect of state, local, or foreign tax laws to which they may be subject.

The following discussion provides only limited information about the U.S. federal income tax treatment of shareholders that are not U.S. shareholders, and it does not address the U.S. federal income tax treatment of shareholders that are subject to special tax regimes such as certain financial institutions, insurance companies, dealers in securities or foreign currencies, U.S. shareholders whose functional currency (as defined in Section 985 of the Code) is not the U.S. dollar, persons investing through defined contribution plans and other tax-qualified plans, and persons that hold shares in a Fund as part of a "straddle," "conversion transaction," "hedge," or other integrated investment strategy. All such prospective and actual shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the U.S. tax treatment of an investment in shares of a Fund.

The discussion below as it relates to U.S. federal income tax consequences is based upon the Code and regulations, rulings, and judicial decisions thereunder as of the date hereof. Such authorities may be repealed, revoked, or modified (possibly on a retroactive basis) so as to result in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those discussed below. The Funds have not sought an opinion of legal counsel as to any specific U.S. tax matters.

U.S. Shareholders

The following discussion addresses certain U.S. federal income tax considerations which may be relevant to investors that:

—  are citizens or residents of the United States, or corporations, partnerships, or other entities created or organized under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof, estates that are subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of the source of their income or trusts if (i) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (ii) the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person; and

—  hold, directly or indirectly, shares of a Fund as a capital asset (each such investor a "U.S. shareholder").

Tax Status

Each Fund is treated as a separate taxable entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Each Fund has elected or, in the case of a new Fund, intends to elect to be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code and intends each year to qualify and be eligible for treatment as such. In order to qualify and be eligible for treatment as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code, each Fund must, among other things, derive at least 90% of its gross income each year from certain sources of "qualifying income" and comply with certain asset diversification and distribution requirements.

So long as a Fund qualifies for treatment as a regulated investment company, the Fund itself generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent that it distributes to its shareholders, in a timely manner, dividend, interest and certain other income, its net realized short-term capital gains and its net realized long-term capital gains.

The remainder of this discussion assumes that each Fund will qualify as a regulated investment company.

Excise Tax

Each Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax on the undistributed amounts, if it fails to distribute in a calendar year substantially all of its ordinary income for such year and substantially all of its capital gain net income for the one year period ending October 31 (or for the one-year period ending December 31 if the Fund so elects), plus any retained amount from the prior year. Distributions made in January will generally be deemed to have been paid by such Fund on December 31 of the preceding year, if the distribution was declared and payable to shareholders of record on a date in October, November or December of that preceding year.

Each Fund intends generally to make distributions sufficient to avoid imposition of the 4% excise tax, although there can be no assurance it will make such distributions.

Personal Holding Company Rules

If a Fund were to be a "personal holding company," it would potentially need to comply with additional requirements with respect to its distributions to shareholders in order to avoid a Fund-level tax under the personal holding company rules.

Distributions

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, distributions of investment income are generally taxable to shareholders subject to tax as ordinary income.

Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long a Fund owned (or is deemed to have owned) the investments that generated them, rather than how long the shareholder has owned its shares.

Distributions of net capital gains from the sale of investments that a Fund owned (or is deemed to have owned) for more than one year and that are properly reported by a Fund as capital gain dividends will be taxable as long-term capital gains and taxed to individuals at reduced rates relative to ordinary income. Distributions of gains from the sale of investments that a Fund


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

owned (or is deemed to have owned) for one year or less will be taxable as ordinary income. Distributions of investment income reported by a Fund as derived from "qualified dividend income"—as further defined in the SAI—will be taxed in the hands of individuals at the rates applicable to long-term capital gains provided that holding period and other requirements are met at both the shareholder and Fund level.

Distributions are taxable to a shareholder (other than a tax-exempt shareholder or a shareholder investing through a tax-advantaged arrangement) even if they are paid from income or gains earned by a Fund before the shareholder's investment (and thus were included in the price paid by the shareholder for Fund shares). Distributions from a Fund will be taxed as described above whether received in cash or in additional Fund shares.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, each of the Funds may retain (a) investment company taxable income, subject to the distribution requirements applicable for qualification as a regulated investment company under the Code or (b) net capital gains and pay a Fund-level tax on any such retained amounts.

Medicare Tax

A 3.8% Medicare contribution tax is imposed on the "net investment income" of certain individuals, trusts and estates to the extent their income exceeds certain threshold amounts. Net investment income generally includes for this purpose dividends, including any capital gain dividends paid by a Fund, and net gains recognized on the sale, exchange, redemption or other taxable disposition of shares of a Fund.

Sale, Exchange or Redemption

A sale, exchange, or redemption of shares of a Fund, including a redemption in-kind, is a taxable event to the selling, exchanging, or redeeming shareholder. An exchange of a Fund's shares for shares of another Baillie Gifford fund will be treated as a sale of the Fund's shares. Any gain resulting from a sale, exchange (including an exchange for shares of another Baillie Gifford fund), or redemption of shares in a Fund will generally (except in the case of a tax-exempt shareholder or a shareholder investing through a tax-advantaged arrangement) be subject to federal income tax at either short-term or long-term capital gain rates depending on how long the shareholder has owned the shares.

Foreign Currency and Other Derivative Transactions

A Fund's transactions in foreign currencies and certain derivative instruments, including options, futures contracts, forward contracts, swaps and straddles, as well as any of its hedging transactions may be subject to special tax rules and may produce a difference between the Fund's book income and taxable income. The special tax rules to which such transactions are subject may accelerate income or defer losses of a Fund, or otherwise affect the amount, timing or character of distributions to shareholders. A difference between a Fund's book and taxable income may cause a portion of the Fund's income distributions to constitute a return of capital for tax purposes or require the Fund to make distributions exceeding book income to qualify as a regulated investment company.

Debt Transactions

A Fund's investments in certain debt obligations may cause that Fund to recognize taxable income in excess of the cash generated by such obligations. As a result, a Fund could be required at times to liquidate other investments, including when it is not advantageous to do so, in order to satisfy its distribution requirements.

Foreign Taxes

Each Fund may be subject to foreign withholding and other taxes on income, gains and proceeds derived from foreign investments. Such taxes would reduce the yield on a Fund's investments. However, as described immediately below, shareholders may be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to their share of foreign taxes incurred by a Fund.

Foreign Tax Credit or Deduction

If more than 50% of a Fund's assets at taxable year end consist of the securities of foreign corporations, the Fund may elect to permit shareholders who are U.S. citizens or residents or U.S. corporations to claim a foreign tax credit or deduction (but not both) on their U.S. income tax returns for their pro-rata portions of foreign income taxes paid by the Fund. In such case, income of a Fund from non-U.S. sources that is distributed to Fund shareholders would be treated as income from non-U.S. sources to the shareholders. The amount of foreign income taxes paid by a Fund would be treated as foreign taxes paid directly by Fund shareholders and, in addition, this amount would be treated as additional income to Fund shareholders from non-U.S. sources regardless of whether the Fund shareholder would be eligible to claim a foreign tax credit or deduction in respect of those taxes. Shareholders that are not subject to U.S. federal income tax, and those who invest in a Fund through tax-advantaged accounts (including those who invest through tax-advantaged retirement plans), generally will receive no benefit from any tax credit or deduction passed through by the Fund. Investors should consult their tax advisors for further information relating to the foreign tax credit and deduction, which are subject to certain restrictions and limitations (including, with respect to the foreign tax credit, a holding period requirement applied at both the Fund and the shareholder level). Prospective investors should also consult the discussion in the SAI regarding investment by a Fund in securities of certain foreign corporations.

Annual Tax Reports

Where required, the Funds will provide shareholders with federal tax information annually, including information about dividends and distributions paid during the preceding year.

IRS Returns

Shareholders may be required to file an information return with the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") including, but not limited to, if they recognize certain levels of losses with respect to shares in a Fund ($2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder), or are deemed to have participated in a confidential transaction involving shares in a Fund.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

FinCEN Form 114

Shareholders that are U.S. persons and own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of a Fund could be required to report annually their "financial interest" in the Fund's "foreign financial accounts," if any, on FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts. Shareholders are urged to consult a tax advisor regarding the applicability to them of this reporting requirement.

Backup Withholding Tax

A Fund generally is required to apply backup withholding and remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage of the taxable distributions and redemption proceeds paid to any individual shareholder who fails to properly furnish the Fund with a correct taxpayer identification number, who has under-reported dividend or interest income, or who fails to certify to the Fund that he or she is not subject to such withholding.

Non-U.S. Persons Tax Treatment

Fund shareholders who are not U.S. citizens or residents or that are foreign corporations, partnerships, trusts or estates may be subject to substantially different tax treatment with respect to distributions from the Funds.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The financial highlights tables for each Fund are included below. The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand each Fund's financial performance for the past 5 years or, if shorter, the period of the Fund's operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in each Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information for the years or periods ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2018, December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2020 has been audited by Cohen & Company, Ltd., the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with each Fund's financial statements as of December 31, 2020, is included in the Funds' annual report, which is available upon request. Financial highlights for years or periods ending before December 31, 2017 were audited by the Funds' prior independent registered public accounting firm.

Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund

Selected data for a Class 2 share outstanding throughout each year:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2016
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

 

$

13.13

   

$

10.04

   

$

12.06

   

$

9.55

   

$

9.70

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(a)

   

0.07

     

0.13

     

0.15

     

0.14

     

0.17

   
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency
   

3.61

     

3.11

     

(2.08

)

   

2.58

     

(0.18

)

 
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from
investment operations
   

3.68

     

3.24

     

(1.93

)

   

2.72

     

(0.01

)

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

(0.17

)

   

(0.15

)

   

(0.03

)

   

(0.22

)

   

(0.14

)

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

     

     

(0.06

)

   

     

   

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(0.17

)

   

(0.15

)

   

(0.09

)

   

(0.22

)

   

(0.14

)

 

Proceeds from Purchase Fees and Redemption Fees(a)

   

     

     

     

0.01

     

(0.00

)(b)

 

Net asset value, end of year

 

$

16.64

   

$

13.13

   

$

10.04

   

$

12.06

   

$

9.55

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(c)

   

27.95

%

   

32.33

%

   

(16.05

)%

   

28.59

%

   

(0.20

)%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

221,181

   

$

229,861

   

$

181,679

   

$

221,316

   

$

172,316

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

   

0.64

%

   

0.66

%

   

0.67

%

   

0.66

%

   

0.66

%

 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

   

0.50

%

   

1.08

%

   

1.23

%

   

1.22

%

   

1.73

%

 

Portfolio turnover rate(d)

   

12

%

   

19

%

   

14

%

   

21

%

   

13

%

 

(a)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the year.

(b)  Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

(c)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the year, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(d)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


76


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund

Selected data for a Class 3 share outstanding throughout each period:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Period
March 24,
2017(a)
through
December 31,
2017
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

13.26

   

$

10.13

   

$

12.17

   

$

10.49

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(b)

   

0.07

     

0.14

     

0.16

     

0.12

   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

   

3.65

     

3.15

     

(2.11

)

   

1.79

   

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from investment operations

   

3.72

     

3.29

     

(1.95

)

   

1.91

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

(0.18

)

   

(0.16

)

   

(0.03

)

   

(0.23

)

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

     

     

(0.06

)

   

   

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(0.18

)

   

(0.16

)

   

(0.09

)

   

(0.23

)

 

Proceeds from Purchase Fees and Redemption Fees(b)

   

     

     

     

0.00

(c)

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

16.80

   

$

13.26

   

$

10.13

   

$

12.17

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(d)

   

28.04

%

   

32.42

%

   

(15.99

)%

   

18.25

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

108,722

   

$

84,911

   

$

64,123

   

$

82,523

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

   

0.57

%

   

0.59

%

   

0.60

%

   

0.58

%*

 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

   

0.55

%

   

1.16

%

   

1.31

%

   

1.32

%*

 

Portfolio turnover rate(e)

   

12

%

   

19

%

   

14

%

   

21

%

 

*  Annualized.

(a)  Commencement of investment operations.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

(d)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(e)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


77


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund

Selected data for a Class 2 share outstanding throughout each year:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2016
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

 

$

16.71

   

$

13.15

   

$

16.11

   

$

12.46

   

$

12.55

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(a)

   

0.07

     

0.27

     

0.17

     

0.16

     

0.19

   
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency
   

4.73

     

3.91

     

(2.81

)

   

3.74

     

(0.13

)

 
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from
investment operations
   

4.80

     

4.18

     

(2.64

)

   

3.90

     

0.06

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

(0.14

)

   

(0.33

)

   

(0.09

)

   

(0.25

)

   

(0.16

)

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

(0.22

)

   

(0.29

)

   

(0.23

)

   

     

   

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(0.36

)

   

(0.62

)

   

(0.32

)

   

(0.25

)

   

(0.16

)

 

Proceeds from Purchase Fees and Redemption Fees(a)

   

     

     

     

0.00

(b)

   

0.01

   

Net asset value, end of year

 

$

21.15

   

$

16.71

   

$

13.15

   

$

16.11

   

$

12.46

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(c)

   

28.77

%

   

31.73

%

   

(16.39

)%

   

31.28

%

   

0.59

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

343,888

   

$

309,335

   

$

232,937

   

$

280,488

   

$

272,338

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

   

0.62

%

   

0.65

%

   

0.68

%

   

0.67

%

   

0.65

%

 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

   

0.42

%

   

1.76

%

   

1.06

%

   

1.06

%

   

1.46

%

 

Portfolio turnover rate(d)

   

20

%

   

11

%

   

26

%

   

12

%

   

23

%

 

(a)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the year.

(b)  Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

(c)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(d)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


78


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund

Selected data for a Class 3 share outstanding throughout each period:

    For the Period
August 3,
2020(a)
through
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2016
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

17.57

   

$

12.58

   

$

12.67

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(b)

   

0.03

     

0.16

     

0.2

   

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and foreign currency

   

3.93

     

3.79

     

(0.13

)

 

Net increase in net asset value from investment operations

   

3.96

     

3.95

     

0.07

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

(0.17

)

   

(0.27

)

   

(0.17

)

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

(0.22

)

   

     

   

Return of capital

   

     

     

   

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(0.39

)

   

(0.27

)

   

(0.17

)

 

Proceeds from Purchase Fees and Redemption Fees(b)

   

     

0.00

(c)

   

0.01

   

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

21.14

   

$

16.26

   

$

12.58

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(d)

   

22.49

%

   

31.37

%

   

0.66

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

146,565

   

$

26,932

   

$

19,890

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

   

0.54

%*

   

0.60

%

   

0.58

%

 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

   

0.35

%*

   

1.06

%

   

1.59

%

 

Portfolio turnover rate(e)

   

20

%

   

12

%

   

23

%

 

*  Annualized.

(a)  Recommencement of investment operations. Class had no shareholders from April 9, 2018 to August 2, 2020. All shares of this class were redeemed at $16.18 on April 9, 2018. New shares were issued at $17.57 on August 3, 2020.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

(d)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(e)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


79


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund

Selected data for a Class 2 share outstanding throughout each period:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2016
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

21.71

   

$

17.62

   

$

22.82

   

$

15.20

   

$

14.88

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(a)

   

0.19

     

0.63

     

0.28

     

0.16

     

0.07

   
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency
   

6.11

     

4.30

     

(3.70

)

   

7.89

     

0.38

   
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from
investment operations
   

6.30

     

4.93

     

(3.42

)

   

8.05

     

0.45

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

(0.35

)

   

(0.65

)

   

(0.23

)

   

(0.25

)

   

(0.14

)

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

     

(0.19

)

   

(1.55

)

   

(0.18

)

   

   

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(0.35

)

   

(0.84

)

   

(1.78

)

   

(0.43

)

   

(0.14

)

 

Proceeds from Purchase Fees and Redemption Fees(a)

   

     

     

     

(0.00

)(b)

   

0.01

   

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

27.66

   

$

21.71

   

$

17.62

   

$

22.82

   

$

15.20

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(c)

   

29.06

%

   

28.00

%

   

(14.92

)%

   

53.02

%

   

3.10

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

144,906

   

$

118,856

   

$

191,177

   

$

203,830

   

$

121,739

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

   

0.80

%

   

0.83

%

   

0.84

%

   

0.85

%

   

0.87

%

 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

   

0.90

%

   

3.29

%(d)

   

1.31

%

   

0.82

%

   

0.52

%

 

Portfolio turnover rate(e)

   

24

%

   

15

%

   

22

%

   

33

%

   

24

%

 

(a)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

(c)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(d)  Large increase due to one-off taxable stock dividends that were treated as income.

(e)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


80


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund

Selected data for a Class 3 share outstanding throughout each period:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Period
April 01, 2016(a)
through
December 31,
2016
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2014
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

21.91

   

$

17.77

   

$

23.00

   

$

15.32

   

$

14.72

   

$

16.74

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(b)

   

0.20

     

0.71

     

0.29

     

0.17

     

0.12

     

0.17

   
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments and foreign currency
   

6.18

     

4.29

     

(3.72

)

   

7.96

     

0.62

     

(0.15

)

 
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value
from investment operations
   

6.38

     

5.00

     

(3.43

)

   

8.13

     

0.74

     

0.02

   
Dividends and Distributions to
Shareholders
 

From net investment income

   

(0.37

)

   

(0.67

)

   

(0.25

)

   

(0.27

)

   

(0.14

)

   

(0.02

)

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

     

(0.19

)

   

(1.55

)

   

(0.18

)

   

     

   

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(0.37

)

   

(0.86

)

   

(1.80

)

   

(0.45

)

   

(0.14

)

   

(0.02

)

 
Proceeds from Purchase Fees and
Redemption Fees(b)
   

     

     

     

0.00

(c)

   

0.00

(c)

   

0.02

   

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

27.92

   

$

21.91

   

$

17.77

   

$

23.00

   

$

15.32

   

$

16.76

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(d)

   

29.15

%

   

28.09

%

   

(14.86

)%

   

53.13

%

   

5.05

%

   

0.26

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

168,460

   

$

344,702

   

$

167,268

   

$

196,468

   

$

128,303

   

$

485,066

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

   

0.73

%

   

0.76

%

   

0.77

%

   

0.78

%

   

0.80

%*

   

0.75

%

 
Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets
   

0.95

%

   

3.45

%(e)

   

1.33

%

   

0.84

%

   

1.09

%*

   

1.00

%

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

   

24

%

   

15

%

   

22

%

   

33

%

   

24

%

   

26

%

 

*  Annualized.

(a)  Recommencement of investment operations. Class had no shareholders from December 31, 2014 to March 31, 2016. All shares of this class were redeemed on December 31, 2014 at $16.76. New shares were issued at $14.72 on April 01, 2016.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

(d)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(e)  Large increase due to one-off taxable stock dividends that were treated as income.

(f)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


81


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund

Selected data for a Class 4 share outstanding throughout each period:

    For the Period
January 10, 2020(a)
through
December 31,
2020
  For the Period
January 1, 2016
through
October 10,
2016(a)
  For the Period
November 2, 2015(b)
through
December 31,
2015
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

22.69

   

$

15.12

   

$

15.40

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(c)

   

0.22

     

0.11

     

0.02

   

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and foreign currency

   

5.76

     

1.69

     

(0.28

)

 

Net increase in net asset value from investment operations

   

5.98

     

1.80

     

(0.26

)

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

(0.37

)

   

     

(0.06

)

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

     

     

(0.00

)(d)

 

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(0.37

)

   

     

(0.06

)

 

Proceeds from Purchase Fees and Redemption Fees(c)

   

     

0.01

     

0.04

   

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

28.30

   

$

16.93

   

$

15.12

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(e)

   

26.45

%

   

12.04

%

   

(1.40

)%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

276,791

   

$

110,086

   

$

98,273

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

   

0.70

%

   

0.73

%*

   

0.76

%*

 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

   

1.05

%

   

1.29

%*

   

0.88

%*

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

   

24

%

   

24

%

   

46

%

 

*  Annualized.

(a)  Recommencement of investment operations. Class had no shareholders from October 10, 2016 to January 09, 2020. All shares of this class were redeemed on October 10, 2016 at $16.93. New shares were issued at $22.69 on January 10, 2020.

(b)  Commencement of investment operations.

(c)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(d)  Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

(e)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(f)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


82


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund

Selected data for a Class 5 share outstanding throughout each year:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2016
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

 

$

22.50

   

$

18.23

   

$

23.55

   

$

15.67

   

$

15.33

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(a)

   

0.24

     

0.72

     

0.31

     

0.19

     

0.13

   
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency
   

6.33

     

4.42

     

(3.81

)

   

8.15

     

0.35

   
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from
investment operations
   

6.57

     

5.14

     

(3.50

)

   

8.34

     

0.48

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

(0.38

)

   

(0.68

)

   

(0.27

)

   

(0.28

)

   

(0.15

)

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

     

(0.19

)

   

(1.55

)

   

(0.18

)

   

   

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(0.38

)

   

(0.87

)

   

(1.82

)

   

(0.46

)

   

(0.15

)

 

Proceeds from Purchase Fees and Redemption Fees(a)

   

     

     

     

0.00

(b)

   

0.01

   

Net asset value, end of year

 

$

28.69

   

$

22.50

   

$

18.23

   

$

23.55

   

$

15.67

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(c)

   

29.25

%

   

28.19

%

   

(14.80

)%

   

53.25

%

   

3.24

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

1,953,356

   

$

1,331,946

   

$

1,063,434

   

$

1,232,137

   

$

1,075,176

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

   

0.65

%

   

0.68

%

   

0.69

%

   

0.70

%

   

0.71

%

 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

   

1.08

%

   

3.47

%(d)

   

1.41

%

   

0.91

%

   

0.83

%

 

Portfolio turnover rate(e)

   

24

%

   

15

%

   

22

%

   

33

%

   

24

%

 

(a)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

(c)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(d)  Large increase due to one-off taxable stock dividends that were treated as income.

(e)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


83


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund

Selected data for a Class 2 share outstanding throughout each year:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2016
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

 

$

16.46

   

$

13.13

   

$

18.85

   

$

14.52

   

$

13.96

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(a)

   

0.04

     

0.39

     

0.11

     

0.10

     

0.10

   
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency
   

5.93

     

3.89

     

(1.93

)

   

4.91

     

0.59

   
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from
investment operations
   

5.97

     

4.28

     

(1.82

)

   

5.01

     

0.69

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

(0.13

)

   

(0.57

)

   

(0.13

)

   

(0.11

)

   

(0.08

)

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

(1.12

)

   

(0.38

)

   

(3.77

)

   

(0.57

)

   

(0.05

)

 

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(1.25

)

   

(0.95

)

   

(3.90

)

   

(0.68

)

   

(0.13

)

 

Proceeds from Purchase Fees and Redemption Fees(a)

   

     

     

     

0.00

(b)

   

0.00

(b)

 

Net asset value, end of year

 

$

21.18

   

$

16.46

   

$

13.13

   

$

18.85

   

$

14.52

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(c)

   

36.31

%

   

32.56

%

   

(9.44

)%

   

34.56

%

   

4.95

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of year (000's omitted)

 

$

250,776

   

$

173,625

   

$

129,690

   

$

154,523

   

$

225,095

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

   

0.65

%

   

0.67

%

   

0.68

%

   

0.67

%

   

0.67

%

 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

   

0.25

%

   

2.52

%(d)

   

0.59

%

   

0.59

%

   

0.69

%

 

Portfolio turnover rate(e)

   

23

%

   

17

%

   

18

%

   

27

%

   

20

%

 

(a)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the year.

(b)  Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

(c)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the year, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the year.

(d)  Large increase due to one-off taxable stock dividends that were treated as income.

(e)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level and excludes the value of portfolio securities received in-kind in connection with Fund capital shares sold.


84


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund

Selected data for a Class 3 share outstanding throughout each year:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2016
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

 

$

16.90

   

$

13.46

   

$

19.22

   

$

14.79

   

$

14.23

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(a)

   

0.07

     

0.41

     

0.13

     

0.10

     

0.10

   
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency
   

6.07

     

3.99

     

(1.97

)

   

5.04

     

0.61

   
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from
investment operations
   

6.14

     

4.40

     

(1.84

)

   

5.14

     

0.71

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

(0.12

)

   

(0.58

)

   

(0.15

)

   

(0.14

)

   

(0.10

)

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

(1.12

)

   

(0.38

)

   

(3.77

)

   

(0.57

)

   

(0.05

)

 

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(1.24

)

   

(0.96

)

   

(3.92

)

   

(0.71

)

   

(0.15

)

 

Proceeds from Purchase Fees and Redemption Fees(a)

   

     

     

     

0.00

(b)

   

0.00

(b)

 

Net asset value, end of year

 

$

21.80

   

$

16.90

   

$

13.46

   

$

19.22

   

$

14.79

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(c)

   

36.40

%

   

32.65

%

   

(9.37

)%

   

34.65

%

   

5.02

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

282,859

   

$

568,608

   

$

449,177

   

$

564,714

   

$

593,513

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

   

0.58

%

   

0.60

%

   

0.61

%

   

0.60

%

   

0.60

%

 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

   

0.41

%

   

2.61

%(d)

   

0.67

%

   

0.60

%

   

0.75

%

 

Portfolio turnover rate(e)

   

23

%

   

17

%

   

18

%

   

27

%

   

20

%

 

(a)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the year.

(b)  Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

(c)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the year, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the year.

(d)  Large increase due to one-off taxable stock dividends that were treated as income.

(e)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level and excludes the value of portfolio securities received in-kind in connection with Fund capital shares sold.


85


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund

Selected data for a Class 4 share outstanding throughout each year:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Period
July 10, 2017(a)
through
December 31,
2017
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

17.34

   

$

13.79

   

$

19.58

   

$

17.99

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(b)

   

0.03

     

0.42

     

0.11

     

0.01

   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

   

6.28

     

4.10

     

(1.98

)

   

2.31

   

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from investment operations

   

6.31

     

4.52

     

(1.87

)

   

2.32

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

(0.15

)

   

(0.59

)

   

(0.15

)

   

(0.16

)

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

(1.12

)

   

(0.38

)

   

(3.77

)

   

(0.57

)

 

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(1.27

)

   

(0.97

)

   

(3.92

)

   

(0.73

)

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

22.38

   

$

17.34

   

$

13.79

   

$

19.58

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(c)

   

36.45

%

   

32.69

%

   

(9.35

)%

   

12.87

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

682,239

   

$

147,092

   

$

110,854

   

$

367,908

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

   

0.55

%

   

0.57

%

   

0.58

%

   

0.58

%*

 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

   

0.16

%

   

2.62

%(d)

   

0.57

%

   

0.15

%*

 

Portfolio turnover rate(e)

   

23

%

   

17

%

   

18

%

   

27

%

 

*  Annualized.

(a)  Commencement of investment operations.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(d)  Large increase due to one-off taxable stock dividends that were treated as income.

(e)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level and excludes the value of portfolio securities received in-kind in connection with Fund capital shares sold.


86


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund

Selected data for a Class 2 share outstanding throughout each year:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2016
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

 

$

13.57

   

$

10.78

   

$

14.20

   

$

10.90

   

$

10.65

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(a)

   

0.12

     

0.27

     

0.22

     

0.18

     

0.17

   
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency
   

3.47

     

3.20

     

(2.59

)

   

3.62

     

0.39

   
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from
investment operations
   

3.59

     

3.47

     

(2.37

)

   

3.80

     

0.56

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

(0.10

)

   

(0.34

)

   

(0.17

)

   

(0.14

)

   

(0.15

)

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

(0.28

)

   

(0.34

)

   

(0.88

)

   

(0.36

)

   

(0.16

)

 

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(0.38

)

   

(0.68

)

   

(1.05

)

   

(0.50

)

   

(0.31

)

 

Proceeds from Purchase Fees and Redemption Fees(a)

   

     

     

     

0.00

(b)

   

0.00

(b)

 

Net asset value, end of year

 

$

16.78

   

$

13.57

   

$

10.78

   

$

14.20

   

$

10.90

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(c)

   

26.45

%

   

32.14

%

   

(16.57

)%

   

34.96

%

   

5.24

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of year (000's omitted)

 

$

367,841

   

$

513,803

   

$

335,450

   

$

478,079

   

$

578,606

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

   

0.59

%

   

0.61

%

   

0.62

%

   

0.61

%

   

0.61

%

 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

   

0.85

%

   

2.11

%(d)

   

1.57

%

   

1.41

%

   

1.53

%

 

Portfolio turnover rate(e)

   

24

%

   

13

%

   

33

%

   

12

%

   

12

%

 

(a)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

(c)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(d)  Large increase due to one-off taxable stock dividends that were treated as income.

(e)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


87


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund

Selected data for a Class 3 share outstanding throughout each year:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2016
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

 

$

13.76

   

$

10.92

   

$

14.37

   

$

11.03

   

$

10.79

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(a)

   

0.13

     

0.28

     

0.22

     

0.18

     

0.17

   
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency
   

3.52

     

3.24

     

(2.60

)

   

3.68

     

0.40

   
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from
investment operations
   

3.65

     

3.52

     

(2.38

)

   

3.86

     

0.57

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

(0.11

)

   

(0.34

)

   

(0.19

)

   

(0.16

)

   

(0.17

)

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

(0.28

)

   

(0.34

)

   

(0.88

)

   

(0.36

)

   

(0.16

)

 

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(0.39

)

   

(0.68

)

   

(1.07

)

   

(0.52

)

   

(0.33

)

 

Proceeds from Purchase Fees and Redemption Fees(a)

   

     

     

     

0.00

(b)

   

0.00

(b)

 

Net asset value, end of year

 

$

17.02

   

$

13.76

   

$

10.92

   

$

14.37

   

$

11.03

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(c)

   

26.54

%

   

32.23

%

   

(16.51

)%

   

35.05

%

   

5.31

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of year (000's omitted)

 

$

757,194

   

$

668,206

   

$

613,224

   

$

1,119,162

   

$

915,782

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

   

0.52

%

   

0.54

%

   

0.55

%

   

0.55

%

   

0.54

%

 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

   

0.92

%

   

2.18

%(d)

   

1.58

%

   

1.35

%

   

1.54

%

 

Portfolio turnover rate(e)

   

24

%

   

13

%

   

33

%

   

12

%

   

12

%

 

(a)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

(c)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(d)  Large increase due to one-off taxable stock dividends that were treated as income.

(e)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


88


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund

Selected data for a Class 4 share outstanding throughout each year:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Period
July 10, 2017(a)
through
December 31,
2017
  For the Period
January 1, 2015
through
December 10,
2015(a)
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2014
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

14.00

   

$

11.10

   

$

14.59

   

$

13.43

   

$

11.60

   

$

12.20

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(b)

   

0.12

     

0.28

     

0.23

     

0.05

     

0.19

     

0.22

   
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments and foreign currency
   

3.60

     

3.31

     

(2.65

)

   

1.64

     

(0.33

)

   

(0.57

)

 
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value
from investment operations
   

3.72

     

3.59

     

(2.42

)

   

1.69

     

(0.14

)

   

(0.35

)

 
Dividends and Distributions to
Shareholders
 

From net investment income

   

(0.12

)

   

(0.35

)

   

(0.19

)

   

(0.17

)

   

(0.01

)

   

(0.21

)

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

(0.28

)

   

(0.34

)

   

(0.88

)

   

(0.36

)

   

     

(0.05

)

 

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(0.40

)

   

(0.69

)

   

(1.07

)

   

(0.53

)

   

(0.01

)

   

(0.26

)

 
Proceeds from Purchase Fees and
Redemption Fees(b)
   

     

     

     

     

0.01

     

0.01

   

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

17.32

   

$

14.00

   

$

11.10

   

$

14.59

   

$

11.46

   

$

11.60

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(c)

   

26.57

%

   

32.27

%

   

(16.49

)%

   

12.60

%

   

(1.04

)%

   

(2.82

)%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

1,082,123

   

$

580,146

   

$

438,616

   

$

232,741

   

$

59

   

$

352,890

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

   

0.49

%

   

0.51

%

   

0.52

%

   

0.53

%

   

0.52

%

   

0.51

%

 
Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets
   

0.82

%

   

2.20

%(d)

   

1.61

%

   

0.77

%

   

1.72

%

   

1.82

%

 

Portfolio turnover rate(e)

   

24

%

   

13

%

   

33

%

   

12

%

   

15

%

   

11

%

 

(a)  Recommencement of investment operations.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(d)  Large increase due to one-off taxable stock dividends that were treated as income.

(e)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


89


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund

Selected data for a Class 5 share outstanding throughout each year:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2016
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

 

$

14.26

   

$

11.30

   

$

14.82

   

$

11.36

   

$

11.11

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(a)

   

0.14

     

0.30

     

0.21

     

0.20

     

0.19

   
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency
   

3.66

     

3.35

     

(2.65

)

   

3.79

     

0.41

   
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from
investment operations
   

3.80

     

3.65

     

(2.44

)

   

3.99

     

0.60

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

(0.13

)

   

(0.35

)

   

(0.20

)

   

(0.17

)

   

(0.19

)

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

(0.28

)

   

(0.34

)

   

(0.88

)

   

(0.36

)

   

(0.16

)

 

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(0.41

)

   

(0.69

)

   

(1.08

)

   

(0.53

)

   

(0.35

)

 

Proceeds from Purchase Fees and Redemption Fees(a)

   

     

     

     

0.00

(b)

   

0.00

(b)

 

Net asset value, end of year

 

$

17.65

   

$

14.26

   

$

11.30

   

$

14.82

   

$

11.36

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(c)

   

26.64

%

   

32.34

%

   

(16.44

)%

   

35.16

%

   

5.40

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of year (000's omitted)

 

$

149,745

   

$

104,935

   

$

79,293

   

$

183,384

   

$

167,297

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

   

0.44

%

   

0.46

%

   

0.47

%

   

0.47

%

   

0.46

%

 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

   

0.94

%

   

2.25

%(d)

   

1.55

%

   

1.45

%

   

1.66

%

 

Portfolio turnover rate(e)

   

24

%

   

13

%

   

33

%

   

12

%

   

12

%

 

(a)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

(c)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(d)  Large increase due to one-off taxable stock dividends that were treated as income.

(e)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


90


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund

Selected data for a Class 2 share outstanding throughout each year:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2016
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

 

$

14.59

   

$

10.74

   

$

14.39

   

$

10.09

   

$

10.52

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(a)

   

0.00

(b)

   

0.15

     

0.11

     

0.05

     

0.08

   
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency
   

9.17

     

3.87

     

(2.61

)

   

4.60

     

0.06

   
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from
investment operations
   

9.17

     

4.02

     

(2.50

)

   

4.65

     

0.14

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

     

(0.15

)

   

(0.10

)

   

(0.06

)

   

(0.07

)

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

(2.20

)

   

(0.02

)

   

(1.03

)

   

(0.29

)

   

(0.50

)

 

Return of capital

   

     

     

(0.02

)

   

     

   

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(2.20

)

   

(0.17

)

   

(1.15

)

   

(0.35

)

   

(0.57

)

 

Proceeds from Purchase Fees and Redemption Fees(a)

   

     

     

     

0.00

(b)

   

0.00

(b)

 

Net asset value, end of year

 

$

21.56

   

$

14.59

   

$

10.74

   

$

14.39

   

$

10.09

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(c)

   

62.95

%

   

37.34

%

   

(17.33

)%

   

46.09

%

   

1.34

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of year (000's omitted)

 

$

599,275

   

$

874,230

   

$

632,645

   

$

746,817

   

$

732,160

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

   

0.58

%

   

0.60

%

   

0.60

%

   

0.61

%

   

0.61

%

 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

   

0.02

%

   

1.16

%(d)

   

0.72

%

   

0.42

%

   

0.81

%

 

Portfolio turnover rate(e)

   

26

%

   

6

%

   

14

%

   

9

%

   

18

%

 

(a)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the year.

(b)  Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

(c)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the year, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the year.

(d)  Large increase due to one-off taxable stock dividends that were treated as income.

(e)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


91


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund

Selected data for a Class 3 share outstanding throughout each year:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2016
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

 

$

14.62

   

$

10.76

   

$

14.42

   

$

10.11

   

$

10.54

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(a)

   

0.01

     

0.16

     

0.11

     

0.05

     

0.11

   
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency
   

9.20

     

3.88

     

(2.61

)

   

4.62

     

0.03

   
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from
investment operations
   

9.21

     

4.04

     

(2.50

)

   

4.67

     

0.14

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

     

(0.16

)

   

(0.11

)

   

(0.07

)

   

(0.07

)

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

(2.20

)

   

(0.02

)

   

(1.03

)

   

(0.29

)

   

(0.50

)

 

Return of capital

   

     

     

(0.02

)

   

     

   

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(2.20

)

   

(0.18

)

   

(1.16

)

   

(0.36

)

   

(0.57

)

 

Proceeds from Purchase Fees and Redemption Fees(a)

   

     

     

     

0.00

(b)

   

0.00

(b)

 

Net asset value, end of year

 

$

21.63

   

$

14.62

   

$

10.76

   

$

14.42

   

$

10.11

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(c)

   

63.07

%

   

37.44

%

   

(17.27

)%

   

46.20

%

   

1.41

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of year (000's omitted)

 

$

693,179

   

$

546,477

   

$

393,050

   

$

601,549

   

$

433,860

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

   

0.51

%

   

0.53

%

   

0.53

%

   

0.54

%

   

0.54

%

 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

   

0.03

%

   

1.22

%(d)

   

0.74

%

   

0.41

%

   

1.04

%

 

Portfolio turnover rate(e)

   

26

%

   

6

%

   

14

%

   

9

%

   

18

%

 

(a)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the year.

(b)  Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

(c)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the year, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the year.

(d)  Large increase due to one-off taxable stock dividends that were treated as income.

(e)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


92


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund

Selected data for a Class 4 share outstanding throughout each year:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Period
October 10,
2016(a)
through
December 31,
2016
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

14.63

   

$

10.77

   

$

14.43

   

$

10.12

   

$

11.49

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(b)

   

0.01

     

0.16

     

0.12

     

0.06

     

0.00

(c)

 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency
   

9.21

     

3.88

     

(2.61

)

   

4.62

     

(0.81

)

 
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from
investment operations
   

9.22

     

4.04

     

(2.49

)

   

4.68

     

(0.81

)

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

0.00

(c)

   

(0.16

)

   

(0.12

)

   

(0.08

)

   

(0.08

)

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

(2.20

)

   

(0.02

)

   

(1.03

)

   

(0.29

)

   

(0.48

)

 

Return of capital

   

     

     

(0.02

)

   

     

   

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(2.20

)

   

(0.18

)

   

(1.17

)

   

(0.37

)

   

(0.56

)

 

Proceeds from Purchase Fees and Redemption Fees(b)

   

     

     

     

0.00

(c)

   

0.00

(c)

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

21.65

   

$

14.63

   

$

10.77

   

$

14.43

   

$

10.12

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(d)

   

63.12

%

   

37.48

%

   

(17.24

)%

   

46.24

%

   

(6.97

)%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

969,427

   

$

283,094

   

$

205,923

   

$

302,474

   

$

201,923

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

   

0.48

%

   

0.50

%

   

0.50

%

   

0.51

%

   

0.52

%*

 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

   

0.06

%

   

1.26

%(e)

   

0.83

%

   

0.45

%

   

0.05

%*

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

   

26

%

   

6

%

   

14

%

   

9

%

   

18

%

 

*  Annualized.

(a)  Recommencement of investment operations. Class had no shareholders from April 11, 2016 to October 9, 2016. All shares of this class were redeemed on April 11, 2016 at $10.16. New shares were issued at $11.49 on October 10, 2016.

(b)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)  Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

(d)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(e)  Large increase due to one-off taxable stock dividends that were treated as income.

(f)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


93


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund

Selected data for a Class 5 share outstanding throughout each year:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2016
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

 

$

14.66

   

$

10.79

   

$

14.46

   

$

10.14

   

$

10.56

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(a)

   

0.02

     

0.17

     

0.12

     

0.07

     

0.10

   
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency
   

9.23

     

3.89

     

(2.61

)

   

4.62

     

0.06

   
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from
investment operations
   

9.25

     

4.06

     

(2.49

)

   

4.69

     

0.16

   

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net investment income

   

(0.01

)

   

(0.17

)

   

(0.13

)

   

(0.08

)

   

(0.08

)

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

(2.20

)

   

(0.02

)

   

(1.03

)

   

(0.29

)

   

(0.50

)

 

Return of capital

   

     

     

(0.02

)

   

     

   

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(2.21

)

   

(0.19

)

   

(1.18

)

   

(0.37

)

   

(0.58

)

 

Proceeds from Purchase Fees and Redemption Fees(a)

   

     

     

     

0.00

(b)

   

0.00

(b)

 

Net asset value, end of year

 

$

21.70

   

$

14.66

   

$

10.79

   

$

14.46

   

$

10.14

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(c)

   

63.20

%

   

37.55

%

   

(17.20

)%

   

46.31

%

   

1.49

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of year (000's omitted)

 

$

1,842,231

   

$

1,298,918

   

$

944,366

   

$

1,139,553

   

$

778,857

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

   

0.43

%

   

0.45

%

   

0.45

%

   

0.46

%

   

0.46

%

 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

   

0.13

%

   

1.31

%(d)

   

0.84

%

   

0.51

%

   

0.98

%

 

Portfolio turnover rate(e)

   

26

%

   

6

%

   

14

%

   

9

%

   

18

%

 

(a)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the year.

(d)  Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

(c)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the year, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the year.

(d)  Large increase due to one-off taxable stock dividends that were treated as income.

(e)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


94


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund

Selected data for a Class 2 share outstanding throughout each year:

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2016
 

Net asset value, beginning of year

 

$

20.68

   

$

15.51

   

$

17.33

   

$

11.25

   

$

11.76

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment loss(a)

   

(0.17

)

   

(0.07

)

   

(0.04

)

   

(0.08

)

   

(0.05

)

 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency
   

21.17

     

5.27

     

(0.22

)

   

6.16

     

(0.39

)

 
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from
investment operations
   

21.00

     

5.20

     

(0.26

)

   

6.08

     

(0.44

)

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

(3.23

)

   

(0.03

)

   

(1.56

)

   

     

(0.07

)

 

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(3.23

)

   

(0.03

)

   

(1.56

)

   

     

(0.07

)

 

Proceeds from Purchase Fees and Redemption Fees(a)

   

     

     

     

0.00

(b)

   

0.00

(b)

 

Net asset value, end of year

 

$

38.45

   

$

20.68

   

$

15.51

   

$

17.33

   

$

11.25

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(c)

   

101.77

%

   

33.49

%

   

(1.42

)%

   

54.07

%

   

(3.80

)%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of year (000's omitted)

 

$

131,695

   

$

72,023

   

$

54,661

   

$

59,870

   

$

32,434

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, before waiver

   

0.71

%

   

0.76

%

   

0.79

%

   

0.82

%

   

0.87

%

 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, after waiver

   

0.71

%

   

0.76

%

   

0.77

%

   

0.77

%

   

0.77

%

 

Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets

   

(0.58

)%

   

(0.40

)%

   

(0.22

)%

   

(0.50

)%

   

(0.43

)%

 

Portfolio turnover rate(d)

   

40

%

   

5

%

   

16

%

   

13

%

   

15

%

 

(a)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the year.

(b)  Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

(c)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the year, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the year.

(d)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


95


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund

Selected data for a Class 5 share outstanding throughout each period:

    For the Period
July 14, 2020(a)
through
December 31,
2020
  For the Period
January 1, 2019
through
April 10,
2019(a)
  For the Period
April 9, 2018(b)
through
December 31,
2018
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

39.89

   

$

19.46

   

$

22.47

   

From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income (loss)(c)

   

(0.11

)

   

(0.02

)

   

0.02

   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

   

12.66

     

4.17

     

(1.47

)(d)

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from investment operations

   

12.55

     

4.15

     

(1.45

)

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

From net realized gain on investments

   

(3.23

)

   

     

(1.56

)

 

Total Dividends and Distributions

   

(3.23

)

   

     

(1.56

)

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

49.21

   

$

23.61

   

$

19.46

   

Total Return

 

Total return based on net asset value(e)

   

31.57

%(f)

   

21.27

%

   

(6.41

)%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)

 

$

108,171

   

$

67,815

   

$

58,008

   

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, before waiver

   

0.55

%*

   

0.61

%*

   

0.64

%*

 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, after waiver

   

0.55

%*

   

0.61

%*

   

0.62

%*

 

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

   

(0.54

)%*

   

(0.37

)%*

   

0.09

%*

 

Portfolio turnover rate(g)

   

40

%

   

5

%

   

16

%

 

*  Annualized.

(a)  Recommencement of investment operations. Class had no shareholders from April 10, 2019 to July 13, 2020. All shares of this class were redeemed at $23.61 on April 10, 2019. New shares were issued at $39.89 on July 14, 2020.

(b)  Commencement of investment operations.

(c)  Calculated based upon average shares outstanding during the period.

(d)  Calculation of the net gain or loss per share (both realized and unrealized) may not correlate to the aggregate realized and unrealized losses presented in the Statement of Operations due to the timing of sales and repurchases of Class shares in relation to fluctuating market values of the investments of the Fund.

(e)  Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any, at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(f)  Represents total return for the period July 14, 2020 (recommencement of investment operations) through December 31, 2020.

(g)  Portfolio turnover rate calculated at Fund level.


96


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE

INFORMATION

As noted in the Fund Summaries above, this section contains additional information regarding the calculation of each Fund's performance and the presentation of such performance. The Average Annual Total Returns Table in each Fund Summary compares the relevant Fund's returns with those of a broad-based market index. The sub-section below titled "Index Descriptions" describes the market indices that are used in each Fund Summary and referenced in the Principal Investment Strategies of certain Funds. The sub-section below titled "Share Class Performance" describes the calculation of each Fund's class-by-class performance. Information provided below is current as of March 31, 2021.

Unless otherwise noted, index returns reflect the reinvestment of income dividends and capital gains, if any, but do not reflect fees, taxes (including withholding taxes), brokerage commissions or other expenses of investing. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

Index Descriptions

The MSCI All Country World Index ("ACWI") captures large and mid-cap representation across 23 Developed Markets and 27 Emerging Markets countries. With 2,964 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the global investable equity opportunity set. It is not possible to invest directly in the index. Performance data shown for the index is calculated gross of dividend tax withholding.

The MSCI ACWI (ex U.S.) Index captures large and mid-cap representation across 22 of 23 Developed Markets (DM) countries (excluding the U.S.) and 27 Emerging Markets (EM) countries. With 2,344 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the global equity opportunity set outside the U.S. It is not possible to invest directly in the index. Performance data shown for the index is calculated gross of dividend tax withholding.

The MSCI Emerging Markets ("EM") Index captures large and mid-cap representation across 27 Emerging Markets countries. With 1,381 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country. Emerging Markets countries include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates. It is not possible to invest directly in the index. Performance data shown for the index is calculated gross of dividend tax withholding.

The MSCI Europe Australasia Far East ("EAFE") Index is an equity index which captures large and mid-cap representation across 21 Developed Markets countries around the world, excluding the U.S. and Canada. With 874 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country. It is not possible to invest directly in the index. Performance data shown for the index is calculated gross of dividend tax withholding.

Index Disclaimers

MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indexes or any securities or financial products. This Prospectus is not approved, endorsed, reviewed or produced by MSCI. None of the MSCI data is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such.

Share Class Performance

Information about a Fund's performance is based on that Fund's record to a recent date and is not intended to indicate future performance. Investment results of the Funds will fluctuate over time, and any representation of the Funds' total return for any prior period should not be considered as a representation of what an investor's total return will be in any future period. The Trust's annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders contain additional performance information for the Funds and are available upon request, without charge, by calling the telephone numbers listed at the end of this Prospectus.

Not all share classes of a Fund have been operational for the same periods of time, and some are non-operational as of the date of this Prospectus. In addition, certain share classes and Funds have been operational for intervals, with periods during which such share classes or Funds were unfunded and consequently have a gap in performance history. For periods prior to the inception date of a share class, or for periods during which a share class was non-operational, performance information shown for such class may be based on the performance of a different class that dates back to a Fund's inception or that has the longest history of continuous operation. The resulting performance information shown has been adjusted to reflect certain fees and expenses paid by the class with a shorter, or less continuous, operating history only when such fees and expenses were, at the time of the adjustment, expected generally to be higher than the fees and expenses of the class on which its performance information is based. These adjustments thus generally result in estimated performance results that are lower than the actual results of the class on which the performance information is based, as a result of differing levels of fees and expenses borne.

The following table shows Funds for which the total return presentations in the Fund summaries reflect, for certain classes, the performance of a different class for periods prior to the most recent inception date of a particular class.

Fund

  Most Recent
Inception Date
of Fund
 

Class

  Most Recent
Inception Date
of Class
 
Baillie Gifford
Developed EAFE
All Cap Fund
 
  April 15, 2014
 
 
 
  Class 2
Class 3
Class 4
Class 5
  April 15, 2014
March 24, 2017

 
Baillie Gifford EAFE
Plus All Cap Fund
 
 
  December 17, 2009
 
 
 
  Class 2
Class 3
Class 4
Class 5
  December 17, 2009
July 7, 2014(1)

 


97


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

Fund

  Most Recent
Inception Date
of Fund
 

Class

  Most Recent
Inception Date
of Class
 
Baillie Gifford
Emerging Markets
Equities Fund(2)
 
  April 4, 2003
 
 
 
  Class 2
Class 3
Class 4
Class 5
  March 2, 2015
April 1, 2016
November 2, 2015(3)
April 4, 2013
 
Baillie Gifford Global
Alpha Equities Fund
 
 
  November 15, 2011
 
 
 
  Class 2
Class 3
Class 4
Class 5
  January 6, 2013
November 15, 2011
July 10, 2017
 
Baillie Gifford
International Alpha
Fund(4)
 
  February 7, 2008
 
 
 
  Class 2
Class 3
Class 4
Class 5
  February 7, 2008
September 1, 2010
July 10, 2017
April 7, 2014
 
Baillie Gifford
International Growth
Fund
 
  March 6, 2008
 
 
 
  Class 2
Class 3
Class 4
Class 5
  March 6, 2008
April 19, 2010
October 10, 2016
July 19, 2012
 
Baillie Gifford
Long Term Global
Growth Fund
 
  June 10, 2014
 
 
 
  Class 2
Class 3
Class 4
Class 5
  June 10, 2014

October 7, 2015(5)
April 9, 2018
 

(1)  Class 3 shares of Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund were operational between July 7, 2014 and April 9, 2018.

(2)  Effective January 1, 2015, the share class structure of Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund was changed, and shares previously designated as Class III shares were converted to Class 5 shares. The performance information provided in the Fund Summary for Class 5 reflects the performance for Class III for periods prior to January 1, 2015. Class III shares were subject to a higher shareholder service fee than Class 5 shares, and no adjustment has been made to the performance information shown for Class 5 to reflect its different expense structure. The performance information provided in the Fund Summary for Class 3 and Class 4 of Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund is based on the performance for Class 5. Performance for Class 3 and Class 4 prior to conversion has not been adjusted for differences in shareholder service fees, since the predecessor class to Class 5 paid shareholder service fees equal to or greater than those applicable to Class 3 and Class 4. Performance for Class 3 and Class 4 has been adjusted for subsequent periods during which higher shareholder service fees applied to Class 3 and Class 4 than those applicable to Class 5.

(3)  Class 4 shares of Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund were operational from November 2, 2015 until October 10, 2016.

(4)  The Fund was active for intervals between November 1, 2000 and November 22, 2005, and was inactive until it most recently recommenced operations on February 7, 2008.

(5)  Class 4 shares of Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund were operational between October 7, 2015 and April 9, 2018.


98


Baillie Gifford Funds – Prospectus

CONTACTS AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Fund

  The SAI contains more detailed information about each Fund. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus, which means that it is legally considered to be part of this Prospectus.  

Investments

  Additional information about each Fund's investments can be found:
On the Manager's website at http://USmutualfund.bailliegifford.com. Following its commencement of operations, each Fund's portfolio holdings as of each calendar quarter's end, approximately 10 days after that quarter's end.
In the SAI. The Trust's policies on disclosing the Funds' portfolio holdings are described in the SAI.
In the annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. These reports will include a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected that Fund's performance during its last fiscal year to date.
 

Copies of Reports

  The Funds' annual and semi-annual reports, the Prospectus and the SAI are available free of charge using the contacts below.
In addition to this, the reports can be found:
On the EDGAR database on the SEC's Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. This website includes reports and other information about the Funds. Copies of this information may be obtained, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following email address: publicinfo@sec.gov.
 

Books and Records

 

The books and records of the Fund are maintained at the offices of the Manager at Calton Square, 1 Greenside Row, Edinburgh, EH1 3AN and the offices of the Transfer Agent at 4400 Computer Drive, Westborough, Massachusetts, USA, 01581.

 

Other Shareholder Queries

 

Shareholders may request other information about the Fund and may direct inquiries to the Trust c/o Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited, or BGFS using the contacts below.

 

 

   

Contact the Trust

 

Email

 

northamericanvehiclesteam@bailliegifford.com

 

Mail

  c/o Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited, One Greenside Row, Calton Square,
Edinburgh EH1 3AN
 

Toll-Free Telephone

 

1-844-394-6127

 

Investment Company Act File No. 811-10145


99


Statement of Additional Information

May 1, 2021 (as revised July 2, 2021)

Baillie Gifford Funds

This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") relates to the following funds and share classes of Baillie Gifford Funds (the "Trust"):

   

Class 2

 

Class 3

 

Class 4

 

Class 5

 

Class K

  Institutional
Class
 

Baillie Gifford Asia Ex Japan Fund

                 

BASKX

 

BSASX

 

Baillie Gifford China A Shares Growth Fund*

                 

BCAKX

 

BCANX

 

Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund

                 

BGCDX

 

BGCBX

 

Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund

 

BGPTX

 

BGPFX

 

BGPWX

 

BGPVX

 

BGPKX

 

BSGPX

 

Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund

 

BGCWX

 

BGCJX

 

BGCLX

 

BGCVX

 

BKGCX

 

BGCSX

 

Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund

 

BGEHX

 

BGELX

 

BGEPX

 

BGEDX

 

BGKEX

 

BGEGX

 

Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund

 

BGATX

 

BGAEX

 

BGALX

 

BGAVX

 

BGAKX

 

BGASX

 

Baillie Gifford Global Stewardship Equities Fund

                 

BGSKX

 

BGSSX

 

Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund

 

BGITX

 

BGIFX

 

BGIUX

 

BGIVX

 

BGIKX

 

BINSX

 
Baillie Gifford International Concentrated
Growth Equities Fund
                 

BTLKX

 

BTLSX

 

Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund

 

BGETX

 

BGEUX

 

BGEFX

 

BGEVX

 

BGEKX

 

BGESX

 
Baillie Gifford International Smaller
Companies Fund
                 

BICKX

 

BICIX

 

Baillie Gifford Japan Growth Fund

                 

BAADX

 

BAABX

 

Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund

 

BGLTX

 

BGLOX

 

BGLFX

 

BGADX

 

BGLKX

 

BSGLX

 

Baillie Gifford Positive Change Equities Fund

                  BPEKX   BPESX  

Baillie Gifford U.S. Discovery Fund

                 

BGUKX

 

BGUIX

 

Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity Growth Fund

                 

BGGKX

 

BGGSX

 

* Prior to April 30, 2021, the fund was known as Baillie Gifford China A Shares Fund.

This SAI is not a prospectus. This SAI provides additional information in relation to the prospectuses for the funds listed above (each a "Fund" and together the "Funds") dated May 1, 2021, each as revised or supplemented from time to time (together, the "Prospectus"), and should be read in conjunction therewith.

The most recent annual reports of Baillie Gifford China A Shares Growth Fund, Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund, Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund, Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund, Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund, Baillie Gifford Global Stewardship Equities Fund, Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund, Baillie Gifford International Concentrated Growth Equities Fund, Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund, Baillie Gifford International Smaller Companies Fund, Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund, Baillie Gifford Positive Change Equities Fund, and Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity Growth Fund are incorporated by reference into this SAI.

The Prospectus and the most recent annual and semi-annual report to shareholders of each Fund may be obtained, free of charge, by contacting the Trust using the details below.

Online

 

http://USmutualfund.bailliegifford.com

 

Email

 

northamericanvehiclesteam@bailliegifford.com

 

Mail

  c/o Baillie Gifford Overseas Ltd., Calton Square, 1 Greenside Row,
Edinburgh, United Kingdom EH1 3AN
 

Toll-Free Telephone

   

1-844-394-6127

   

Table of Contents

Background on the Trust and the Funds

   

1

   

Fund Investments

   

2

   

Non-Fundamental Investment Policies

   

2

   

Fundamental Investment Policies

   

3

   

Temporary Defensive Positions

   

3

   

Borrowings

   

3

   

Other Investment Companies

   

3

   

Diversification

   

4

   

Risks

   

4

   

Disclosure of Fund Investments

   

11

   

Investment Glossary

   

12

   

Purchase, Redemption, and Pricing of Shares

   

15

   

How to Buy & Redeem Shares

   

15

   

Determination of Net Asset Value

   

15

   

Election under Rule 18f-1

   

16

   

Trustees and Trust Officers

   

17

   

Trustee Responsibilities and Powers

   

17

   

Trustee Appointments

   

17

   

Trustee Nominations by Shareholders

   

17

   

Trustee Meetings

   

20

   

Committees

   

20

   

Trustee Compensation

   

20

   

Trust Officers

   

21

   

Trust Officer Compensation

   

22

   

Trustee and Trust Officer Liability

   

22

   

Investment in the Funds by Trust, Manager and Distributor Personnel

   

22

   

Manager

   

23

   

Oversight by the Board

   

23

   

Management Services

   

23

   

Shareholder Services

   

25

   

Administration and Supervisory Services

   

26

   

Investment Decisions by Portfolio Managers

   

26

   

Proxy Voting

   

33

   

Investment Process

   

33

   

Payments to Financial Intermediaries

   

35

   

Other Services

   

36

   

Compensation

   

36

   

Other Key Service Providers

   

38

   

Administrator – BNYM

   

38

   

Custodian – BNYM

   

38

   

Transfer Agent – BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc.

   

38

   

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – Cohen & Company, Ltd.

   

38

   

Underwriter – BGFS

   

38

   

Trust Legal Counsel – Ropes & Gray LLP

   

38

   

Independent Trustee Legal Counsel – Vedder Price P.C.

   

38

   

Shareholders

   

39

   

Principal Holders of Securities

   

39

   

Control Persons

   

43

   

Management Ownership

   

44

   

Shareholder Rights

   

44

   

Distributions

   

45

   

Tax

   

45

   

Financial Statements

   

53

   

Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Background on the Trust and the Funds

The Trust

Baillie Gifford Funds (the "Trust") is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") as an open-end management investment company. The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on June 21, 2000.

Funds

The Trust consists of multiple series, a subset of which, as set out below, are offered in the Prospectus and this SAI. Each series that is offered under the Prospectus and this SAI is referred to in this SAI as a "Fund" and together the "Funds."

Series

 

Share Classes

 

Diversified

 

Baillie Gifford Asia Ex Japan Fund

 

Institutional, K

 

Yes

 

Baillie Gifford China A Shares Growth Fund*

 

Institutional, K

 

No

 

Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund

 

Institutional, K

 

No

 

Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund

  2, 3, 4, 5,
Institutional, K
 

Yes

 

Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund

  2, 3, 4, 5,
Institutional, K
 

Yes

 

Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund

  2, 3, 4, 5,
Institutional, K
 

Yes

 

Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund

  2, 3, 4, 5,
Institutional, K
 

Yes

 

Baillie Gifford Global Stewardship Equities Fund

 

Institutional, K

 

Yes

 

Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund

  2, 3, 4, 5,
Institutional, K
 

Yes

 

Baillie Gifford International Concentrated Growth Equities Fund

 

Institutional, K

 

No

 

Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund

  2, 3, 4, 5,
Institutional, K
 

Yes

 

Baillie Gifford International Smaller Companies Fund

 

Institutional, K

 

Yes

 

Baillie Gifford Japan Growth Fund

 

Institutional, K

 

Yes

 

Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund

  2, 3, 4, 5,
Institutional, K
 

No

 

Baillie Gifford Positive Change Equities Fund

 

Institutional, K

 

No

 

Baillie Gifford U.S. Discovery Fund

 

Institutional, K

 

No

 

Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity Growth Fund

 

Institutional, K

 

No

 

The differences between the classes of shares are addressed in the Prospectus under "Shares—Restrictions on Buying Shares."

*  Prior to April 30, 2021, Baillie Gifford China A Shares Growth Fund was known as Baillie Gifford China A Shares Fund.

On November 25, 2019, the names of certain Funds were changed as follows:

Current Fund Name

 

Previous Fund Name

 

Baillie Gifford Asia Ex Japan Fund

 

The Asia Ex Japan Fund

 

Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund

 

The EAFE Pure Fund

 

Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund

 

The EAFE Choice Fund

 

Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund

 

The Emerging Markets Fund

 

Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund

 

The Global Alpha Equity Fund

 

Baillie Gifford Global Stewardship Equities Fund

 

The Global Select Equity Fund

 

Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund

 

The International Equity Fund

 

Baillie Gifford International Concentrated Growth Equities Fund

 

The International Concentrated Growth Fund

 

Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund

 

The EAFE Fund

 

Baillie Gifford International Smaller Companies Fund

 

The International Smaller Companies Fund

 

Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund

 

The Long Term Global Growth Equity Fund

 

Baillie Gifford Positive Change Equities Fund

 

The Positive Change Equity Fund

 

Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity Growth Fund

 

The U.S. Equity Growth Fund*

 

*  Prior to December 14, 2016, Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity Growth Fund was named The North American Equity Fund.


1


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Fund Investments

This section sets out investment policies for each Fund, which apply in addition to the investment strategies summarized in the Prospectus under "Principal Investment Strategies" and "Selected Investment Techniques and Topics." The investment policies of each Fund set forth in the Prospectus and in this SAI may be changed by the Trust's Board of Trustees (the "Board") without shareholder approval except that any policy explicitly identified as "fundamental" may not be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the relevant Fund (which means the lesser of (i) 67% of the shares of that Fund represented at a meeting at which 50% of the outstanding shares are represented or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares).

Except as otherwise stated or as required under applicable law, all percentage limitations on investments will apply at the time of the making of an investment and shall not be considered violated unless an excess or deficiency occurs or exists immediately after and as a result of such investment.

Non-Fundamental Investment Policies

Each Fund's investment objective and policies set forth in the prospectus are non-fundamental policies of such Fund. In addition, each Fund will not invest more than 15% of the value of net assets of the Fund in illiquid securities.

The following non-fundamental policies set forth in the Prospectus are subject to change only upon sixty days' prior notice to shareholders.

—  Baillie Gifford Asia Ex Japan Fund
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in securities of companies located in countries contained in the MSCI All Country Asia Ex Japan Index.

—  Baillie Gifford China A Shares Growth Fund
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in China A shares.

—  Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in common stocks and other equity securities of companies located in China, regardless of where their securities are principally listed for trading.

—  Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in common stocks and other equity securities of companies whose principal activities are in developed markets in Europe, Australasia, and/or the Far East.

—  Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 85% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in common stocks and other equity securities of companies whose principal activities are in Europe, Australasia, and/or the Far East.

—  Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of companies located in countries contained in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.

—  Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities.

—  Baillie Gifford Global Stewardship Equities Fund
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities.

—  Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in common stocks and other equity securities.

—  Baillie Gifford International Concentrated Growth Equities Fund
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities.

—  Baillie Gifford International Smaller Companies Fund
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in securities of smaller companies.

—  Baillie Gifford Japan Growth Fund
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of companies located in Japan.

—  Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities.

—  Baillie Gifford Positive Change Equities Fund
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities.

—  Baillie Gifford U.S. Discovery Fund*
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in securities of issuers located in the U.S.

—  Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity Growth Fund
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in common stocks and other equity securities of companies whose principal activities are in the U.S.

*  The Fund's voluntarily adopted investment policy to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets in securities of small- and mid-capitalization companies, as described in the Prospectus, was not adopted pursuant to Rule 35d-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and can be changed without shareholder notice.


2


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Fundamental Investment Policies

In addition to each Fund's diversification status as stated in the above "Background on the Trust and the Funds—Funds" section, the following are fundamental policies of each Fund:

Each Fund will not:

1.  Act as underwriter of securities issued by other persons, except to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities, it may be deemed to be an underwriter under certain federal securities laws.

2.  Borrow money, except to the extent permitted by applicable law, regulation or order.

3.  Purchase or sell real estate or interests in real estate, except that the Fund may purchase and sell securities that are secured by real estate or interests in real estate and may purchase securities issued by companies that invest or deal in real estate.

4.  Invest in commodities, except that each Fund may invest in financial futures contracts and options thereon, and options on currencies.

5.  Make loans to others, except through the purchase of qualified debt obligations, the entry into repurchase agreements and/or the making of loans of portfolio securities consistent with the Fund's investment objectives and policies. For purposes of this policy, the short term deposit of cash or other liquid assets of the Fund in one or more interest-bearing accounts shall not be deemed to be a loan to others.

6.  Purchase any securities which would cause more than 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets at the time of purchase to be invested in the securities of issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry; provided that there shall be no limit on the purchase of U.S. government securities, including securities issued by any agency or instrumentality of the U.S. government, and related repurchase agreements.

7.  Issue any senior securities except to the extent permitted by applicable law, regulation or order (for purposes of this restriction, collateral arrangements with respect to any type of swap, option, forward contract or future contract and collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin are not deemed to involve the issuance of a senior security).

In determining whether a transaction is permitted by applicable law, regulation, or order, each Fund currently construes fundamental policies (2) and (7) above not to prohibit any transaction that is permitted under Section 18 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and the rules thereunder, as interpreted or modified, or as may otherwise be permitted by regulators having jurisdiction from time to time. The Trust understands that the staff of the SEC deems certain transactions that a Fund may enter into to involve the issuance of a senior security unless certain cash, U.S. government securities or other high grade debt instruments are deposited in a segregated account or are otherwise covered. Such transactions include: short sales, reverse repurchase agreements, forward contracts, futures contracts and options thereon, options on

securities and currencies, dollar rolls, and swaps, caps, floors and collars. Under the 1940 Act, a "senior security" does not include any promissory note or evidence of indebtedness when such loan is for temporary purposes only and in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of the total assets of the issuer at the time the loan is made. A loan is presumed to be for temporary purposes if it is repaid within sixty days and is not extended or renewed. Provisions of the 1940 Act permit each Fund to borrow from a bank, provided that each Fund maintains continuous asset coverage (that is, total assets including borrowings, less liabilities exclusive of borrowings) of 300% of the amount borrowed, with exceptions for borrowings not in excess of 5% of the Fund's total assets made for temporary administrative purposes.

For purposes of fundamental policy (4) above, all swap agreements and other derivative instruments that were not classified as commodity interests or commodity contracts prior to July 21, 2010 are not deemed to be commodities or commodity contracts.

Temporary Defensive Positions

Each Fund may invest a portion of its assets in cash or cash equivalents, including money market funds or short-term commercial paper, to facilitate daily portfolio operations, and to take temporary defensive positions—for instance, by allocating substantial assets to cash, commercial paper, or other less volatile instruments—in response to adverse or unusual market, economic, political, or other conditions. In taking temporary defensive positions, each Fund may succeed in avoiding losses but may otherwise fail to achieve its investment objective.

Borrowings

The Trust, on behalf of certain Funds advised by Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited (the "Manager" and each such fund, a "Participating Fund" and together, the "Participating Funds"), has entered into a revolving credit facility agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with The Bank of New York Mellon ("BNYM") whereby the Participating Funds may borrow for the temporary funding of shareholder redemptions or for other temporary or emergency purposes.

The Credit Agreement permits the Participating Funds to borrow up to an aggregate commitment amount of $75 million at any time outstanding, subject to asset coverage and other limitations as specified in the Credit Agreement.

Borrowing results in interest expense and other fees and expenses that may impact a Fund's expenses, including any net expense ratios. The costs of borrowing may reduce the total returns for a Fund. The Credit Agreement also imposes an ongoing commitment fee on undrawn amounts under the credit facility, which is paid by the Participating Funds and is allocated to each Participating Fund and each share class within each Participating Fund, pro rata, based on such Participating Fund's average net asset value.

Other Investment Companies

A Fund may invest in securities of other investment companies or unit investment trust investment companies, including exchange-traded funds, to the extent that such investments are consistent with the Fund's investment objective and policies and permissible under the 1940 Act and related rules and any exemptive relief


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

from or interpretations of the SEC. To the extent a Fund relies on Section 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act to invest without limit in shares of another series of the Trust (each, an "Underlying Fund"), such Underlying Fund may not acquire securities of other registered open-end investment companies or registered unit investment trusts in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(F) or Section 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act. The SEC has proposed Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act. Subject to certain conditions, proposed Rule 12d1-4 would provide an exemption to permit acquiring funds to invest in the securities of other registered investment companies in excess of the limits of Section 12(d)(1).

Diversification

Each Fund that is a diversified fund generally will not, with respect to 75% of its total assets, invest in securities of any issuer if, immediately after such investment, more than 5% of the total assets of the fund (taken at current value) would be invested in the securities of such issuer; provided that this limitation does not apply to obligations issued or guaranteed as to interest or principal by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities or to securities issued by other investment companies. Additionally, each Fund that is a diversified fund generally will not, with respect to 75% of its total assets, acquire more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any issuer.

Risks

The principal risks of investing in each of the Funds are summarized in the Prospectus under the Fund Summaries and are discussed in more detail under "Principal Investment Risks."

The discussion below is meant to supplement these sections of the Prospectus by addressing certain non-principal risks and providing additional detail regarding certain of the principal risks.

Accelerated Transactions

For a Fund to take advantage of certain available investment opportunities, the Manager may need to make investment decisions on an expedited basis. In such cases, the information available to the Manager at the time of an investment decision may be limited. The Manager may not, therefore, have access to the detailed information necessary for a full analysis and evaluation of the investment opportunity.

Convertible Securities

The price of a convertible security will normally vary in some proportion to changes in the price of the underlying equity security because convertible securities may be converted at either a stated price or a stated rate into underlying shares of common stock. However, the value of a convertible security may not increase or decrease as rapidly as the underlying common stock. A convertible security may be called for redemption or conversion by the issuer after a particular date and under certain circumstances (including a specified price) established upon issue. If a convertible security held by a Fund is called for redemption or conversion, the Fund could be required to tender it for redemption, convert it into the underlying common stock or sell it to a third party. A convertible security will normally also provide income and is subject to interest rate risk. Convertible securities may be lower-rated or high-yield securities subject to greater levels of credit risk, and may also be less liquid than non-convertible debt securities. While convertible securities generally

offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible fixed income securities of similar quality, their value tends to increase as the market value of the underlying stock increases and to decrease when the value of the underlying stock decreases. However, a convertible security's market value tends to reflect the market price of the common stock of the issuing company when that stock price approaches or is greater than the convertible security's "conversion price." The conversion price is defined as the predetermined price at which the convertible security could be exchanged for the associated stock. As the market price of the underlying common stock declines, the price of the convertible security tends to be influenced more by the yield of the convertible security. Thus, it may not decline in price to the same extent as the underlying common stock. Depending upon the relationship of the conversion price to the market value of the underlying security, a convertible security may trade more like an equity security than a debt instrument. Also, a Fund may be forced to convert a security before it would otherwise choose, which may decrease such Fund's return.

Derivatives

A Fund's use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other more traditional investments, and the use of certain derivatives may subject a Fund to the potential for unlimited loss.

Management Risk

Derivative products are highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with stocks and bonds. The use of a derivative requires an understanding not only of the underlying instrument but also of the derivative itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the derivative under all possible market conditions.

Credit and Counterparty Risk

The use of a derivative instrument involves the risk that a loss may be sustained as a result of the failure of another party to the contract (usually referred to as a "counterparty") to make required payments or otherwise comply with the contract's terms. To the extent a Fund has significant exposure to a single or small group of counterparties, this risk will be particularly pronounced.

Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk exists when a particular derivative instrument is difficult to purchase or sell. If a derivative transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid (as is the case with many privately negotiated derivatives), it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price.

Leverage Risk

Because many derivatives have a leverage component, adverse changes in the value or level of the underlying asset, reference rate or index can result in a loss substantially greater than the amount invested in the derivative itself. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment. When a Fund uses derivatives for leverage, investments in that Fund will tend to be more volatile, resulting in


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

larger gains or losses in response to market changes. Other recent U.S. and non-U.S. legislative and regulatory reforms, including those related to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the 1940 Act restrictions with respect to "senior securities," have resulted in, and may in the future result in, new regulation of derivative instruments and the Funds' use of such instruments. New regulations could, among other things, restrict a Fund's ability to engage in derivative transactions (for example, by making certain types of derivative instruments or transactions no longer available to a Fund), establish new margin requirements and/or increase the costs of derivatives transactions, and the Fund may as a result be unable to execute its investment strategies in a manner its Manager might otherwise choose. As described below under "Risks Associated with Derivatives Regulation," the SEC recently finalized a new rule related to certain aspects of derivatives use. To limit leverage risk, each Fund will segregate assets determined to be liquid by the Manager in accordance with the Fund's liquidity risk management program (or, as permitted by applicable law, enter into certain offsetting positions) to cover its obligations under derivative instruments. In accordance with the 1940 Act restrictions on "senior securities" and SEC staff interpretations on potential leverage through derivatives, a Fund that engages in derivatives trading routinely segregates liquid assets and/or "covers" its derivatives positions. While one purpose of segregation and coverage is to mitigate the downside risks of leverage, these practices do not eliminate such risks and cannot prevent a Fund from incurring losses (including significant reductions in net asset value) as a result of investing in derivatives.

Lack of Availability

Because the markets for certain derivative instruments (including markets located in non-U.S. countries) are relatively new and still developing, suitable derivatives transactions may not be available in all circumstances for risk management or other purposes. Upon the expiration of a particular contract, a portfolio manager of a Fund may wish to retain the Fund's position in the derivative instrument by entering into a similar contract, but may be unable to do so if the counterparty to the original contract is unwilling to enter into the new contract and no other suitable counterparty can be found. There is no assurance that a Fund will engage in derivatives transactions at any time or from time to time. A Fund's ability to use derivatives may also be limited by certain regulatory and tax considerations.

Market and Other Risks

Like most other investments, derivative instruments are subject to the risk that the market value of the instrument will change in a way detrimental to a Fund's interest. If the Manager incorrectly forecasts the values of securities, currencies or interest rates or other economic factors in using derivatives for a Fund, the Fund might have been in a better position if it had not entered into the transaction at all. While some strategies involving derivative instruments can reduce the risk of loss, they can also reduce the opportunity for gain or result in losses by offsetting favorable price movements in other Fund investments. A Fund may also have to buy or sell a security at a disadvantageous time or price because such Fund is legally required to maintain offsetting positions or asset coverage in connection with certain derivatives transactions.

Other risks in using derivatives include the risk of mispricing or improper valuation of derivatives. Many derivatives, in particular privately negotiated derivatives, are complex and often valued subjectively. Improper valuations can result in increased cash payment requirements to counterparties or a loss of value to a Fund. Also, the value of derivatives may not correlate perfectly, or at all, with the value of the assets, reference rates or indexes they are designed to closely track. There are significant differences between the securities and derivatives markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between these markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve the intended result. In addition, a Fund's use of derivatives may affect the amount, timing or character of distributions payable to, and thus taxes payable by, shareholders. Derivative instruments are also subject to the risk of ambiguous documentation. A decision as to whether, when and how to use derivatives involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived transaction may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected events. In addition, derivatives strategies that are successful under certain market conditions may be less successful or unsuccessful under other market conditions.

Risks Associated with Derivatives Regulation

The U.S. government has enacted and is continuing to implement legislation that provides for the regulation of the derivatives market, including clearing, margin, reporting, and registration requirements. The European Union and some other countries have also adopted and are continuing to implement similar requirements, which will affect a Fund when it enters into a derivatives transaction with a counterparty organized in that country or otherwise subject to that country's derivatives regulations. Such rules and other new rules and regulations could, among other things, restrict a Fund's ability to engage in, or increase the cost to the Fund of, derivatives transactions, for example, by making some types of derivatives no longer available to the Fund, increasing margin or capital requirements, or otherwise limiting liquidity or increasing transaction costs.

While the rules and regulations and central clearing of some derivatives transactions are designed to reduce systemic risk (i.e., the risk that the interdependence of large derivatives dealers could cause them to suffer liquidity, solvency or other challenges simultaneously), there is no assurance that they will achieve that result, and, as noted above, central clearing and related requirements expose the Funds to new kinds of costs and risks.

For example, in the event of a counterparty's (or its affiliate's) insolvency, a Fund's ability to exercise remedies, such as the termination of transactions, netting of obligations and realization on collateral, could be stayed or eliminated under the special resolution regimes adopted in the United States, the European Union and various other jurisdictions. Such regimes provide government authorities with broad authority to intervene when a financial institution is experiencing financial difficulty. In particular, with respect to counterparties who are subject to such proceedings in the European Union, the liabilities of such counterparties to the Funds could be reduced, eliminated, or converted to equity in such counterparties (sometimes referred to as a "bail in").


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

The SEC recently finalized new Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act providing for the regulation of registered investment companies' use of derivatives and certain related instruments. Compliance with Rule 18f-4 will not be required until approximately the middle of 2022. The new rule, among other things, limits derivatives exposure through one of two value-at-risk tests and eliminates the asset segregation framework for covering derivatives and certain financial instruments arising from the SEC's Release 10666 and ensuing staff guidance. The rule also requires funds to adopt and implement a derivatives risk management program (including the appointment of a derivatives risk manager and the implementation of certain testing requirements) and subjects funds to certain reporting requirements in respect of derivatives. Limited derivatives users (as determined by Rule 18f-4) are not, however, subject to the full requirements under the rule. As the Funds come into compliance, the Funds' approach to asset segregation and coverage requirements described in this SAI will be impacted.

Additionally, United States regulators, the European Union and certain other jurisdictions have adopted minimum margin and capital requirements for uncleared derivatives transactions. It is expected that these regulations will have a material impact on the Funds' use of uncleared derivatives. These rules impose minimum margin requirements on derivatives transactions between a Fund and its counterparties and may increase the amount of margin a Fund is required to provide. They impose regulatory requirements on the timing of transferring margin and the types of collateral that parties are permitted to exchange.

These and other regulations are evolving and subject to change, so their potential impact on the Funds and the financial system may vary over time.

Emerging Markets Risk

Investments in emerging market countries pose additional risks when compared to investments in more developed markets. Those risks include:

Less Developed Economies Risk

The securities markets of emerging market countries are generally smaller, less developed, less liquid, and more volatile than the securities markets of the U.S. and other developed foreign countries, and disclosure and regulatory standards in many respects are less stringent.

The economies of individual countries may differ favorably or unfavorably and significantly from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product ("GDP") or gross national product, rate of inflation, currency depreciation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, structural unemployment and balance of payments position.

The domestic economies of emerging market countries are generally not as diversified as those of the U.S. and certain Western European countries. A significant portion of many of such countries' national GDPs are represented by one commodity, such as oil, or groups of commodities. World fluctuations in the prices of certain commodities, such as the price of oil, may significantly affect the economy involved.

Many emerging market countries have experienced substantial, and in some periods extremely high, rates of inflation for many

years. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had and may continue to have negative effects on such countries' economies and securities markets.

Emerging market economies may also be dependent on international aid or development assistance, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme and volatile debt burdens or inflation rates.

Due to the differences in the nature and quality of financial information of issuers of emerging market securities, including auditing and financial reporting standards, financial information and disclosures about such issuers may be unavailable or, if made available, may be considerably less reliable than publicly available information about other foreign securities. The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, which regulates auditors of U.S. public companies, is unable to inspect audit work papers in certain foreign countries. Investors in foreign countries often have limited rights and few practical remedies to pursue shareholder claims, including class actions or fraud claims, and the ability of the SEC, the U.S. Department of Justice and other authorities to bring and enforce actions against foreign issuers or foreign persons is limited.

Governmental & Political Risk

In addition, the securities markets of emerging market countries may be subject to a lower level of monitoring and regulation.

Government enforcement of existing securities regulations may be limited, and any such enforcements are typically arbitrary and the results may be difficult to predict. In addition, reporting requirements of emerging market countries with respect to the ownership of securities are more likely to be subject to interpretation or changes without prior notice to investors than more developed countries.

In many cases, governments of emerging market countries continue to exercise significant control over their economies, and government actions relative to the economy, as well as economic developments generally, may affect the capacity of creditors in those countries to make payments on their debt obligations, regardless of their financial condition. Local securities markets may trade a small number of securities and may be unable to respond effectively to increases in trading volume, potentially making prompt liquidation of substantial holdings difficult or impossible at times. Consequently, securities of issuers located in countries with emerging markets may have limited marketability and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements. In addition, investor sentiment toward companies in otherwise unrelated markets may be influenced by adverse events in other foreign markets. Also, such local markets typically offer less regulatory protections for investors.

Furthermore, U.S. government actions and policies, such as those preventing certain investments, requiring disinvestment of certain holdings, or restricting economic transactions, may adversely impact the economic conditions in emerging market countries. Political change or instability, including the risks of war or terrorism, may also adversely affect the economies and securities markets of such countries. Expropriation, nationalization or other confiscation due to political change could result in a Fund's loss of its entire investment in the country involved. The possibility or reality of nationalization, expropriation


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

or confiscatory taxation, currency blockage, political changes, government regulation, widespread corruption, political or social instability or diplomatic developments could affect adversely the economies of countries and the value of the Funds' investments in those countries.

Liquidity Risk

Lack of liquidity and efficiency and/or government-imposed quotas in certain of the stock markets or foreign exchange markets in certain emerging market countries may mean that from time to time the Manager may experience more difficulty in purchasing or selling holdings of securities than it would in a more developed market. Restrictions on day trading, manual trading, block trading and/or off-exchange trading may mean that the Funds' investment options will be limited.

The financial markets in emerging market countries are also undergoing rapid growth and changes. This may lead to increased trading and pricing volatility, suspension risk and difficulties in settlement of securities.

Custody Risk

The custodial systems in countries with emerging markets may also not be fully developed.

There may be limited regulatory oversight of certain foreign sub-custodians that hold foreign securities subject to the supervision of the Funds' primary US-based custodian, BNYM. The Funds may be limited in their ability to recover assets if a foreign sub-custodian becomes bankrupt or otherwise unable or unwilling to return assets of the Funds, which may expose the Funds to risk, especially in circumstances where the Funds' primary custodian may not be contractually obligated to make the Funds whole for the particular loss.

Investments in emerging markets may also carry risks associated with failed or delayed settlement of market transactions and with the registration and custody of securities. Prevailing custody and trade settlement practices (e.g., the requirement to pay for securities prior to receipt) may expose a Fund to credit and other risks. Similarly, the reliability of trading and settlement systems in some emerging markets may not be equal to that available in more developed markets which may result in problems in realizing investments.

Currency Risk

Emerging market countries periodically experience increases in market volatility and declines in foreign currency exchange rates. Currency fluctuations affect the value of securities because the prices of these securities are generally denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates can also affect a country's or company's ability to service its debt.

Special Risks of Investing in Asian Securities

In addition to the risks of foreign investments and emerging market countries investments described above, investments in Asia are subject to other risks.

The economies of Asian countries are at varying levels of development. Markets of countries whose economies are in the early stages of development may exhibit a high concentration of

market capitalization and have less trading volume, lower liquidity, and more volatility than more developed markets. Some Asian countries depend heavily on foreign trade. The economies of some Asian countries are not diversified and are based on only a few commodities or industries.

Investments in Asia also are susceptible to social, political, legal, and operational risks. Some countries have authoritarian or relatively unstable governments. Some governments in the region provide less supervision and regulation of their financial markets and in some countries less financial information is available than is typical of more developed markets. Some Asian countries restrict direct foreign investment in securities markets, and investments in securities traded on those markets may be made, if at all, only indirectly (e.g., through Depositary Receipts, as defined below in the "Investment Glossary" section).

Asian countries periodically experience increases in market volatility and declines in foreign currency exchange rates. Currency fluctuations affect the value of securities because the prices of these securities are generally denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates can also affect a country's or company's ability to service its debt.

The political and economic prospects of one Asian country or group of Asian countries can affect other countries in the region. For example, the economies of some Asian countries are directly affected by Japanese capital investment in the region and by Japanese consumer demands. In addition, a recession, a debt crisis, or a decline in currency valuation in one Asian country may spread to other Asian countries.

Special Risk Considerations of Investing in China

Investing in securities of Chinese issuers, including by investing in A Shares, involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including, among others, (i) more frequent (and potentially widespread) trading suspensions and government interventions with respect to Chinese issuers, resulting in a lack of liquidity and in price volatility, (ii) currency revaluations and other currency exchange rate fluctuations or blockage, (iii) the nature and extent of intervention by the Chinese government in the Chinese securities markets, whether such intervention will continue and the impact of such intervention or its discontinuation, (iv) the risk of nationalization or expropriation of assets, (v) the risk that the Chinese government may decide not to continue to support economic reform programs, (vi) limitations on the use of brokers, (vii) potentially higher rates of inflation, (viii) the unreliability of some economic data, (ix) the relatively small size and absence of operating history of many Chinese companies, (x) accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards in China are different from U.S. standards and, therefore, disclosure of certain material information may not be available, (xi) greater political, economic, social, legal and tax-related uncertainty, (xii) higher market volatility caused by any potential regional territorial conflicts or natural disasters, (xiii) higher dependence on exports and international trade, (xiv) the risk of increased trade tariffs, sanctions, embargoes and other trade limitations, (xv) restrictions on foreign ownership, (xvi) custody risks associated with investing through the qualified foreign investor program or other programs to access Chinese securities, and (xvii) U.S. sanctions


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

or other investment restrictions with respect to Chinese issuers which could preclude a Fund from making certain investments or cause a Fund to sell investments at a disadvantageous time. Significant portions of the Chinese securities markets may become rapidly illiquid, as Chinese issuers have the ability to suspend the trading of their equity securities, and have shown a willingness to exercise that option in response to market volatility and other events. The liquidity of Chinese securities may shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning as a result of adverse economic, market or political events, or adverse investor perceptions, whether or not accurate.

Certain Funds may invest in A Shares listed and traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange or Shenzhen Stock Exchange through the Stock Connect program, or on such other stock exchanges in China which participate in the Stock Connect program from time to time. A Fund's investments in Stock Connect A Shares are generally subject to Chinese securities regulations and listing rules, among other restrictions that may affect the Fund's investments and returns, including daily limits on net purchases and transfer restrictions. In addition, the Stock Connect program's trading, clearance and settlement procedures are relatively untested in China, which could pose risks to the Fund. While overseas investors currently are exempt from paying capital gains or value added taxes on income and gains from investments in Stock Connect A Shares, these Chinese tax rules could be changed, which could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund.

The Stock Connect program will only operate on days when both the Chinese and Hong Kong markets are open for trading and when banks in both markets are open on the corresponding settlement days. There may be occasions when a Fund may be subject to the risk of price fluctuations of A Shares during the time when the Stock Connect program is not trading. Because of the way in which China A shares are held in Stock Connect, a Fund may not be able to exercise the rights of a shareholder and may be limited in its ability to pursue claims against the issuer of a security, and may suffer losses in the event the depository of the Shanghai or Shenzhen Stock Exchanges becomes insolvent. Only certain China A shares are eligible to be accessed through the Stock Connect program. Such securities may lose their eligibility at any time, in which case they presumably could be sold but could no longer be purchased through the Stock Connect program. The Stock Connect program is a relatively new program. Further developments are likely and there can be no assurance as to the program's continued existence or whether future developments regarding the program may restrict or adversely affect the Fund's investments or returns. In addition, the application and interpretation of the laws and regulations of Hong Kong and China, and the rules, policies or guidelines published or applied by relevant regulators and exchanges in respect of the Stock Connect program are uncertain, and they may have a detrimental effect on a Fund's investments and returns.

Special Risks of Investing in Latin American Securities

Although there have been significant improvements in recent years, the Latin American economies continue to experience significant problems.

Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had and may continue to have very negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain Latin American countries.

The emergence of the Latin American economies and securities markets will require continued economic and fiscal discipline which has been lacking at times in the past, as well as stable political and social conditions. There is no assurance that economic initiatives will be successful. Recovery may also be influenced by international economic conditions, particularly those in the U.S., and by world prices for oil and other commodities.

Special Risks of Investing in Eastern European Securities

Specific risks vary greatly between the various Eastern European markets, but they include corporate governance, fiscal stability, banking regulations, European Union accession and continued membership, global commodity prices, political stability and market liquidity.

In addition, the social, political, legal, and operational risks of investing in Russian issuers, and of having assets held in custody within Russia, may be particularly pronounced relative to investments in more developed countries. Russia's system of share registration and custody creates certain risks of loss (including the risk of total loss) that are not normally associated with investments in other securities markets. Ownership of shares (except where shares are held through depositories that meet the requirements of the 1940 Act) is defined according to entries in the company's share register and normally evidenced by "share extracts" from the register or, in certain circumstances, by formal share certificates. However, there is no central registration system for shareholders and these services are carried out by the companies themselves or by registrars located throughout Russia. The share registrars are controlled by the issuer of the security, and investors are provided with few legal rights against such registrars. These registrars are not necessarily subject to effective state supervision, nor are they licensed with any governmental entity. It is possible for a Fund to lose its registration through fraud, negligence, or even mere oversight. Where necessary, the Funds will endeavor to ensure that their interests are appropriately recorded, which may involve a custodian or other agent inspecting the share register and obtaining extracts of share registers through regular confirmations. However, these share extracts have no legal enforceability and it is possible that a subsequent illegal amendment or other fraudulent act may deprive the Funds of their ownership rights or improperly dilute their interests. In addition, while applicable Russian regulations impose liability on registrars for losses resulting from their errors, it may be difficult for a Fund to enforce any rights it may have against the registrar or issuer of the securities in the event of a loss of share registration. Further, significant delays or problems may occur in registering the transfer of securities, which could cause a Fund to incur losses due to a counterparty's failure to pay for securities the Fund has delivered or the Fund's inability to complete its contractual obligations because of theft or other reasons.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Special Risks of Investing in South African Securities

Specific risks include the transfer of assets to Black Economic Empowerment groups, tax increases, corporate governance, banking regulations, commodity prices, political changes and asset appropriation.

Special Risks of Investing in Middle Eastern Securities

Specific risks include political uncertainty and instability, widespread unemployment and social unrest. In addition, many economies in the Middle East are highly reliant on income from sales of oil or trade with countries involved in the sale of oil, and their economies are therefore vulnerable to changes in the market for oil and foreign currency values.

Forward Foreign Currency Transactions

Each Fund may invest in forward foreign currency transactions. In a forward foreign currency contract, a Fund agrees to buy in the future an amount in one currency in return for another currency, at an exchange rate determined at the time the contract is entered into. If currency exchange rates move against the Fund's position during the term of the contract, the Fund will lose money on the contract. There is no limit on the extent to which exchange rates may move against a Fund's position. The markets for certain currencies may at times become illiquid, and a Fund may be unable to enter into new forward contracts or to close out existing contracts. Forward currency contracts are entered into in the over-the-counter market, and a Fund's ability to profit from a contract will depend on the willingness and ability of its counterparty to perform its obligations under the contract. Use by the Funds of foreign currency forward contracts may also give rise to leverage.

Initial Public Offerings

Each Fund may purchase securities in initial public offerings ("IPOs"). These securities are subject to many of the same risks of investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile. At any particular time or from time to time a Fund may not be able to invest in securities issued in IPOs, or invest to the extent desired because, for example, only a small portion (if any) of the securities being offered in an IPO may be made available to such Fund. In addition, under certain market conditions a relatively small number of companies may issue securities in IPOs. Similarly, as the number of funds to which IPO securities are allocated increases, the number of securities issued to any one fund, if any, may decrease. The investment performance of a Fund during periods when it is unable to invest significantly or at all in IPOs may be lower than during periods when the Fund is able to do so. In addition, as a Fund increases in size, the impact of IPOs on the Fund's performance will generally decrease.

Lack of Operating History

As of the date of this SAI, Baillie Gifford Asia Ex Japan Fund, Baillie Gifford Japan Growth Fund, and Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund had not yet commenced operations. Therefore, there is no operating history to evaluate the future performance of these Funds. The past performance of other investment funds managed by the Manager cannot be relied upon as an indicator

of these Funds' success, in part because of the unique nature of each Fund's investment strategy. An investor in a Fund must rely upon the ability of the Manager in identifying and implementing investments. There can be no assurance that such personnel will be successful in identifying and implementing investment opportunities for a Fund.

Legal and Regulatory Risk

Legal, tax, and regulatory changes could occur that may adversely affect the Funds. New (or revised) laws or regulations or interpretations of existing law may be issued by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") or U.S. Treasury Department, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the "CFTC"), the SEC, the U.S. Federal Reserve or other banking regulators, or other governmental regulatory authorities, or self-regulatory organizations that supervise the financial markets that could adversely affect the Funds. In particular, these agencies are empowered to promulgate a variety of new rules pursuant to recently enacted financial reform legislation in the U.S.

The Funds also may be adversely affected by changes in the enforcement or interpretation of existing statutes and rules by these governmental regulatory authorities or self-regulatory organizations. In addition, the securities and futures markets are subject to comprehensive statutes, regulations, and margin requirements. The CFTC, the SEC, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, other regulators, and self-regulatory organizations and exchanges are authorized to take extraordinary actions in the event of market emergencies.

The regulation of derivatives transactions and funds that engage in such transactions is an evolving area of law and is subject to modification by government and judicial action.

Finally, regulations require any creditor that makes a loan and any securitizer of a loan to retain at least 5% of the credit risk on any loan that is transferred, sold or conveyed by such creditor or securitizer. It is currently unclear how these requirements would apply to loan participations, syndicated loans, and loan assignments.

LIBOR

Many financial instruments use or may use a floating rate based on the London-Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"), which is the offered rate for short-term Eurodollar deposits between major international banks. On July 27, 2017, the head of the U.K.'s Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. On March 5, 2021, the FCA and LIBOR's administrator, ICE Benchmark Administration ("IBA"), announced that most LIBOR settings will no longer be published after the end of 2021 and a majority of U.S. dollar LIBOR settings will no longer be published after June 30, 2023. It is possible that the FCA may compel the IBA to publish a subset of LIBOR settings after these dates on a "synthetic" basis, but any such publications would be considered non-representative of the underlying market.

The elimination of LIBOR may adversely affect the interest rates on, and value of, certain investments for which the value is tied to LIBOR. Such investments may include bank loans, derivatives, floating rate securities, and other assets or liabilities tied to


9


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

LIBOR. Actions by regulators have resulted in the establishment of alternative reference rates to LIBOR in most major currencies. The U.S. Federal Reserve, based on the recommendations of the New York Federal Reserve's Alternative Reference Rate Committee (comprised of major derivative market participants and their regulators), has begun publishing a Secured Overnight Funding Rate ("SOFR"), that is intended to replace U.S. dollar LIBOR. Proposals for alternative reference rates for other currencies have also been announced or have already begun publication. Markets are slowly developing in response to these new rates. Questions around liquidity impacted by these rates, and how to appropriately adjust these rates at the time of transition, remain a concern for the Funds.

The effect of any changes to, or discontinuation of, LIBOR on the Funds will vary depending, among other things, on (1) existing fallback or termination provisions in individual contracts and (2) whether, how, and when industry participants develop and adopt new reference rates and fallbacks for both legacy and new products and instruments. Accordingly, it is difficult to predict the full impact of the transition away from LIBOR on the Funds until new reference rates and fallbacks for both legacy and new products, instruments and contracts are commercially accepted.

Liquidity Risk

Illiquid securities are any securities or other assets that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. Liquidity risk is the risk that the Fund may not be able to dispose of securities or close out derivatives transactions readily at a favorable time or prices (or at all) or at prices approximating those at which a Fund currently values them. Liquidity risk may be magnified during periods of changing interest rates, significant shareholder redemptions or market turmoil. For example, certain investments may be subject to restrictions on resale, may trade in the over-the-counter market or in limited volume, or may not have an active trading market. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. It may be difficult for a Fund to value illiquid securities accurately. The market for certain investments may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer. Disposal of illiquid securities may entail registration expenses and other transaction costs that are higher than those for liquid securities. A Fund may seek to borrow money to meet its obligations (including among other things redemption obligations) if it is unable to dispose of illiquid investments, resulting in borrowing expenses and possible leveraging of the Fund.

In accordance with Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, the Board has appointed the Manager as the Funds' liquidity risk management program administrator and has approved a liquidity risk management program for the Funds. The Manager expects to implement the program through its liquidity risk management team. Under the program, each Fund must assess and manage its liquidity risk, including classifying investments into specific liquidity categories, and maintaining a portion of its holdings in

cash and assets that can be converted to cash within three business days. While the Funds' liquidity risk management program attempts to assess and manage liquidity risk, there is no guarantee it will be effective in its operations and may not reduce the liquidity risk inherent in a Fund's investments.

Non-U.S. Tax Risk

A Fund may be subject to non-U.S. taxation, including potentially on a retroactive basis, on (i) capital gains it realizes or dividends, interest, or other amounts it realizes or accrues in respect of non-U.S. investments; (ii) transactions in those investments; and (iii) repatriation of proceeds generated from the sale or other disposition of those investments. A Fund may seek a refund of taxes paid, but its efforts may not be successful, in which case the Fund will have incurred additional expenses for no benefit. A Fund's pursuit of such refunds may subject the Fund to various administrative and/or judicial proceedings. A Fund's decision to seek a refund is in its sole discretion, and, particularly in light of the cost involved, it may decide not to seek a refund, even if it is entitled to one. The outcome of a Fund's efforts to obtain a refund is inherently unpredictable. Accordingly, a refund is not typically reflected in a Fund's net asset value until it is received or until the Manager is confident that the refund will be received. In some cases, the amount of a refund could be material to a Fund's net asset value.

Preferred Stocks

Investment in preferred stocks involves certain risks. Depending on the features of the particular security, holders of preferred stock may bear the risks disclosed in the Prospectus or this SAI regarding equity securities or interest rates. Certain preferred stocks contain provisions that allow an issuer under certain conditions to skip or defer distributions. If a Fund owns a preferred stock that is deferring its distribution, it may be required to report income for tax purposes despite the fact that it is not receiving current income on this position. Preferred stocks often are subject to legal provisions that allow for redemption in the event of certain tax or legal changes or at the issuer's call. In the event of redemption, a Fund may not be able to reinvest the proceeds at comparable rates of return. Preferred stocks are subordinated to bonds and other debt securities in an issuer's capital structure in terms of priority for corporate income and liquidation payments, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than those debt securities. Preferred stocks may trade less frequently and in a more limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than many other securities, such as common stocks, corporate debt securities, and U.S. government securities.

Repurchase Agreements

If the seller under a repurchase agreement becomes insolvent, a Fund's right to dispose of the securities may be restricted. In the event of the commencement of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings with respect to the seller of the security under a repurchase agreement, a Fund may encounter delay and incur costs before being able to sell the security. Also, if a seller defaults, the value of such securities may decline before a Fund is able to dispose of them.


10


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Restricted Securities

Restricted securities may be less liquid than securities registered for sale to the general public. The liquidity of a restricted security may be affected by a number of factors, including, among others: (i) the creditworthiness of the issuer; (ii) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (iii) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential purchasers; (iv) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; (v) the nature of any legal restrictions governing trading in the security; and (vi) the nature of the security and the nature of marketplace trades. There can be no assurance that a liquid trading market will exist at any time for any particular restricted security. Also, restricted securities may be difficult to value because market quotations may not be readily available, and the securities may have significant volatility.

Section 4(a)(2) Commercial Paper and Rule 144A Securities

The Funds may invest in Section 4(a)(2) paper, which is sold to institutional investors who agree to purchase the paper for investment and not with a view to public distribution. Any resale by the purchaser must be in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"). Section 4(a)(2) paper normally is resold to other institutional investors like the Funds through or with the assistance of the issuer or investment dealers that make a market in Section 4(a)(2) paper. As a result, Funds purchasing such securities will be exposed to liquidity risk, the risk that the securities may be difficult to value because of the absence of an active market and the risk that it may be sold only after considerable expense and delay, if at all. Rule 144A securities generally must be sold only to other qualified institutional buyers. Section 4(a)(2) paper and Rule 144A securities will be presumed illiquid for purposes of the Fund's limitation on illiquid securities unless the Manager (pursuant to the liquidity risk management program adopted by the Board) as the program administrator determines that the securities in question can be sold within five trading days. If any Fund determines at any time that it owns illiquid securities in excess of 15% of its net assets, it will cease to undertake new commitments to acquire illiquid securities until its holdings are no longer in excess of 15% of its net asset value, report the occurrence in compliance with Rule 22e-4 and Rule 30b1-10 under the 1940 Act and, depending on circumstances, may take additional steps to reduce its holdings of illiquid securities. There can be no assurance that a liquid trading market will exist at any time for any particular Section 4(a)(2) paper or Rule 144A securities.

Special Purpose Acquisition Companies

Each Fund may also invest in stock, rights, warrants, and other securities offered in IPOs of special purpose acquisition companies or similar special purpose entities (collectively "SPACs"). A SPAC is a publicly traded company that raises investment capital in the form of a blind pool via an IPO for the purpose of acquiring an existing company.

The typical SPAC IPO involves the sale of units consisting of one share of common stock combined with one or more warrants or fractions of warrants to purchase common stock at a fixed price upon or after consummation of the acquisition. Shortly after the

SPAC's IPO, such units typically are split into publicly listed common stock and warrants (and rights, if applicable) which are each listed and traded separately. The proceeds from the IPO are placed in trust until such time that the SPAC identifies and consummates the acquisition. A SPAC generally invests the proceeds of its IPO (less a portion retained to cover expenses), which are held in trust, in U.S. government securities, money market securities and cash. If the SPAC does not complete the acquisition within a specified period of time after going public, the SPAC is dissolved, at which point the invested funds are returned to the entity's shareholders (less certain permitted expenses) and any rights or warrants issued by the SPAC expire worthless.

Because SPACs and similar entities have no operating history or ongoing business other than seeking acquisitions, the value of their securities is particularly dependent on the ability of the entity's management to identify and complete a profitable acquisition. Some SPACs may pursue acquisitions only within certain industries or regions, which may increase the volatility of their prices.

Warrants

The risks of a warrant are similar to the risks of a purchased call option. Warrants may lack a liquid secondary market for resale. The prices of warrants may fluctuate as a result of changes in the value of the underlying security or obligation or due to speculation in the market for the warrants or other factors. Prices of warrants do not necessarily move in tandem with the prices of their underlying securities; their prices may have significant volatility and it is possible that a Fund will lose its entire investment in a warrant. A Fund's failure to exercise a warrant or subscription right to purchase common shares in an issuer might result in the dilution of the Fund's interest in the issuing company.

Disclosure of Fund Investments

The Board has adopted policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Funds' portfolio holdings (the "Disclosure Policies"). The Board may modify the Disclosure Policies at any time without notice.

The Disclosure Policies permit portfolio holdings information to be disclosed prior to the time that such information is disclosed through a public filing with the SEC or on the Funds' publicly available website to (i) the Manager and its affiliates, (ii) third party service providers who require access to the information to fulfill their duties to a Fund (including the Trust's custodian and administrator, transfer agent, independent registered public accounting firm, legal counsel, broker-dealers when requesting bids for or price quotations on securities and brokers in the normal course of trading), and (iii) shareholders and prospective shareholders (or their consultants and agents) of the Funds under the circumstances described below.

Quarterly Disclosure

In accordance with the Disclosure Policies, the Manager will disclose portfolio holdings of the Funds as of the end of each calendar quarter at http://USmutualfund.bailliegifford.com with a lag time of approximately 10 days after the end of the quarter.


11


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

The Manager has entered into ongoing arrangements to provide certain Fund portfolio holdings disclosure to the following persons or entities:

Entity

  Reason for
disclosure
 

Frequency

  Delay Before
Dissemination
 

Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited and its affiliates

 

To fulfill duties as Manager of the Funds

 

Daily

 

None

 

The Bank of New York Mellon

 

To fulfill duties as custodian, administrator, and transfer agent of the Funds

 

Daily

 

None

 

Cohen & Company, Ltd.

 

To fulfill duties as independent registered public accounting firm of the Funds

 

During annual audit and semi-annual cursory review

 

None

 

Ropes & Gray LLP

 

To fulfill duties as legal counsel to the Trust

 

For regulatory filings, board meetings, and other relevant legal issues

 

None

 

Toppan Merrill

 

To fulfill duties as financial printer and filing agent for the Funds

 

For regulatory filings and other printing purposes

 

None

 

Broker-dealers

 

When requesting bids for or price quotations on securities and brokers in the normal course of trading

 

Upon request

 

Five days

 

Conditional Disclosure

In accordance with the Disclosure Policies, the Manager may also disclose non-public portfolio holdings information to other persons if the following three conditions are met:

1.  The recipients are subject to a confidentiality agreement with respect to such information, which includes a prohibition on trading on such information and the recipient's agreement to destroy the information upon a written request from the Manager.

2.  The Trust's Chief Executive Officer and/or Chief Compliance Officer (each, being an "Authorizing Person") determines that disclosure is in the best interest of a Fund and its shareholders.

  In determining whether disclosure is in the best interests of a Fund and its shareholders, the Authorizing Person shall consider whether any potential conflicts exist between the interests of Fund shareholders and the Manager and its affiliates.

3.  The information is limited to that which the Manager believes is reasonably necessary to serve the purposes for which disclosure has been approved.

The Manager must also report any such disclosures to the Board at their next regularly scheduled meeting. This report must then be maintained by the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee for 6 years from the end of the fiscal year in which any exception was granted, the first 2 years in an easily accessible place. The Trust may modify its policies and procedures regarding portfolio holdings disclosure at any time without notice.

Disclosure Practices for Other Clients

The Manager and its affiliates advise and/or sub-advise registered investment companies and other pooled investment vehicles, which may be subject to different portfolio holdings disclosure policies than the Funds. Neither the Manager nor the Board exercises control over such policies. In addition, the separate account clients of the Manager and its affiliates have access to their portfolio holdings and are not subject to the Funds' portfolio holdings disclosure policies. In addition, some of these clients have substantially similar investment objectives and strategies as the Funds and therefore potentially similar portfolio holdings as the Fund.

Compensation for Disclosure

A Fund's portfolio holdings may not be disclosed for compensation.

Investment Glossary

This section provides definitions of various terms, securities and investment techniques included in the Prospectus and this SAI. This SAI does not attempt to disclose all of the various types of securities and investment techniques that may be used by the Funds. As with any mutual fund, investors in the Funds must rely on the professional investment judgment and skill of the Manager and the individual portfolio managers.

Asia

References in the Prospectus and this SAI to "Asia" denote the region encompassing China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand as well as other countries located in Asia, as determined by the Manager.

Australasia

References in the Prospectus and this SAI to "Australasia" denote the region encompassing New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea, and neighboring islands in the Pacific Ocean.

Common Stocks

Common stock represents an ownership interest in a company. Common stock may take the form of shares in a corporation, membership interests in a limited liability company, limited partnership interests, or other forms of ownership interests.

Convertible Securities

Convertible securities are fixed income securities that may be converted at either a stated price or a stated rate into underlying shares of common stock. Convertible securities have general characteristics similar to both fixed income and equity securities. Although to a lesser extent than with fixed income securities generally, the market value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to


12


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

increase as interest rates decline. In addition, because of the conversion feature, the market value of convertible securities tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying common stocks and, therefore, also will react to variations in the general market for equity securities.

Like fixed income securities, convertible securities are investments which provide for a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than common stocks. Of course, like all fixed income securities, there can be no assurance of current income because the issuers of the convertible securities may default on their obligations. Convertible securities, however, generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality because of the potential for capital appreciation. A convertible security, in addition to providing fixed income, offers the potential for capital appreciation through the conversion feature, which enables the holder to benefit from increases in the market price of the underlying common stock. However, there can be no assurance of capital appreciation because securities prices fluctuate.

Convertible securities generally are subordinated to other similar but non-convertible securities of the same issuer, although convertible bonds enjoy seniority in right of payment to all equity securities, and convertible preferred stock is senior to common stock of the same issuer. Because of the subordination feature, however, convertible securities typically have lower ratings than similar non-convertible securities.

Currency Forward Contracts

In a forward foreign currency contract, a Fund agrees to buy in the future an amount in one currency in return for another currency, at an exchange rate determined at the time the contract is entered into.

Cyber-attacks

Cyber-attacks include, among other things, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, preventing legitimate users from accessing information or services on a website, releasing confidential information without authorization, and causing operational disruption.

Depositary Receipts

Depositary Receipts generally evidence an ownership interest in a corresponding security on deposit with a financial institution. Transactions in Depositary Receipts usually do not settle in the same currency as the underlying securities are denominated or traded.

American Depositary Receipts are typically publicly traded trust receipts issued by a U.S. bank or trust company that evidence an indirect interest in underlying securities issued by a foreign entity.

Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs"), European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs"), and other types of depositary receipts are typically issued by non-U.S. banks or financial institutions to evidence an interest in underlying securities issued by either a U.S. or a non-U.S. entity. EDRs, in bearer form, are designed for use in European securities markets. GDRs may be traded in any public or private securities markets and may represent securities held by institutions located anywhere in the world.

Derivatives

Generally, derivatives are financial contracts whose value depends upon, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate or index, and may relate to, among other things, stocks, bonds, interest rates, currencies or currency exchange rates, commodities, and related indexes.

Eastern European Securities

References in the Prospectus and this SAI to "Eastern European Securities" denote securities issued by companies located in Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Turkey or Ukraine, as well as other countries in Eastern Europe, as determined by the Manager.

Far Eastern Securities

References in the Prospectus and this SAI to "Far Eastern Securities" denote securities issued by companies located in China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand or Singapore, as well as other Asian countries, as determined by the Manager.

Industry

References in the Prospectus and this SAI to "Industries" has the meaning ascribed to this term by the Manager, from time to time.

Latin American Securities

References in the Prospectus and this SAI to "Latin American Securities" denote securities issued by companies located in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico or Peru, as well as other countries located in Latin America, as determined by the Manager.

Non-U.S. Securities

The Funds may invest in non-U.S. securities. Non-U.S. securities may include, but are not limited to, securities of companies that are organized and headquartered outside the U.S.; non-U.S. equity securities as designated by commonly-recognized market data services; U.S. dollar- or non-U.S. currency-denominated corporate debt securities of non-U.S. issuers; securities of U.S. issuers traded principally in non-U.S. markets; non-U.S. bank obligations; U.S. dollar- or non-U.S. currency-denominated obligations of non-U.S. governments or their subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities, international agencies and supranational entities; and securities of other investment companies investing primarily in non-U.S. securities. When assessing compliance with investment policies that designate a minimum or maximum level of investment in "non-U.S. securities" for a Fund, the Manager may apply a variety of factors (either in addition to or in lieu of one or more of the categories described in the preceding sentence) in order to determine whether a particular security or instrument should be treated as U.S. or non-U.S. For more information about how the Manager may define non-U.S. securities for purposes of a Fund's asset tests and investment restrictions, see the Fund's principal investments and strategies under "Principal Investment Strategies" in the Prospectus. For more information about how the Manager may determine whether an issuer is located in a particular country,


13


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

see "Selected Investment Techniques and Topics—Location of Issuers" in the Prospectus.

Middle Eastern Securities

References in the Prospectus and this SAI to "Middle Eastern Securities" denote securities issued by companies located in Egypt, Israel, Qatar or United Arab Emirates, as well as other Middle Eastern countries as determined by the Manager.

Preferred Stocks

Preferred stocks include convertible and non-convertible preferred and preference stocks that are senior to common stock. Preferred stocks are equity securities that are senior to common stock with respect to the right to receive dividends and a fixed share of the proceeds resulting from the issuer's liquidation. Some preferred stocks also entitle their holders to receive additional liquidation proceeds on the same basis as holders of the issuer's common stock, and thus represent an ownership interest in the issuer.

Repurchase Agreements

A Fund may enter into repurchase agreements, by which the Fund purchases a security and obtains a simultaneous commitment from the seller (a bank or, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, a recognized securities dealer) to repurchase the security at an agreed upon price and date (usually seven days or less from the date of original purchase). The resale price is in excess of the purchase price and reflects an agreed upon market rate unrelated to the coupon rate on the purchased security. Such transactions afford the Fund the opportunity to earn a return on temporarily available cash at minimal market risk. While the underlying security may be a bill, certificate of indebtedness, note or bond issued by an agency, authority or instrumentality of the U.S. Government, the obligation of the seller is not guaranteed by the U.S. Government and there is a risk that the seller may fail to repurchase the underlying security. In such event, the Fund would attempt to exercise rights with respect to the underlying security, including possible disposition in the market. However, the Fund may be subject to various delays and risks of loss, including (a) possible declines in the value of the underlying security during the period while the Fund seeks to enforce its rights thereto and (b) inability to enforce rights and the expenses involved in attempted enforcement.

Restricted Securities

The Funds may hold securities that have not been registered for sale to the public under the U.S. federal securities laws pursuant to an exemption from registration.

Rule 144A Securities

Rule 144A securities are securities that may be offered and sold only to "qualified institutional buyers" under Rule 144A of the 1933 Act.

Section 4(a)(2) Commercial Paper

The Funds may invest in commercial paper issued in reliance on the private placement exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the 1933 Act. This commercial paper is

commonly called "Section 4(a)(2) paper." Section 4(a)(2) paper is sold to institutional investors who must agree to purchase it for investment and not with a view to public distribution. Any resale by the purchaser must be in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act. Section 4(a)(2) paper normally is resold to other institutional investors like the Funds through or with the assistance of the issuer or investment dealers that make a market in Section 4(a)(2) paper.

Sector

References in the Prospectus and this SAI to "Sectors" has the meaning ascribed to this term by the Manager, from time to time.

Senior Securities

Under the 1940 Act, a "senior security" does not include any promissory note or evidence of indebtedness when such loan is for temporary purposes only and in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of the total assets of the issuer at the time the loan is made.

South African Securities

References in the Prospectus and this SAI to "South African Securities" denote securities which are issued by companies located in South Africa.

Synthetic Convertible Securities

"Synthetic" convertible securities are selected based on the similarity of their economic characteristics to those of a traditional convertible security due to the combination of separate securities that possess the two principal characteristics of a traditional convertible security (i.e., an income producing component and a right to acquire an equity security). The income-producing component is achieved by investing in non-convertible, income-producing securities such as bonds, preferred stocks and money market instruments while the convertible component is achieved by investing in warrants or options to buy common stock at a certain exercise price, or options on a stock index. Synthetic securities may also be created by third parties, typically investment banks or other financial institutions. Unlike a traditional convertible security, which is a single security having a unitary market value, a synthetic convertible consists of two or more separate securities, each with its own market value, and has risks associated with derivative instruments.

Warrants

The holder of a warrant or right typically has the right to acquire securities or other obligations from the issuer of the warrant or right at a specified price or under specified conditions.

Yankee Bonds

A Fund may invest in U.S. dollar-denominated bonds sold in the U.S. by non-U.S. issuers ("Yankee bonds"). As compared with bonds issued in the U.S., such bond issues normally carry a higher interest rate but are less actively traded.


14


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Purchase, Redemption, and Pricing of Shares

How to Buy & Redeem Shares

The procedures for purchasing shares of a Fund are summarized in the Prospectus under "Shares—How to Buy Shares."

The procedures for redeeming shares of a Fund are summarized in the Prospectus under "Shares—How to Sell Shares."

Determination of Net Asset Value

As described in the Prospectus under the heading "Shares—How Shares are Priced," the net asset value per share of a Fund's shares of a particular class is determined by dividing the total market value of a Fund's portfolio investments and other assets attributable to that class, less any liabilities, by the total number of shares outstanding of that class. Each Fund's liabilities are allocated among its classes. The total of such liabilities allocated to a class plus any other expenses specially allocated to that class are then deducted from the class's proportionate interest in the Fund's assets, and the resulting amount for each class is divided by the number of shares of that class outstanding to produce the class's net asset value. The Prospectus further notes that the net asset value will be determined as of a particular time of day (the "Pricing Point") on any day on which the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for unrestricted trading. The Pricing Point is normally at the scheduled close of unrestricted trading on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time). In unusual circumstances, the Funds may determine that the Pricing Point shall be at an earlier, unscheduled close or halt of trading on the NYSE.

The Board has adopted Pricing and Valuation Procedures (the "Pricing and Valuation Procedures") for valuing portfolio securities and other assets in circumstances where market quotations are not readily available. The Board has appointed BNYM as the Funds' administrator and this includes responsibility for the operational execution of the valuation process. The Manager regularly reviews each Fund's holdings and valuations and notifies the administrator promptly if it reasonably believes that the current valuation of a particular security or other instrument may not reflect fair market value. The Board has also appointed ICE Data Services ("ICE") as a third-party valuation vendor. ICE provides, among other things, an adjustment for certain non-U.S. securities in the Funds based on certain factors and methodologies applied by ICE on each day the Funds are valued if a certain threshold is exceeded. While ultimate responsibility for the valuation process remains with the Board, the Board has delegated the responsibility for the supervision of compliance with net asset value calculation and pricing requirements to the Manager, the Manager's Fair Value Pricing Group and the Baillie Gifford Group's Valuation Committee, including the responsibility for determining the fair value of the Fund's securities or other instruments as well as making changes to pricing agents. The Trustees have created a Valuation Committee of the Board (the "Valuation Committee"), which is responsible for, among other things, reviewing promptly any fair value decision relating to one or more securities or other instruments held by a Fund that would result in a movement, up or down, in the net asset value of such Fund of more than 1/2 of 1% of the net asset value of the Fund. The Funds' Pricing and Valuation Procedures and valuation practices may be changed

as the Funds come into compliance with Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act.

Pricing Methodologies

The following summarizes the methods typically used to determine values for the noted types of securities or instruments by the administrator pursuant to the Pricing and Valuation Procedures. If a security price cannot be obtained from an independent, third-party pricing agent, the administrator shall seek to obtain a bid price from at least one independent broker from a list provided by the Manager.

—  Equity securities listed on a securities exchange, market or automated quotation system (including equity securities traded over the counter) for which quotations are readily available are valued at the last quoted trade price on the primary exchange or market (foreign or domestic) on which they are most actively traded on the date of valuation (or at approximately 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time if a security's primary exchange is normally open at that time), or, if there is no such reported sale on the date of valuation, at the most recent quoted bid price.

—  Debt instruments are generally valued on a "clean" basis (excluding accrued interest) using valuations obtained from independent, third-party pricing agents. Certain short-term debt obligations may be valued at their amortized costs.

—  Options are generally valued at the last quoted sales price. If there is no reported sale on the date of valuation, positions are priced at the mean on the last day the option trades.

—  Futures contracts are valued at the settlement price established each day by the board of the exchange on which they are traded. On days when there is excessive volume, market volatility or the future does not end trading by the time a Fund's net asset value is calculated, the settlement price may not be available at the time at which net asset value is calculated. On such days the best available price (which is typically the last sales price) may be used to value each Fund's futures position. If the best available price is used when the settlement price is not available, any difference between the eventual settlement price and the best available price will not be considered as the basis for determining that an incorrect net asset value calculation has occurred.

—  Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are generally valued at the current day's interpolated foreign exchange rate, as calculated using the current day's spot rate at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and the thirty, sixty, ninety and one-hundred and eighty day forward rates provided by an independent source.

—  Swaps are generally priced based on valuations provided by an independent third-party pricing agent.

—  Redeemable securities issued by open-end investment companies are generally valued at the investment company's applicable net asset value per share, with the exception of exchange-traded funds, which are generally priced as equity securities.


15


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

—  Foreign (non-U.S.) securities and instruments are priced as set forth in the Pricing and Valuation Procedures for the particular type of security (e.g., equity securities, debt securities, etc.). The prices for foreign securities are reported in local currency and converted to U.S. dollars using currency exchange rates obtained from pricing services at the Pricing Point on each day that the NYSE is open for regular trading. Pursuant to contractual arrangements maintained by the administrator, exchange rates are provided daily by recognized independent pricing agents. Securities and other instruments traded on markets in time zones that differ significantly from Eastern Time may be routinely subject to the use of third-party fair valuation vendors and other fair value qualifications.

Election under Rule 18f-1

The Trust, on behalf of each Fund included in this SAI, has made an election pursuant to Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act committing each such Fund to pay in cash any request for redemption received during any 90-day period of up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's net asset value at the beginning of the period. This election is irrevocable without prior approval by the SEC. Each Fund reserves the right to pay redemption proceeds in-kind except as described above.


16


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Trustees and Trust Officers

Trustee Responsibilities and Powers

The Board is responsible for the overall management and supervision of the Trust's affairs and for protecting the interests of shareholders. As of the date of this SAI, the Board is composed of five Trustees. Each Trustee oversees, and each officer serves, all series of the Trust that constitute the Baillie Gifford Funds complex.

The Trust's Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated February 27, 2017, as amended from time to time (the "Declaration of Trust") permits the Board to:

—  Issue shares. The Board can issue an unlimited number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest of each series of the Trust (each a "Series Fund"). Each share of a Series Fund represents an equal proportionate interest in such Series Fund with each other share of that Series Fund and is entitled to a proportionate interest in the dividends and distributions from that Series Fund.

  The Board can also subdivide any Series Fund into sub-series (or "Classes") of shares with such dividend preferences and other rights as the Board may designate. Each Series Fund is currently divided into at least two Classes. This power to subdivide Series Funds is intended to allow it to provide for an equitable allocation of the impact of any future regulatory requirements which might affect various classes of shareholders differently, or to permit shares of a Series Fund to be distributed through more than one distribution channel, with the costs of the particular means of distribution (or costs of related services) to be borne by the shareholders who purchase through that means of distribution. Each share of a Series Fund represents an equal proportionate interest in that Series Fund with each other share, subject to the different preferences of each Class of that Series Fund.

—  Establish new portfolios or series. The Board may establish one or more additional separate Series Funds (i.e., a new fund) or merge two or more existing Series Funds. Shareholders' investments in such an additional or merged portfolio may be evidenced by a separate Series Fund.

—  Charge shareholders. The Board may charge shareholders directly for custodial, transfer agency and servicing expenses.

—  Allocate other expenses. Any general expenses of the Trust that are not readily identifiable as belonging to a Series Fund are allocated in such a manner as to be fair and equitable. While the expenses of the Trust are allocated to the separate books of account of each Series Fund, certain expenses may be legally chargeable against the assets of all Series Funds.

—  Terminate the Trust or any Fund. The Board may terminate the Trust or any Series Fund upon written notice to the shareholders.

Trustee Appointments

The substantial professional accomplishments and prior experience, including, in some cases, in fields related to the

operations of the Fund, were a significant factor in the determination that the current Trustees should serve as a Trustee. Generally, no one factor was decisive in the nomination or appointment of an individual to the Board.

Among the factors the Board considers when concluding that an individual should serve as a Trustee are the following:

—  the individual's business and professional experience and accomplishments;

—  the individual's ability to work effectively with the other Trustees;

—  the individual's prior experience, if any, in the investment management industry; and

—  how the individual's skills, experience and attributes would contribute to an appropriate mix of relevant skills and experience on the Board.

Trustee Nominations by Shareholders

Any shareholder may nominate a person to become a Trustee. To nominate a person for the Nominating and Governance Committee's consideration, a shareholder must submit their recommendation in writing to the Trust, to the attention of the Trust's Secretary, at the address of the principal executive offices of the Trust (c/o Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited, Calton Square, 1 Greenside Row, Edinburgh, United Kingdom EH1 3AN). The recommendation must include:

—  biographical information regarding the candidate, the number of shares of each Fund owned of record and beneficially by the candidate (as reported to the recommending shareholder by the candidate), any other information regarding the candidate that would be required to be disclosed if the candidate were a nominee in a proxy statement or other filing required to be made in connection with solicitation of proxies for election of directors pursuant to Section 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and whether the recommending shareholder believes that the candidate is or will be an "interested person" of the Trust, and, if not an "interested person," information regarding the candidate that will be sufficient for the Trust to make such determination;

—  the written and signed consent of the candidate to be named as a nominee and to serve as a Trustee if elected;

—  the recommending shareholder's name as it appears on the Trust's books;

—  the number of all shares of each Fund owned beneficially and of record by the recommending shareholder; and

—  a description of all arrangements or understandings between the recommending shareholder and the candidate and any other person or persons (including their names) pursuant to which the recommendation is being made by the recommending shareholder.

In addition, the Nominating and Governance Committee may require the candidate to furnish such other information as it may deem necessary or appropriate to determine the eligibility of such candidate to serve as a Trustee of the Trust. The


17


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Nominating and Governance Committee considers and evaluates nominee candidates properly submitted by shareholders on the same basis as it considers and evaluates candidates recommended by other sources. The Nominating and Governance Committee has full discretion to reject nominees

recommended by shareholders, and there is no assurance that it will determine to nominate any person, even if properly recommended and considered in accordance with this paragraph.

The following table sets out information on each of the Trustees, including an overview of the considerations that led the Board to conclude that each individual currently serving as a Trustee should serve as a Trustee.

Name and
Year of
Birth(1)
  Position(s)
Held with
Trust
  Length of
Time
Served as
Trustee
  Principal
Occupation and
Other
Directorships
Held During
Past 5 Years(2)
  Considerations relevant to
appointment as Trustee
(see also "Trustees and Trust
Officers–Trustee Appointments"
above)
  Portfolios
in Trust
overseen
by
Trustee
  Dollar range(3) of Shares
held in each Series Fund
(USD)
  Aggregate
Dollar Range(3)
of Shares held
in all Series
Funds (USD)
 

Independent Trustees

 

Howard W. Chin 1952

 

Trustee, Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee(4)

 

Since 2015

 

Retired. Formerly: Managing Director, Investments, Guardian Life Insurance (financial services).

 

Howard W. Chin has over 25 years of professional experience in the asset management industry. Most recently, as Managing Director of Fixed Income Securities at Guardian Life Insurance Company of America until 2013, Mr. Chin was responsible for managing multi-billion dollar structured products portfolios for Guardian's mutual funds, and general account. In addition, Mr. Chin was a member of the Investment Committee that determined Guardian's asset allocation among the various fixed income sectors.

 

19

  Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund – Over $100,000
Baillie Gifford Positive Change Equities Fund – Over $100,000
 

Over $100,000

 

Pamela M. J. Cox 1952

 

Trustee

 

Since 2017

 

Retired. Formerly: Senior Associate (non-resident), CSIS (think tank); Senior Vice President; Vice President East Asia, World Bank Group (international bank & financial services).

 

Pamela M. J. Cox has over 30 years of professional experience in the World Bank Group, providing investment project financing and economic policy advice. At the time of her retirement in 2013, she was Senior Vice President, leading strategy and business development. She previously held positions as Vice President East Asia and Vice President Latin America, overseeing business strategy, investment portfolios, operations, client relationships, policy formulation and governance. Since retiring, she has held positions as a Senior Associate (nonresident) at CSIS (think tank) and on nonprofit boards.

 

19

 

Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund – $50,001-$100,000

 

$

50,001-$100,000

 


18


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Name and
Year of
Birth(1)
  Position(s)
Held with
Trust
  Length of
Time
Served as
Trustee
  Principal
Occupation and
Other
Directorships
Held During
Past 5 Years(2)
  Considerations relevant to
appointment as Trustee
(see also "Trustees and Trust
Officers–Trustee Appointments"
above)
  Portfolios
in Trust
overseen
by
Trustee
  Dollar range(3) of Shares
held in each Series Fund
(USD)
  Aggregate
Dollar Range(3)
of Shares held
in all Series
Funds (USD)
 

Robert E. Rigsby 1949

 

Trustee, Chair of the Audit Oversight Committee

 

Since 2014

 

Retired. Formerly: President & COO, Delivery Business at Dominion Energy, Inc. (electric and gas energy company).

 

Robert E. Rigsby has 30 years of broad professional experience in the energy industry. At the time of his retirement in 2002, he was President and COO of the Delivery Business at Dominion Energy, Inc. He previously held positions of Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President Finance & Controller, Vice President Human Resources, and Vice President Information Systems. Since his retirement, Mr. Rigsby has held leadership positions on the governing boards of two universities and several foundations.

 

19

  Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund – $10,001-$50,000
Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund – $10,001-$50,000
Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund – $10,001-$50,000
Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund – $50,001-$100,000
Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund – $10,001-$50,000
Baillie Gifford International Concentrated Growth Equities Fund – $10,001-$50,000
Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund – $50,001-$100,000
Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund – $50,001-$100,000
Baillie Gifford Positive Change Equities Fund – $10,001-$50,000
Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity Growth Fund – $10,001-$50,000
 

Over $100,000

 
Donald P. Sullivan Jr.
1954(5)
 

Trustee

 

Since 2020

 

Retired. Formerly: Senior Vice President, Agency Distribution, Guardian Life Insurance (financial services).

 

Donald P. Sullivan Jr. has over 38 years of professional experience in the banking, securities, and financial services industries. At the time of his retirement in 2015, he was Senior Vice President of Agency Distribution at Guardian Life Insurance Company of America responsible for the growth and development of the National Career Agency Distribution Network. He previously served as President of Park Avenue Securities, Guardian's broker-dealer and registered investment adviser, overseeing product, compliance, operations, and strategy, as well as internal and external relationships.

 

19

 

None

 

None

 

Interested Trustee (as defined in the 1940 Act)(2)

 

David W. Salter 1975

 

Trustee, Chair of the Board, President. Formerly, Vice President.

 

Since 2016

 

Partner, Baillie Gifford & Co. (parent of investment adviser); CEO & Chairman, Baillie Gifford Funds Services LLC (broker-dealer).

 

David Salter has 23 years of professional experience in the investment management and financial services industries. As CEO and Chairman of Baillie Gifford Funds Services LLC and a Partner of the Manager's parent firm, Baillie Gifford & Co., Mr. Salter is also involved in the oversight of products offered by Baillie Gifford Funds Services LLC and oversight of the operations of the Manager.

 

19

 

None

 

None

 


19


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

(1)  The address of each Trustee is c/o Ropes & Gray LLP, Prudential Tower, 800 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02199.

(2)  Previous positions during the past five years with Baillie Gifford & Co., the Manager and Baillie Gifford Group are omitted if not materially different from the positions listed.

(3)  Values given are as of December 31, 2020.

(4)  On October 1, 2020, Howard W. Chin took over as Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee in anticipation of Bruce C. Long's retirement effective December 31, 2020.

(5)  Donald P. Sullivan Jr. joined the Board as a new Trustee on July 1, 2020.

Four of the Trustees are not "interested persons" (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust ("Independent Trustees"). One Trustee, who serves as Chair of the Board, is an "interested person" of the Trust by reason of his affiliation with the Manager and his role as an officer of the Trust. The Trust does not have a lead independent trustee. The Board reviews its leadership structure periodically and believes that its structure is appropriate to enable the Board to oversee the Funds, after taking into account the characteristics of the Funds and their investment strategies and policies. For a discussion of the Board's role in risk oversight of the Funds, please see "Manager—Oversight by the Board" below.

There is no stated term of office for the Trustees and a Trustee may serve until such Trustee reaches the age of 75 years. The Chair of the Board and the officers of the Trust, including the President of the Trust, are elected annually by the Board.

To the Trust's knowledge, as of December 31, 2020, none of the Independent Trustees or their immediate family members owned securities in the Manager or Baillie Gifford Funds Services LLC (the "Distributor" or "BGFS"), nor did they own securities in any entity directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Manager or the Distributor.

Trustee Meetings

The Board meets periodically throughout the year to oversee the Trust's activities, review contractual arrangements with certain service providers, monitor compliance with regulatory requirements, and, through its Performance Committee, review performance.

Committees

The Board has four standing committees, as follows:

Committee

 

Functions

 

Membership

 

Chair

  Meetings during
last fiscal year(1)
 

Audit Oversight Committee

 

Oversees the Trust's accounting and financial reporting policies and practices, its internal controls, and the quality and objectivity of the Trust's financial statements. Acts as liaison between the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm and the Board.

 

Independent Trustees only

 

Mr. Rigsby

 

4

 

Nominating and Governance Committee

 

Identifies, evaluates and recommends candidates to serve as Independent Trustees(2) and reviews the composition of the Board. Reviews and recommends Independent Trustee compensation.

 

Independent Trustees only

 

Mr. Chin(3)

 

2

 

Performance Committee

 

Enhances the communication between the Manager and the Independent Trustees regarding Fund performance. Discusses Fund performance matters relating to the most recent quarter and for such other purposes as the Performance Committee may determine.

 

All Trustees

 

No chair

 

4

 

Valuation Committee

 

Overall responsibility for overseeing the valuation of the Funds' investments.

 

All Trustees

 

No chair

 

1

 

(1)  Information is provided for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

(2)  The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders. For a description of the procedures to be followed by security holders to submit recommendations, see "Trustees and Trust Officers—Trustee Nominations by Shareholders" above.

(3)  On October 1, 2020, Howard W. Chin took over as Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee in anticipation of Bruce C. Long's retirement effective December 31, 2020.

Trustee Compensation

The following tables set forth a summary of the compensation received by each Independent Trustee for services rendered as a Trustee and, if applicable, committee chair, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. The Trust pays no compensation to its officers and interested Trustee. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, each Independent Trustee received a retainer fee of $106,000. The chairs of the Audit Oversight Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee received additional compensation of $10,000 and $3,500, respectively.


20


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Aggregate Compensation from each Fund

  Howard W. Chin,
Trustee and Chair
of the Nominating
and Governance
Committee(4)
  Pamela M. J. Cox,
Trustee
  Donald P.
Sullivan Jr.,
Trustee(5)
  Bruce C. Long,
Trustee and Chair
of the Nominating
and Governance
Committee(4)
  Robert E. Rigsby,
Trustee and Chair
of the Audit
Oversight
Committee
 

Baillie Gifford Asia Ex Japan Fund(1)

   

     

     

     

     

   

Baillie Gifford China A Shares Growth Fund

 

$

10.35

   

$

10.27

   

$

5.21

   

$

10.52

   

$

11.24

   

Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund(1)

   

     

     

     

     

   

Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund

 

$

4,003.53

   

$

3,976.79

   

$

1,776.61

   

$

4,081.37

   

$

4,351.97

   

Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund

 

$

3,909.27

   

$

3,875.49

   

$

2,124.76

   

$

3,969.68

   

$

4,241.11

   

Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund

 

$

32,261.72

   

$

31,984.82

   

$

16,192.64

   

$

32,764.01

   

$

35,002.22

   

Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund

 

$

8,342.36

   

$

8,273.72

   

$

4,161.19

   

$

8,478.28

   

$

9,054.27

   

Baillie Gifford Global Stewardship Equities Fund

 

$

33.73

   

$

33.45

   

$

17.21

   

$

34.27

   

$

36.61

   

Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund

 

$

23,214.83

   

$

23,025.36

   

$

11,762.56

   

$

23,596.15

   

$

25,197.54

   
Baillie Gifford International Concentrated Growth
Equities Fund
 

$

940.60

   

$

936.08

   

$

337.47

   

$

962.47

   

$

1,024.40

   

Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund

 

$

26,003.90

   

$

25,801.18

   

$

12,389.15

   

$

26,450.39

   

$

28,235.25

   

Baillie Gifford International Smaller Companies Fund

 

$

10.28

   

$

10.20

   

$

5.14

   

$

10.45

   

$

11.16

   

Baillie Gifford Japan Growth Fund(1)

   

     

     

     

     

   

Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund

 

$

3,724.91

   

$

3,689.48

   

$

2,013.01

   

$

3,775.87

   

$

4,037.55

   

Baillie Gifford Positive Change Equities Fund

 

$

380.22

   

$

375.88

   

$

237.09

   

$

383.96

   

$

411.36

   

Baillie Gifford U.S. Discovery Fund(1)

   

     

     

     

     

   

Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity Growth Fund

 

$

351.52

   

$

347.09

   

$

245.53

   

$

354.12

   

$

379.83

   

Total Compensation from all Funds of the Trust(2)(3)

 

$

106,875.00

   

$

106,000.00

   

$

53,000.00

   

$

108,625.00

   

$

116,000.00

   

(1)  Baillie Gifford Asia Ex Japan Fund, Baillie Gifford Japan Growth Fund, Baillie Gifford U.S. Discovery Fund, and Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund had not yet commenced operations as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year. Accordingly, these Funds did not pay any trustee compensation for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

(2)  All Trustees receive reimbursements for reasonable expenses related to their attendance at the meetings of the Board or committees, which are not included in the amounts shown. The amounts shown indicate the aggregate compensation paid to the Trustees for their service on the Board of the Trust and its series. During the 2020 fiscal year, no Trustee accrued pension or retirement benefits as part of the Trust's expenses, and no Trustee is expected to receive annual benefits upon retirement.

(3)  This total includes compensation from Baillie Gifford International All Cap Fund, the shares of which are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and are not offered through the Prospectus and this SAI. The total also includes compensation from Baillie Gifford Multi Asset Fund, the shares of which are not offered through the Prospectus and this SAI.

(4)  On October 1, 2020, Howard W. Chin took over as Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee in anticipation of Bruce C. Long's retirement effective December 31, 2020.

(5)  Donald P. Sullivan Jr. joined the Board as a new Trustee on July 1, 2020.

Trust Officers

The following table sets out the officers of the Trust, their principal occupations during the last five years, and certain other information.

Name and Year of
Birth(1)
  Position(s) Held with
Trust
  Length of
Time Served(2)
 

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years(3)

 

Officers (other than officers who are also Trustees)

             
Andrew Telfer
1967
 

Vice President

 

Since 2008

 

Managing Partner, Baillie Gifford & Co.

 
Michael Stirling-Aird
1977
 

Vice President

 

Since 2012

 

Client Service Director, Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited.

 
Julie Paul
1975
 

Vice President

 

Since 2012

 

Manager, North American Funds Operations Department, Baillie Gifford & Co.

 
Tim Campbell
1975
 

Vice President

 

Since 2014

 

Partner, Baillie Gifford & Co.; Manager, Baillie Gifford International LLC with oversight of marketing performed in North America.

 
Lindsay Cockburn
1978
 

Treasurer

 

Since 2015

 

Manager, North American Funds Operations Department, Baillie Gifford & Co.

 
Graham Laybourn
1966
 

Vice President

 

Since 2018

 

Partner, Baillie Gifford & Co.

 
Suzanne Quinn
1979
 

Chief Compliance Officer and AML Compliance Officer

 

Since 2018

 

Manager, Compliance Department, Baillie Gifford & Co.

 


21


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Name and Year of
Birth(1)
  Position(s) Held with
Trust
  Length of
Time Served(2)
 

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years(3)

 
Neil Riddell
1988(4)
 

Chief Risk Officer

 

Since 2021

 

Head of Group Business Risk, Baillie Gifford & Co.

 
Gareth Griffiths
1973
 

Secretary and Chief Legal Officer

 

Secretary since 2015; Chief Legal Officer since 2017

 

Senior Legal Counsel for Baillie Gifford & Co.

 
Lesley-Anne Archibald
1988
 

Vice President

 

Since 2017

 

Manager, North American Funds Operations Department, Baillie Gifford & Co.

 
Kelly Cameron
1989
 

Vice President

 

Since 2020

 

Client Service Director, Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited.

 

(1)  The address of each officer of the Trust is c/o Baillie Gifford Funds, Calton Square, 1 Greenside Row, Edinburgh, United Kingdom EH1 3AN.

(2)  The officers of the Trust are elected annually by the Board.

(3)  Previous positions during the past five years with Baillie Gifford & Co., the Manager and Baillie Gifford Group are omitted if not materially different from the positions listed.

(4)  The Board accepted the resignation of Evan Delaney as Chief Risk Officer of the Trust and approved the appointment of Neil Riddell to that position effective July 1, 2021.

Trust Officer Compensation

The Trust currently pays no compensation to officers of the Trust.

Trustee and Trust Officer Liability

The Declaration of Trust provides that the Trustees will not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law. However, nothing in the Declaration of Trust protects a Trustee against any liability to which the Trustee would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.

The Trustees and officers of the Trust are indemnified by the Trust for any and all liabilities and expenses actually and reasonably incurred in any proceeding brought or threatened against a Trustee or officer by reason of any alleged act or omission as Trustee or officer, unless such person did not act in good faith in the reasonable belief that such action was in the best interests of the Trust, under the Declaration of the Trust and the Bylaws of the Trust. No officer or Trustee may be indemnified against any liability to the Trust or the Trust's shareholders to which such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.

Investment in the Funds by Trust, Manager and Distributor Personnel

The Trust, the Manager and the Distributor have each adopted a code of ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act. This code of ethics permits personnel of the Trust, the Manager and the Distributor to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Funds, subject to restrictions.


22


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Manager

The Manager is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Baillie Gifford & Co., which is generally engaged in the business of investment management. Both the Manager and Baillie Gifford & Co. are authorized and regulated in the U.K. by the Financial Conduct Authority. The Manager and its affiliates are referred to herein as the "Baillie Gifford Group."

Oversight by the Board

The Board oversees the Manager, including by overseeing the following activities of the Manager:

—  Risk Management. As part of this process, the Board receives a report from, and meets periodically with, the Trust's chief risk officer. The Board and the Performance Committee also meet periodically with representatives of the Manager to receive reports regarding the management of the Funds, including their investment risks.

—  Compliance with Relevant Laws. To assist this process, the Board meets periodically with the Funds' chief compliance officer and receives reports regarding the compliance of the Funds and the Manager with the federal securities laws and the Fund's own compliance policies and procedures.

—  Financial Accounting and Reporting. The Board, either itself or through its committees, meets periodically with officers of the Trust and representatives from the Manager and the auditor of the Funds, to review and consider the financial accounting and reporting of the Funds.

—  All Management activities. In the course of providing oversight, the Board meets periodically with officers of the Trust and representatives from the Manager, and receives a broad range of reports on the Funds' activities, including regarding each Fund's investment portfolio.

—  Appointment of the Manager. The Board also reviews the appointment of the Manager at least annually. The basis for the most recent report is set out in the most recent annual accounts of the Funds.

Management Services

The Manager serves as the investment manager of the Funds under the Second Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement dated June 18, 2021, as amended from time to time (the "Advisory Agreement").

Responsibilities

Under the Advisory Agreement, the Manager manages the investment and reinvestment of the assets of each Fund and generally administers its affairs, subject to oversight by the Board as described above. The Manager also furnishes, at its own expense, all necessary office space, facilities and equipment, services of executive and other personnel of the Funds and certain administrative services.

Investment Advisory Fee

For these services, the Advisory Agreement provides that each Fund pays the Manager an investment advisory fee. This fee is

based on a percentage of the Fund's average daily net assets and is paid quarterly.

The following table sets out the investment advisory fees paid for each of the Funds during the last three years:

Fund

 

Investment Advisory Fees Paid (USD)

 
    Year ending
December 31,
2018
  Year ending
December 31,
2019
  Year ending
December 31,
2020
 
Baillie Gifford
Asia Ex
Japan Fund(1)
   

     

     

   
Baillie Gifford
China A Shares
Growth Fund(2)
   

     

181

     

7,577

   
Baillie Gifford
China Equities
Fund(1)
   

     

     

   
Baillie Gifford
Developed
EAFE All Cap
Fund
   

1,361,993

     

1,622,137

     

1,894,638

   
Baillie Gifford
EAFE Plus
All Cap Fund
   

984,908

     

1,316,593

     

1,835,403

   
Baillie Gifford
Emerging
Markets
Equities Fund
   

10,192,194

     

15,647,516

     

22,832,300

   
Baillie Gifford
Global Alpha
Equities Fund
   

3,760,250

     

3,457,803

     

4,471,121

   
Baillie Gifford
Global
Stewardship
Equities Fund
   

10,578

     

10,810

     

14,969

   
Baillie Gifford
International
Alpha Fund
   

7,023,267

     

7,600,559

     

10,409,554

   
Baillie Gifford
International
Concentrated
Growth
Equities Fund
   

130,097

     

278,508

     

508,776

   
Baillie Gifford
International
Growth Fund
   

9,332,949

     

9,066,471

     

11,625,310

   
Baillie Gifford
International
Smaller
Companies
Fund
   

171

     

6,622

     

8,040

   
Baillie Gifford
Japan Growth
Fund(1)
   

     

     

   
Baillie Gifford
Long Term
Global Growth
Fund
   

943,944

     

1,152,125

     

2,233,290

   


23


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Fund

 

Investment Advisory Fees Paid (USD)

 
    Year ending
December 31,
2018
  Year ending
December 31,
2019
  Year ending
December 31,
2020
 
Baillie Gifford
Positive
Change
Equities Fund
   

18,695

     

61,979

     

163,890

   
Baillie Gifford
U.S. Discovery
Fund(1)
   

     

     

   
Baillie Gifford
U.S. Equity
Growth Fund
   

9,771

     

51,833

     

150,240

   

(1)  Baillie Gifford Asia Ex Japan Fund, Baillie Gifford Japan Growth Fund, Baillie Gifford U.S. Discovery Fund, and Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund had not yet commenced operations as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year. These Funds have consequently not paid any advisory fees during any completed fiscal year of the Trust.

(2)  Baillie Gifford China A Shares Growth Fund commenced investment operations on December 19, 2019, and therefore did not pay any advisory fees for any years prior to 2019.

The advisory fee paid by each Fund under the Advisory Agreement is calculated and accrued daily on the basis of the annual rate noted below and expressed as a percentage of that Fund's average daily net assets:

Fund

  Average Daily Net Assets
of the Fund (billions)
  Annual Advisory
Fee Rate at Each
Asset Level
(percentage of
the Fund's
average daily
net assets)
 
Baillie Gifford
Asia Ex Japan
Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.48%
0.44%
0.42%
 
Baillie Gifford
China A Shares
Growth Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.55%
0.51%
0.49%
 
Baillie Gifford
China Equities
Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.55%
0.51%
0.49%
 
Baillie Gifford
Developed
EAFE All Cap
Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
 
  0.35%
0.31%
0.29%
 
 
Baillie Gifford
EAFE Plus All
Cap Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.35%
0.31%
0.29%
 
Baillie Gifford
Emerging
Markets
Equities Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
 
  0.55%
0.51%
0.49%
 
 
Baillie Gifford
Global Alpha
Equities Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.40%
0.36%
0.34%
 
Baillie Gifford
Global
Stewardship
Equities Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
 
  0.33%
0.29%
0.27%
 
 

Fund

  Average Daily Net Assets
of the Fund (billions)
  Annual Advisory
Fee Rate at Each
Asset Level
(percentage of
the Fund's
average daily
net assets)
 
Baillie Gifford
International
Alpha Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.35%
0.31%
0.29%
 
Baillie Gifford
International
Concentrated
Growth
Equities Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
 
 
  0.40%
0.36%
0.34%
 
 
 
Baillie Gifford
International
Growth Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.35%
0.31%
0.29%
 
Baillie Gifford
International
Smaller
Companies
Fund
  All assets
 
 
 
 
  0.58%
 
 
 
 
 
Baillie Gifford
Japan Growth
Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.43%
0.39%
0.37%
 
Baillie Gifford
Long Term
Global Growth
Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
 
  0.45%
0.41%
0.39%
 
 
Baillie Gifford
Positive Change
Equities Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.33%
0.29%
0.27%
 
Baillie Gifford
U.S. Discovery
Fund
  All assets
 
 
  0.50%
 
 
 
Baillie Gifford
U.S. Equity
Growth Fund
  $0 - $2
>$2 - $5
Above $5
  0.33%
0.29%
0.27%
 

Investment Advisory Fee Waiver

In order to limit the expenses of Baillie Gifford Asia Ex Japan Fund, Baillie Gifford China A Shares Growth Fund, Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund, Baillie Gifford Global Stewardship Equities Fund, Baillie Gifford International Concentrated Growth Equities Fund, Baillie Gifford International Smaller Companies Fund, Baillie Gifford Japan Growth Fund, Baillie Gifford Positive Change Equities Fund, Baillie Gifford U.S. Discovery Fund, and Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity Growth Fund, the Manager has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or bear other expenses of each Fund to the extent that the annual expenses (excluding taxes, sub-accounting expenses, and extraordinary expenses) would exceed a certain annual rate of each Fund's average daily net assets. These waivers are described in the Prospectus under "Fund Management."

How to Change the Investment Advisory Agreement

The Advisory Agreement may be amended in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act. Amendments to the Advisory Agreement will require shareholder approval, unless (a) the amendments do not increase the compensation of the Manager or otherwise fundamentally alter the relationship of the Trust with the Manager and (b) the amendments are approved by the


24


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

requisite majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the agreement or interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any such party.

Term of Manager's Appointment

The Advisory Agreement will continue in effect for two years from its date of execution. After this two year period, it will continue if its continuance is approved at least annually by:

—  the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the relevant Fund; and

—  vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.

The Advisory Agreement may be terminated without penalty by:

—  vote of the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the relevant Fund, upon sixty days' written notice; or

—  the Manager upon sixty days' written notice.

The Advisory Agreement also terminates automatically in the event of its assignment.

Manager Liability

The Advisory Agreement provides that the Manager shall not be subject to any liability in connection with the performance of its services thereunder in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties.

Other Clients

The Manager acts as investment adviser to numerous other corporate and fiduciary clients. Certain officers and the interested Trustee of the Trust also serve as officers, directors and Trustees of other investment companies and clients advised by the Manager. These other investment companies and clients sometimes invest in securities in which the Funds also invest. If a Fund and such other investment companies or clients desire to buy or sell the same portfolio securities at the same time, purchases and sales may be allocated, to the extent practicable, on a pro rata basis in proportion to the amounts desired to be purchased or sold for each. It is recognized that in some cases the practices described in this paragraph could have a detrimental effect on the price or amount of the securities which a Fund purchases or sells. In other cases, however, it is believed that these practices may benefit the Funds. It is the opinion of the Board that the desirability of retaining the Manager as adviser for the Funds outweighs the disadvantages, if any, which might result from these practices.

Shareholder Services

Responsibilities

Pursuant to a shareholder servicing agreement, the Manager furnishes certain services to shareholders of Class 2, Class 3, Class 4 and Class 5 of the Funds. Prior to May 1, 2017, such services were also furnished to shareholders of Class 1 of the Funds. Class 1 shares of the Funds are no longer offered under the Prospectus or this SAI.

Fee

For these services, the shareholder servicing agreement provides that each share Class receiving the services pays the Manager a shareholder servicing fee. This fee is based on a fixed percentage of the Fund's average daily net assets and is paid quarterly.

The following table sets out the shareholder servicing fees paid for each of the Funds which have received these services during the last three years:

Fund

  Shareholder Servicing Fees Paid
(USD)
 
    Year ending
December
31, 2018
  Year ending
December
31, 2019
  Year ending
December
31, 2020
 
Baillie Gifford Asia
Ex Japan Fund(1)
   

     

     

   
Baillie Gifford China A
Shares Growth Fund(1)
   

     

     

   
Baillie Gifford China
Equities Fund(1)
   

     

     

   
Baillie Gifford Developed
EAFE All Cap Fund
   

443,116

     

426,769

     

463,426

   
Baillie Gifford EAFE
Plus All Cap Fund
   

456,749

     

465,615

     

560,909

   
Baillie Gifford Emerging
Markets Equities Fund
   

762,817

     

732,290

     

762,491

   
Baillie Gifford Global
Alpha Equities Fund
   

940,872

     

877,954

     

1,022,167

   
Baillie Gifford Global
Stewardship Equities
Fund(1)
   

     

     

   
Baillie Gifford
International Alpha Fund
   

1,876,556

     

1,784,763

     

1,942,132

   
Baillie Gifford
International
Concentrated
Growth Equities Fund(1)
   

     

     

   
Baillie Gifford
International
Growth Fund
   

2,279,754

     

2,206,764

     

2,430,793

   
Baillie Gifford
International Smaller
Companies Fund(1)
   

     

     

   
Baillie Gifford Japan
Growth Fund(1)
   

     

     

   
Baillie Gifford Long
Term Global Growth
Fund
   

128,393

     

144,581

     

209,443

   
Baillie Gifford Positive
Change Equities Fund(1)
   

     

     

   
Baillie Gifford
U.S. Discovery Fund(1)
   

     

     

   
Baillie Gifford
U.S. Equity Growth Fund(1)
   

     

     

   

(1)  Baillie Gifford Asia Ex Japan Fund, Baillie Gifford China A Shares Growth Fund, Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund, Baillie Gifford Global Stewardship Equities Fund, Baillie Gifford International Concentrated Growth Equities Fund, Baillie Gifford International Smaller Companies Fund, Baillie Gifford Japan Growth Fund, Baillie Gifford Positive Change Equities Fund, Baillie Gifford U.S. Discovery Fund, and Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity Growth Fund do not


25


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

offer any share classes that are subject to shareholder servicing fees. These Funds have consequently not paid any shareholder servicing fees during any completed fiscal year of the Trust.

Administration and Supervisory Services

Responsibilities

Pursuant to an administration and supervisory agreement, the Manager is responsible for furnishing certain administration services to Institutional Class and Class K shareholders as well as coordinating, overseeing and supporting services provided to Institutional Class and Class K shareholders by third parties.

Fee

For these services, the administration and supervisory agreement provides that Class K and Institutional Class each pays the Manager an administration and supervisory fee. This fee is based on a fixed percentage of the Fund's average daily net assets and is paid quarterly.

The following table sets out the administration and supervisory fees paid by each of the Funds during the last three years:

    Administration and Supervisory
Fees Paid (USD)
 

Fund

  Year ending
December
31, 2018
  Year ending
December
31, 2019
  Year ending
December
31, 2020
 
Baillie Gifford Asia
Ex Japan Fund(1)
   

     

     

   
Baillie Gifford China A
Shares Growth Fund(2)
   

   

$

56

   

$

2,342

   
Baillie Gifford China
Equities Fund(1)
   

     

     

   
Baillie Gifford Developed
EAFE All Cap Fund
 

$

161,838

   

$

308,507

   

$

396,084

   
Baillie Gifford EAFE
Plus All Cap Fund
 

$

16,455

   

$

173,873

   

$

292,896

   
Baillie Gifford Emerging
Markets Equities Fund
 

$

508,720

   

$

2,193,932

   

$

4,064,050

   
Baillie Gifford Global
Alpha Equities Fund
 

$

84,286

   

$

92,159

   

$

272,426

   
Baillie Gifford Global
Stewardship Equities
Fund
 

$

5,450

   

$

5,570

   

$

7,712

   
Baillie Gifford
International Alpha Fund
 

$

432,090

   

$

864,691

   

$

1,885,293

   
Baillie Gifford
International
Concentrated
Growth Equities Fund
 

$

55,291

   

$

118,366

   

$

216,230

   
Baillie Gifford
International
Growth Fund
 

$

266

   

$

28,659

   

$

251,348

   
Baillie Gifford
International Smaller
Companies Fund
 

$

50

   

$

1,940

   

$

2,356

   
Baillie Gifford Japan
Growth Fund(1)
   

     

     

   
Baillie Gifford Long
Term Global Growth
Fund
 

$

138,603

   

$

216,532

   

$

518,593

   
    Administration and Supervisory
Fees Paid (USD)
 

Fund

  Year ending
December
31, 2018
  Year ending
December
31, 2019
  Year ending
December
31, 2020
 
Baillie Gifford Positive
Change Equities Fund
 

$

9,631

   

$

31,929

   

$

84,428

   
Baillie Gifford
U.S. Discovery Fund(1)
   

     

     

   
Baillie Gifford
U.S. Equity Growth Fund
 

$

5,034

   

$

26,702

   

$

77,396

   

(1)  Baillie Gifford Asia Ex Japan Fund, Baillie Gifford Japan Growth Fund, Baillie Gifford U.S. Discovery Fund, and Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund had not yet commenced operations as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year. These Funds have consequently not paid any administration and supervisory fees during any completed fiscal year of the Trust.

(2)  Baillie Gifford China A Shares Growth Fund commenced investment operations in December 2019, and therefore did not pay any administration and supervisory fees for any years prior to 2019.

Investment Decisions by Portfolio Managers

Investment decisions made by the Manager for a Fund are made by teams of portfolio managers organized for that purpose.

Portfolio Manager Conflicts of Interest

In addition to managing the Funds, individual portfolio managers are commonly responsible for managing other registered investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles and/or other accounts. These other types of accounts may have similar investment strategies to the Funds.

For a description of potential conflicts of interest that may arise in connection with the portfolio managers' management of the Funds and the portfolio managers' management of other types of accounts please see "Principal Investment Risks — Conflicts of Interest Risk" in the Prospectus.

Other Accounts

The following table shows information regarding other accounts managed by the portfolio managers. The information is provided as of December 31, 2020, except where otherwise noted. As of December 31, 2020, no portfolio manager to a Fund owned beneficially any equity securities of such Fund.


26


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Account Type

  Total
Accounts
  Total Assets
in Accounts
(US$M)
  Where advisory fee is
based on account
performance:
 
           

Accounts

  Assets in
Accounts
(US$M)
 

Baillie Gifford Asia Ex Japan Fund

 

Ben Durrant*

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

0

     

0

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

0

     

0

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

0

     

0

     

0

     

0

   

*  Information provided as of May 31, 2021.

Ownership of Securities—As of May 31, 2021, Mr. Durrant did not beneficially own any shares of Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund.

Roderick Snell

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

2

     

6,449

     

1

     

207

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

9

     

8,702

     

1

     

91

   

Other Accounts

   

18

     

18,501

     

1

     

4,789

   

Baillie Gifford China A Shares Growth Fund

 

Sophie Earnshaw

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

6

     

6,362

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

10

     

3,736

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

45

     

28,042

     

3

     

5,420

   

Louise Lin

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

0

     

0

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

2

     

4

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

1

     

125

     

0

     

0

   

Mark Urquhart

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

1

     

812

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

6

     

8,710

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

89

     

62,409

     

4

     

2,764

   

Account Type

  Total
Accounts
  Total Assets
in Accounts
(US$M)
  Where advisory fee is
based on account
performance:
 
           

Accounts

  Assets in
Accounts
(US$M)
 

Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund

 

Sophie Earnshaw*

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

7

     

6,613

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

10

     

4,333

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

44

     

27,520

     

3

     

5,245

   

Mike Gush*

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

3

     

7,312

     

1

     

225

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

11

     

6,237

     

1

     

135

   

Other Accounts

   

16

     

10,075

     

1

     

886

   

Roderick Snell*

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

0

     

0

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

8

     

9,137

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

6

     

10,145

     

1

     

4,719

   

*  Information provided as of May 31, 2021.

Ownership of Securities—As of May 31, 2021, Ms. Earnshaw, Mr. Gush, and Mr. Snell did not beneficially own any shares of Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund.

Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund

 

Gerard Callahan

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

5

     

5,773

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

7

     

1,752

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

43

     

19,503

     

2

     

632

   

Iain Campbell

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

5

     

5,773

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

4

     

760

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

41

     

18,896

     

2

     

632

   


27


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Account Type

  Total
Accounts
  Total Assets
in Accounts
(US$M)
  Where advisory fee is
based on account
performance:
 
           

Accounts

  Assets in
Accounts
(US$M)
 

Sophie Earnshaw

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

6

     

5,775

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

10

     

3,736

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

45

     

28,042

     

3

     

5,420

   

Joe Faraday

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

5

     

5,773

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

3

     

466

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

38

     

18,769

     

2

     

632

   

Moritz Sitte

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

5

     

5,773

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

6

     

4,692

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

39

     

8,957

     

2

     

632

   

Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund

 

Gerard Callahan

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

5

     

5,629

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

7

     

1,752

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

43

     

19,503

     

2

     

632

   

Iain Campbell

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

5

     

5,629

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

4

     

760

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

41

     

18,896

     

2

     

632

   

Account Type

  Total
Accounts
  Total Assets
in Accounts
(US$M)
  Where advisory fee is
based on account
performance:
 
           

Accounts

  Assets in
Accounts
(US$M)
 

Sophie Earnshaw

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

6

     

5,631

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

10

     

3,736

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

45

     

28,042

     

3

     

5,420

   

Joe Faraday

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

5

     

5,629

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

3

     

466

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

38

     

18,769

     

2

     

632

   

Moritz Sitte

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

5

     

5,629

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

6

     

4,692

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

39

     

18,957

     

2

     

632

   

Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund

 

Ben Durrant*

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

0

     

0

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

0

     

0

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

0

     

0

     

0

     

0

   

*  Information provided as of May 31, 2021.

Ownership of Securities—As of May 31, 2021, Mr. Durrant did not beneficially own any shares of Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund.

Mike Gush

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

2

     

213

     

1

     

207

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

10

     

5,251

     

1

     

91

   

Other Accounts

   

16

     

10,015

     

1

     

834

   


28


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Account Type

  Total
Accounts
  Total Assets
in Accounts
(US$M)
  Where advisory fee is
based on account
performance:
 
           

Accounts

  Assets in
Accounts
(US$M)
 

Andrew Stobart

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

6

     

8,321

     

1

     

207

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

4

     

3,145

     

1

     

91

   

Other Accounts

   

48

     

26,711

     

5

     

3,033

   

Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund

 

Spencer Adair

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

1

     

3,954

     

1

     

3,954

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

13

     

20,560

     

2

     

140

   

Other Accounts

   

58

     

45,173

     

5

     

13,437

   

Malcolm MacColl

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

1

     

3,954

     

1

     

3,954

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

13

     

20,560

     

2

     

140

   

Other Accounts

   

58

     

45,173

     

5

     

13,437

   

Helen Xiong

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

1

     

3,954

     

1

     

3,954

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

13

     

20,560

     

2

     

140

   

Other Accounts

   

58

     

45,173

     

5

     

13,437

   

Baillie Gifford Global Stewardship Equities Fund

 

Josie Bentley

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

0

     

0

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

7

     

5,383

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

3

     

329

     

0

     

0

   

Account Type

  Total
Accounts
  Total Assets
in Accounts
(US$M)
  Where advisory fee is
based on account
performance:
 
           

Accounts

  Assets in
Accounts
(US$M)
 

Matthew Brett

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

0

     

0

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

8

     

8,496

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

8

     

2,568

     

2

     

783

   

Mike Gush

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

2

     

6,449

     

1

     

207

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

10

     

5,251

     

1

     

91

   

Other Accounts

   

16

     

10,015

     

1

     

834

   

Iain McCombie

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

0

     

0

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

7

     

2,162

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

10

     

3,396

     

0

     

0

   

Gary Robinson

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

2

     

9,064

     

1

     

8,964

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

8

     

11,898

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

13

     

3,990

     

0

     

0

   

Zaki Sabir

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

0

     

0

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

5

     

1,320

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

3

     

329

     

0

     

0

   


29


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Account Type

  Total
Accounts
  Total Assets
in Accounts
(US$M)
  Where advisory fee is
based on account
performance:
 
           

Accounts

  Assets in
Accounts
(US$M)
 

Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund

 

Donald Farquharson

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

4

     

3,940

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

2

     

2,035

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

42

     

22,051

     

6

     

3,387

   

Angus Franklin

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

35

     

17,731

     

5

     

3,033

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

1

     

392

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

4

     

3,940

     

0

     

0

   

Toby Ross

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

4

     

3,940

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

7

     

2,755

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

38

     

18,051

     

5

     

3,033

   

Andrew Stobart

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

6

     

10,389

     

1

     

207

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

4

     

3,145

     

1

     

91

   

Other Accounts

   

48

     

26,711

     

5

     

3,033

   

Jenny Davis

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

35

     

17,731

     

5

     

3,033

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

1

     

392

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

4

     

3,940

     

0

     

0

   

Account Type

  Total
Accounts
  Total Assets
in Accounts
(US$M)
  Where advisory fee is
based on account
performance:
 
           

Accounts

  Assets in
Accounts
(US$M)
 

Tom Walsh

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

4

     

3,940

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

1

     

392

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

35

     

17,731

     

5

     

3,033

   

Baillie Gifford International Concentrated Growth Equities Fund

 

James Anderson

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

3

     

54,730

     

2

     

50,154

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

7

     

26,850

     

1

     

165

   

Other Accounts

   

38

     

22,467

     

0

     

0

   

Lawrence Burns

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

3

     

54,730

     

2

     

50,154

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

6

     

2,602

     

1

     

165

   

Other Accounts

   

38

     

22,467

     

0

     

0

   

Paulina Sliwinska

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

0

     

0

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

1

     

59

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

3

     

543

     

0

     

0

   

Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund

 

James Anderson

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

3

     

50,259

     

1

     

1

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

7

     

26,850

     

6

     

26,685

   

Other Accounts

   

35

     

22,467

     

38

     

22,467

   


30


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Account Type

  Total
Accounts
  Total Assets
in Accounts
(US$M)
  Where advisory fee is
based on account
performance:
 
           

Accounts

  Assets in
Accounts
(US$M)
 

Julia Angeles

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

2

     

50,154

     

2

     

50,154

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

7

     

2,673

     

1

     

165

   

Other Accounts

   

38

     

22,134

     

0

     

0

   

Lawrence Burns

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

3

     

50,259

     

2

     

50,154

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

6

     

2,602

     

1

     

165

   

Other Accounts

   

38

     

22,467

     

0

     

0

   

Thomas Coutts

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

2

     

50,154

     

2

     

50,154

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

5

     

2,543

     

1

     

165

   

Other Accounts

   

35

     

21,925

     

0

     

0

   

Brian Lum

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

4

     

50,452

     

3

     

50,450

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

5

     

2,543

     

1

     

165

   

Other Accounts

   

35

     

21,925

     

0

     

0

   

Baillie Gifford International Smaller Companies Fund

 

Charlie Broughton*

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

1

     

297

     

1

     

297

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

1

     

409

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

1

     

792

     

0

     

0

   

*  Information provided as of January 29, 2021.

Ownership of Securities—As of January 29, 2021, Mr. Broughton did not beneficially own any shares of Baillie Gifford International Smaller Companies Fund

Account Type

  Total
Accounts
  Total Assets
in Accounts
(US$M)
  Where advisory fee is
based on account
performance:
 
           

Accounts

  Assets in
Accounts
(US$M)
 

Praveen Kumar

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

1

     

296

     

1

     

296

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

3

     

4,019

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

1

     

69

     

0

     

0

   

Brian Lum

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

4

     

55,025

     

3

     

50,450

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

5

     

2,543

     

1

     

165

   

Other Accounts

   

35

     

21,925

     

0

     

0

   

Milena Mileva

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

1

     

296

     

1

     

296

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

3

     

1,120

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

8

     

3,703

     

0

     

0

   

Steve Vaughan

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

1

     

296

     

1

     

296

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

1

     

366

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

1

     

801

     

0

     

0

   

Baillie Gifford Japan Growth Fund

 

Donald Farquharson

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

5

     

8,114

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

2

     

2,035

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

42

     

22,051

     

6

     

3,387

   


31


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Account Type

  Total
Accounts
  Total Assets
in Accounts
(US$M)
  Where advisory fee is
based on account
performance:
 
           

Accounts

  Assets in
Accounts
(US$M)
 

Tolibjon Tursunov

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

0

     

0

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

1

     

1,644

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

7

     

4,321

     

1

     

354

   

Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund

 

Tom Slater

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

2

     

9,064

     

1

     

8964

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

8

     

43,532

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

98

     

65,946

     

4

     

2,764

   

Mark Urquhart

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

1

     

2

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

6

     

8,710

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

89

     

62,409

     

4

     

2,764

   

Baillie Gifford Positive Change Equities Fund

 

Kate Fox

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

0

     

0

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

5

     

3,902

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

3

     

1,442

     

0

     

0

   

Lee Qian

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

0

     

0

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

5

     

3,902

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

2

     

641

     

0

     

0

   

Account Type

  Total
Accounts
  Total Assets
in Accounts
(US$M)
  Where advisory fee is
based on account
performance:
 
           

Accounts

  Assets in
Accounts
(US$M)
 

Baillie Gifford U.S. Discovery Fund

 

Douglas Brodie

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

0

     

0

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

3

     

5,339

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

8

     

1,161

     

0

     

0

   

Svetlana Viteva

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

0

     

0

     

0

     

0

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

3

     

5,339

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

8

     

1,161

     

0

     

0

   

Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity Growth Fund

 

Dave Bujnowski

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

1

     

8,964

     

1

     

8,964

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

3

     

10,578

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

10

     

3,661

     

0

     

0

   

Kirsty Gibson

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

1

     

8,964

     

1

     

8,964

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

3

     

10,578

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

10

     

3,661

     

0

     

0

   

Gary Robinson

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

2

     

8,970

     

1

     

8,964

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

8

     

11,898

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

13

     

3,990

     

0

     

0

   


32


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Account Type

  Total
Accounts
  Total Assets
in Accounts
(US$M)
  Where advisory fee is
based on account
performance:
 
           

Accounts

  Assets in
Accounts
(US$M)
 

Tom Slater

 
Registered
Investment
Companies
   

2

     

9,775

     

1

     

8,964

   
Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
   

8

     

43,532

     

0

     

0

   

Other Accounts

   

98

     

65,946

     

4

     

2,764

   

Proxy Voting

The Trust has delegated to the Manager responsibility for the voting of proxies with respect to voting securities held by the Funds. The Manager does not use an automated proxy voting advisory service.

Voting Guidelines

The Manager has adopted the Governance and Sustainability Principles and Guidelines (the "Guidelines") to vote proxies related to securities held by the Funds.

The Guidelines are developed and administered by the Governance & Sustainability Team of the Baillie Gifford Group. This Governance & Sustainability Team sits alongside the investment teams and is responsible for the voting of proxies. The head of the Governance & Sustainability Team jointly reports to an investment partner of Baillie Gifford & Co., the parent of the Manager, and to the senior investment committee of the Investment Management Group of the Baillie Gifford Group (the "IMG").

The Guidelines articulate the Manager's approach to governance and sustainability matters including the following areas:

—  Prioritization of long-term value creation

—  A constructive and purposeful Board

—  Long-term focused remuneration with stretching targets

—  Fair treatment of stakeholders

—  Sustainable business practices

The Manager recognizes that given the range of markets in which the Funds invest, one set of standards is unlikely to be appropriate. The Guidelines consequently take an issues based approach covering standards from a global perspective.

Pragmatic & Flexible Approach

The Manager recognizes that companies within particular markets operate under significantly differing conditions. The Guidelines are intended to provide an insight into how the Manager approaches voting and engagement on behalf of clients with it being important to note that the Manager assesses every company individually. With respect to voting, the Manager will evaluate proposals on a case-by-case basis, based on what it believes to be in the best long-term interests of clients, rather than rigidly applying a policy.

In evaluating each proxy, the Governance & Sustainability Team follows the Guidelines, while also considering third party analysis, the Manager's and its affiliates own research and discussions with company management.

The Governance & Sustainability Team oversees voting analysis and execution in conjunction with the investment teams.

The Manager may elect not to vote on certain proxies. While the Manager endeavors to vote a Fund's shares in all markets, on occasion this may not be possible due to a practice known as share blocking, whereby voting shares would result in prevention from trading for a certain period of time. When voting in these markets, the Manager assesses the benefits of voting clients' shares against the relevant restrictions. The Manager may also not vote where it has sold out of a stock following the record date.

Conflicts of Interest

The Manager recognizes the importance of managing potential conflicts of interest that may exist when voting a proxy solicited by a company with whom the Baillie Gifford Group has a material business or personal relationship. The Governance & Sustainability Team of the Baillie Gifford Group is responsible for monitoring possible material conflicts of interest with respect to proxy voting.

In most instances, applying the Guidelines to vote proxies will adequately address any possible conflicts of interest.

Proxy votes that involve a potential conflict of interest are managed in line with the Manager's Conflicts of Interest Policy and, where additional oversight is appropriate, the Governance & Sustainability Team report the conflict to the IMG for discussion. The IMG, which comprises several senior Baillie Gifford & Co. partners, will review the voting rationale, consider whether business relationships between Baillie Gifford and the company have influenced the proposed vote and decide the course of action to be taken in the best interest of clients.

Further Information

Information regarding how a Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge upon request by:

—  calling toll-free, 1-844-394-6127; or

—  by accessing the Fund's Form N-PX on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.

Investment Process

Best Execution

In placing orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities for the Funds, the Manager seeks to obtain the best price and execution.

Under a participating affiliate arrangement, the Manager may engage personnel and resources from its affiliate, Baillie Gifford Asia (Hong Kong) Limited , to execute trades for each Fund. Under normal circumstances, this arrangement will be utilized for executing trades in relation to Asia-Pacific securities. However, the Manager may also utilize this arrangement for non-Asia-Pacific securities.


33


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Use of Brokers or Dealers for Unlisted Investments

The use of brokers or dealers for unlisted investments is based on the most favorable price which can be obtained for the Funds.

Transactions in unlisted securities are carried out directly with company management when they are issuing primary equity. On occasion investment banks can be engaged as advisers in the trade but the monies are generally paid direct to the company. If, in the judgment of the Manager, a more favorable price can be obtained by carrying out such transactions through other brokers or dealers, the trading desk will direct the trade through broker-dealers who make the primary market for such securities.

Selection of Brokers or Dealers

Broker selection for trading is determined entirely by the requirement to achieve best execution for the Funds.

The Manager selects only brokers or dealers which it believes are financially responsible, will provide efficient and effective services in executing, clearing and settling an order and will charge commission rates which, when combined with the quality of the foregoing services, will produce best execution for the transaction. This does not necessarily mean that the lowest available brokerage commission will be paid. However, the commissions are believed to be competitive with generally prevailing rates. The Manager will use its best efforts to obtain information as to the general level of commission rates being charged by the brokerage community from time to time and will evaluate the overall reasonableness of brokerage commissions paid on transactions by reference to such data. In making such evaluation, all factors affecting liquidity and execution of the order, as well as the amount of the capital commitment by the broker in connection with the order, are taken into account.

Execution only approach

The Manager pays execution-only commission rates and does not pay "bundled" fees for brokerage and research. The Manager assumes full responsibility for payment for non-execution services from brokers, such as reports on economic and political developments, industries, companies, securities, portfolio strategy, account performance, daily prices of securities, stock and bond market conditions and projections, asset allocation and portfolio structure, but also meetings with analysts and specialists. The receipt of such services does not factor in the selection of brokers.

Foreign Currency Transactions – Custodians

Although the Manager executes certain foreign currency transactions internally through its foreign currency trading desk, the Manager may determine that:

—  certain transactions may not be most efficiently executed by its trading desk. Such transactions may be administered by a third party such as the Fund's custodian. Such transactions tend to be in smaller amounts (for example, income repatriation), and such transactions may be executed by such third parties in accordance with standing instructions received from the Manager; or

—  due to local market regulations, responsibility has to pass to the client's custodian for execution under standing instruction.

Also, income received into the portfolios will automatically be swept into U.S. dollars by means of standing instruction foreign exchange carried out by the custodian.

Given the nature of such transactions and the general size of the markets, the Manager has limited ability to analyze or review the specific details and efficiency of trading in these amounts.

Directed Brokerage Transactions

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, no Fund directed brokerage transactions.

Brokerage Commissions

As mentioned above, the Manager pays execution-only commission rates for trading. The Manager believes this helps to mitigate any potential conflicts of interest that might arise from the purchase of two sets of services paid out of the Funds' dealing commission.

Research services permitted to be paid from client dealing commissions under Section 28(e) (the "safe harbor") of the Exchange Act are now paid for directly by the Manager under separate agreements with brokers.

The following table sets out the brokerage commission fees paid for each of the Funds during the last three years:

Fund

  Brokerage Commission Fees Paid
(USD)
 
    Year ending
December 31,
2018
  Year ending
December 31,
2019
  Year ending
December 31,
2020
 
Baillie Gifford Asia Ex
Japan Fund(1)
   

0

     

0

     

0

   
Baillie Gifford China A
Shares Growth Fund(2)
   

0

     

683

     

363

   
Baillie Gifford China
Equities Fund(1)
   

0

     

0

     

0

   
Baillie Gifford Developed
EAFE All Cap Fund
   

95,861

     

85,488

     

89,601

   
Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus
All Cap Fund
   

70,027

     

54,382

     

101,288

   
Baillie Gifford Emerging
Markets Equities Fund
   

723,949

     

888,321

     

1,542,912

   
Baillie Gifford Global
Alpha Equities Fund
   

237,046

     

109,023

     

239,556

   
Baillie Gifford Global
Stewardship Equities Fund
   

332

     

498

     

522

   
Baillie Gifford International
Alpha Fund
   

564,451

     

359,252

     

879,503

   
Baillie Gifford International
Concentrated Growth
Equities Fund
   

24,012

     

4,490

     

56,847

   
Baillie Gifford International
Growth Fund
   

443,460

     

173,867

     

685,689

   
Baillie Gifford International
Smaller Companies Fund
   

164

     

175

     

196

   
Baillie Gifford Japan
Growth Fund(1)
   

0

     

0

     

0

   
Baillie Gifford Long Term
Global Growth Fund
   

39,264

     

22,349

     

120,752

   


34


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Fund

  Brokerage Commission Fees Paid
(USD)
 
    Year ending
December 31,
2018
  Year ending
December 31,
2019
  Year ending
December 31,
2020
 
Baillie Gifford Positive
Change Equities Fund
   

2,837

     

3,132

     

20,832

   
Baillie Gifford
U.S. Discovery Fund(1)
   

0

     

0

     

0

   
Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity
Growth Fund
   

3,107

     

2,294

     

15,293

   

(1)  Baillie Gifford Asia Ex Japan Fund, Baillie Gifford Japan Growth Fund, Baillie Gifford U.S. Discovery Fund, and Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund had not yet commenced operations as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year. Therefore, these Funds have not paid any brokerage commissions during any completed fiscal year of the Trust.

(2)  Baillie Gifford China A Shares Growth Fund commenced investment operations on December 19, 2019, and therefore did not pay any brokerage commissions for any years prior to 2019.

Any material changes in brokerage commissions shown in the table above are the result of changes in portfolio turnover for the relevant Fund.

Affiliated Broker-Dealers

No Fund paid brokerage commissions to affiliated broker/dealers for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018, 2019, and 2020.

Regular Broker or Dealer

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund acquired and held shares issued by Jefferies Financial Group, Inc. a regular broker or dealer or a parent company of a regular broker or dealer of Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund. The aggregate value of the securities of Jefferies Financial Group, Inc. held as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 was $6,846,844.

Portfolio Turnover

The buying and selling of the securities held by a Fund is known as "portfolio turnover." Higher portfolio turnover involves correspondingly greater expenses to a Fund, including brokerage commissions or dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs on the sale of securities and reinvestments in other securities. The higher the rate of portfolio turnover of a Fund, the higher these transaction costs borne by the Fund generally will be. Such sales may result in realization of taxable capital gains (including short-term capital gains which are generally taxed to individual shareholders at ordinary income tax rates when distributed net of short-term capital losses and net long-term capital losses), and may adversely impact a Fund's after-tax returns. See the "Tax" section below.

Portfolio turnover rates for each Fund for which financial highlights are available are provided under "Financial Highlights" in the Prospectus. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund, Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund, Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund, Baillie Gifford International Concentrated Growth Equities Fund, Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund, Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund, Baillie Gifford Positive Change Equities Fund and Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity Growth Fund experienced an increase in portfolio turnover compared to the

previous period due to increased shareholder activity. Baillie Gifford China A Shares Growth Fund experienced an increase in portfolio turnover compared to the previous period due to the Fund experiencing its first full year of investment operations.

Payments to Financial Intermediaries

It is expected that Institutional Class shares of the Funds will make payments, or reimburse the Manager or its affiliates for payments it makes, to financial intermediaries ("Financial Intermediaries") that provide certain administrative, recordkeeping, and account maintenance services to beneficial owners of Fund shares. The amount of such payments and/or reimbursement is currently capped by resolution of the Board. The amount of such payments and/or reimbursement and the manner in which it is calculated are reviewed by the Trustees periodically. The Funds may enter into certain agreements with Financial Intermediaries that require payments for sub-transfer agency services in excess of the Board approved cap on payments and/or reimbursements to Financial Intermediaries. In such instances the Manager will pay, out of its own profits, the difference between the amount due under the agreement with the Financial Intermediary and the cap on such payments and/or reimbursements approved by the Board.

Financial Intermediaries are firms that sell shares of mutual funds, including the Funds, for compensation and/or provide certain administrative and account maintenance services to mutual fund investors. Financial Intermediaries may include, among others, brokers, financial planners or advisers, banks, and insurance companies.

In some cases, a Financial Intermediary may hold its clients' Fund shares in nominee name. Shareholder services provided by a Financial Intermediary may (though they will not necessarily) include, among other things: processing and mailing trade confirmations, periodic statements, prospectuses, annual reports, semiannual reports, shareholder notices, and other SEC-required communications; capturing and processing tax data; issuing and mailing dividend checks to shareholders who have selected cash distributions; preparing record date shareholder lists for proxy solicitations; collecting and posting distributions to shareholder accounts; and establishing and maintaining systematic withdrawals and automated investment plans and shareholder account registrations.

The compensation paid by a Fund or the Manager or its affiliates to a Financial Intermediary is typically paid continually over time, during the period when the Financial Intermediary's clients hold investments in the Funds. The amount of continuing compensation paid by the Funds or the Manager or its affiliates to different Financial Intermediaries for shareholder services varies. The compensation is typically a percentage of the value of the Financial Intermediary's clients' investments in the Funds or a per account fee. The variation in compensation may, but will not necessarily, reflect enhanced or additional services provided by the Financial Intermediary.

If payments to Financial Intermediaries by a mutual fund, distributor or adviser for a particular mutual fund complex exceed payments by other mutual fund complexes, your financial adviser and the Financial Intermediary employing him or her may have an incentive to recommend that fund complex over others. Please


35


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

speak with your financial adviser to learn more about the total amounts paid to your financial adviser and his or her firm by the Distributor and its affiliates and by sponsors of other mutual funds he or she may recommend to you. You should also consult disclosures made by your Financial Intermediary at the time of purchase.

If you are purchasing, selling, exchanging or holding Fund shares through a program of services offered by a Financial Intermediary, you may be required by the Financial Intermediary to pay additional fees. You should contact the Financial Intermediary for information concerning what additional fees, if any, may be charged.

The Distributor, the Manager and/or their affiliates intend to make payments to Financial Intermediaries for distribution, shareholder servicing, marketing and promotional activities and related expenses out of their profits and other available sources, including profits from their relationships with the Funds. These payments are not reflected as additional expenses in the fee table contained in this Prospectus. The total amount of these payments may be substantial, may be substantial to any given recipient, and may exceed the costs and expenses incurred by the recipient for any fund-related marketing or shareholder servicing activities. The payments described in this paragraph are often referred to as "revenue sharing payments." Revenue sharing arrangements are separately negotiated between the Distributor, the Manager and/or their affiliates, and the recipients of these payments.

Revenue sharing payments create an incentive for a Financial Intermediary or its employees or associated persons to recommend or sell shares of a Fund to you. Contact your Financial Intermediary for details about revenue sharing payments it receives or may receive. Revenue sharing payments, as well as payments by the fund under the shareholder services and distribution plan or for recordkeeping and/or shareholder services, also benefit the Manager, the Distributor and their affiliates to the extent the payments result in more assets being invested in the Fund on which fees are being charged.

Other Services

In relation to Classes 2-5, the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, has entered into a Shareholder Servicing Agreement (the "Shareholder Servicing Agreement") with the Manager, under which the Manager has agreed to act as shareholder servicer for the Funds. In relation to Class K and Institutional Class shares, the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, has entered into an Administration and Supervisory Agreement (the "Administration and Supervisory Agreement") with the Manager, under which the Manager has agreed to provide certain administration and supervisory services for the Funds.

The Trust has adopted a plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the "Shareholder Service Plan") to compensate BGOL for services provided to Classes 2-5. The Shareholder Service Fees collected by the Manager (as described in the Prospectus under "Shares—Restrictions on Buying Shares") are for services that are not primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund shares. The Trust has also adopted a plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the "Administration, Supervisory and Sub-Accounting Services Plan" and

together with the Shareholder Service Plan, the "Plans") to compensate BGOL for administration and supervisory services and to reimburse BGOL or its affiliates for payments they make to third parties for sub-accounting services provided to Class K and Institutional Class Shares of the Funds. Like the Shareholder Service Fees, the Administration and Supervisory Fees collected by the Manager (as described in the Prospectus under "Shares—Restrictions on Buying Shares") are for services that are not primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund shares.

The Board has adopted the Plans to allow the Funds, the Manager and its affiliates, including BGFS, to incur certain expenses that might be considered indirect payments by the Funds for distribution of Fund shares. Under the Plans, if the payment of fees to the Manager, or other payments made by Institutional Class shares of the Funds to Financial Intermediaries for recordkeeping, sub-accounting, sub-transfer agency or other services, should be deemed to constitute indirect financing by the Trust of the distribution of Fund shares, such payments are authorized by the applicable Plan. However, no distribution payments under Rule 12b-1 have been authorized by the Board as of the date of this SAI, and no distribution fees under Rule 12b-1 are currently payable under the Plans. If the Board authorizes distribution payments under Rule 12b-1 in the future for any class of shares, the Manager or another service provider might collect distribution fees under Rule 12b-1. This would also require the Prospectus to be updated to reflect such additional fees.

The Manager and BGFS, directly or through an affiliate, may use its fee revenue, past profits, or other resources, without limitation, to pay promotional and administrative expenses in connection with the offer and sale of shares of the Funds. In addition, the Manager and BGFS may use their respective resources, including fee revenues, to make payments to third parties that provide assistance in selling the Fund's shares or to Financial Intermediaries that render recordkeeping, sub-accounting sub-transfer agency and other services, as described in greater detail above under "Payments to Financial Intermediaries."

The Plans have been approved by the Board in accordance with Rule 12b-1. As required by Rule 12b-1, the Board carefully considered all pertinent factors relating to the implementation of each Plan prior to its approval and determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that each Plan will benefit the Funds and its shareholders.

In accordance with the requirements of Rule 12b-1, the Manager provides quarterly reporting to the Board regarding all payments made by the Funds directly to Financial Intermediaries and to the Manager under the Shareholder Servicing Agreement and the Administration and Supervisory Agreement, including reporting of the purposes for which such payments were made. To the extent that a Plan gives the Manager or its affiliates greater flexibility in connection with the distribution of shares of the Fund, additional sales of the Funds' shares may result.

Compensation

The portfolio managers' compensation arrangements within the Manager vary depending upon whether the individual is an employee or partner of Baillie Gifford & Co.


36


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Employees of Baillie Gifford & Co.

A portfolio manager's compensation generally consists of:

—  base salary;

—  a company-wide all staff bonus;

—  a performance related bonus; and

—  the standard retirement benefits and health and welfare benefits available to all Baillie Gifford & Co. employees.

A portfolio manager's base salary is determined by the manager's experience and performance in the role, taking into account the ongoing compensation benchmark analyses, and is generally a fixed amount that may change as a result of an annual review, upon assumption of new duties, or when a market adjustment of the position occurs.

A portfolio manager's performance related bonus is determined by team and individual performance. Team performance will generally be measured on investment performance over a three, four or five year basis and is based on performance targets that are set and reviewed annually by the Chief of Investment Staff. Individual performance will be determined by the individual's line manager at the annual appraisal at which staff are assessed against key competencies and pre-agreed objectives. The bonus is paid on an annual basis.

A proportion of the performance related bonus is mandatorily deferred. Currently recipients defer between 20% and 40% of their performance related bonus. Awards will be deferred over a period of three years and will be invested in a range of funds managed by the Baillie Gifford Group.

Partners of Baillie Gifford & Co.

Spencer Adair, James Anderson, Matthew Brett, Douglas Brodie, Lawrence Burns, Gerard Callahan, Iain Campbell, Thomas Coutts, Donald Farquharson, Kate Fox, Angus Franklin, Mike Gush, Malcolm MacColl, Iain McCombie, Gary Robinson, Tom Slater, William Sutcliffe, Mark Urquhart, and Helen Xiong are partners of Baillie Gifford & Co. As of May 1, 2021, Dave Bujnowski will become a partner of Baillie Gifford & Co.

The remuneration of Baillie Gifford & Co. partners comprises Baillie Gifford & Co. partnership profits, which are distributed as:

—  base salary; and

—  a share of the partnership profits.

The profit share is calculated as a percentage of total partnership profits based on seniority and role within Baillie Gifford & Co. The basis for the profit share is detailed in the Baillie Gifford & Co. Partnership Agreement.

The main staff benefits such as pension schemes are not available to partners and therefore partners provide for benefits from their own personal funds.

Partners in their first few years additionally receive a bonus. The bonuses are calculated in the same way as those for staff but exclude the deferred element. A proportion of the bonus paid will be retained to be used to buy capital shares in the partnership.


37


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Other Key Service Providers

Administrator – BNYM

The Bank of New York Mellon of 240 Greenwich, New York, NY, 10286, serves as the Funds' administrator pursuant to a Fund Administration and Accounting Agreement between the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and BNYM.

The fees for the last three fiscal years are as follows:

Fund

 

Administration Fees Paid (USD)

 
    Year ending
December
31, 2018
  Year ending
December
31, 2019
  Year ending
December
31, 2020
 
Baillie Gifford Asia Ex
Japan Fund(1)
   

     

     

   
Baillie Gifford China A
Shares Growth Fund(2)
   

     

1,250

     

71,956

   
Baillie Gifford China
Equities Fund(1)
   

     

     

   
Baillie Gifford Developed
EAFE All Cap Fund
   

211,909

     

199,094

     

214,860

   
Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus
All Cap Fund
   

160,874

     

166,151

     

178,317

   
Baillie Gifford Emerging
Markets Equities Fund
   

842,119

     

1,172,369

     

1,428,575

   
Baillie Gifford Global Alpha
Equities Fund
   

455,685

     

360,969

     

381,525

   
Baillie Gifford Global
Stewardship Equities Fund(2)
   

66,320

     

94,078

     

96,563

   
Baillie Gifford International
Alpha Fund
   

927,808

     

892,478

     

993,103

   
Baillie Gifford International
Concentrated Growth
Equities Fund
   

62,061

     

93,019

     

95,141

   
Baillie Gifford International
Growth Fund
   

1,244,285

     

1,074,790

     

1,166,483

   
Baillie Gifford International
Smaller Companies Fund
   

1,479

     

78,744

     

108,153

   
Baillie Gifford Japan
Growth Fund(1)
   

     

     

   
Baillie Gifford Long Term
Global Growth Fund
   

117,595

     

115,869

     

159,375

   
Baillie Gifford Positive
Change Equities Fund
   

62,088

     

93,522

     

95,285

   
Baillie Gifford U.S.
Discovery Fund(1)
   

     

     

   
Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity
Growth Fund
   

75,332

     

81,416

     

82,940

   

(1)  Baillie Gifford Asia Ex Japan Fund, Baillie Gifford Japan Growth Fund, Baillie Gifford U.S. Discovery Fund, and Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund had not yet commenced operations as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year and therefore have not paid any administration fees during any completed fiscal year of the Trust.

(2)  Baillie Gifford China A Shares Growth Fund commenced investment operations on December 19, 2019, and therefore did not pay any administration fees for any years prior to 2019.

The fees noted above were accrued for the fiscal period indicated, but may have been paid after the end of such fiscal period.

Custodian – BNYM

BNYM is also the Trust's custodian. As such, BNYM or sub-custodians acting at its direction hold in safekeeping certificated securities and cash belonging to the Funds and, in such capacity, are the registered owners of securities held in book entry form belonging to the Funds.

Upon instruction, BNYM or such sub-custodians receive and deliver cash and securities of the Funds in connection with Fund transactions and collect all dividends and other distributions made with respect to Fund portfolio securities.

Transfer Agent – BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc.

BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc., of 4400 Computer Drive, Westborough, MA 01581, serves as the Trust's transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursing agent.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – Cohen & Company, Ltd.

Cohen & Company, Ltd. serves as independent registered public accounting firm to the Trust and conducts an annual audit of the financial statements of each operational Fund and provides other audit related and tax services. The principal business address of Cohen & Company, Ltd. is 1350 Euclid Ave., Suite 800, Cleveland, Ohio 44115.

Underwriter – BGFS

Baillie Gifford Funds Services LLC, of 1 Greenside Row, Calton Square, Edinburgh EH1 3AN, United Kingdom, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manager, serves as the sole distributor and principal underwriter of the shares of the Funds.

The Trust has entered into a distribution agreement with BGFS. BGFS offers and sells shares to investors as agent of each Fund either directly or through brokers, dealers and other financial institutions which enter into selling agreements with BGFS, and/or the Trust. The distribution agreement provides that BGFS will use all reasonable best efforts in connection with the distribution of shares of the Funds. The Funds' shares will be offered on a continuous basis.

The Funds did not pay BGFS any underwriting commissions or other compensation during the Funds' last three fiscal years.

Trust Legal Counsel – Ropes & Gray LLP

Ropes & Gray LLP, of Prudential Tower, 800 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199, is legal counsel to the Trust.

Independent Trustee Legal Counsel – Vedder Price P.C.

Vedder Price P.C., of 222 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL, 60601, is legal counsel to the independent trustees.


38


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Shareholders

Principal Holders of Securities

A shareholder will be considered a "principal holder" of shares if that shareholder owns of record or is known by the Trust to own beneficially 5% or more of any class of a Fund's outstanding shares. The principal holders as of May 31, 2021 are listed in the table below. Each principal holder owns of record and beneficially, except as otherwise indicated.

The Trust believes that no other person or group owns of record or beneficially 5% or more of the shares of any class of a Fund. Baillie Gifford Asia Ex Japan Fund, Baillie Gifford Japan Growth Fund, and Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund had not commenced operations as of May 31, 2021 and therefore did not have any principal holders.

Investor

 

Investor Address

  Percentage
Ownership
of Class
 

Baillie Gifford China A Shares Growth Fund

Baillie Gifford International LLC – Institutional Class

 

780 Third Ave, 43rd Floor, New York, NY 10017-2024

 

100.00

%

 

Baillie Gifford International LLC – Class K

 

780 Third Ave, 43rd Floor, New York, NY 10017-2024

 

100.00

%

 

Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund

US Army NAF Retirement Plan – Class 3

 

2455 Reynolds Road, Fort Sam, Houston, TX 78234

 

100.00

%

 

El Paso Firemen & Policemen's Pension Fund – Class 4

 

909 East San Antonio Ave, El Paso, TX 79901-2523

 

100.00

%

 

Capinco C/O US Bank – Class K*

 

1555 N. River Center Drive, Suite 302, Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

63.09

%

 

Maryland Prepaid College Trust – Class 2

 

217 E. Redwood Street, Suite 1350, Baltimore, MD 21202-3314

 

46.71

%

 

Pershing LLC – Institutional Class*

 

PO Box 2052 Jersey City, NJ 07303

 

39.26

%

 

Eversource Energy Service Company FBO the Eversource Retirees Benefit Trust – Class 2

 

107 Selden Street, Berlin, CT 06037

 

36.34

%

 

National Financial Services LLC – Institutional Class*

 

499 Washington Blvd, 4th Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07310

 

32.41

%

 

Howard County Master Trust – Class K

 

3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043-4300

 

28.02

%

 

Charles Schwab & Co Inc Special Custody A/C FBO Customers – Institutional Class*

 

211 Main Street, San Francisco, CA 94105

 

20.17

%

 

Mercy Health MyRetirement Personal Pension Account Plan – Class 2

 

14528 S Outer 40 Rd, Ste 100, Chesterfield, MO 63017-5743

 

16.91

%

 

TD Ameritrade – Institutional Class*

 

PO Box 2226 Omaha, NE 68103-2226

 

6.92

%

 

Investor

 

Investor Address

  Percentage
Ownership
of Class
 

Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund

Charles Schwab & Co Inc Special Custody A/C FBO Customers – Institutional Class*

 

211 Main Street San Francisco, CA 94105

 

73.77

%

 

Prince George's County Police Pension Plan – Class 3

 

1400 McCormick Drive, Suite 110, Largo, MD 20774-5313

 

66.51

%

 

Capinco C/O US Bank – Class K*

 

1555 N. Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302, Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

52.19

%

 

Lexington Fayette Urban County Policemen's and Firefighter's Retirement Fund – Class 2

 

200 East Main Street, Lexington, KY 40503

 

34.08

%

 

Prince George's County Fire Service Pension Plan – Class 3

 

1400 McCormick Drive, Suite 110, Largo, MD 20774-5313

 

33.49

%

 

The National Magazine Pension Scheme – Class 2

 

72 Broadwick Street, London, WIF 9EP

 

21.87

%

 

Northern Trust as Trustee FBO Rush Copley Memorial Hospital – Class K

 

50 S Lasalle Street, Chicago, IL 60675

 

18.86

%

 

National Financial Services LLC – Institutional Class*

 

499 Washington Blvd, 4th Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07310

 

16.36

%

 

Beacon Health System Inc – Class 2

 

600 East Blvd, Elkhart, IN 46514

 

15.83

%

 

State Street Bank & Trust Co. FBO Various Retirement Plans – Class K*

 

Transatlantic Retirement Solutions, Harrison, NY 10528

 

15.00

%

 

Macalaster College – Class 2

 

1600 Grand Avenue, St Paul, MN 55105-1899

 

14.26

%

 

Northern Trust as Trustee FBO NiSource Inc Master Retirement Trust – Class 2

 

801 S Canal, Chicago, IL 60675

 

11.91

%

 

Mac & Co – Institutional Class*

 

500 Grant Street Room 151-1010 Pittsburgh, PA 15258

 

9.17

%

 

Pershing LLC – Class K*

 

PO Box 2052 Jersey City, NJ 07303

 

6.01

%

 

Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund

Sacramento County Employees Retirement System – Class 4

 

980 9th Street, Suite 1900, Sacramento, CA 95814-2739

 

100.00

%

 

Baylor College of Medicine – Class 2

 

2 Greenway Plaza, Suite 924, Houston, TX 77046

 

99.93

%

 

Board of Trustees for the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System – Class 5

 

120 E Baltimore Street, 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202-6703

 

57.12

%

 

City of Austin Employees Retirement System – Class 3

 

6836 Austin Center Blvd, Suite 190, Austin, TX 78731-3185

 

51.85

%

 


39


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Investor

 

Investor Address

  Percentage
Ownership
of Class
 

Charles Schwab & Co Inc Special Custody A/C FBO Customers – Institutional Class*

 

211 Main Street San Francisco, CA 94105

 

34.51

%

 

City of Hope – Class 3

 

1500 E Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010-3000

 

21.90

%

 

National Financial Services LLC – Institutional Class*

 

499 Washington Blvd, 4th Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07310

 

19.53

%

 

SEI Private Trust Company – Class K*

 

1 Freedom Valley Drive Oaks, PA 19456

 

18.16

%

 

Beckman Research Institute of The City of Hope – Class 3

 

1450 E Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010-3008

 

17.02

%

 

AT&T Services Inc SBC Master Pension Trust – Class 5

 

208 S Akard Street, 27th Floor, Dallas, TX 75202

 

16.82

%

 

Mac & Co – Class K*

 

500 Grant Street Room 151-1010 Pittsburgh, PA 15258

 

16.81

%

 

Northern Trust C/O Custodian – Class K*

 

50 S Lasalle Street, Chicago, IL 60675

 

15.52

%

 

Raymond James Omnibus for Mutual Funds House Account – Institutional Class*

 

880 Carillon Parkway St Petersburg, FL 33716

 

14.89

%

 

FedEx Corporation Employee Pension Trust – Class 5

 

1000 Ridgeway Loop Road, 5th Floor, Memphis, TN 38120

 

13.66

%

 

LPL Financial FBO Customer Accounts – Institutional Class*

 

PO Box 509046 San Diego, CA 92150-9046

 

12.59

%

 

Great West Trust Co LLC TTEE F Wells Fargo & Co – Class K

 

8515 E Orchard Road, 2T2, Greenwood Village, CO 80111

 

12.52

%

 

City of Hope National Medical Center – Class 3

 

1500 E Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010-3000

 

9.23

%

 

Fresno County Employees Retirement Association – Class K

 

7772 N Palm Avenue, Fresno, CA 93711-5734

 

6.52

%

 

Pershing LLC – Institutional Class*

 

PO Box 2052 Jersey City, NJ 07303

 

5.12

%

 

Fire and Police Pension Association of Colorado – Class 5

 

5290 DTC Parkway, Suite 100, Greenwood Village. CO 80111

 

5.01

%

 

Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund

Promedica Health System Trust – Class 3

 

Steam Plant 2nd Floor, Mail Stop Code MSC S29777, 100 Madison Avenue, Toledo, OH 43604

 

100.00

%

 

National Financial Services LLC – Institutional Class*

 

499 Washington Blvd, 4th Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07310

 

56.07

%

 

Investor

 

Investor Address

  Percentage
Ownership
of Class
 

Charles Schwab & Co Inc Special Custody A/C FBO Customers – Institutional Class*

 

211 Main Street San Francisco, CA 94105

 

43.52

%

 

Scripps Health – Class 4

 

10140 Campus Point, DR CPA 345, San Diego, CA 92121-1520

 

35.81

%

 

SSM Health Care Portfolio Management Company – Class 4

 

12312 Olive Blvd, 4th Floor, Saint Louis, MO 63141

 

35.31

%

 

Textron Inc Master Trust – Class 4

 

40 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903

 

28.88

%

 

Linde Pension Plan Trust – Class K

 

200 Somerset Corporate Blvd, Suite 7000, Bridgewater, NJ 08807-2882

 

25.66

%

 

Capinco C/O US Bank – Class K*

 

1555 N. Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302, Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

25.54

%

 

Freeport Minerals Corporation Defined Benefit Master Trust – Class 2

 

333 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004

 

23.39

%

 

University Hospitals Health System Inc Retirement Plan – Class 2

 

3605 Warrensville Center Road, Shaker Heights, OH 44122

 

19.00

%

 

Mac & Co – Class K*

 

500 Grant Street Room 151-1010 Pittsburgh, PA 15258

 

16.06

%

 

Mitra & Co FBO 98 C/O Reliance Trust Company – Class K

 

4900 West Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee, WI 53223

 

15.84

%

 

The Community Investment Group – Class 2

 

101 Fifth Street East, Suite 2400, Saint Paul, MN 55101

 

13.75

%

 

State Street Bank & Trust Company for Hallmark Cards Incorporated Master Trust – Class 2

 

1 Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900

 

12.91

%

 

Meristem Global Equity Fund – Class 2

 

701 Carlson Parkway, Suite 1400, Minnetonka, MN 55305-5229

 

12.53

%

 

Northwest Area Foundation – Class 2

 

60 Plato Blvd East, St Paul, MN 55107

 

12.30

%

 

Northern Trust C/O Custodian – Class K*

 

50 S Lasalle Street, Chicago, IL 60675

 

9.78

%

 

The Saint Paul Foundation US Bank Trustee – Class 2

 

Mail Station EP-MN-S14, 101 East Fifth St, 14th FLR, Saint Paul, MN 55101

 

6.11

%

 

Baillie Gifford Global Stewardship Equities Fund

Baillie Gifford International LLC – Class K

 

780 Third Ave, 43rd Floor, New York, NY 10017-2024

 

100.00

%

 

Baillie Gifford International LLC – Institutional Class

 

780 Third Ave, 43rd Floor, New York, NY 10017-2024

 

100.00

%

 


40


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Investor

 

Investor Address

  Percentage
Ownership
of Class
 

Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund

Sysco Corporation Retirement Plan Trust – Class 5

 

99 High Street Boston, MA 02110

 

100.00

%

 

National Financial Services LLC – Institutional Class*

 

499 Washington Blvd, 4th Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07310

 

66.42

%

 

Ameren Master Retirement Trust – Class 4

 

1901 Chouteau Avenue St Louis, Missouri 63166

 

36.68

%

 

City of Phoenix Public Employees Retirement Plan – Class 4

 

200 W Washington 10th Fl Phoenix, AZ 85003

 

27.97

%

 

American Family Mutual Insurance Company Investment Division – Class 3

 

6000 American Parkway Madison, WI 53783

 

23.75

%

 

Retirement System of Allegheny County – Class 2

 

Room 106 County Office Building, 542 Forbes Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15219

 

21.09

%

 

LPL Financial FBO Customer Accounts – Institutional Class*

 

PO Box 509046 San Diego, CA 92150-9046

 

21.03

%

 

Factory Mutual Insurance Company – Class K

 

270 Central Avenue Johnston, RI 02919-4949

 

19.85

%

 

The Employees Retirement Plan of The National Education Association – Class 3

 

1201 16th St NW, Ste 210, Washington, DC 20036

 

18.20

%

 

Commander Navy Installation Command Millington Detachment – Class 4

 

7800 Third Ave Bldg 457 Millington, TN 38055

 

17.36

%

 

Trust Fund for Pinnacle West Corp – Class 3

 

400 N Fifth St Phoenix, AZ 85004

 

17.01

%

 

Washington Gas Light Company Employees Pension Plan – Class 2

 

1000 Maine Ave SW Washington, DC 20024

 

15.93

%

 

Georgia Tech Foundation Inc – Class 2

 

760 Spring St NW Ste 400 Atlanta, GA 30308

 

15.51

%

 

Northern Trust C/O Custodian – Class K*

 

PO Box 92956 Chicago, IL 60675-2956

 

15.25

%

 

Charles Stewart Mott Foundation – Class 2

 

201 W Big Beaver Rd Suite 900 Troy, MI 48084

 

14.18

%

 

SEI Private Trust Company – Class K*

 

1 Freedom Valley Drive Oaks, PA 19456

 

12.01

%

 

North Slope Borough – Class 2

 

PO Box 69 Barrow, AK 99723-0069

 

11.99

%

 

Charles Schwab & Co Inc Special Custody A/C FBO Customers – Institutional Class*

 

211 Main Street San Francisco, CA 94105

 

11.76

%

 

Voya Retirement Plan – Class 3

 

5780 Powers Ferry Rd Atlanta, GA 30327

 

11.43

%

 

Investor

 

Investor Address

  Percentage
Ownership
of Class
 

Leonard & Beryl Buck Foundation – Class 2

 

2001 N Main St Ste 600 Walnut Creek, CA 94596-7264

 

11.34

%

 

Cargill Inc And Assoc Companies Master Pension Trust – Class 4

 

9320 Excelsior Blvd Hopkins, MN 55343

 

9.02

%

 

Mac & Co – Class K*

 

500 Grant Street Room 151-1010 Pittsburgh, PA 15258

 

7.94

%

 

Egap & Co – Class K*

 

PO Box 820 Burlington, VT 054020820

 

7.66

%

 

Aware Integrated Inc – Class 3

 

3535 Blue Cross Rd Eagan, MN 55122

 

7.41

%

 

Battelle Memorial Institute – Class 3

 

505 King Ave Columbus, OH 43201

 

7.31

%

 

Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN Pension Equity Plan – Class 3

 

3535 Blue Cross Rd Eagan, MN 55122

 

7.01

%

 

Massachusetts Port Authority Employees Retirement System – Class K

 

One Harborside Dr, Ste 200S, East Boston, MA 02128-2909

 

6.97

%

 

Ameren Health and Welfare Trust – Class 4

 

PO Box 66149 MC 960 St Louis, MO 63166

 

5.95

%

 

Wilshire Associates Incorporated Wilshire Solutions Fund Trust – Class 2

 

210 Sixth Ave Ste 3720 Pittsburgh, PA 15222

 

5.57

%

 

Baillie Gifford International Concentrated Growth Equities Fund

Pershing LLC – Class K*

 

PO Box 2052 Jersey City, NJ 07303

 

92.67

%

 

Charles Schwab & Co Inc Special Custody A/C FBO Customers – Institutional Class*

 

211 Main Street San Francisco, CA 94105

 

50.14

%

 

National Financial Services LLC – Institutional Class*

 

499 Washington Blvd, 4th Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07310

 

24.20

%

 

TD Ameritrade – Institutional Class*

 

PO Box 2226 Omaha, NE 68103-2226

 

17.13

%

 

Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund

Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky – Class 5

 

479 Versailles Rd Frankfort, KY 40601

 

100.00

%

 

Charles Schwab & Co Inc Special Custody A/C FBO Customers – Institutional Class*

 

211 Main Street San Francisco, CA 94105

 

32.36

%

 

President and Fellows of Harvard College – Class K

 

600 Atlantic Avenue Boston MA, 02210

 

30.63

%

 

Independence Blue Cross LLC – Class K

 

1901 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

29.35

%

 


41


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Investor

 

Investor Address

  Percentage
Ownership
of Class
 

Raymond James Omnibus for Mutual Funds House Account – Institutional Class*

 

880 Carillon Parkway St Petersburg, FL 33716

 

25.77

%

 

National Financial Services LLC – Institutional Class*

 

499 Washington Blvd, 4th Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07310

 

25.05

%

 

Iowa Peace Officers Retirement Accident and Disability System – Class 4

 

State Capitol Building, Room 114, Des Moines, IA 50319

 

24.83

%

 

The McKnight Foundation Trust – Class 3

 

710 S Second St Ste 400 Minneapolis, MN 55401

 

24.59

%

 

City of Jacksonville Retirement System – Class 4

 

117 West Duval St, Ste 300, Jacksonville, Fl 32202

 

24.56

%

 

The Carle Foundation Trust – Class 3

 

611 W Park St Urbana, IL 61801-2595

 

22.92

%

 

Aerospace Employees Retirement Plan – Variable – Class 3

 

2310 E El Segundo Blvd El Segundo, CA 90245

 

22.36

%

 

Northwell Health Inc. – Class 3

 

972 Brush Hollow Rd Westbury, NY 11590

 

22.08

%

 

Presbyterian Healthcare Services Wells Fargo Bank – Class 4

 

9521 San Mateo Blvd Ne Albuquerque, NM 87113-2237

 

21.70

%

 

City of Gainesville Employees' Pension Plan Fund – Class 2

 

200 East University Ave Gainesville, FL 32601

 

18.38

%

 

Jacksonville Police and Fire Pension Fund – Class 4

 

1 W Adams St Ste 100 Jacksonville, FL 32202

 

18.10

%

 

MWRA Employees Retirement System – Class K

 

Two Griffin Way Chelsea, MA 02150-3334

 

17.13

%

 

Maril & Co FBO Ng – Class K

 

4900 W Brown Deer Rd Milwaukee, WI 53223

 

14.50

%

 

The Lynde And Harry Bradley Foundation Inc – Class 2

 

1400 N Water Street Ste 300 Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

13.86

%

 

Saint Louis University – Class 2

 

3545 Lindell Blvd Fl 3 Saint Louis, MO 63103

 

12.94

%

 

Suntrust as Custodian for Piedmont Hospital – Class 2

 

303 Peachtree Street, Suite 1400, Mail Code GA_Atl-3133, Atlanta, GA 30303

 

12.54

%

 

Pershing LLC – Institutional Class*

 

PO Box 2052 Jersey City, NJ 07303

 

11.67

%

 

University of South Florida Foundation Inc – Class 2

 

4202 E Fowler Ave ALC-100 Tampa, FL 33620

 

10.33

%

 

Iowa Judicial Retirement System – Class 4

 

State Capitol Building, Room 114, Des Moines, IA 50319

 

9.95

%

 

Christus Health Cash Balance – Class 2

 

919 Hidden Ridge, 5th Fl Irving, TX 75038-3813

 

9.49

%

 

Austin Firefighters Relief and Retirement Fund Trust – Class 2

 

4101 Parkstone Heights Dr, Ste 270, Austin, TX 78746

 

8.45

%

 

Investor

 

Investor Address

  Percentage
Ownership
of Class
 

Christus Health Cash Balance Plan Trust – Class 2

 

919 Hidden Ridge, 5th Fl, Irving, TX 75038-3813

 

7.40

%

 

Northwell Health Inc Master Retirement Trust – Class 3

 

972 Brush Hollow Rd Westbury, NY 11590

 

7.35

%

 

Baillie Gifford International Smaller Companies Fund

Baillie Gifford International LLC – Class K

 

780 Third Ave, 43rd Floor, New York, NY 10017-2024

 

100.00

%

 

Baillie Gifford International LLC – Institutional Class

 

780 Third Ave, 43rd Floor, New York, NY 10017-2024

 

100.00

%

 

Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund

Nissan Employee Retirement Plan – Class 5

 

One Nissan Way Franklin, TN 37067-6367

 

100.00

%

 

National Financial Services LLC – Institutional Class*

 

499 Washington Blvd, 4th Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07310

 

70.09

%

 

Longwood Foundation Inc – Class 2

 

100 West 10th Street, Suite 1109, Wilmington, DE 19801

 

67.41

%

 

HRK Investments LLP – Class 2

 

345 St Peter Street, Suite 1200, St Paul, MN 55102-1211

 

31.89

%

 

Northern Trust C/O Custodian – Class K*

 

PO Box 92956 Chicago, IL 60675-2956

 

25.59

%

 

The Salvation Army A Georgia Corporation – Class K

 

1424 Northeast Expwy Atlanta, GA 30329

 

23.89

%

 

Charles Schwab & Co Inc Special Custody A/C FBO Customers – Institutional Class*

 

211 Main Street, San Francisco, CA 94105

 

23.15

%

 

Saxon & Co – Class K*

 

PO Box 94597 Cleveland, OH 44101-4697

 

22.01

%

 

State Street Bank and Trust Co FBO North Lot Investments LLC – Class K

 

2211 Woodward Ave, Ste 101, Detroit, MI 48201-3467

 

7.67

%

 

TD Ameritrade – Institutional Class*

 

PO Box 2226 Omaha, NE 68103-2226

 

5.23

%

 

Baillie Gifford Positive Change Equities Fund

Charles Schwab & Co Inc Special Custody A/C FBO Customers – Institutional Class*

 

211 Main Street San Francisco, CA 94105

 

44.24

%

 

Naidot & Co C/O Bessemer Trust – Class K

 

100 Woodbridge Center Drive, Woodbridge, NJ 07095

 

33.37

%

 

UBS WM USA Omnibus Account – Institutional Class*

 

1000 Harbor Blvd, Weehawken, NJ 07086

 

28.91

%

 

National Financial Services LLC – Institutional Class*

 

499 Washington Blvd, 4th Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07310

 

16.09

%

 

National Financial Services LLC – Class K*

 

499 Washington Blvd, 4th Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07310

 

10.27

%

 

Southern Poverty Law Center – Class K

 

400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104-4344

 

9.14

%

 


42


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Investor

 

Investor Address

  Percentage
Ownership
of Class
 

Mulligan Holdings LP – Class K

 

330 South Street, Suite 4, Morristown, NJ 07960-7391

 

7.83

%

 

Keybank NA – Class K

 

PO Box 94871, Cleveland, OH, 44101-4871

 

7.57

%

 

TD Ameritrade – Institutional Class*

 

PO Box 2226 Omaha, NE 68103-2226

 

6.91

%

 

DFE Asset Management – Class K

 

6263 N Scottsdale Road, Suite 330, Scottsdale, AZ 85250-5417

 

6.43

%

 

InFaith Community Foundation – Class K

 

600 Portland Avenue South, Suite 5100, Minnesota, MN 55415

 

5.05

%

 

Baillie Gifford U.S. Discovery Fund

Baillie Gifford International LLC – Class K

 

780 Third Ave, 43rd Floor, New York, NY 10017-2024

 

100.00

%

 

Baillie Gifford International LLC – Institutional Class

 

780 Third Ave, 43rd Floor, New York, NY 10017-2024

 

100.00

%

 

Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity Growth Fund

President and Fellows of Harvard College – Class K

 

600 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA 02210

 

43.35

%

 

National Financial Services LLC – Institutional Class*

 

499 Washington Blvd, 4th Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07310

 

38.01

%

 

Charles Schwab & Co Inc Special Custody A/C FBO Customers – Institutional Class*

 

211 Main Street San Francisco, CA 94105

 

32.94

%

 

Daytona Beach Police & Fire Retirement System – Class K

 

2503 Del Prado Blvd S, Suite 502, Cape Coral, FL 33904-5709

 

23.76

%

 

Northern Trust FBO Summa Health – Class K

 

50 S Lasalle Street, Chicago, IL 60675

 

23.13

%

 

TD Ameritrade – Institutional Class*

 

PO Box 2226 Omaha, NE 68103-2226

 

14.03

%

 

Pershing LLC – Institutional Class*

 

PO Box 2052 Jersey City, NJ 07303

 

7.48

%

 

RBC Capital Markets LLC Mutual Fund Processing Omnibus – Institutional Class*

 

60 South Sixth Street P08, Minneapolis, MN 55402-4400

 

6.26

%

 

Baillie Gifford International LLC – Class K

 

780 Third Ave, 43rd Floor, New York, NY 10017-2024

 

5.42

%

 

*  The named record owner is believed to hold shares of-record only.

Control Persons

A controlling person's vote could have a more significant effect on matters presented to shareholders of a Fund for approval than the vote of other shareholders of such Fund.

As of May 31, 2021, the name, address and percentage of ownership of each person who may be deemed to be a "control person" (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) of a Fund because it owns greater than 25% of the outstanding shares, either beneficially or by virtue of its fiduciary or trust roles or

otherwise, is shown below. The Trust does not have knowledge in every case as to whether all or any portion of shares owned of record are also owned beneficially. Baillie Gifford Asia Ex Japan Fund, Baillie Gifford Japan Growth Fund, and Baillie Gifford China Equities Fund had not commenced operations as of May 31, 2021 and therefore did not have any control persons.

Investor

 

Investor Address

  Percentage
Ownership
of the Fund
 

Baillie Gifford China A Shares Growth Fund

         

Baillie Gifford International LLC

  780 Third Ave,
43rd Floor,
New York, NY 10017-2024
 

100.00

%

 

Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund

         

Capinco C/O US Bank NA

 

1555 N. Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302, Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

26.36

%

 

Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund

         

None

 

  

 

  

 

Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund

         

None

 

 

 

 

 

Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund

         

None

 

 

 

 

 

Baillie Gifford Global Stewardship Equities Fund

         

Baillie Gifford International LLC

  780 Third Ave,
43rd Floor,
New York, NY 10017-2024
 

100.00

%

 

Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund

         

None

 

 

 

 

 

Baillie Gifford International Concentrated Growth Equities Fund

         

Pershing LLC

  PO Box 2052, Jersey City,
NJ 07303
 

46.34

%

 

Charles Schwab & Co Inc Special Custody A/C FBO Customers

 

211 Main Street San Francisco, CA 94105

 

25.39

%

 

Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund

         

Teachers Retirement System of the State of Kentucky

 

479 Versailles Road, Frankfort, KY 40601

 

40.66

%

 

Baillie Gifford International Smaller Companies Fund

         

Baillie Gifford International LLC

  780 Third Ave,
43rd Floor,
New York, NY 10017-2024
 

100.00

%

 

Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund

         

National Financial Services LLC

  499 Washington Blvd, 4th
Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07310
 

31.43

%

 

Baillie Gifford Positive Change Equities Fund

         

None

         

Baillie Gifford U.S. Discovery Fund

         

Baillie Gifford International LLC

  780 Third Ave,
43rd Floor,
New York, NY 10017-2024
 

100.00

%

 

Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity Growth Fund

         

None

         


43


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Management Ownership

As of May 31, 2021, the Trustees and officers of the Trust, as a group, owned 0.14% of the outstanding equity securities of Baillie Gifford Positive Change Equities Fund, 0.12% of the outstanding equity securities of Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund, and less than 0.10% of the outstanding equity securities of each of the other Funds.

Shareholder Rights

Rights to Dividends

Shareholders are entitled to dividends as declared by the Board, and, in liquidation of the relevant Series' portfolio, are entitled to receive the net assets of the portfolio.

Voting Rights

Shareholders are entitled to vote at any meetings of shareholders. The Trust does not generally hold annual meetings of shareholders and will do so only when required by law. Special meetings of shareholders may be called for purposes such as electing or removing trustees, changing a fundamental investment policy or approving an investment advisory agreement. In addition, a special meeting of shareholders of the Series will be held if, at any time, less than a majority of the Trustees then in office have been elected by shareholders of the Series.

Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each full share held, and fractional votes for each fractional share held. Voting rights are not cumulative.

Shareholders may vote in the election of Trustees and the termination of the Trust and on other matters submitted to the vote of shareholders, to the extent provided in the Declaration of Trust.

On any matter affecting all shareholders, all shares shall be voted together. Shareholders of all series vote together, irrespective of series, on:

—  the election of Trustees;

—  the removal of Trustees;

—  the selection of the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm; and

—  amendments to the Declaration of Trust, unless the amendment only: (i) changes the Trust's name, responds to or ensures compliance with applicable legislation or regulation or cures technical problems in the Declaration of Trust, (ii) establishes, changes or eliminates the par value of any shares (currently all shares have no par value) or (iii) issues shares of the Trust in one or more series, or subdivides any series of shares into various classes of shares with such dividend preferences and other rights as the Board may designate.

For the purpose of electing Trustees, there will normally be no meetings of shareholders except where, in accordance with the 1940 Act, (i) the Trust will hold a shareholders' meeting for the election of Trustees at such time as less than a majority of the Trustees holding office have been elected by shareholders, and (ii) if, as a result of a vacancy on the Board, less than two-thirds of the Trustees holding office have been elected by the

shareholders, that vacancy may be filled only by a vote of the shareholders.

In addition, Trustees may be removed from office by a written consent signed by the holders of two-thirds of the outstanding shares and filed with the Trust's custodian or by a vote of the holders of two-thirds of the outstanding shares at a meeting duly called for that purpose, which meeting shall be held upon the written request of the holders of not less than 10% of the outstanding shares.

Shareholders may wish to communicate with other shareholders for the purpose of obtaining the signatures necessary to demand a meeting to consider removal of a Trustee. The Trust has undertaken to provide a list of shareholders or to disseminate appropriate materials at the expense of the requesting shareholders, upon receiving a written request by shareholders having a net asset value constituting 1% of the outstanding shares of the Trust stating that such shareholders wish to communicate with the other shareholders.

The Declaration of Trust provides for the perpetual existence of the Trust. The Trust, may, however, be terminated at any time by vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Trust.

Matters Affecting a Particular Series or Share Class

On matters only affecting a particular series or share class, only shareholders of that series or class will be entitled to vote. Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides in effect that a class shall be deemed to be affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each class in the matter are substantially identical or that the matter does not affect any interest of such class. Consistent with the current position of the SEC, shareholders of each series vote separately on matters requiring shareholder approval, such as certain changes in fundamental investment policies of that series or the approval of the investment advisory agreement relating to that series.

Also, a separate vote shall be held whenever required by the 1940 Act or any rule thereunder.

Preemptive Rights

The shares of the Funds do not have any preemptive rights.

Trustee Nominations

Any shareholder may nominate a person to become a Trustee. See "Trustees and Trust Officers—Trustee Nominations by Shareholders" above.

Rights on Termination

Upon termination of a Fund, whether pursuant to liquidation of the Trust or otherwise, shareholders of such Fund are entitled to share pro rata in the net assets of the Fund available for distribution to shareholders.

Tax Reporting

As required by federal law, federal tax information will be furnished to applicable shareholders for each calendar year early in the succeeding year.

Liability

Under Massachusetts law shareholders could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of a


44


Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Fund of which they are shareholders. However, the Declaration of Trust disclaims shareholder liability for acts or obligations of a Fund and requires that notice of such disclaimer be given in each agreement, obligation or instrument entered into or executed by the Trust or the Trustees. The risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of that liability is considered remote since it may arise only in very limited circumstances.

The Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of Fund property for all loss and expense of any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the Fund. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is considered remote since it is limited to circumstances in which the disclaimer is inoperative and a Fund itself would be unable to meet its obligations.

Contractual Arrangements

The Trust enters into contractual arrangements with various parties, including among others the Funds' investment adviser, custodian, transfer agent, and accountants, who provide services to the Funds. Shareholders are not parties to any such contractual arrangements, and those contractual arrangements are not intended to and will not create in any shareholder any right to enforce them directly against the service providers or to seek any remedy under them directly against the service providers.

This SAI provides information concerning the Trust and the Funds that you should consider in determining whether to purchase shares of any Fund. Neither this SAI, nor the related Prospectus, is intended, or should be read, to be or to give rise to an agreement or contract between the Trust or any Fund and any investor, or to give rise to any rights in any shareholder or other person other than any rights under federal or state law that may not be waived.

Distributions

It is generally the policy of each Fund to declare and pay out, at least annually, dividends to its shareholders as follows:

—  Investment Company Taxable Income
Each Fund will distribute substantially all of its investment company taxable income (which, computed without regard to the dividends-paid deduction, includes dividends and any interest it receives from investments and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss, in each case determined with reference to any loss carryforwards).

—  Net Capital Gains
Each Fund will distribute substantially all of its net capital gains (that is, the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital loss, in each case determined with reference to any loss carryforwards), if any.

A Fund may make such distributions more frequently as determined by the Trustees of the Trust to the extent permitted by applicable regulations.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, each of the Funds may determine to retain investment company taxable income, so computed, subject to the distribution requirements applicable to regulated investment companies under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,

as amended (the "Code"), or net capital gain, and pay a Fund-level tax on any such retained amounts.

Distributions Are Payable in Shares

Except as provided below, distributions of income and capital gain are generally payable in full and fractional shares of the particular Fund, based upon the net asset value determined as of the close of unrestricted trading on the NYSE on the record date for each dividend or distribution.

Shareholders, however, may elect to receive their distributions in cash. The election may be made at any time by submitting a written request directly to the Trust. In order for a change to be in effect for any dividend or distribution, it must be received by the Trust ten days prior to such dividend or distribution.

Tax

The following discussion addresses certain U.S. federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to investors that (a) are citizens or residents of the U.S., or corporations, partnerships, or other entities created or organized under the laws of the U.S. or any political subdivision thereof, or estates that are subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of the source of their income or trusts if (i) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (ii) the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person and (b) hold, directly or indirectly, shares of a Fund as a capital asset ("U.S. shareholders").

The following discussion provides only limited information about the U.S. federal income tax treatment of shareholders that are not U.S. shareholders, and it does not address the U.S. federal income tax treatment of shareholders that are subject to special tax regimes such as certain financial institutions, insurance companies, dealers in securities or foreign currencies, U.S. shareholders whose functional currency (as defined in Section 985 of the Code) is not the U.S. dollar, persons investing through defined contribution plans and other tax-qualified plans, and persons that hold shares in a Fund as part of a "straddle," "conversion transaction," "hedge," or other integrated investment strategy. All such prospective and actual shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the U.S. tax treatment of an investment in shares of a Fund.

The Funds have not sought an opinion of legal counsel as to any specific U.S. tax matters. The discussion below as it relates to U.S. federal income tax consequences is based upon the Code and regulations, rulings, and judicial decisions thereunder as of the date hereof. Such authorities may be repealed, revoked, or modified (possibly on a retroactive basis) so as to result in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those discussed below.

This discussion is for general information purposes only. Prospective and actual shareholders should consult their own tax advisers with respect to their particular circumstances and the effect of state, local, or foreign tax laws to which they may be subject.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Each Fund – Separate Tax Entity

Each Fund is treated as a separate entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Each Fund has elected or, in the case of a new Fund, intends to elect to be treated as a regulated investment company eligible for taxation under the provisions of Subchapter M of the Code and intends to qualify each year as such.

Test for Special Tax Treatment

In order to qualify for the special tax treatment accorded regulated investment companies and their shareholders, a Fund must, among other things:

1.  derive at least 90% of its gross income for each taxable year from (i) dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans,   and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities and foreign currencies, or other income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures, or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities, or currencies and (ii) net income from interests in "qualified publicly traded partnerships" (as defined below) (collectively, "qualifying income");

2.  diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of its taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund's assets consists of cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities limited in respect of any one issuer to a value not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and to not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its assets is invested, including through corporations in which the Fund owns a 20% or more voting stock interest, (x) in the securities (other than those of the U.S. government or other regulated investment companies) of any one issuer or of two or more issuers which the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same, similar, or related trades or businesses, or (y) in the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships (as defined below); and

3.  distribute with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of the sum of its investment company taxable income (as that term is defined in the Code, but without regard to the deduction for dividends paid—generally, taxable ordinary income and the excess, if any, of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss) and net tax-exempt interest income, if any, for such year.

In general, for purposes of the 90% gross income requirement described in paragraph (1) above, income derived from a partnership will be treated as qualifying income only to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership which would be qualifying income if realized directly by the regulated investment company.

However, 100% of the net income derived from an interest in a "qualified publicly traded partnership" (a partnership (i) the interests in which are traded on an established securities market or readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof and (ii) that derives less than 90% of its

income from the qualifying income described in paragraph (1)(i) above) will be treated as qualifying income.

In general, such entities will be treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes because they meet the passive income requirement under Section 7704(c)(2) of the Code.

In addition, although in general the passive loss rules of the Code do not apply to regulated investment companies, such rules do apply to a regulated investment company with respect to items attributable to an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership.

For purposes of the diversification test in (2) above, identification of the issuer (or, in some cases, issuers) of a particular Fund investment can depend on the terms and conditions of that investment.

In some cases, identification of the issuer (or issuers) is uncertain under current law, and an adverse determination or future guidance by the IRS with respect to issuer identification for a particular type of investment may adversely affect the Fund's ability to meet the diversification test in (2) above.

Also, for purposes of the diversification test in (2) above, the term "outstanding voting securities of such issuer" will include the equity securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership.

If a Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company that is accorded special tax treatment, it will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on income or gains paid to its shareholders in a timely manner in the form of dividends (including Capital Gain Dividends, as defined below).

Failure to Meet Test for Special Tax Treatment

If a Fund were to fail to meet the income, diversification or distribution test described above, the Fund could in some cases cure such failure, including by paying a Fund-level tax, paying interest, making additional distributions, or disposing of certain assets.

If a Fund were ineligible to or otherwise did not cure such failure for any year, or if a Fund were otherwise to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company accorded special tax treatment in any taxable year, it would be subject to tax on its taxable income at corporate rates, and all distributions from earnings and profits, including any distributions of net tax-exempt income and net capital gain, would be taxable to U.S. shareholders as dividend income.

Some portions of such distributions may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders and may be eligible to be treated as "qualified dividend income" in the case of shareholders taxed as individuals, provided, in both cases, the shareholder meets certain holding period and other requirements in respect of the Fund's shares (as described below).

In addition, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest and make substantial distributions before requalifying as a regulated investment company that is accorded special tax treatment.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Retaining Net Capital Gains

As noted above, each of the Funds intends to distribute at least annually to its shareholders all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income (computed without regard to the dividends-paid deduction) and its net capital gains.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Funds may determine to retain investment company taxable income or net capital gains, and pay a Fund-level tax on any such retained amounts, subject to the distribution requirements applicable to regulated investment companies under the Code.

If a Fund retains any net capital gains, it will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained, but may designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gains in a timely notice to its shareholders who (i) will be required to include in income for federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their shares of such undistributed amount, and (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the tax paid by the Fund on such undistributed amount against their federal income tax liabilities, if any, and to claim refunds on a properly filed U.S. tax return to the extent the credit exceeds such liabilities.

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax basis of shares owned by a shareholder of a Fund will be increased by an amount equal to the difference between the amount of undistributed capital gains included in the shareholder's gross income under clause (i) of the preceding sentence and the tax deemed paid by the shareholder under clause (ii) of the preceding sentence.

A Fund is not required to, and there can be no assurance that a Fund will, make this designation if it retains all or a portion of its net capital gain in a taxable year.

In determining its net capital gains, including in connection with determining the amount available to support a Capital Gain Dividend, its taxable income, and its earnings and profits, a regulated investment company generally may elect to treat part or all of any post-October capital loss (defined as any net capital loss attributable to the portion of the taxable year after October 31 or, if there is no such loss, the net long-term capital loss or net short-term capital loss attributable to such portion of the taxable year) or late-year ordinary loss (generally, its net ordinary loss from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of property, attributable to the portion of the taxable year after October 31) as if incurred in the succeeding taxable year.

Excise Tax

If a Fund fails to distribute in a calendar year an amount at least equal to the sum of 98% of its ordinary income for such year and 98.2% of its capital gain net income for the one-year period ending October 31 of such year (or for the one-year period ending December 31 of such year if the Fund so elects), plus any retained amount from the prior year, the Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax on the undistributed amounts.

For these purposes, a Fund's ordinary gains and losses from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of property that would otherwise be taken into account after October 31 of a calendar year generally are treated as arising on January 1 of the following calendar year, unless the Fund has made an election to

use December 31, instead of October 31, for purposes of the excise tax; if the Fund makes the election to use December 31, no such gains or losses will be so treated.

Also, for these purposes, a Fund will be treated as having distributed any amount on which it is subject to corporate income tax for the taxable year ending within the calendar year.

Each of the Funds intends generally to make distributions sufficient to avoid imposition of the 4% excise tax, although there can be no assurance that each Fund will be able to do so.

Personal Holding Companies

In addition, if a Fund is a "personal holding company" (as defined in Section 542 of the Code) for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Fund will potentially need to adjust the timing of its distributions to its shareholders in order to avoid a Fund-level tax on its "undistributed personal holding company income" (as defined in Section 545 of the Code). Generally, a Fund will be a personal holding company if, at any time during the last half of its taxable year, more than 50% of its shares are owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals and/or certain pension trusts, private foundations, charitable trusts or trusts providing for the payment of supplemental unemployment benefits. In the event that a Fund is a personal holding company, the Fund will seek to make distributions sufficient to avoid a Fund-level tax under the personal holding company rules, although there can be no assurance it will be able to do so.

Tax on Fund Distributions

Distributions are generally taxable to shareholders even if they are paid from income or gains earned by a Fund before a shareholder's investment (and thus were included in the price the shareholder paid for its shares).

Distributions are taxable whether shareholders receive them in cash or in additional shares.

A dividend paid to shareholders by a Fund in January of a year generally is deemed to have been paid by the Fund on December 31 of the preceding year, if the dividend was declared and payable to shareholders of record on a date in October, November or December of that preceding year.

Investment Income

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, distributions of investment income are generally taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.

Distributions of investment income reported by a Fund as derived from "qualified dividend income" are taxed in the hands of individuals at the rates applicable to long-term capital gain, provided holding period and other requirements are met at both the shareholder and Fund level as described more fully below.

In order for some portion of the dividends received by a Fund shareholder to be "qualified dividend income" that is eligible for taxation at long-term capital gain rates, the Fund must meet holding period and other requirements with respect to some portion of the dividend-paying stocks in its portfolio and the shareholder must meet holding period and other requirements with respect to the Fund's shares.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

In general, a dividend will not be treated as qualified dividend income (at either the Fund or shareholder level):

1.  if the dividend is received with respect to any share of stock held for fewer than 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date which is 60 days before the date on which such share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend (or, in case of certain preferred stock, 91 days during the 181-day period beginning 90 days before such date),

2.  to the extent that the recipient is under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property,

3.  if the recipient elects to have the dividend income treated as investment income for purposes of the limitation on deductibility of investment interest, or

4.  if the dividend is received from a foreign corporation that is (a) not eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the U.S. (with the exception of dividends paid on stock of such a foreign corporation that is readily tradable on an established security market in the U.S.) or (b) treated as a passive foreign investment company ("PFIC").

If the aggregate qualified dividends received by a Fund during any taxable year are 95% or more of its gross income (excluding the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), then 100% of the Fund's dividends (other than dividends properly reported Capital Gain Dividends) will be eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income. For this purpose, the only gain included in the term "gross income" is the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss.

In general, dividends of net investment income received by corporate shareholders of a Fund will qualify for the dividends-received deduction generally available to corporations to the extent they are properly reported by the Fund as being attributable to the amount of eligible dividends received by the Fund from domestic corporations for the taxable year.

In general, a dividend received by a Fund will not be treated as a dividend eligible for the dividends-received deduction (1) if it has been received with respect to any share of stock that the Fund has held for less than 46 days (91 days in the case of certain preferred stock) during the 91-day period beginning on the date which is 45 days before the date on which such share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend (during the 181-day period beginning 90 days before such date in the case of certain preferred stock) or (2) to the extent that the Fund is under an obligation (pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property.

Moreover, the dividends-received deduction may be disallowed or reduced (1) if the corporate shareholder fails to satisfy the foregoing requirements with respect to its shares of the Fund or (2) by application of various provisions of the Code (for instance, the dividends-received deduction is reduced in the case of a dividend received on debt-financed portfolio stock—generally, stock acquired with borrowed funds).

There can be no assurances that a significant portion of a Fund's distributions will be eligible for the corporate dividends-received deduction. The percentage of ordinary income distributions eligible for the corporate dividends-received deduction for each Fund for the prior fiscal year is disclosed in the Fund's annual report, which is available on the SEC's website and on the Trust's website at http://USmutualfund.bailliegifford.com.

Any distribution of income that is attributable to dividend income received by a Fund on securities it temporarily purchased from a counterparty pursuant to a repurchase agreement that is treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a loan by the Fund will not constitute qualified dividend income to individual shareholders and will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders.

Capital Gains

Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long a Fund owned (or is deemed to have owned) the investments that generated them, rather than how long a shareholder has owned his or her shares.

Tax rules can alter a Fund's holding period on investments and thereby affect the tax treatment of gain or loss on such investments. Distributions of net capital gain from the sale of investments that the Fund owned (or is deemed to have owned) for more than one year and that are properly reported by the Fund as capital gain dividends ("Capital Gain Dividends") are generally taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gains, taxed to individuals at reduced rates relative to ordinary income. Distributions of gains from the sale of investments that a Fund owned (or is deemed to have owned) for one year or less are generally taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.

Distributions from capital gains are generally made after applying any available capital loss carryforwards.

The IRS and the Department of the Treasury have issued regulations that impose special rules in respect of Capital Gain Dividends received through partnership interests constituting "applicable partnership interests" under Section 1061 of the Code.

Medicare Contribution Tax

The Code generally imposes a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on the net investment income of certain individuals, trusts and estates to the extent their income exceeds certain threshold amounts. For these purposes, "net investment income" generally includes, among other things, (i) distributions paid by the Fund of net investment income and capital gain, including Capital Gain Dividends, as described above, and (ii) any net gain from the sale, exchange, redemption or other taxable disposition of Fund shares. Shareholders are advised to consult their tax advisers regarding the possible implications of this additional tax on their investment in a Fund.

Sale, Exchange or Redemption of Shares

A sale, exchange or redemption of shares in a Fund will generally give rise to a capital gain or loss.

In general, any capital gain or loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held by a shareholder for more than


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

12 months. Otherwise, the gain or loss on the taxable disposition of Fund shares will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. However, any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares held by a shareholder for six months or less will be treated as long-term, rather than short-term, to the extent of any Capital Gain Dividends received (or deemed received) by the shareholder with respect to the shares.

Furthermore, all or a portion of any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Fund shares will be disallowed if other shares of the Fund (or substantially identical shares) are purchased within 30 days before or after the disposition. In such a case, the basis of the newly purchased shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.

Return of Capital Distributions

If a Fund makes a distribution to a shareholder in excess of its current and accumulated earnings and profits in any taxable year, the excess distribution will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of the shareholder's tax basis in its shares, and thereafter as capital gain.

A return of capital is not taxable, but it reduces the shareholder's tax basis in its shares, thus reducing any loss or increasing any gain on a subsequent taxable disposition by the shareholder of its shares.

Capital Loss Carryforwards

Capital losses in excess of capital gains ("net capital losses") are not permitted to be deducted against a Fund's net investment income. Instead, potentially subject to certain limitations, a Fund is able to carry net capital losses from any taxable year forward to subsequent taxable years to offset capital gains, if any, realized during such subsequent taxable years.

Distributions from capital gains are generally made after applying any available capital loss carryforwards.

Capital loss carryforwards are reduced to the extent they offset current-year net realized capital gains, whether a Fund retains or distributes such gains.

A Fund may carry net capital losses forward to one or more subsequent taxable years without expiration. A Fund must apply such carryforwards first against gains of the same character.

The amounts of any capital loss carryforwards available to a Fund are shown in the notes to the financial statements incorporated by reference into this SAI.

Hedging and Similar Transactions

Transactions in Derivative Instruments

A Fund's transactions in derivative instruments (e.g., futures or options transactions, forward contracts and swap agreements), or any other hedging, short sale, securities loan or similar transactions, may be subject to one or more special tax rules (e.g., notional principal contract, constructive sale, mark-to-market, straddle, wash sale, and short sale rules).

These rules may affect whether gains and losses recognized by a Fund are treated as ordinary or capital, accelerate income to such Fund, defer losses to such Fund, or cause adjustments in the holding periods of such Fund's securities, thereby affecting, among other things, whether capital gains and losses are treated

as short-term or long-term. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing and/or character of distributions to shareholders.

Each of the Funds will determine whether to make any available elections pertaining to such transactions. Because these and other tax rules applicable to these types of transactions are in some cases uncertain under current law, an adverse determination or future guidance by the IRS with respect to these rules (which determination or guidance could be retroactive) may affect whether a Fund has made sufficient distributions, and otherwise satisfied the relevant requirements, to maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company and avoid a Fund-level tax.

Book Income and Taxable Income

Certain of a Fund's investments in derivative instruments and foreign currency-denominated instruments, and any of a Fund's transactions in foreign currencies and hedging activities, are likely to produce a difference between its book income and its taxable income.

If a Fund's book income exceeds its taxable income, the distribution (if any) of such excess generally will be treated as (i) a dividend to the extent of the Fund's remaining earnings and profits (including earnings and profits arising from tax-exempt income), (ii) thereafter, as a return of capital to the extent of the recipient's basis in the shares, and (iii) thereafter, as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset.

If a Fund's book income is less than its taxable income, the Fund could be required to make distributions exceeding book income to qualify as a regulated investment company that is accorded special tax treatment and to avoid a Fund-level tax.

Foreign Currency Transactions and Related Hedging Transactions

A Fund's transactions in foreign currencies, foreign currency-denominated debt securities and certain foreign currency options, futures contracts and forward contracts (and similar instruments) may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency concerned. Such ordinary income treatment may accelerate Fund distributions to shareholders and increase the distributions taxed to shareholders as ordinary income. Any net ordinary losses so created cannot be carried forward by the Fund to offset income or gains earned in subsequent taxable years.

Foreign currency gains are generally treated as qualifying income for purposes of the 90% gross income requirement described above. There is a remote possibility that the Secretary of the Treasury will issue contrary tax regulations with respect to foreign currency gains that are not directly related to a regulated investment company's principal business of investing in stocks or securities (or options or futures with respect to stocks or securities), and such regulations could apply retroactively.

Investments in Other Regulated Investment Companies

A Fund's investments in shares of other mutual funds, ETFs or other companies that are treated as regulated investment companies (each, an "underlying RIC"), can cause the Fund to be required to distribute greater amounts of net investment income or net capital gain than the Fund would have distributed


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

had it invested directly in the securities held by the underlying RIC, rather than in shares of the underlying RIC. Further, the amount or timing of distributions from a Fund qualifying for treatment as a particular character (e.g., long-term capital gain, exempt interest, eligibility for dividends-received deduction, etc.) will not necessarily be the same as it would have been had such Fund invested directly in the securities held by the underlying RIC.

If a Fund receives dividends from an underlying RIC, and the underlying RIC reports such dividends as qualified dividend income, then the Fund is permitted in turn to report a portion of its distributions as qualified dividend income, provided it meets holding period and other requirements with respect to shares of the underlying RIC.

If a Fund receives dividends from an underlying RIC and the underlying RIC reports such dividends as eligible for the dividends-received deduction, then the Fund is permitted in turn to report its distributions derived from those dividends as eligible for the dividends-received deduction as well, provided it meets holding period and other requirements with respect to shares of the underlying RIC. Qualified dividend income and the dividends-received deduction are described below.

Investment in Securities of Certain Foreign Corporations

Income, proceeds and gains received by a Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries.

Tax treaties between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes.

If more than 50% of a Fund's assets at taxable year end consists of the securities of foreign corporations, the Fund may elect to permit shareholders who are U.S. citizens or residents or U.S. corporations to claim a credit or deduction (but not both) on their income tax returns for their pro rata portion of qualified taxes paid by the Fund to foreign countries in respect of foreign securities the Fund held for at least the minimum period specified in the Code. In such a case, shareholders will include in gross income from foreign sources their pro rata shares of such taxes.

A shareholder's ability to claim a foreign tax credit or deduction in respect of foreign taxes paid by a Fund may be subject to certain limitations imposed by the Code, as a result of which a shareholder may not get a full credit or deduction (if any) for the amount of such taxes. In particular, shareholders must hold their Fund shares (without protection from risk of loss) on the ex-dividend date and for at least 15 additional days during the 31-day period surrounding the ex-dividend date to be eligible to claim a foreign tax credit with respect to a given dividend.

Shareholders that do not itemize on their federal income tax returns may claim a credit (but not a deduction) for such foreign taxes.

Shareholders that are not subject to U.S. federal income tax, and those who invest in a Fund through tax-advantaged accounts (including those who invest through tax-advantaged retirement plans), generally will receive no benefit from any tax credit or deduction passed through by the Fund.

A Fund's investments that are treated as equity investments for U.S. federal income tax purposes in certain PFICs could subject

the Fund to a U.S. federal income tax (including interest charges) on distributions received from the company or on gains from the sale of its investment in such a company. This tax cannot be eliminated by making distributions to shareholders of the Fund. However, if certain conditions are met, a Fund may elect to avoid the imposition of that tax. For example, a Fund may elect, pursuant to Sections 1293 and 1295 of the Code, to treat a PFIC as a "qualified electing fund" (a "QEF election"), in which case the Fund will be required to include its share of the company's income and net capital gain annually, regardless of whether it receives any distribution from the company. A Fund also may make an election, pursuant to Section 1296 of the Code, to mark the gains (and to a limited extent losses) in such holdings "to the market" as though it had sold and repurchased its holdings in those PFICs on the last day of the Fund's taxable year (a "mark-to-market election").

Such gains and losses are treated as ordinary income and loss.

The QEF and mark-to-market elections may accelerate the recognition of income (without the receipt of cash) and increase the amount required to be distributed by a Fund to avoid taxation. Making either of these elections therefore may require a Fund to liquidate other investments (including when it is not advantageous to do so) to meet its distribution requirements, which also may accelerate the recognition of gain and affect the Fund's total return.

Dividends paid by PFICs will not be eligible to be treated as "qualified dividend income."

A foreign corporation is a PFIC if: (i) 75% or more of its gross income for the taxable year is passive income, or (ii) the average percentage of the assets (generally by value, but by adjusted tax basis in certain cases) held by such corporation during the taxable year which produce or are held for the production of passive income is at least 50%.

Generally, passive income for this purpose means dividends, interest (including income equivalent to interest), royalties, rents, annuities, the excess of gain over losses from certain property transactions and commodities transactions, and foreign currency gains.

Passive income for this purpose does not include rents and royalties received by the foreign corporation from active business activities and certain income received from related persons. Because it is not always possible to identify a foreign corporation as a PFIC, a Fund may incur the tax and interest charges described above in some instances.

A foreign issuer in which a Fund invests will not be treated as a PFIC with respect to the Fund if such issuer is a controlled foreign corporation ("CFC") for U.S. federal income tax purposes and the Fund holds (directly, indirectly, or constructively) 10% or more of the voting interests in or total value of such issuer. In such a case, the Fund generally would be required to include in gross income each year, as ordinary income, its share of certain amounts of the CFC's income, whether or not the CFC distributes such amounts to the Fund.

Investments in Certain Debt Obligations

Some debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance (and zero-coupon debt


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) will be treated as debt obligations that are issued originally at a discount.

Generally, the original issue discount ("OID") is treated as interest income and is included in a Fund's income and required to be distributed by the Fund over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security. In addition, payment-in-kind securities will give rise to income which is required to be distributed and is taxable even though a Fund holding the security receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year.

Some debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance that are acquired by the Fund in the secondary market may be treated as having market discount. Very generally, market discount is the excess of the stated redemption price of a debt obligation (or in the case of an obligation issued with OID, its "revised issue price") over the purchase price of such obligation. Subject to the discussion in the next paragraph regarding Section 451 of the Code, (i) generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of, and any partial payment of principal on, a debt security having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain, or principal payment, does not exceed the "accrued market discount" on such debt security, (ii) alternatively, the Fund may elect to accrue market discount currently, in which case the Fund will be required to include the accrued market discount in the Fund's income (as ordinary income) and thus distribute it over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security, and (iii) the rate at which the market discount accrues, and thus is included in the Fund's income, will depend upon which of the permitted accrual methods the Fund elects.

Some debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of one year or less from the date of issuance that are acquired by a Fund may be treated as having OID or, in certain cases, "acquisition discount" (very generally, the excess of the stated redemption price over the purchase price). A Fund will be required to include the OID or acquisition discount in income (as ordinary income) and thus distribute it over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security.

The rate at which OID or acquisition discount accrues, and thus is included in the Fund's income, will depend upon which of the permitted accrual methods the Fund elects. If a Fund holds the foregoing kinds of obligations, or other obligations subject to special rules under the Code, it may be required to pay out as an income distribution each year an amount which is greater than the total amount of cash interest the Fund actually received.

Such distributions may be made from the cash assets of the Fund or, if necessary, by disposition of portfolio securities including at a time when it may not be advantageous to do so. These dispositions may cause the Fund to realize higher amounts of short-term capital gains (generally taxed to shareholders at ordinary income tax rates) and, in the event the Fund realizes net capital gains from such transactions, its

shareholders may receive a larger Capital Gain Dividend than if the Fund had not held such obligations.

Very generally, where a Fund purchases a bond at a price that exceeds the redemption price at maturity—that is, at a premium—the premium is amortizable over the remaining term of the bond. In the case of a taxable bond, if the Fund makes an election applicable to all such bonds it purchases, which election is irrevocable without consent of the IRS, the Fund reduces the current taxable income from the bond by the amortized premium and reduces its tax basis in the bond by the amount of such offset; upon the disposition or maturity of such bonds, the Fund is permitted to deduct any remaining premium allocable to a prior period.

A portion of the OID accrued on certain high yield discount obligations may not be deductible to the issuer and will instead be treated as a dividend paid by the issuer for purposes of the dividends received deduction. In such cases, if the issuer of the high yield discount obligations is a domestic corporation, dividend payments by the Fund may be eligible for the dividends received deduction to the extent attributable to the deemed dividend portion of such OID.

Investments in Debt Obligations that are at Risk of or in Default Present Special Tax Issues for a Fund

Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when a Fund may cease to accrue interest, OID or market discount; whether or to what extent a Fund should recognize market discount on a debt obligation; when and to what extent a Fund may take deductions for bad debts or worthless securities; and how a Fund should allocate payments received on obligations in default between principal and income. These and other related issues will be addressed by a Fund when, as and if it invests in such securities, in order to seek to ensure that it distributes sufficient income to preserve its status as a regulated investment company and does not become subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.

Tax Shelter Reporting Regulations

Under Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886.

Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a regulated investment company are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all regulated investment companies. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer's treatment of the loss is proper.

Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

Shares Purchased Through Tax-advantaged Arrangements

Special tax rules apply to investments though defined contribution plans and other tax-qualified plans or tax-advantaged arrangements.

Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the suitability of shares of a Fund as an investment through such plans and arrangements and the precise effect of such an investment in their particular tax situations.

Tax-Exempt Shareholders

Under current law, each of the Funds serves to "block" (that is, prevent the attribution to shareholders of) unrelated business taxable income ("UBTI") from being realized by tax-exempt shareholders.

Notwithstanding this "blocking" effect, a tax-exempt shareholder could realize UBTI by virtue of its investment in a Fund if shares in the Fund constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of Section 514(b) of the Code.

Backup Withholding

A Fund generally is required to withhold and remit to the U.S. Department of the Treasury a percentage of the taxable distributions and redemption proceeds paid to any individual shareholder who fails to properly furnish such Fund with a correct taxpayer identification number, who has under-reported dividend or interest income, or who fails to certify to such Fund that he or she is not subject to such withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the shareholder's U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the appropriate information is furnished to the IRS.

For a foreign person (as defined below) to qualify for exemption from the backup withholding tax and for reduced withholding tax rates under income tax treaties, the foreign investor must comply with special certification and filing requirements. Foreign investors in a Fund should consult their tax advisers in this regard.

Foreign Shareholders

Distributions by a Fund to shareholders that are not "U.S. persons" within the meaning of the Code ("foreign persons") properly reported by the Fund as (1) Capital Gain Dividends, (2) short-term capital gain dividends and (3) interest-related dividends, each as defined and subject to certain conditions described below, generally are not subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax.

In general, the Code defines (1) "short-term capital gain dividends" as distributions of net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses and (2) "interest-related dividends" as distributions from U.S. source interest income of types similar to those not subject to U.S. federal income tax if earned directly by an individual foreign person, in each case to the extent such distributions are properly reported as such by the Fund in a written notice to shareholders.

The exceptions to withholding for Capital Gain Dividends and short-term capital gain dividends do not apply to (a) distributions to an individual foreign person who was present in the U.S. for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year

of the distribution and (b) distributions attributable to gain that is treated as effectively connected with the conduct by the foreign person of a trade or business within the United States under special rules regarding the disposition of U.S. real property interests.

The exception to withholding for interest-related dividends does not apply to distributions to a foreign shareholder (w) that has not provided a satisfactory statement that the beneficial owner is not a U.S. person, (x) to the extent that the dividend is attributable to certain interest on an obligation if the foreign person is the issuer or a 10% shareholder of the issuer, (y) that is within certain foreign countries that have inadequate information exchange with the U.S., or (z) to the extent the dividend is attributable to interest paid by a person that is a related person of the foreign person and the foreign person is a CFC. If a Fund invests in a regulated investment company that pays Capital Gain Dividends, short-term capital gain dividends or interest-related dividends to the Fund, such distributions retain their character as not subject to withholding if properly reported when paid by the Fund to foreign shareholders. A Fund is permitted to report such part of its dividends as short-term capital gain and/or interest-related dividends as are eligible, but is not required to do so.

In the case of shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may withhold even if a Fund reports all or a portion of such payments as short-term capital gain or interest-related dividends to shareholders.

Foreign persons should contact their intermediaries regarding the application of these rules to their accounts.

Distributions by a Fund to beneficial holders of shares who are foreign persons other than Capital Gain Dividends, short-term capital gain dividends and interest-related dividends (e.g., dividends attributable to dividend and foreign-source interest income or to short-term capital gains or U.S. source interest income to which the exception from withholding described above does not apply) are generally subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate).

A beneficial holder of shares who is a foreign person is not, in general, subject to U.S. federal income tax on gains (and is not allowed a deduction for losses) realized on a sale, exchange or redemption of such shares of a Fund unless (i) such gain is "effectively connected" with the conduct of a trade or business carried on by such holder within the U.S. or (ii) in the case of an individual holder, the holder is present in the U.S. for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the sale and certain other conditions are met.

If a foreign person is potentially eligible for the benefits of a tax treaty, any effectively connected income or gain will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis only if it is also attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the shareholder in the U.S. More generally, foreign persons who are residents in a country with an income tax treaty with the U.S. may obtain different tax results than those described herein, and are urged to consult their tax advisers.

A beneficial holder of shares who is a foreign person may be subject to state, local or foreign taxes, and to the U.S. federal


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Baillie Gifford Funds – Statement of Additional Information

estate tax in addition to the U.S. federal income tax rules described above.

Certain Additional Withholding and Reporting Requirements

Shareholders that are U.S. persons and own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of a Fund could be required to report annually their "financial interest" in a Fund's "foreign financial accounts," if any, on FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR).

Shareholders should consult a tax adviser regarding the applicability to them of this reporting requirement.

Sections 1471-1474 of the Code and the U.S. Treasury and IRS guidance issued thereunder (collectively, "FATCA") generally require a Fund to obtain information sufficient to identify the status of each of its shareholders under FATCA or under an applicable intergovernmental agreement (an "IGA") between the United States and a foreign government.

If a shareholder fails to provide the requested information or otherwise fails to comply with FATCA or an IGA, a Fund may be required to withhold under FATCA at a rate of 30% with respect to that shareholder on ordinary dividends it pays. The IRS and the Department of Treasury have issued proposed regulations providing that these withholding rules will not apply to the gross proceeds of share redemptions or Capital Gain Dividends the Fund pays.

If a payment by a Fund is subject to FATCA withholding, the Fund is required to withhold even if such payment would otherwise be exempt from withholding under the rules applicable to foreign persons described above (e.g., short-term capital gain dividends and interest-related dividends).

Each prospective investor is urged to consult its tax adviser regarding the applicability of FATCA and any other reporting requirements with respect to the prospective investor's own situation, including investments through an intermediary.

Financial Statements

Financial statements of Baillie Gifford China A Shares Growth Fund, Baillie Gifford Developed EAFE All Cap Fund, Baillie Gifford EAFE Plus All Cap Fund, Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund, Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Equities Fund, Baillie Gifford Global Stewardship Equities Fund, Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund, Baillie Gifford International Concentrated Growth Equities Fund, Baillie Gifford International Growth Fund, Baillie Gifford International Smaller Companies Fund, Baillie Gifford Long Term Global Growth Fund, Baillie Gifford Positive Change Equities Fund, and Baillie Gifford U.S. Equity Growth Fund for the fiscal year or period ended December 31, 2020 are incorporated by reference to the Annual Report filed with the SEC for such Funds on Form N-CSR on March 2, 2021 (SEC Accession No. 0001104659-21-030608).

These financial statements have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance on the report of Cohen & Company, Ltd., the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm, also incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.


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