485APOS 1 mrpsynthequity485a.htm 485APOS

As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on April 17, 2026

File No.  333-191495

File No.  811-22895


U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N-1A

 

  REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 x
     
  PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO.  
     
  POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 178  
     
  and/or  
     
  REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 x
  AMENDMENT NO. 179  

 

Capitol Series Trust

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246

 (Address of Principal Executive Offices, Zip Code)

 

513-587-3400

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code)

 

Matthew J. Miller

President and Chief Executive Officer

Capitol Series Trust

225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246

 (Name and Address of Agent for Service)

 

Copy to:

Thomas G. Sheehan

Practus LLP

11300 Tomahawk Creek Pkwy

Suite 310

Leawood, KS 66211

 

It is proposed that this filing will become effective:

    immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)

 

       on ___________ pursuant to paragraph (b)

 

    60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)

 

    on ______________ pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)

 

  X 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii)

 

    on pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii) of Rule 485

If appropriate, check the following box:

    This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MRP SynthEquity® Nasdaq 100 ETF

TICKER: SNTQ

 

 

LISTED ON CBOE BZX EXCHANGE, INC. (THE “EXCHANGE”)

 

 

 

Prospectus

 

July [1], 2026

 

 

 

Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc.

5230 Carroll Canyon Road

Suite 224

San Diego, CA 92121

Telephone: 858-935-1125

 

 

 

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

 

The Prospectus gives you important information about the fund that you should know before you invest. Please read this Prospectus carefully before investing and use it for future reference.

 

 

 

Not A Deposit • Not FDIC Insured • May Lose Value • No Bank Guarantee • Not Insured By Any Government Agency
 
 

 

PAGE

 

SUMMARY INFORMATION 3
Investment Objective 3
Fees and Expenses 3
Portfolio Turnover 3
Principal Investment Strategies 4
Principal Investment Risks 6
Performance Information 11
Fund Management 12
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares 12
Tax Information 12
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries 12
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND 13
ADDITIONAL PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES INFORMATION 13
ADDITIONAL PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT RISK INFORMATION 15
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION 20
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING FUND MANAGEMENT 21
BUYING AND SELLING FUND SHARES 22
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN 24
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES 24
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 27
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 28
HOUSEHOLDING 28
DISCLAIMERS 28
FOR MORE INFORMATION Back Cover

 

 
 

SUMMARY INFORMATION

MRP SynthEquity® Nasdaq 100 ETF

Investment Objective

The MRP SynthEquity® Nasdaq 100 ETF (the “Fund”) seeks long-term capital appreciation.

 

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund (“Shares”). You may pay other fees on your purchases and sales of Shares, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and examples below.

 

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

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

 
Management Fee(1) 0.95%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fee 0.00%
Other Expenses(2) 0.00%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses(3) 0.00%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(3) 0.95%
(1)Pursuant to its Advisory Agreement, Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc the Fund’s adviser (the “Adviser”), pays all other expenses of the Fund, except for the management fee, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions and other expenses incurred in placing orders for the purchase and sale of securities and other investment instruments, acquired fund fees and expenses, accrued deferred tax liability, extraordinary expenses and distribution fees and expenses paid by the Fund under any distribution plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) (the “Excluded Expenses”).
(2)Estimated for the current fiscal year.
(3)The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses in this fee table may not correlate to the expense ratios in the Fund’s financial highlights and financial statements because the financial highlights and financial statements reflect only the operating expenses of the Fund and do not include Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, which are fees and expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund through its investments in certain underlying investment companies.

 

 

Example

 

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. This Example does not reflect the effect of brokerage commissions or other transaction costs you paid in connection with the purchase or sale of Fund Shares. The Example 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 costs would be:

 

1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
[$XX] [$XXX] [$XXX] [$XXXX]

 

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 costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. Because the Fund is newly organized, portfolio turnover information is not yet available. The Fund is expected to have a high portfolio turnover rate.

 

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Principal Investment Strategies

 

Overview

 

The Fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (ETF) that seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a combination of options (“Options Strategy”) and U.S. Treasuries/Synthetic U.S. Treasuries (“Treasury Strategy”). The Fund primarily seeks capital appreciation by investing in options contracts on the Nasdaq 100 Index (the “Nasdaq® Index”) which are considered synthetic holdings of the Nasdaq® Index. As part of the Options Strategy, the Fund may also invest in options contracts on broad-based, passively managed exchange-traded funds whose investment strategies are to track the performance of the Nasdaq® Index (“Underlying ETFs”). The Fund’s Options Strategy aims to capture equity market appreciation by providing synthetic long exposure to the Nasdaq® Index. In addition to its synthetic equity exposure, the Fund’s Treasury Strategy allocates to U.S. Treasury securities and Synthetic U.S. Treasuries, primarily for principal protection purposes. Together, these strategies are designed to balance equity market participation with risk mitigation, establishing a “floor” that seeks to limit significant market losses, generally targeting a maximum loss of approximately 18% per rolling twelve-month period, with each measurement period beginning following either (i) a risk-reduction trade, executed after gains, that reduces the Fund’s target allocation to its option sleeve, or (ii) the expiration or closure of option positions and subsequent re-establishment of option exposure (the “measuring period”).

 

The Fund’s investment strategy may also include allocating a portion of its assets to positions intended to serve as a “ballast” for the Fund’s portfolio. As used generally with respect to investments, the term “ballast” refers to investments or strategies that are expected to exhibit lower sensitivity to market movements than the Fund’s return-seeking investments and that are intended to help moderate overall portfolio volatility, manage cash flows, and/or potentially enhance yields. Such strategies may include the use of combinations of options positions commonly referred to as “box spreads”, which consist of offsetting long and short positions in call and put options with identical expiration dates and differing strike prices. A “box spread” is designed to produce a fixed payoff at expiration equal to the difference between the strike prices of the options. It is a European Style options trade that carries no early exercise risk with the Options Clearing Corporation (OCC) as the counterparty. The Fund may enter into “box spreads” and similar strategies/techniques to replicate synthetically a short-term fixed-income investment or borrowing arrangement, to manage liquidity, or to enhance yield on cash balances. The Fund will typically enter into box spreads on highly liquid options markets, such as options on broad-based equity indices, and will structure such transactions to have defined maturities and known payoff profiles. As used with respect to the Fund, the term “Ballast” refers to the combination of the Fund’s investments in U.S Treasuries and a box spread (or similar investment structure) that synthetically replicates the Fund’s U.S. Treasury investments.

 

The Fund’s adviser, Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc. (the “Adviser”), anticipates that, in rising markets, the value of its options will increase, allowing the Fund to sell them at a profit. The Adviser may then reallocate all or a portion of any such profits into the Fund’s Treasury securities allocation in an effort to protect gains from potential future declines in the Nasdaq® Index.

 

The Fund’s principal investment strategies seek to provide a “floor” against significant market losses, generally targeting a maximum loss of approximately 18% per twelve-month period, with each measurement period beginning following either (i) a risk-reduction trade, executed after gains, that reduces the Fund’s target allocation to its option sleeve, or (ii) the expiration or closure of option positions and subsequent re-establishment of option exposure. However, actual losses during a year may vary based on market conditions and the composition of the Fund’s options portfolio. While the Fund aims to limit losses to approximately 18% by the end of each measuring period, there is no guarantee that it will achieve this target. If the market experiences only slight declines, the fund may experience losses that exceed the market's losses. Additionally, if the market remains range-bound / flat for prolonged periods, the Fund may experience losses that exceed the market’s losses. Finally, in rising markets, the Fund’s overall performance may lag in relation to the Nasdaq® Index due to its limited equity exposure and significant allocation to U.S. Treasury securities. The anticipated maximum loss within the year will be approximately 25%, but could be impacted by prevailing interest rates.

 

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Equity Exposure/Floor - Options Strategy

 

The Fund’s Options Strategy seeks to capture equity market appreciation through synthetic long exposure (the use of derivatives designed to derive performance over the long term from a direct investment) to the Nasdaq® Index.

 

To do so, the Fund will generally allocate approximately 15-18% of its net assets to pay premiums for the purchase of call options (contracts that give the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy an asset at a set price) on the Nasdaq® Index. In addition to Nasdaq® Index options, the Fund may use options on broad-based, passively managed ETFs tracking the Nasdaq® Index. The Fund will generally select options that may be slightly in the money, at the money, or out of the money, and have a duration (time until expiration) of approximately one year, with a target 1:1 participation at time of purchase with the index after the fund has either rebalanced in an effort to harvest profits from previously held options contracts, or upon options contracts expiration. Index options can typically be purchased for a fraction of the cost of purchasing each stock represented in the Index, limiting the potential loss on the Options Strategy to the amount of premiums paid for the options.

 

If the Nasdaq® Index rises, the call options typically respond positively, which may result in gaining value slower, as fast or faster than the market appreciates, allowing the Adviser to sell those options at a profit. A percentage of this profit is used to purchase additional Treasuries or Synthetic Treasuries and a majority of the proceeds are rolled into new options tranches that may be slightly in-the-money, at-the-money, or out-of-the money.

 

If the Nasdaq® Index declines, the call options typically respond negatively, losing value as fast or faster than the market decline but limited to a maximum of the premium paid to acquire them. The Adviser will not reallocate capital that exceeds the stated rolling 12-month risk target, net of future anticipated interest from cash or fixed income at the end of the rolling 12-month period, from treasuries or cash alternatives during a market decline until the options currently held expire worthless at expiration.

 

Because options have a limited duration (typically one year in this strategy), if the Index is range-bound or does not increase sufficiently during an extended period of time, significant underperformance will occur as the time value of the purchased options decay due to time value erosion.

 

In summary, if the Nasdaq® Index is rising, the Adviser trims the allocation to options to harvest gains and move them into the relative safety of the Treasury Strategy. If the market is declining, the Adviser will allow the options to decline, potentially reaching a 100% loss, without increasing allocations to the Options Strategy. In this way, the Fund’s Options Strategy uses synthetic long exposure to capture equity market appreciation while attempting to maintain 15-18% of its net assets to purchase call options and the potential to limit losses to approximately 18% over the measuring period.

 

In addition to its synthetic long exposure, the Fund’s Options Strategy, together with its Treasury Strategy (described below), is designed to provide a “floor” against significant market losses, targeting a maximum loss of approximately 18% over the measuring period. The floor is achieved through the Fund’s combined allocation to options and U.S. Treasury securities, which help mitigate downside risk while still allowing for participation in market gains. Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, U.S. Treasury securities present minimal default risk so their return is considered the “risk-free rate of return.” Additionally, their value is generally less affected by equity market volatility and broader economic trends, providing stability and principal protection to a large percentage of the Fund’s portfolio. While the Fund aims to limit losses to approximately 18% over the measuring period, actual results may vary based on market conditions and the composition of the portfolio. For more information on the floor, see the section in the prospectus entitled “Additional Information about the Fund.”

 

As new investments are made in the Fund and as market conditions evolve, the Adviser will adjust the Fund’s allocation to options, which will generally range between the then-current risk-free rate (the yield on U.S. Treasury securities or other comparable instruments) and the Fund’s then-current options risk level (the proportion of the Fund’s portfolio invested in options).

 

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The Fund will use both standardized exchange-traded option contracts and FLexible EXchange® (“FLEX”) option contracts. For more information on FLEX options, see the section in the prospectus entitled “Additional Information about the Fund.”

 

·In general, an option contract on the Index gives the purchaser the right to gain or sell exposure to the value of the Index at a specified price (the “strike price”) without requiring actual delivery of shares (as the Index does not issue shares).
·The seller of an option contract obligates the buyer to assume exposure to the value changes of the Index. For a sold (or “short”) call option, the seller provides exposure as if the Nasdaq® Index were sold at the strike price, while for a sold (or “short”) put option, the seller assumes exposure as if the Nasdaq® Index were purchased at the strike price.
·Options contracts must be exercised or traded to close within a specified time frame, or they expire.

 

Treasury Strategy

 

The majority of the Fund’s portfolio will be allocated to U.S. Treasury securities and Synthetic U.S Treasury securities, primarily seeking to provide principal protection through the safety of short-duration U.S. Treasuries. While these holdings may generate income, the Fund may use this income to increase the initial allocation to the Options Strategy while maintaining a net loss floor of approximately 18% over the measuring period.

 

Diversification

 

The Fund is considered to be non-diversified, which means that it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it were a diversified fund.

 

Neither the Fund, the Trust, the Adviser, nor any of their respective affiliates, makes any representation to you as to the performance of the Nasdaq® Index.

Principal Investment Risks

 

The principal risks of investing in the Fund are summarized below. As with any investment, there is a risk that you could lose all or a portion of your principal investment in the Fund. Some or all of these risks may adversely affect the Fund’s net asset value per share (“NAV”), trading price, yield, total return and/or ability to meet its objective. For more information about the risks of investing in the Fund, see the section in the Fund’s Prospectus titled “Additional Information About the Fund — Principal Risks of Investing in The Fund.”

 

Referenced Index Risk. The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Nasdaq® Index (or on broad-based, passively managed ETFs that track the Nasdaq® Index’s performance). This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of the companies that comprised the Nasdaq® Index or an ETF that tracks the Nasdaq® Index, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s investments in options contracts that are based on the value of the Nasdaq® Index or the referenced ETFs, the Fund may also be subject to the following risks:

 

Nasdaq 100 Index Risk. The Fund’s investment exposure in its Options Strategy is based in large part on the performance of the Nasdaq® Index through its investments in options referencing the Index. The Nasdaq® Index includes 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC and is heavily weighted toward companies in the information technology sector. As a result, the Fund’s returns through its Options Strategy are expected to reflect the performance of a limited number of large-capitalization growth companies and may be more volatile than the returns of funds that track broader market indices. The Nasdaq® Index may be concentrated in one or more sectors, including in particular the information technology sector, and the Fund’s exposure to the Nasdaq® Index through its options investments may cause the Fund to be similarly concentrated in that sector and to indirectly bear the risks of such concentration. In addition,

6 
 

because the Nasdaq® Index excludes financial companies, the Fund may underperform during periods in which the financial sector outperforms.

 

Information Technology Sector Risk. The value of stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation, and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from competitors with lower production costs. In addition, many information technology companies have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. The prices of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile and less liquid than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability.

 

Large-Capitalization Investing Risk. The securities of large-capitalization companies that comprise the Nasdaq® Index may be relatively mature compared to smaller companies and therefore subject to slower growth during times of economic expansion. Large-capitalization companies may also be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes.

 

Index Correlation Risk. There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve a high degree of correlation to the Nasdaq® Index with its Options Strategy and, therefore, achieve its investment objective. The Fund may have difficulty achieving its investment objective for many reasons, including fees, expenses, transaction costs (including but not limited to brokerage and other trading costs), the Fund’s valuation methodology differing from the Index’s valuation methodology, costs of complying with various new or existing regulatory requirements and regulatory and tax considerations, which may cause the Fund to hold (or not to hold) certain Index constituents. Activities surrounding Nasdaq® Index reconstitutions and other Nasdaq® Index rebalancing events may hinder the Fund’s ability to meet its investment objective. The Fund may not have investment exposure to all of the constituents of the Nasdaq® Index, or its weighting of investment exposure to such constituents may be different from that of the Nasdaq® Index, both of which may reduce the Fund’s correlation to the Nasdaq® Index and its investment performance.

 

Index Trading Risk. The trading price of the Nasdaq® Index may be highly volatile and may continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors. The stock market in general has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of the companies that comprise the Nasdaq® Index.

 

Indirect Investment Risk. The Nasdaq® Index is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates, and is not involved with this offering in any way. Investors in the Fund will not have the right to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the companies that comprise the Nasdaq® Index, but will be subject to declines in the performance of the Nasdaq® Index.

 

Equity Market Risk. By virtue of the Fund’s investments in options contracts on the Nasdaq® Index, the Fund is indirectly exposed to equity market risk. The prices of equity securities rise and fall daily. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual issuers, industries or the stock market as a whole. In addition, equity markets tend to move in cycles which may cause stock prices to fall over short and extended periods of time. In a declining stock market, stock prices for most or all companies in the Nasdaq® Index may decline, regardless of their long-term prospects.

 

Fixed Income Investing Risks. The Fund will be subject to fixed income risks through its investments in U.S. Treasury securities for its Treasury Strategy, Changes in interest rates generally will cause the value of fixed-income and bond instruments held by the Fund to vary inversely to such changes. The Fund may invest in short-term securities that, when interest rates decline, affect the Fund’s yield as these securities mature or are sold and the Fund purchases new short-term securities with lower yields. The Fund’s investments in its Treasury Strategy are subject to the following specific risks:

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Interest Rate Risk. Generally, the value of fixed income securities will change inversely with changes in interest rates. As interest rates rise, the market value of fixed-income securities tends to decrease. Conversely, as interest rates fall, the market value of fixed income securities tends to increase.

 

U.S. Treasury Obligations Risk. The Fund may invest in securities issued by the U.S. Treasury. U.S. Treasury obligations include securities that are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, guaranteeing the timely payment of principal and interest. However, while U.S. Treasuries are considered one of the safest investments, government policies regarding the payment of interest or principal may change over time. Additionally, while holding a Treasury security until maturity ensures the return of principal, selling a Treasury before maturity or purchasing one after its initial issue date may expose the investor to potential losses, as the value of Treasury securities fluctuates with interest rates and market conditions.

 

Derivatives Risk. The term “derivative” refers to any financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, commodities, currencies, funds (including ETFs), interest rates or a specified index such as the Nasdaq 100 Index. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions. The use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. Changes in the value of a derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index. The use of derivatives may result in larger losses or smaller gains than directly investing in the underlying reference asset(s). Because derivatives often require only a limited initial investment, the use of derivatives may expose the Fund to losses in excess of those amounts initially invested. On October 28, 2020, the SEC adopted Rule 18f-4 (the “Derivatives Rule”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) which, following an implementation period, replaced existing SEC and staff guidance with an updated, comprehensive framework for the use of derivatives by registered investment companies, such as the Fund. The Derivatives Rule became effective on February 19, 2021, with a required compliance date of August 19, 2022. To the extent the Fund uses derivatives, complying with the Derivatives Rule may increase the cost of the Fund’s investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect investors. The regulation of the use of derivatives in the United States is a changing area of law and is subject to ongoing modification by government, self-regulatory and judicial action.

 

Options Risk (including Box Spread Risk). The Fund invests in options, which are a type of derivative. Purchasing and writing put and call options are highly specialized activities and entail greater than ordinary investment risks. The Fund may not fully benefit from or may lose money on an option if changes in its value do not correspond as anticipated to changes in the value of the underlying securities. If the Fund is not able to sell an option held in its portfolio, it would have to exercise the option to realize any profit and would incur transaction costs upon the purchase or sale of the underlying securities. Ownership of options involves the payment of premiums, which may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.

 

The Fund’s use of put options can lead to losses because of adverse movements in the price or value of the underlying asset, which may be magnified by certain features of the options. When selling a put option, the Fund will receive a premium; however, this premium may not be enough to offset a loss incurred by the Fund if the price of the underlying asset is below the strike price by an amount equal to or greater than the premium. Purchases of put options involve the payment of premiums, which may adversely affect the Fund’s performance. Purchasing a put option gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell a specified quantity of an underlying asset at a fixed exercise price over a defined period of time. Purchased put options may expire worthless, resulting in the Fund’s loss of the premium it paid for the option.

 

The Fund’s use of options, including box spreads, involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities. Although a box spread is intended to produce a fixed return, the

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Fund may experience losses due to transaction costs, imperfect execution, early exercise of options, or changes in market conditions affecting the pricing of the options.

 

ETF Risks.

·Authorized Participants, Market Makers, and Liquidity Providers Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that are authorized to purchase and redeem Shares directly from the Fund (known as “Authorized Participants” or “APs”). In addition, there may be a limited number of market makers and/or liquidity providers in the marketplace. To the extent either of the following events occurs, Shares may trade at a material discount to NAV and possibly face delisting: (i) APs exit the business or otherwise become unable to process creation and/or redemption orders and no other 4 APs step forward to perform these services; or (ii) market makers and/or liquidity providers exit the business or significantly reduce their business activities and no other entities step forward to perform their functions. Any such decisions by market makers or authorized participants to reduce their role or step away from these activities in times of market stress could inhibit the effectiveness of the arbitrage process in maintaining the relationship between the underlying value of the Fund’s portfolio securities and the Fund’s market price. This reduced effectiveness could result in Fund shares trading at a premium or discount to its NAV, with possible greater than normal intraday bid-ask spreads.
·Cash Redemption Risk. An ETF’s investment strategy may require it to redeem its shares for cash or to otherwise include cash as part of its redemption proceeds. For example, an ETF may not be able to redeem in-kind certain securities held by the ETF (e.g., derivative instruments). In such a case, the ETF may be required to sell or unwind portfolio investments to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. This may cause the ETF to recognize a capital gain that it might not have recognized if it had made a redemption in-kind. As a result, the ETF may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used. By paying out higher annual capital gain distributions, investors may be subjected to increased capital gains taxes.
·Costs of Buying or Selling Shares. Due to the costs of buying or selling Shares, including brokerage commissions imposed by brokers and bid-ask spreads, frequent trading of Shares may reduce investment results and an investment in Shares may not be advisable for investors who anticipate regularly making small investments.
·Shares May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV. As with all ETFs, Shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. Although it is expected that the market price of Shares will approximate their contribution to the Fund’s NAV, there may be times when the market price of Shares is more than the NAV intra-day (premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (discount) due to supply and demand of Shares, or during periods of market volatility and when there may be widening bid-ask spreads. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility, periods of steep market declines, and periods when there is limited trading activity for Shares in the secondary market, in which case such premiums or discounts may be significant and result in a further widening of the bid-ask spreads.
·Trading. Although Shares are listed for trading on a national securities exchange, such as Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., (the “Exchange”), and may be traded on U.S. exchanges other than the Exchange, there can be no assurance that Shares will trade with any measurable volume on any stock exchange. Said another way, there is a risk in these circumstances that an active trading market for shares of the Fund may not develop or be maintained. In stressed market conditions, the liquidity of Shares may begin to mirror the liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio holdings, which could be less liquid than Shares. Shares may trade at prices other than NAV.

 

Counterparty Risk. Counterparty risk is the likelihood or probability that a party involved in a transaction might default on its contractual obligation. Where the Fund enters into derivative contracts that are exchange-traded, the Fund is subject to the counterparty risk associated with the Fund’s clearing broker or clearinghouse. Reliance on a counterparty exposes the Fund to the risk that the counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. If a counterparty defaults on its payment

9 
 

obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease. In addition, to the extent the Fund deals with a limited number of counterparties, it will be more susceptible to the credit risks associated with those counterparties.

 

Early Close/Trading Halt Risk. An exchange or market may close or issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may result in the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments, and/or may incur substantial trading losses.

 

High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses. Frequent trading may also cause adverse tax consequences for investors in the Fund due to an increase in short-term capital gains.

 

Management Risk. The Adviser continuously evaluates the Fund’s holdings, purchases and sales with a view to achieving the Fund’s investment objective. However, the achievement of the stated investment objective cannot be guaranteed over short- or long-term market cycles. The Adviser’s judgments about the markets, the economy, or companies may not anticipate actual market movements, economic conditions or company performance, and these judgments may affect the return on your investment. The quantitative investment models used by the Adviser may not perform as expected, particularly in volatile markets.

 

Market Events Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to changes in general economic conditions, general market fluctuations and the risks inherent in investment in securities and other financial instruments. Investment markets can be volatile and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors including, but not limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest rates, inflation, changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers, and general market liquidity. The Fund is subject to the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt securities and other financial markets and adversely affect global economies and markets. Local, regional or global events such as war, military conflicts, acts of terrorism, natural disasters, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments. Continuing uncertainties regarding interest rates, rising inflation, political events, rising government debt in the U.S. and trade tensions also contribute to market volatility. Conflict, loss of life and disaster connected to ongoing armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia in Europe and between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East could have severe adverse effects on the related region, including significant adverse effects on the regional or global economies and the markets for certain securities. The U.S. and the European Union have imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. These conflicts have contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so.

 

Newer Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized investment management company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

 

Non-Diversification Risk. Although the Fund intends to invest in a variety of securities and instruments, the Fund is considered to be non-diversified, which means that it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it were a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund may be more exposed to the risks associated with and developments affecting an individual issuer or a smaller number of issuers than a fund that invests more widely. This may increase the Fund’s volatility and cause the performance of a relatively smaller number of issuers to have a greater impact on the Fund’s performance.

 

Operational Risk. The Fund is subject to risks arising from various operational factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund’s service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund relies on third-parties for a range of services, including custody. Any delay or failure relating to engaging or maintaining such service providers may affect the Fund’s ability to meet its investment objective. Although the Fund, Adviser, and

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Adviser seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.

 

Smaller Fund Risk. A smaller fund is subject to the risk that its performance may not represent how the fund is expected to or may perform in the long term. In addition, smaller funds may not attract sufficient assets to achieve investment and trading efficiencies. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve an economically viable size, in which case it could ultimately liquidate. The Fund may be liquidated by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) without a shareholder vote. In a liquidation, shareholders of the Fund will receive an amount equal to the Fund’s NAV, after deducting the costs of liquidation, including the transaction costs of disposing of the Fund’s portfolio investments. Receipt of a liquidation distribution may have negative tax consequences for shareholders. Additionally, during the Fund’s liquidation all or a portion of the Fund’s portfolio may be invested in a manner not consistent with its investment objective and investment policies.

 

Underlying ETF Risk. The Fund will invest in options on broad-based, passively managed exchange-traded funds whose investment strategies are to track the performance of the Nasdaq® Index (“Underlying ETFs”) and its performance will be directly related to the performance of the ETFs. Through its options positions in these ETFs, the Fund will be subject to the risks associated with such vehicles, including the possibility that the value of the securities or instruments held by an ETF could decrease (or increase in the case of short positions). Lack of liquidity in an ETF can result in its value being more volatile than the underlying portfolio investment. In addition, by investing in the Fund, shareholders indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the ETFs in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses. As a result, the cost of investing in the Fund may exceed the costs of investing directly in the ETFs. The Fund may purchase ETFs at prices that exceed the net asset value of their underlying investments and may sell ETF investments at prices below such net asset value, and will likely incur brokerage costs when it purchases and sells ETFs.

 

Because the underlying ETF’s in which the Fund invests are not be actively managed, the ETF would not sell shares of an equity security due to current or projected underperformance of a security, industry or sector, unless that security is removed from the Nasdaq Index or the selling of shares is otherwise required upon a rebalancing of the Nasdaq® Index. Also, an ETF will not be able to replicate exactly the performance of the Nasdaq® Index because the total return generated by portfolio securities of an ETF will be reduced by transaction. costs and other expenses not incurred by the Nasdaq® Index.

 

Through its investment in Underlying ETFs, the Fund may also be indirectly subject to a variety of risks, including Equity Risk, Issuer Risk, Large-Capitalization Risk, Management Risk, Market Risk, Trading Risk, Counterparty Risk, Investment Focus Risk, Derivatives Risk,

Performance Information

 

Performance information for the Fund is not included because the Fund has not completed a full calendar year of operations as of the date of this Prospectus. When such information is included, this section will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance history from year to year and showing how the Fund’s average annual total returns compare with those of a broad measure of market performance. Although past performance of the Fund is no guarantee of how it will perform in the future, historical performance may give you some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. Updated performance information will be available on the Fund’s website at www.synthequityetf.com.

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Fund Management

 

Investment Adviser

Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc. (the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.

 

Trading Subadviser

Exchange Traded Concepts, LLC (the “Trading Subadviser” or ETC) serves as the trading subadviser for the Fund. ETC is an Oklahoma limited liability company and is registered as an investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Portfolio Managers

The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.

 

Larry Kriesmer, Co-Portfolio Manager and founder of the Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception in 2026.

 

Bernard Surovsky, Co-Portfolio Manager and founder of the Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception in 2026.

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in large blocks known as “Creation Units,” which only APs (typically, broker-dealers) may purchase or redeem. The Fund generally issues and redeems Creation Units in exchange for a designated amount of U.S. cash. Shares are listed on a national securities exchange, such as the Exchange, and individual Shares may only be bought and sold in the secondary market through brokers at market prices, rather than NAV. Because Shares trade at market prices rather than NAV, Shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase Shares (the “bid” price) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Shares (the “ask” price) when buying or selling Shares in the secondary market. This difference in bid and ask prices is often referred to as the “bid-ask spread.”

 

When available, information regarding the Fund’s NAV, market price, how often Shares traded on the Exchange at a premium or discount, and bid-ask spreads can be found on the Fund’s website at www.synthequityetf.com.

Tax Information

 

Fund distributions are generally taxable to shareholders as ordinary income, qualified dividend income, or capital gains (or a combination), unless your investment is in an individual retirement account (“IRA”) or other tax-advantaged account. Distributions on investments made through tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of assets from those accounts.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase Shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank) (an “Intermediary”), the Adviser, or their affiliates may pay Intermediaries for certain activities related to the Fund, including participation in activities that are designed to make Intermediaries more knowledgeable about exchange-traded products, including the Fund, or for other activities, such as marketing, educational training, or other initiatives related to the sale or promotion of Shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the Intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Any such arrangements do not result in increased Fund expenses. Ask your salesperson or visit the Intermediary’s website for more information.

 

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND

MRP SynthEquity® Nasdaq 100 ETF (the “Fund”) seeks long-term capital appreciation.

 

An investment objective is fundamental if it cannot be changed without the consent of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares. The Fund’s investment objective has not been adopted as a fundamental investment policy and therefore may be changed without the consent of the Fund’s shareholders upon approval by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Capitol Series Trust (the “Trust”) and at least 60 days’ written notice to shareholders.

 

ADDITIONAL PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES INFORMATION

 

The following information is in addition to, and should be read along with, the descriptions of the Fund’s principal investment strategies in the section titled “Fund Summary — Principal Investment Strategies” above.

 

Option Allocation Adjustments

 

As described in the Fund’s principal investment strategy disclosure, the Fund seeks to capture equity market gains through synthetic long exposure to the Index by allocating 15-18% of its portfolio to call options, typically with a one-year duration. These options are designed to allow the Fund to participate in the performance of the Index while providing flexibility in managing the Fund’s exposure. As new investments are added and market conditions change, Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc. (the-“Adviser”) dynamically adjusts the Fund’s options allocation. This allocation generally remains within a range tied to the risk-free rate (such as the yield on U.S. Treasury securities or comparable instruments) and the current options risk level of the Fund.

 

During periods of market decline, however, the percentage allocated to options may decline as a result of losses in the options portfolio, up to and including zero allocation to options. This decline occurs passively and is not the result of trimming positions but rather the natural impact of adverse market movements. A low-to-zero allocation will remain in place until the market recovers or the shortest duration contracts expire worthless, at which point the Fund may re-risk its portfolio by reallocating to options.

 

For example, if the Fund initially allocates 15% of its assets to options, and the market rises by 1% on the following trading day, the options allocation may respond proportionately to this market movement. In this scenario, a 1% market gain is generally insufficient for the Fund’s portfolio management team to adjust (or “roll”) the options contracts to realize profits before the next rebalancing. Instead, the options allocation may remain in place until the next scheduled rebalancing.

 

As new investments are made into the Fund during this period of market gains, the Adviser may allocate these additional assets in alignment with the Fund’s updated risk levels. For example, if the synthetic exposure from the options portfolio has effectively risen to 16% due to market conditions, new investments may initially reflect an allocation of approximately 16% to options.

 

This dynamic adjustment process complements the Fund’s overarching goal of providing a “floor” against significant market losses while capturing upside potential. By maintaining a disciplined options allocation framework, the Fund balances equity market participation with a strong emphasis on risk mitigation. The majority of the portfolio, allocated to U.S. Treasury securities, enhances stability and provides a foundation of principal protection. Together, these elements ensure the Fund’s strategy remains responsive to market conditions while pursuing its objectives of downside protection and upside participation.

 

Options Contracts Overview In general, call options give the holder (i.e., the buyer) the right to buy an asset (or receive cash value of the asset, in case of certain call options) and the seller (i.e., the writer) the obligation to sell the asset (or deliver cash value of the asset, in case of certain call options) at a certain defined price.

 

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FLEX options are customized options contracts that trade on an exchange but provide investors with the ability to customize key contract terms like strike price, style and expiration date while achieving price discovery in competitive, transparent auctions markets and avoiding the counterparty exposure of “over-the-counter” (“OTC”) options positions. Like traditional exchange-traded options, FLEX Options are guaranteed for settlement by the OCC, a market clearinghouse that guarantees performance by counterparties to certain derivatives contracts.

 

The FLEX options in which the Fund may invest include both European-style and American-style options. European-style options are exercisable only on their expiration date, while American-style options allow for exercise at any time prior to their expiration date. As of the date of this prospectus, these FLEX options are generally listed on the Chicago Board Options Exchange.

 

The Fund will use the market value of its derivatives holdings for the purpose of determining compliance with the 1940 Act and the rules promulgated thereunder. Since the options held by the Fund are exchange-traded, these will be valued on a mark-to-market basis. In the event market prices are not available, the Fund will use fair value pricing pursuant to the fair value procedures adopted by the Adviser and approved by the Board.

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ADDITIONAL PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT RISK INFORMATION

 

The principal risks are presented in alphabetical order to facilitate finding particular risks and comparing them with those of other funds. Each risk summarized below is considered a “principal risk” of investing in the Fund, regardless of the order in which it appears. As with any investment, there is a risk that you could lose all or a portion of your investment in the Fund. Some or all of these risks may adversely affect the Fund’s NAV per share, trading price, yield, total return and/or ability to meet its investment objectives. The following risks could affect the value of your performance in the Fund:

 

Box Spread Risk. The Fund may use options strategies known as “box spreads” to obtain exposure similar to a fixed-income investment or to create synthetic financing positions. A box spread combines offsetting call and put options at different strike prices but with the same expiration date and is designed to generate a fixed payoff at expiration.

 

While box spreads are intended to produce a known return, the actual return realized by the Fund will depend on the price at which the position is established and closed, and may be affected by bid-ask spreads, commissions, financing costs, and other transaction expenses. In addition, the pricing of box spreads reflects prevailing interest rates and market conditions. If the Fund enters into a box spread at unfavorable pricing, the Fund may realize a lower return than available from other short-term investments, or may incur a loss.

 

Box Spreads are also subject to the following additional risks:

 

Early Exercise and Assignment Risk Because many exchange-traded options are American-style and may be exercised prior to expiration, a Fund holding a box spread may be subject to early exercise or assignment. Early exercise may disrupt the intended economics of the position and may require the Fund to enter into additional transactions, potentially at unfavorable prices, to reestablish the desired exposure.

 

Liquidity Risk (Options / Box Spread Liquidity) The Fund’s ability to realize the intended return on a box spread depends on the liquidity of the options markets in which it transacts. Although the Fund expects to use exchange-traded options on liquid indices, there can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist at all times. Limited liquidity may make it difficult to establish or close out positions at favorable prices, which could reduce returns or result in losses.

 

Execution and Pricing Risk The value of a box spread is sensitive to execution quality. Because the strategy involves multiple option legs, the Fund may be exposed to “legging risk,” where individual components are executed at different prices. In addition, quoted prices for box spreads may deviate from theoretical values due to supply and demand imbalances, market volatility, or constraints in the options markets. These factors may cause the Fund to receive less favorable pricing than anticipated.

 

Counterparty and Clearing Risk Although exchange-traded options are generally cleared through a central clearinghouse, the Fund is still exposed to the credit risk of the clearing organization and its clearing members. A failure by a clearing member or clearinghouse could result in losses to the Fund.

 

Leverage and Derivatives Risk (Rule 18f-4 Context) The Fund’s use of box spreads and other options may be considered derivatives transactions under Rule 18f-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. These transactions may create leverage, which can increase the Fund’s risk and volatility. The Fund will comply with applicable regulatory requirements, including value-at-risk (“VaR”) limitations or derivatives risk management program requirements, as applicable.

 

Interest Rate / Implied Financing Risk The return on a box spread is influenced by prevailing interest rates embedded in options pricing. Changes in interest rates or market conditions may cause the implied

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yield of a box spread to be less favorable than other available investments. In certain market environments, the implied financing rate may be negative, resulting in a loss to the Fund.

 

Counterparty Risk. Counterparty risk is the likelihood or probability that a party involved in a transaction might default on its contractual obligation. Where the Fund enters into derivative contracts that are exchange-traded, the Fund is subject to the counterparty risk associated with the Fund’s clearing broker or clearinghouse. Relying on a counterparty exposes the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. If a counterparty defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease. In addition, to the extent the Fund deals with a limited number of counterparties, it will be more susceptible to the credit risks associated with those counterparties.

 

Derivatives Risk. The term “derivative” refers to any financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, commodities, currencies, funds (including ETFs), interest rates or a specified index such as the Nasdaq 100 Index. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions. The use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. Changes in the value of a derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index. The use of derivatives may result in larger losses or smaller gains than directly investing in the underlying reference asset(s). Because derivatives often require only a limited initial investment, the use of derivatives may expose the Fund to losses in excess of those amounts initially invested. On October 28, 2020, the SEC adopted Rule 18f-4 (the “Derivatives Rule”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) which, following an implementation period, replaced existing SEC and staff guidance with an updated, comprehensive framework for the use of derivatives by registered investment companies, like the Fund. The Derivatives Rule became effective on February 19, 2021, with a required compliance date of August 19, 2022. To the extent the Fund uses derivatives, complying with the Derivatives Rule may increase the cost of the Fund’s investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect investors. The regulation of the use of derivatives in the United States is a changing area of law and is subject to ongoing modification by government, self-regulatory and judicial action.

 

Early Close/Trading Halt Risk. An exchange or market may close or issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may result in the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments, and/or may incur substantial trading losses.

 

ETF Risks.

·Authorized Participants, Market Makers, and Liquidity Providers Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that are authorized to purchase and redeem Shares directly from the Fund (known as “Authorized Participants” or “APs”). In addition, there may be a limited number of market makers and/or liquidity providers in the marketplace. To the extent either of the following events occurs, Shares may trade at a material discount to NAV and possibly face delisting: (i) APs exit the business or otherwise become unable to process creation and/or redemption orders and no other APs step forward to perform these services; or (ii) market makers and/or liquidity providers exit the business or significantly reduce their business activities and no other entities step forward to perform their functions. Any such decisions by market makers or authorized participants to reduce their role or step away from these activities in times of market stress could inhibit the effectiveness of the arbitrage process in maintaining the relationship between the underlying value of the Fund’s portfolio securities and the Fund’s market price. This reduced effectiveness could result in Fund shares trading at a premium or discount to its NAV with possible greater than normal intraday bid-ask spreads.
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·Cash Redemption Risk. An ETF’s investment strategy may require it to redeem its shares for cash or to otherwise include cash as part of its redemption proceeds. For example, an ETF may not be able to redeem in-kind certain securities held by the ETF (e.g., derivative instruments). In such a case, the ETF may be required to sell or unwind portfolio investments to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. This may cause the ETF to recognize a capital gain that it might not have recognized if it had made a redemption in-kind. As a result, the ETF may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used. By paying out higher annual capital gain distributions, investors may be subjected to increased capital gains taxes.
·Costs of Buying or Selling Shares. Due to the costs of buying or selling Shares, including brokerage commissions imposed by brokers and bid-ask spreads, frequent trading of Shares may reduce investment results and an investment in Shares may not be advisable for investors who anticipate regularly making small investments.
·Shares May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV. As with all ETFs, Shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. Although it is expected that the market price of Shares will approximate the Fund’s NAV, there may be times when the market price of Shares is more than the NAV intra-day (premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (discount) due to supply and demand of Shares or during periods of market volatility and when there may be widening bid-ask spreads. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility, periods of steep market declines, and periods when there is limited trading activity for Shares in the secondary market, in which case such premiums or discounts may be significant which would result in a further widening of the bid-ask spreads.
·Trading. Although Shares are listed for trading on a national securities exchange, such as Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., (the “Exchange”), and may be traded on U.S. exchanges other than the Exchange, there can be no assurance that Shares will trade with any measurable volume on any stock exchange. That is, an active trading market for shares of the Fund may not develop or be maintained. In stressed market conditions, the liquidity of Shares may begin to mirror the liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio holdings, which could be less liquid than Shares.

 

Equity Market Risk. By virtue of the Fund’s investments options contracts on the S&P 500 Index, the Fund is indirectly exposed to equity market risk. The prices of equity securities rise and fall daily. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual issuers, industries or the stock market as a whole. In addition, equity markets tend to move in cycles which may cause stock prices to fall over a short and extended periods of time. In a declining stock market, stock prices for most or all companies in the S&P Index may decline, regardless of their long-term prospects.

 

Fixed Income Investing Risks. The Fund will be subject to fixed income risks through its investments in U.S. Treasury securities. Changes in interest rates generally will cause the value of fixed-income and bond instruments held by Fund to vary inversely to such changes. The Fund may invest in short-term securities that, when interest rates decline, affect the Fund’s yield as these securities mature or are sold and the Fund purchases new short-term securities with lower yields.

 

● Interest Rate Risk. Generally, the value of fixed income securities will change inversely with changes in interest rates. As interest rates rise, the market value of fixed income securities tends to decrease. Conversely, as interest rates fall, the market value of fixed income securities tends to increase.

 

● U.S. Treasury Obligations Risk. The Fund may invest in securities issued by the U.S. Treasury. U.S. Treasury obligations include securities that are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, guaranteeing the timely payment of principal and interest. However, while U.S. Treasuries are considered one of the safest investments, government policies regarding the payment of interest or principal may change over time. Additionally, while holding a Treasury security until maturity ensures the return of principal, selling a Treasury before maturity or purchasing one after its initial issue date may expose the investor to potential losses, as the value of Treasury securities fluctuates with interest rates and market conditions.

 

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High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses. Frequent trading may also cause adverse tax consequences for investors in the Fund due to an increase in short-term capital gains.

 

Index Correlation Risk. There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve a high degree of correlation to the Nasdaq® Index with its Options Strategy and, therefore, achieve its investment objective. The Fund may have difficulty achieving its investment objective for many reasons, including fees, expenses, transaction costs, including but not limited to brokerage and other trading costs, the Fund’s valuation methodology differing from the Index’s valuation methodology, costs of complying with various new or existing regulatory requirements and regulatory and tax considerations, which may cause the Fund to hold (or not to hold) certain Index constituents. Activities surrounding Nasdaq® Index reconstitutions and other Nasdaq® Index rebalancing events may hinder the Fund’s ability to meet its investment objective. The Fund may not have investment exposure to all of the constituents of the Index or its weighting of investment exposure to such constituents may be different from that of the Nasdaq® Index, which may reduce the Fund’s correlation to the Index.

 

Large-Capitalization Investing Risk. The securities of large-capitalization companies may be relatively mature compared to smaller companies and therefore subject to slower growth during times of economic expansion. Large-capitalization companies may also be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes.

 

Management Risk. The Fund is actively-managed and may not meet its investment objective based on the Adviser’s success or failure to implement investment strategies for the Fund.

 

Market Events Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to changes in general economic conditions, general market fluctuations and the risks inherent in investment in securities and other financial instruments. Investment markets can be volatile and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors including, but not limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest rates, inflation, changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers, and general market liquidity. The Fund is subject to the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt securities and other financial markets and adversely affect global economies and markets. Local, regional or global events such as war, military conflicts, acts of terrorism, natural disasters, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments. Continuing uncertainties regarding interest rates, rising inflation, political events, rising government debt in the U.S. and trade tensions also contribute to market volatility. Conflict, loss of life and disaster connected to ongoing armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia in Europe and between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East could have severe adverse effects on the related region, including significant adverse effects on the regional or global economies and the markets for certain securities. The U.S. and the European Union have imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. These conflicts have contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so.

 

Newer Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized investment management company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

 

Non-Diversification Risk. Although the Fund intends to invest in a variety of securities and instruments, the Fund is considered to be non-diversified, which means that it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it were a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund may be more exposed to the risks associated with and developments affecting an individual issuer or a smaller number of issuers than a fund that invests more widely. This may increase the Fund’s volatility and cause the performance of a relatively smaller number of issuers to have a greater impact on the Fund’s performance.

 

Operational Risk. The Fund is subject to risks arising from various operational factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund’s service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund relies on third-parties for a range of services, including custody. Any delay or failure relating to engaging or maintaining such

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service providers may affect the Fund’s ability to meet its investment objective. Although the Fund, Adviser, and Adviser seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.

 

Referenced Index Risk. The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Nasdaq® Index (or in ETFs that track the Nasdaq® Index’s performance). This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of companies that comprised the Nasdaq® Index or an ETF that tracks the Nasdaq® Index, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s investments in options contracts that are based on the value of the Index, the Fund may also be subject to the following risks:

 

Nasdaq 100 Index Risk. The Fund’s investment exposure in its Options Strategy is based in large part on the performance of the Nasdaq® Index through its investments in options referencing the Index. The Nasdaq® Index includes 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC and is heavily weighted toward companies in the information technology sector. As a result, the Fund’s returns through is Options Strategy are expected to reflect the performance of a limited number of large-capitalization growth companies and may be more volatile than the returns of funds that track broader market indices. The Nasdaq® Index may be concentrated in one or more sectors, including in particular the information technology sector, and the Fund’s exposure to the Nasdaq® Index through its options investments may cause the Fund to be similarly concentrated in that sector and to indirectly bear the risks of such concentration. In addition, because the Nasdaq® Index excludes financial companies, the Fund may underperform during periods in which the financial sector outperforms.

 

Information Technology Sector Risk. The value of stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation, and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from competitors with lower production costs. In addition, many information technology companies have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. The prices of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile and less liquid than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability.

 

Index Correlation Risk. There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve a high degree of correlation to the Nasdaq® Index with its Options Strategy and, therefore, achieve its investment objective. The Fund may have difficulty achieving its investment objective for many reasons, including fees, expenses, transaction costs, including but not limited to brokerage and other trading costs, the Fund’s valuation methodology differing from the Index’s valuation methodology, costs of complying with various new or existing regulatory requirements and regulatory and tax considerations, which may cause the Fund to hold (or not to hold) certain Index constituents. Activities surrounding Nasdaq® Index reconstitutions and other Nasdaq® Index rebalancing events may hinder the Fund’s ability to meet its investment objective. The Fund may not have investment exposure to all of the constituents of the Index or its weighting of investment exposure to such constituents may be different from that of the Nasdaq® Index, which may reduce the Fund’s correlation to the Index.

 

Index Trading Risk. The trading price of the Nasdaq® Index may be highly volatile and could continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors. The stock market in general has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of companies.

 

Indirect Investment Risk. The Nasdaq® Index is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way. Investors in the Fund will not have the right to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the companies that comprise the Nasdaq® Index but will be subject to declines in the performance of the Nasdaq® Index.

 

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Smaller Fund Risk. A smaller fund is subject to the risk that its performance may not represent how the fund is expected to or may perform in the long term. In addition, smaller funds may not attract sufficient assets to achieve investment and trading efficiencies. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve an economically viable size, in which case it could ultimately liquidate. The Fund may be liquidated by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) without a shareholder vote. In a liquidation, shareholders of the Fund will receive an amount equal to the Fund’s NAV, after deducting the costs of liquidation, including the transaction costs of disposing of the Fund’s portfolio investments. Receipt of a liquidation distribution may have negative tax consequences for shareholders. Additionally, during the Fund’s liquidation all or a portion of the Fund’s portfolio may be invested in a manner not consistent with its investment objective and investment policies.

 

Underlying ETF Risk. The Fund will invest in broad-based, passively managed exchange-traded funds whose investment strategies are to track the performance of the Nasdaq® Index (“Underlying ETFs”)and its performance will be directly related to the performance of the ETFs. Through its positions in these ETFs, the Fund will be subject to the risks associated with such vehicles, including the possibility that the value of the securities or instruments held by an ETF could decrease (or increase in the case of short positions). Lack of liquidity in an ETF can result in its value being more volatile than the underlying portfolio investment. In addition, by investing in the Fund, shareholders indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the ETFs in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses. As a result, the cost of investing in the Fund may exceed the costs of investing directly in the ETFs. The Fund may purchase ETFs at prices that exceed the net asset value of their underlying investments and may sell ETF investments at prices below such net asset value, and will likely incur brokerage costs when it purchases and sells ETFs.

 

An underlying ETF will not be actively managed and therefore the ETF would not sell shares of an equity security due to current or projected underperformance of a security, industry or sector, unless that security is removed from the S&P 500® Index or the selling of shares is otherwise required upon a rebalancing of the Nasdaq® Index. Also, an ETF will not be able to replicate exactly the performance of the S&P 500® Index because the total return generated by portfolio securities of an ETF will be reduced by transaction. costs and other expenses not incurred by the S&P 500® Index.

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION

 

Information about the Fund’s daily portfolio holdings will be available on the Fund’s website at www.synthequityetf.com. A complete description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).

 

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING FUND MANAGEMENT

Investment Adviser

 

Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc. a California Sub-S Corporation founded in 2002 and located at 5230 Carroll Canyon Road, Suite 224, San Diego, CA 92121, serves as the Fund’s investment adviser (“MRP ” or “Adviser”). MRP is a registered investment adviser with the SEC under the U.S. Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Pursuant to its advisory contract with the Fund (“Advisory Agreement”), the Adviser assumes all investment duties and has full discretionary power and authority with respect to the investment of the assets of Fund. In that capacity, MRP is responsible for making day-to-day investment decisions for the Fund and trading portfolio securities and other investment instruments on behalf of the Fund, including selecting broker-dealers to execute purchase and sale transactions.

 

Under the Advisory Agreement, in exchange for a single unitary management fee from the Fund, the Adviser has agreed to pay all expenses incurred by the Fund except for the advisory fee, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions and other expenses incurred in placing orders for the purchase and sale of securities and other investment instruments, acquired fund fees and expenses, accrued deferred tax liability, extraordinary expenses, and distribution fees and expenses paid by the Fund under any distribution plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (“Excluded Expenses”). For the services it provides to the Fund, the Fund pays the Adviser a fee, calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.95% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

 

Advisory Agreement

 

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement will be available in the Fund’s Annual Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR for the fiscal period ending December 31, 2026.

 

Trading Subadviser

 

Exchange Traded Concepts, LLC, an Oklahoma limited liability company located at 10900 Hefner Pointe Drive, Suite 400, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73120, serves as the Fund’s trading subadviser. Under the supervision of the Adviser, the Trading Subadviser is responsible for executing portfolio transactions and implementing the Adviser’s decisions for the Fund. In addition, the Trading Subadviser is responsible for maintaining certain transaction and compliance related records of the Fund.

 

Pursuant to an agreement between the Adviser and Trading Subadviser (the “Trading Subadvisory Agreement”), as compensation for the subadvisory services it provides to the Fund, the Adviser will pay the Trading Subadviser a fee, computed daily, at an annual rate based on the greater of (1) the Minimum Sub-Advisory Fees (a fixed dollar amount) or (2) an asset-based subadvisory fee based on daily net assets of the Fund in accordance with an agreed upon fee schedule (the “Asset-Based Sub-Advisory Fees"), if the aggregate Asset-Based Sub-Advisory Fees exceed the aggregate Minimum Sub-Advisory Fees.

 

Portfolio Managers

 

The following individuals (each, a “Portfolio Manager”) have served as portfolio managers of the Fund since its inception. Messrs. Kriesmer and Surovsky are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.

 

Larry Kriesmer, Co-Portfolio Manager and Founder of the Adviser

 

Mr. Kriesmer grew up in the middle east, moved to the US when he was 19 and earned his degree from the University of Redlands, in Southern California in 1985. Mr. Kriesmer began his career in financial services in 1987 and earned the CLU and ChFC designations in 1992 and 1993 respectively. He has nearly 20 years of options trading experience and is the founder, Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Executive Officer of the Adviser.

 

Bernard Surovsky, Co-Portfolio Manager and Founder of the Adviser

 

Mr. Surovsky has more than 20 years’ experience as an investment advisory representative as well as with trading and using options strategies. Mr. Surovsky graduated from the University of Cape Town and then emigrated to the US from South Africa in 1992. Bernard is a founder and Chief Investment Officer of the Adviser.

The Fund’s SAI provides additional information about each Portfolio Manager’s compensation structure, other accounts that each Portfolio Manager manages, and each Portfolio Manager’s ownership of Shares.

 

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BUYING AND SELLING FUND SHARES

 

The Fund issues and redeems Shares only in Creation Units at the NAV per share next determined after receipt of an order from an AP. Only APs may acquire Shares directly from the Fund, and only APs may tender their Shares for redemption directly to the Fund, at NAV. APs must be a member or participant of a clearing agency registered with the SEC and must execute a Participant Agreement that has been agreed to by the Distributor (defined below), and that has been accepted by the Fund’s transfer agent, with respect to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units. Once created, Shares trade in the secondary market in quantities less than a Creation Unit.

 

Most investors buy and sell Shares in secondary market transactions through brokers. Individual Shares are listed for trading on the secondary market on the Exchange and can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities. When you buy or sell shares of the Fund on the secondary market, you will pay or receive the market price. You may incur customary brokerage commissions and charges and may pay some or all of the spread between the bid and the offered price in the secondary market on each leg of a round trip (purchase and sale) transaction. The shares of the Fund will trade on the Exchange at prices that may differ to varying degrees from the daily NAV of such shares. A business day with respect to the Fund is any day on which the Exchange is open for business. The Exchange is generally open Monday through Friday and is closed on weekends and the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

 

Determinations of Net Asset Value

 

The per share NAV of the Fund is computed by dividing the value of the net assets of the Fund (i.e., the value of its total assets less total liabilities) by its total number of shares outstanding. Expenses and fees, including management and distribution fees, if any, are accrued daily and taken into account for purposes of determining NAV. NAV is determined each business day, normally as of the close of regular trading of the New York Stock Exchange (ordinarily 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time).

 

When determining NAV, the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities is based on market prices of such securities, which generally means a valuation obtained from an exchange or other market (or based on a price quotation or other equivalent indication of the value supplied by an exchange or other market) or a valuation obtained from an independent pricing service. If a security’s market price is not readily available or does not otherwise accurately reflect the fair value of the security, the security will be valued by another method that the Trust’s Fair Valuation Designee believes will better reflect fair value in accordance with the Trust’s valuation policies and procedures, as approved by the Board. Fair value pricing may be used in a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to situations when the value of a security in the Fund’s portfolio has been materially affected by events occurring after the close of the market on which the security is principally traded but prior to the close of the Exchange (such as in the case of a corporate action or other news that may materially affect the price of a security) or trading in a security has been suspended or halted. Accordingly, the Fund’s NAV may reflect certain portfolio securities’ fair values rather than their market prices.

 

Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments, and it is possible that a fair value determination for a security will materially differ from the value that could be realized upon the sale of the security.

 

Book Entry

 

Shares are held in book-entry form, which means that no stock certificates are issued. Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) or its nominee is the record owner of all outstanding Shares.

 

Investors owning Shares are beneficial owners as shown on the records of DTC or its participants. DTC serves as the securities depository for all Shares. DTC’s participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and other institutions that directly or indirectly maintain a custodial relationship with DTC. As a beneficial owner of Shares, you are not entitled to receive physical delivery of stock certificates or to have Shares registered in your name, and you are not considered a registered owner of Shares. Therefore, to exercise any right as an owner of Shares, you must rely upon the procedures of DTC and its participants. These

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procedures are the same as those that apply to any other securities that you hold in book-entry or “street name” through your brokerage account.

 

Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares

 

The Fund does not impose any restrictions on the frequency of purchases and redemptions of Creation Units; however, the Fund reserves the right to reject or limit purchases at any time as described in the SAI. When evaluating whether such a restriction or policy was necessary, the Board evaluated the risks posed by arbitrage and market timing activities, such as whether frequent purchases and redemptions would interfere with the efficient implementation of the Fund’s investment strategy, or whether they would cause the Fund to experience increased transaction costs. The Board considered that, unlike traditional mutual funds, shares of the Fund are issued and redeemed only in large quantities of shares known as Creation Units available only from the Fund directly to Authorized Participants, and that most trading in the Fund occurs on the Exchange at prevailing market prices and does not involve the Fund directly. Given this structure, the Board determined that it is unlikely that trading due to arbitrage opportunities or market timing by shareholders would result in negative impact to the Fund or its shareholders. In addition, frequent trading of shares of the Fund by Authorized Participants and arbitrageurs is critical to ensuring that the market price remains at or close to NAV.

 

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DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN

 

The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets may be made for the sale and distribution of its shares. No payments pursuant to the Distribution and Service Plan will be made during the twelve (12) month period from the date of this Prospectus. Thereafter, 12b-1 fees may only be imposed after approval by the Board. Because these fees, if imposed, would be paid out of the Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, if payments are made in the future, these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.

 

DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES

Fund Distributions

 

The Fund pays out dividends from its net investment income and distributes its net capital gains, if any, to investors at least annually.

 

Dividend Reinvestment Service

 

Brokers may make available to their customers who own shares of the Fund the Depository Trust Company book-entry dividend reinvestment service. If this service is available and used, dividend distributions of both income and capital gains will automatically be reinvested in additional whole shares of the Fund purchased on the secondary market. Without this service, investors would receive their distributions in cash. To determine whether the dividend reinvestment service is available and whether there is a commission or other charge for using this service, consult your broker. Brokers may require the Fund’s shareholders to adhere to specific procedures and timetables.

 

Tax Information

 

The following is a summary of some important U.S. federal income tax issues that affect the Fund and its shareholders. The summary is based on current tax laws, which may be changed by legislative, judicial or administrative action. You should not consider this summary to be a comprehensive explanation of the tax treatment of the Fund, or the tax consequences of an investment in the Fund. This summary does not apply to shares held in an individual retirement account or other tax-qualified plans, which are generally not subject to current tax. Transactions relating to shares held in such accounts may, however, be taxable at some time in the future. More information about taxes is located in the SAI.

 

You are urged to consult your tax adviser regarding specific questions as to federal, state and local income taxes.

 

Tax Status of the Fund

 

The Fund has elected and intends to continue to qualify for the special tax treatment afforded to a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Internal Revenue Code”). If the Fund maintains its qualification as a RIC and meets certain minimum distribution requirements, then the Fund is generally not subject to tax at the fund level on income and gains from investments that are timely distributed to shareholders. However, if the Fund fails to qualify as a RIC or to meet minimum distribution requirements it would result (if certain relief provisions were not available) in fund-level taxation and consequently a reduction in income available for distribution to shareholders.

 

Unless you are a tax-exempt entity or your investment in Fund shares is made through a tax-deferred retirement account, such as an individual retirement account, you need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when the Fund makes distributions, you sell Fund shares and you purchase or redeem Creation Units (Authorized Participants only).

 

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Tax Status of Distributions

·The Fund intends to distribute each year substantially all of its net investment income and net capital gains income.
·Dividends and distributions are generally taxable to you whether you receive them in cash or reinvest them in additional shares.
·The income dividends you receive from the Fund may be taxed as either ordinary income or “qualified dividend income.”
·Dividends that are reported by the Fund as qualified dividend income are generally taxable to non-corporate shareholders at a maximum tax rate currently set at 20% (lower rates apply to individuals in lower tax brackets). Qualified dividend income generally is income derived from dividends paid to the Fund by U.S. corporations or certain foreign corporations that are either incorporated in a U.S. possession or eligible for tax benefits under certain U.S. income tax treaties. In addition, dividends that the Fund receives in respect of stock of certain foreign corporations may be qualified dividend income if that stock is readily tradable on an established U.S. securities market. For such dividends to be taxed as qualified dividend income to a non-corporate shareholder, the Fund must satisfy certain holding period requirements with respect to the underlying stock and the non-corporate shareholder must satisfy holding period requirements with respect to his or her ownership of the Fund’s shares. Holding periods may be suspended for these purposes for stock that is hedged. The Fund’s investment strategies may significantly limit its ability to distribute dividends eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income.
·Taxes on distributions of capital gains (if any) are determined by how long the Fund owned the Do we need to mention 1256 status and 60/40 split on taxes or since we plan to use CIB’s do we need to make mention of that?? investments that generated them, rather than how long a shareholder has owned their shares. Sales of assets held by the Fund for more than one year generally result in long-term capital gains and losses, and sales of assets held by the Fund for one year or less generally result in short-term capital gains and losses.
·Distributions from the Fund’s short-term capital gains are generally taxable as ordinary income. Distributions from the Fund’s net capital gain (the excess of the Fund’s net long-term capital gains over its net short-term capital losses) are taxable as long-term capital gains regardless of how long you have owned your shares. For non-corporate shareholders, long-term capital gains are generally taxable at a maximum tax rate currently set at 20% (lower rates apply to individuals in lower tax brackets).
·Corporate shareholders may be entitled to a dividends-received deduction for the portion of dividends they receive from the Fund that are attributable to dividends received by the Fund from U.S. corporations, subject to certain limitations. The Fund’s investment strategies may significantly limit its ability to distribute dividends eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporations.
·In general, your distributions are subject to federal income tax for the year in which they are paid. However, distributions paid in January but declared by the Fund in October, November or December of the previous year payable to shareholders of record in such a month may be taxable to you in the previous year.
·You should note that if you purchase shares just before a distribution, the purchase price would reflect the amount of the upcoming distribution. In this case, you would be taxed on the entire amount of the distribution received, even though, as an economic matter, the distribution simply constitutes a return of your investment. This is known as “buying a dividend” and should be avoided by taxable investors.
·The Fund (or your broker) will inform you of the amount of your ordinary income dividends, qualified dividend income, and net capital gain distributions shortly after the close of each calendar year.

 

Tax Status of Share Transactions

 

Each sale of shares by a shareholder of the Fund or redemption of Creation Units by an Authorized Participant will generally be a taxable event. Any capital gain or loss realized upon a sale of shares of the Fund is generally treated as a long-term gain or loss if such shares have been held for more than twelve months. Any capital gain or loss

25 
 

realized upon a sale of shares of the Fund held for twelve months or less is generally treated as short-term gain or loss. Any capital loss on the sale of shares of the Fund held for six months or less is treated as long-term capital loss to the extent distributions of long-term capital gains were paid (or treated as paid) with respect to such shares. Any loss realized on a sale will be disallowed to the extent shares of the Fund are acquired, including through reinvestment of dividends, within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the sale of such shares. The ability to deduct capital losses may be limited.

 

An Authorized Participant who exchanges securities for Creation Units generally will recognize gain or loss from the exchange. The gain or loss will be equal to the difference between (i) the market value of the Creation Units at the time of the exchange plus any cash received in the exchange and (ii) the exchanger’s aggregate basis in the securities surrendered plus any cash paid for the Creation Units. An Authorized Participant who exchanges Creation Units for securities will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between (i) the exchanger’s basis in the Creation Units and (ii) the aggregate market value of the securities and the amount of cash received. The Internal Revenue Service, however, may assert that a loss that is realized upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units may not be currently deducted under the rules governing “wash sales” (for a person who does not mark-to-market their holdings), or on the basis that there has been no significant change in economic position. Authorized Participants should consult their own tax advisor with respect to whether wash sales rules apply and when a loss might be deductible.

 

The Fund may include cash when paying the redemption price for Creation Units in addition to, or in place of, the delivery of a basket of securities. The Fund may be required to sell portfolio securities in order to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. This may cause the Fund to recognize investment income and/or capital gains or losses that it might not have recognized if it had completely satisfied the redemption in-kind. As a result, the Fund may be less tax efficient if it includes such a cash payment than if the in-kind redemption process was used.

 

Net Investment Income Tax

 

U.S. individuals with income exceeding $200,000 ($250,000 if married and filing jointly) are subject to a 3.8% tax on all or a portion of their “net investment income,” which includes interest, dividends, and certain capital gains (including certain capital gain distributions and capital gains realized on the sale of shares of the Fund). This 3.8% tax also applies to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates and trusts.

 

Non-U.S. Investors

 

If you are a nonresident alien individual or a foreign corporation, trust or estate, (i) the Fund’s ordinary income dividends will generally be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax, unless a lower treaty rate applies, but (ii) gains from the sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund generally are not subject to U.S. taxation, unless you are a nonresident alien individual who is physically present in the U.S. for 183 days or more per year. The Fund may, under certain circumstances, report all or a portion of a dividend as an “interest-related dividend” or a “short-term capital gain dividend,” which would generally be exempt from this 30% U.S. withholding tax, provided certain other requirements are met. Non-U.S. shareholders who fail to provide an applicable Internal Revenue Service form may be subject to backup withholding on certain payments from the Fund. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that are subject to the 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) withholding tax described in this paragraph. Different tax consequences may result if you are a foreign shareholder engaged in a trade or business within the United States or if you are a foreign shareholder entitled to claim the benefits of a tax treaty.

 

Backup Withholding

 

The Fund (or financial intermediaries, such as brokers, through which shareholders own shares of the Fund) generally is required to withhold and to remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage of the taxable distributions and the sale or redemption proceeds paid to any shareholder who fails to properly furnish a correct taxpayer identification number, who has under-reported dividend or interest income, or who fails to certify that he, she or it is not subject to such withholding.

 

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The foregoing discussion summarizes some of the consequences under current U.S. federal income tax law of an investment in the Fund. It is not a substitute for personal tax advice. Consult your personal tax advisor about the potential tax consequences of an investment in the Fund under all applicable tax laws.

 

More information about taxes is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Investments by Other Registered Investment Companies

 

For purposes of the 1940 Act, the Fund is treated as a registered investment company. Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act restricts investments by investment companies in the securities of other investment companies, including shares of the Fund. The SEC recently adopted Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act, which permits registered investment companies to invest in exchange-traded funds offered by the Trust, including the Fund, beyond the limits of Section 12(d)(1) subject to certain terms and conditions, including that such registered investment companies enter into an agreement with the Trust. However, if the Fund were to invest in securities of other investment companies beyond the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1)(A) in reliance on Rule 12d1-4, other registered investment companies would not be permitted to rely on Rule 12d1-4 to invest in the Fund in excess of the limits.

 

Continuous Offering

 

The method by which Creation Units are purchased and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units are issued and sold by the Fund on an ongoing basis, at any point a “distribution,” as such term is used in the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”), may occur. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner which could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the Prospectus delivery and liability provisions of the Securities Act.

 

For example, a broker-dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with the Fund’s distributor, breaks them down into individual shares of the Fund, and sells such shares directly to customers, or if it chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand for shares of the Fund. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker-dealer or its client in the particular case, and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to categorization as an underwriter.

 

Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not “underwriters” but are effecting transactions in shares of the Fund, whether or not participating in the distribution of such shares, are generally required to deliver a prospectus. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act is not available with respect to such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. As a result, broker dealer-firms should note that dealers who are not underwriters but are participating in a distribution (as contrasted with ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with shares of the Fund that are part of an “unsold allotment” within the meaning of Section 4(a)(3)(C) of the Securities Act would be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act. Firms that incur a prospectus delivery obligation with respect to shares of the Fund are reminded that under Rule 153 under the Securities Act, a prospectus delivery obligation under Section 5(b)(2) of the Securities Act owed to an exchange member in connection with a sale on the Exchange is satisfied by the fact that the Fund’s Prospectus is available on the SEC’s electronic filing system. The prospectus delivery mechanism provided in Rule 153 is only available with respect to transactions on an exchange.

 

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Premium/Discount Information

 

Information regarding how often the shares of the Fund traded on the Exchange at a price above (i.e., at a premium) or below (i.e., at a discount) the NAV of the Fund for various time periods can be found at www.hulltacticalfunds.com.

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

This section would ordinarily include Financial Highlights. The Financial Highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund’s performance for the Fund’s periods of operations. Because the Fund has not yet commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus, no Financial Highlights are shown.

 

HOUSEHOLDING

 

Householding is an option available to certain Fund investors. Householding is a method of delivery, based on the preference of the individual investor, in which a single copy of certain shareholder documents can be delivered to investors who share the same address, even if their accounts are registered under different names. Please contact your broker-dealer if you are interested in enrolling in householding and receiving a single copy of prospectuses and other shareholder documents, or if you are currently enrolled in householding and wish to change your householding status.

 

DISCLAIMERS

 

Shares of the Fund are not sponsored, endorsed, or promoted by Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., (the “Exchange”). The Exchange makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the shares of the Fund. The Exchange is not responsible for, nor has it participated in, the determination of the timing of, prices of, or quantities of the shares of the Fund to be issued, or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the shares are redeemable. The Exchange has no obligation or liability to owners of the shares of the Fund in connection with the administration, marketing, or trading of the shares of the Fund. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall the Exchange have any liability for any lost profits or indirect, punitive, special, or consequential damages even if notified of the possibility thereof.

 

 

 

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MRP SynthEquity® Nasdaq 100 ETF
Adviser

Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc.

5230 Carroll Canyon Road, Suite 224

San Diego, CA 92121

Trading Subadviser

Exchange Traded Concepts, LLC

10900 Hefner Pointe Drive

Suite 400

Oklahoma City, OK 73120

Administrator and Fund Accountant

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC

225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450

P.O. Box 46707

Cincinnati, Ohio 45246

Transfer Agent and Custodian

 

 

Distributor

Northern Lights Distributors, LLC

North 203rd Street, Suite 100

Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022

Compliance Consulting

Northern Lights Compliance Services

North 203rd Street, Suite 100

Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022

Legal Counsel

Practus LLP

11300 Tomahawk Creek Pkwy, Suite 310

Leawood, KS 66211

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  

 

 

Investors may find more information about the Fund in the following documents:

Statement of Additional Information: The Fund’s SAI provides additional details about the investments of the Fund and certain other additional information. A current SAI dated July 1, 2026 as supplemented from time to time, is on file with the SEC and is herein incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. It is legally considered a part of this Prospectus.

Annual/Semi-Annual Reports: Additional information about the Fund’s investments will be available in the Fund’s annual and semi-annual certified shareholder report in Form N-CSR. In the annual Certified Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance after the first fiscal year the Fund is in operation.

When available, you can obtain free copies of these documents, request other information or make general inquiries about the Fund by contacting the Fund at MRP SynthEquity®Nasdaq 100 ETF, c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, P.O. Box 46707, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246 or calling (XXX) XXX-XXXX.

Shareholder reports, the Fund’s current Prospectus and SAI and other information about the Fund are also available:

Free of charge from the SEC’s EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov; or
Free of charge from the Fund’s Internet website at SynthEquityETF.com; or
For a duplicating fee, by e-mail request to publicinfo@sec.gov.
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Investment Company Act File No. 811-22895

 

 

MRP SynthEquity® Nasdaq 100 ETF  
Ticker Symbol: [                ]

A series of Capitol Series Trust

Listed on Cboe BZX Exchange (the “Exchange”)

 

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

July [ 1 ], 2026 

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) provides general information about the MRP SynthEquity® Nasdaq 100 ETF (the “Fund”), a series of the Capitol Series Trust (the “Trust”). This SAI is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Fund’s current prospectus dated July [ 1 ], 2026 (the “Prospectus”), as supplemented and amended from time to time, which is incorporated herein by reference. Capitalized terms used herein that are not defined have the same meaning as in the Prospectus, unless otherwise noted. To obtain a copy of the Fund’s Prospectus, free of charge, please write the administrator at Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, P.O. Box 46707, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, or call Shareholder Services at [XXX-XXX-XXXX], or visit the Fund’s website at [https://synthequityetf.com.] 

The Fund’s audited financial statements for the most recent fiscal year (when available) will be incorporated into this SAI by reference to the Fund’s most recent annual Certified Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR (File No. 811-22895). When available, a copy of the Fund’s annual Certified Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR may be obtained at no charge by contacting the Fund at the address or phone number noted above.

 

1 
 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

   
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST AND THE FUND 3
EXCHANGE LISTING AND TRADING 3
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT FUND INVESTMENTS AND RISK CONSIDERATIONS 4
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS 21
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE TRUST 23
SERVICE PROVIDERS 28
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES 28
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS 30
CODE OF ETHICS 31
VOTING PROXIES OF FUND PORTFOLIO SECURITIES 31
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS DISCLOSURE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 32
SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS 33
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE 33
BOOK ENTRY ONLY SYSTEM 35
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES 36
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNITS 36
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE 40
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS, AND TAXES 41
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 49
 APPENDIX A – BOND RATINGS A-1
APPENDIX B – PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES B-1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST AND FUND

 

The Trust is an open-end investment company consisting of multiple series, including the MRP SynthEquity® Nasdaq 100 ETF (the “Fund”). The Trust was established under the laws of Ohio by an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated September 18, 2013, as amended and restated on November 18, 2021 and amended from time to time thereafter (the “Trust Agreement”). The Fund was organized as a [non-diversified] series of the Trust, at a meeting of the Board of Trustees held on March 10, 2026. Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc. (“Adviser” or “MRP”) serves as the Fund’s investment adviser.

 

The Trust Agreement permits the Trust to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest in one or more series representing interests in separate portfolios of securities. Expenses attributable to any series or class are borne by that series or class. Any general expenses of the Trust not readily identifiable as belonging to a particular series or class are allocated by or under the direction of the Trustees in such manner as the Trustees determine to be fair and equitable. No shareholder is liable to further calls or to assessment by the Trust without his or her express consent.

Under the Trust Agreement, the Board has the unrestricted right and power to alter the number of shares of the Fund that constitute a Creation Unit. Therefore, in the event of a termination of the Fund, the Board, in its sole discretion, could determine to permit the Fund’s shares to be individually redeemable. In such circumstances, the Trust might elect to pay cash redemptions to all shareholders with an “in-kind” election for shareholders owning in excess of a certain stated minimum amount.

The Fund offers and issues shares at their net asset value (“NAV”) only in aggregations of a specified number of shares (each, a “Creation Unit”). The Fund generally offers and issues Shares in exchange for a basket of securities (“Deposit Securities”) together with the deposit of a specified cash payment (“Cash Component”) The Trust also reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of a “cash in lieu” amount (“Deposit Cash”) to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Security. Shares are or will be listed on the Cboe BZX Exchange (the “Exchange”). Shares trade on the Exchange at market prices that may differ from the Shares’ NAV. Shares are also redeemable only in Creation Unit aggregations, primarily for a basket of Deposit Securities together with a Cash Component. As a practical matter, only institutions or large investors, known as “Authorized Participants” or “APs,” purchase or redeem Creation Units. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, Shares are not individually redeemable.

The Fund may impose a transaction fee in connection with the purchase and redemption of its Creation Units. Such fees will be limited in accordance with the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) applicable to management investment companies offering redeemable securities.

Once “created,” the Fund’s shares trade in the secondary market at market prices that change throughout the day.

EXCHANGE LISTING AND TRADING

A discussion of exchange listing and trading matters associated with an investment in the Fund is contained in the Prospectus. The discussion below supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, the Prospectus.

 

Shares of the Fund that are approved for listing and trading on the Exchange, subject to notice of issuance, will be available for purchase and sale through a broker-dealer at market price on each day that the Exchange is open for business (“Business Day”). The market price of the Fund’s shares may trade below, at, or above the most recently calculated NAV per share of the Fund. As is the case with other publicly traded securities, your purchase or sale of Fund shares in the secondary market will be subject to brokerage commissions which will be based on negotiated commission rates at customary levels.

 

There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of shares of the Fund will continue to be met. The Exchange may, but is not required to, remove the shares of the Fund from listing if, among other things: (i) following the initial 12-month period beginning upon the commencement of trading of Fund shares, there are fewer than 50 record and/or beneficial owners of shares of the Fund; (ii) the Fund is no longer eligible to operate in reliance on Rule 6c-11 under the 1940 Act; (iii) if any of the other listing requirements are not continuously maintained; or (iv) any event shall occur or condition shall exist that, in the opinion of the Exchange, makes further dealings on the Exchange inadvisable. The Exchange will also remove shares of the Fund from listing and trading upon termination of the Fund.

 

In order to provide investors with a basis to gauge whether the market price (and related bid/ask spread) of individual Shares traded on an Exchange is approximately consistent with the current NAV on a per Share basis, every 15 seconds throughout the Exchange’s regular trading hours, an estimated intra-day NAV (“INAV”), if applicable, is calculated and disseminated in accordance with the relevant listing standards of the Exchange. The Fund is not involved in or responsible for the calculation or dissemination of the INAV, and the Fund makes no warranty as to its accuracy. The INAV does not necessarily reflect the precise composition of the current portfolio of securities and instruments held by the Fund at a particular point in time or the best possible valuation of the current portfolio. The Fund believes that, when purchasing Shares traded on an Exchange, placing “limit orders” rather than “market orders” may help investors

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avoid excessive bid/ask spreads. The INAV should not be viewed as a “real-time” update of the NAV per Share of the Fund because (i) the INAV may not be calculated in the same manner as the NAV, which is computed once a day, generally, at the end of the business day; (ii) 1 the calculation of NAV may be subject to fair valuation at different prices than those used in the calculations of the INAV; (iii) unlike the calculation of NAV, the INAV does not take into account Fund expenses; and (iv) the INAV calculations are based on local market prices and may not reflect events that occur subsequent to the local market’s close, which could affect premiums and discounts between the INAV and the market price of the Fund’s Shares. Accordingly, a shareholder purchasing Shares of the Fund at a price calculated based upon the Shares’ INAV is subject to valuation risk. If there is a mismatch between the INAV and NAV, shareholders could lose money upon redemption or could pay too much for Shares purchased.

 

The Trust reserves the right to adjust the price levels of shares in the future to help maintain convenient trading ranges for investors. Any adjustments would be accomplished through stock splits or reverse stock splits, which would have no effect on the net assets of the Fund.

 

The base and trading currencies of the Fund is the U.S. dollar. The base currency is the currency in which the Fund’s net asset value per share is calculated and the trading currency is the currency in which shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Exchange.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT FUND INVESTMENTS AND RISK CONSIDERATIONS

 

The Fund’s investment objective and principal investment strategies are described in the Prospectus, under “Investment Objective” and “Principal Investment Strategies,” respectively. The following information supplements, and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus. For a description of certain permitted investments, see “Description of Permitted Investments” in this SAI.

 

An investment in the Fund should be made with an understanding that the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities may fluctuate in accordance with changes in the financial condition of the issuers of the portfolio securities, the value of securities generally and other factors. An investment in the Fund should also be made with an understanding of the risks inherent in an investment in securities, including the risk that the financial condition of issuers may become impaired or that the general condition of the securities markets may deteriorate (either of which may cause a decrease in the value of the portfolio securities and thus in the value of shares of the Fund). Securities are susceptible to general market fluctuations and to volatile increases and decreases in value as market confidence in and perceptions of their issuers change. These investor perceptions are based on various and unpredictable factors including expectations regarding government, economic, monetary and fiscal policies, inflation and interest rates, economic expansion or contraction, and global or regional political, economic and banking crises.

 

The investment techniques and instruments described below and in the Fund’s Prospectus may, consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and investment policies, be used by the Fund if, in the opinion of the Adviser or the Adviser, such strategies will be advantageous to the Fund. The Fund may choose not to invest in all of the instruments and techniques described below. In addition, the Fund is free to reduce or eliminate its activity with respect to any of the investment techniques described below without changing the Fund’s fundamental investment policies, and the Fund will periodically change the composition of its portfolio to best meet its investment objective. For more information about the Fund’s principal strategies and risks, please see the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

Unless otherwise specified, percentage limitations on investments as set forth in the Prospectus and this SAI will be applied at the time of investment. Therefore, these percentages could be exceeded due to a decline in the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) due to fluctuations in the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities and the liquidation of portfolio securities to fulfill repurchase requests (which the Fund’s Board has, in its sole discretion, authorized) or to pay expenses.

 

Except for the Fund’s fundamental policies listed below, no other policy of the Fund, including its investment objective, is a fundamental policy of the Fund and may be changed by the Board without the vote of such Fund’s shareholders.

 

The principal and non-principal investment strategies the Fund uses to pursue its investment objective and the risks of those strategies are discussed in the Prospectus and are incorporated herein by reference. Unless otherwise stated in the Prospectus, investment strategies and techniques are generally discretionary. This means that the Adviser may elect to engage or not engage in various strategies and techniques in its sole discretion. Investors should not assume that any particular discretionary investment technique or strategy will always or ever be employed by the Fund.

 

Description of Permitted Investments and Related Risks

 

The following are descriptions of the permitted investments and investment practices and associated risk factors. The Fund will invest in any of the following instruments or engage in any of the following investment practices only if such investment or activity is consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and permitted by the Fund’s stated investment policies. In addition, certain of the techniques and investments discussed in this SAI are not principal strategies of the Fund as disclosed in the Prospectus, and while such techniques and investments are permissible for the Fund to utilize, the Fund is not required to utilize such non-principal techniques or investments. In

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addition to the principal and non-principal investment strategies and the risks of the Fund as described in the Prospectus, the Fund may employ secondary investment practices and may be subject to additional secondary risks, which are also described below. The following is a description of secondary investment strategies and secondary risks for how the Fund might evolve, not necessarily how it currently operates.

 

General Risks

 

The value of the Fund’s portfolio securities may fluctuate with changes in the financial condition of an issuer or counterparty, changes in specific economic or political conditions that affect a particular security or issuer and changes in general economic or political conditions. An investor in the Fund could lose money over short or long periods of time.

 

There can be no guarantee that a liquid market for the securities held by the Fund will be maintained. The existence of a liquid trading market for certain securities may depend on whether dealers will make a market in such securities. There can be no assurance that a market will be made or maintained or that any such market will be or remain liquid. The price at which securities may be sold and the value of Shares will be adversely affected if trading markets for the Fund’s portfolio securities are limited or absent, or if bid/ask spreads are wide.

 

Non-Diversification

 

The Fund is classified as a non-diversified investment company under the 1940 Act. A non-diversified classification means that the Fund is not limited by the 1940 Act’s diversification requirements with regard to the percentage of its assets that may be invested in the securities of a single issuer. This means that the Fund may invest a greater portion of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a small number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund, and therefore, those issuers may constitute a greater portion of the Fund’s portfolio. This may have an adverse effect on the Fund’s performance or subject its Shares to greater price volatility than more diversified investment companies.

 

Moreover, in pursuing its objective, the Fund is permitted under the 1940 Act to hold the securities of a single issuer in an amount exceeding 10% of the value of the outstanding securities of the issuer, subject to restrictions imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Although the Fund is non-diversified for purposes of the 1940 Act, it intends to maintain the required level of diversification and otherwise conduct its operations so as to qualify as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) for purposes of the Code, and to relieve the Fund of any liability for federal income tax to the extent that its earnings are distributed to shareholders. Compliance with the diversification requirements of the Code may limit the investment flexibility of the Fund and may make it less likely that the Fund will meet its investment objectives. See “Federal Income Taxes” in this SAI for further discussion.

 

General Risks

 

The value of the Fund’s portfolio securities may fluctuate with changes in the financial condition of an issuer or counterparty, changes in specific economic or political conditions that affect a particular security or issuer and changes in general economic or political conditions. An investor in the Fund could lose money over short or long periods of time.

 

There can be no guarantee that a liquid market for the securities held by the Fund will be maintained. The existence of a liquid trading market for certain securities may depend on whether dealers will make a market in such securities. There can be no assurance that a market will be made or maintained or that any such market will be or remain liquid. The price at which securities may be sold and the value of Shares will be adversely affected if trading markets for the Fund’s portfolio securities are limited or absent, or if bid/ask spreads are wide.

 

Borrowing

 

While the Fund does not anticipate doing so, the Fund may borrow money for investment purposes. Borrowing for investment purposes is one form of leverage. Leveraging investments, by purchasing securities with borrowed money, is a speculative technique that increases investment risk, but also increases investment opportunity. Because substantially all of the Fund’s assets will fluctuate in value, whereas the interest obligations on borrowings may be fixed, the NAV per share of the Fund will increase more when the Fund’s portfolio assets increase in value and decrease more when the Fund’s portfolio assets decrease in value than would otherwise be the case. Moreover, interest costs on borrowings may fluctuate with changing market rates of interest and may partially offset or exceed the returns on the borrowed funds. Under adverse conditions, the Fund might have to sell portfolio securities to meet interest or principal payments at a time when investment considerations would not favor such sales. The Fund may use leverage during periods when the Adviser believes that the Fund’s investment objective would be furthered.

 

The Fund may also borrow money to facilitate management of the Fund’s portfolio by enabling the Fund to meet redemption requests when the liquidation of portfolio instruments would be inconvenient or disadvantageous. Such borrowing is not for investment purposes

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and will be repaid by the Fund promptly. As required by the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), the Fund must maintain continuous asset coverage (total assets, including assets acquired with borrowed funds, less liabilities exclusive of borrowings) of 300% of all amounts borrowed. If, at any time, the value of the Fund’s assets should fail to meet this 300% coverage test, the Fund, within three days (not including Sundays and holidays), will reduce the amount of the Fund’s borrowings to the extent necessary to meet this 300% coverage requirement. Maintenance of this percentage limitation may result in the sale of portfolio securities at a time when investment considerations otherwise indicate that it would be disadvantageous to do so.

 

In addition to the foregoing, the Fund is authorized to borrow money as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes in amounts not in excess of 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets. Borrowings for extraordinary or emergency purposes are not subject to the foregoing 300% asset coverage requirement. The Fund is authorized to pledge portfolio securities the Adviser deems appropriate as may be necessary in connection with any borrowings for extraordinary or emergency purposes, in which event such pledging may not exceed 15% of the Fund’s assets, valued at cost.

 

U.S. Government Securities

 

The Fund may invest in U.S. government securities. Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities include U.S. Treasury securities, which are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury and which differ only in their interest rates, maturities, and times of issuance. U.S. Treasury bills have initial maturities of one-year or less; U.S. Treasury notes have initial maturities of one to ten years; and U.S. Treasury bonds generally have initial maturities of greater than ten years. Certain U.S. government securities are issued or guaranteed by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government including, but not limited to, obligations of U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”), the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”), the Small Business Administration, the Federal Farm Credit Administration, the Federal Home Loan Banks, Banks for Cooperatives (including the Central Bank for Cooperatives), the Federal Land Banks, the Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Federal Financing Bank, the Student Loan Marketing Association, the National Credit Union Administration and the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac).

 

Some obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities, including, for example, GNMA pass- through certificates, are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Other obligations issued by or guaranteed by federal agencies, such as those securities issued by the FNMA, are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the federal agency, while other obligations issued by or guaranteed by federal agencies, such as those of the Federal Home Loan Banks, are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, while the U.S. government provides financial support to such U.S. government-sponsored federal agencies, no assurance can be given that the U.S. government will always do so, since the U.S. government is not so obligated by law. U.S. Treasury notes and bonds typically pay coupon interest semi-annually and repay the principal at maturity.

 

On September 7, 2008, the U.S. Treasury announced a federal takeover of the FNMA and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”), placing the two federal instrumentalities in conservatorship. Under the takeover, the U.S. Treasury agreed to acquire $1 billion of senior preferred stock of each instrumentality and obtained warrants for the purchase of common stock of each instrumentality (the “Senior Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement” or “Agreement”). Under the Agreement, the U.S. Treasury pledged to provide up to $200 billion per instrumentality as needed, including the contribution of cash capital to the instrumentalities in the event their liabilities exceed their assets. This was intended to ensure that the instrumentalities maintain a positive net worth and meet their financial obligations, preventing mandatory triggering of receivership. As a result of this Agreement, the investments of holders, including the Fund, of mortgage-backed securities and other obligations issued by the FNMA and Freddie Mac are protected.

 

On December 24, 2009, the U.S. Treasury amended the Agreement to allow the $200 billion cap on the U.S. Treasury’s funding commitment to increase as necessary to accommodate any cumulative reduction in net worth over the next three years. On August 17, 2012, the U.S. Treasury announced the Third Amendment to the Agreement that recalibrated the calculation of the quarterly dividends that Freddie Mac pays to the U.S. Treasury which eliminated the need for Freddie Mac circularly to borrow from the U.S. Treasury only then to pay dividends back to the U.S. Treasury. The Third Amendment suspended the periodic commitment fee for so long as the dividend amounts were based on net worth. The Third Amendment also eliminated the requirement that Freddie Mac obtain the U.S. Treasury’s consent for asset dispositions with a fair market value (individually or in aggregate) of less than $250 million, but required Freddie Mac to submit annual risk management plans to the U.S. Treasury. On December 21, 2017, a letter agreement between the U.S. Treasury and Freddie Mac changed the terms of the senior preferred stock certificates to permit Freddie Mac to retain a $3 billion capital reserve, quarterly. On September 30, 2019, the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), acting as Conservator to Freddie Mac, announced amendments to the senior preferred stock certificates that will permit Freddie Mac to retain earnings beyond the $3 billion capital reserves previously allowed through the letter agreements. Since January 6, 2014, FHFA has conducted an ongoing assessment of its obligations and statutory mandates in preparation for Freddie Mac’s eventual exit from conservatorship.

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Derivative Instruments

 

Generally, derivatives are financial instruments whose value depends on or is derived from, the value of one or more underlying assets, reference rates, or indices or other market factors (a “reference instrument”) and may relate to stocks, bonds, interest rates, credit, currencies, commodities or related indices. Derivative instruments can provide an efficient means to gain or reduce exposure to the value of a reference instrument without actually owning or selling the instrument. Some common types of derivatives include options, futures, forwards and swaps.

 

In addition to the uses described in the Prospectus, derivative instruments may be used to modify the effective duration of the Fund’s portfolio investments. Derivative instruments may also be used for “hedging,” which means that they may be used when the Adviser or Adviser seeks to protect the Fund’s investments from a decline in value resulting from changes to interest rates, market prices, currency fluctuations, or other market factors. Derivative instruments may also be used for a variety of other purposes, including seeking to increase liquidity, provide efficient portfolio management, broaden investment opportunities (including taking short or negative positions), implement a tax or cash management strategy, gain exposure to a particular security or segment of the market and/or enhance total return. However derivative instruments are used, their successful use is not assured and will depend upon, among other factors, the Adviser’s or Adviser’s ability to gauge relevant market movements.

 

Derivative instruments may be used for the purpose of direct hedging. Direct hedging means that the transaction must be intended to reduce a specific risk exposure of a portfolio security or its denominated currency and must also be directly related to such security or currency. The Fund’s use of derivative instruments may be limited from time to time by policies adopted by the Board, the Adviser or the Adviser.

 

SEC Rule 18f-4 (“Rule 18f-4” or the “Derivatives Rule”) regulates the ability of the Fund to enter into derivative transactions and other leveraged transactions. The Derivatives Rule defines the term “derivatives” to include short sales and forward contracts, such as TBA transactions, in addition to instruments traditionally classified as derivatives, such as swaps, futures, and options. Rule 18f-4 also regulates other types of leveraged transactions, such as reverse repurchase transactions and transactions deemed to be “similar to” reverse repurchase transactions, such as certain securities lending transactions in connection with which the Fund obtains leverage. Among other things, under Rule 18f-4, the Fund is prohibited from entering into these derivatives transactions except in reliance on the provisions of the Derivatives Rule. The Derivatives Rule establishes limits on the derivatives transactions that the Fund may enter into based on the value-at-risk (“VaR”) of the Fund inclusive of derivatives. The Fund will generally satisfy the limits under the Rule if the VaR of its portfolio (inclusive of derivatives transactions) does not exceed 200% of the VaR of its “designated reference portfolio.” The “designated reference portfolio” is a representative unleveraged index or the Fund’s own portfolio absent derivatives holdings, as determined by the Fund’s derivatives risk manager. This limits test is referred to as the “Relative VaR Test.” If a Fund determines that the Relative VaR Test is not appropriate in light of its strategy, subject to specified conditions, the Fund may instead comply with the “Absolute VaR Test.” A Fund will satisfy the Absolute VaR Test if the VaR of its portfolio does not exceed 20% of the value of the Fund’s net assets. 3 In addition, among other requirements, Rule 18f-4 requires the Fund to establish a derivatives risk management program, appoint a derivatives risk manager, and carry out enhanced reporting to the Board, the SEC and the public regarding the Fund’s derivatives activities. These new requirements will apply unless the Fund qualifies as a “limited derivatives user,” which the Derivatives Rule defines as a fund that limits its derivatives exposure to 10% of its net assets. It is possible that the limits and compliance costs imposed by the Derivatives Rule may adversely affect the Fund’s performance, efficiency in implementing its strategy, liquidity and/or ability to pursue its investment objectives and may increase the cost of the Fund’s investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect investors.

 

Options on futures contracts. Options on futures contracts trade on the same contract markets as the underlying futures contract. When the Fund buys an option, it pays a premium for the right, but does not have the obligation, to purchase (call) or sell (put) a futures contract at a set price (the exercise price). The purchase of a call or put option on a futures contract, whereby the Fund has the right to purchase or sell, respectively, a particular futures contract, is similar in some respects to the purchase of a call or put option on an individual security or currency. Depending on the premium paid for the option compared to either the price of the futures contract upon which it is based or the price of the underlying reference instrument, the option may be less risky than direct ownership of the futures contract or the underlying reference instrument. For example, the Fund could purchase a call option on a long futures contract when seeking to hedge against an increase in the market value of the underlying reference instrument, such as appreciation in the value of a non-U.S. currency against the U.S. dollar.

 

The seller (writer) of an option becomes contractually obligated to take the opposite futures position if the buyer of the option exercises its rights to the futures position specified in the option. In return for the premium paid by the buyer, the seller assumes the risk of taking a possibly adverse futures position. In addition, the seller will be required to post and maintain initial and variation margin with the FCM. One goal of selling (writing) options on futures may be to receive the premium paid by the option buyer. For more general information about the mechanics of purchasing and writing options, see “Options” below.

 

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Risks of options on futures contracts. The Fund’s use of options on futures contracts is subject to the risks related to derivative instruments generally. In addition, the amount of risk the Fund assumes when it purchases an option on a futures contract is the premium paid for the option plus related transaction costs. The purchase of an option also entails the risk that changes in the value of the underlying futures contract will not be fully reflected in the value of the option purchased. The seller (writer) of an option on a futures contract is subject to the risk of having to take a possibly adverse futures position if the purchaser of the option exercises its rights. If the seller were required to take such a position, it could bear substantial losses. An option writer has potentially unlimited economic risk because its potential loss, except to the extent offset by the premium received, is equal to the amount the option is “in-the-money” at the expiration date. A call option is in-the-money if the value of the underlying futures contract exceeds the exercise price of the option. A put option is in-the-money if the exercise price of the option exceeds the value of the underlying futures contract.

 

Options. An option is a contract that gives the purchaser of the option, in return for the premium paid, the right to buy an underlying reference instrument, such as a specified security, currency, index, or other instrument, from the writer of the option (in the case of a call option), or to sell a specified reference instrument to the writer of the option (in the case of a put option) at a designated price during the term of the option. The premium paid by the buyer of an option will reflect, among other things, the relationship of the exercise price to the market price and the volatility of the underlying reference instrument, the remaining term of the option, supply, demand, interest rates and/or currency exchange rates. An American style put or call option may be exercised at any time during the option period while a European style put or call option may be exercised only upon expiration or during a fixed period prior thereto. Put and call options are traded on national securities exchanges and in the OTC market.

 

Options traded on national securities exchanges are within the jurisdiction of the SEC or other appropriate national securities regulator, as are securities traded on such exchanges. As a result, many of the protections provided to traders on organized exchanges will be available with respect to such transactions. In particular, all option positions entered into on a national securities exchange in the United States are cleared and guaranteed by the Options Clearing Corporation, thereby reducing the risk of counterparty default. Furthermore, a liquid secondary market in options traded on a national securities exchange may be more readily available than in the OTC market, potentially permitting the Fund to liquidate open positions at a profit prior to exercise or expiration, or to limit losses in the event of adverse market movements. There is no assurance, however, that higher than anticipated trading activity or other unforeseen events might not temporarily render the capabilities of the Options Clearing Corporation inadequate, and thereby result in the exchange instituting special procedures which may interfere with the timely execution of the Fund’s orders to close out open options positions.

 

Purchasing call and put options. As the buyer of a call option, the Fund has a right to buy the underlying reference instrument (e.g., a currency or security) at the exercise price at any time during the option period (for American style options). The Fund may enter into closing sale transactions with respect to call options, exercise them, or permit them to expire. For example, the Fund may buy call options on underlying reference instruments that it intends to buy with the goal of limiting the risk of a substantial increase in their market price before the purchase is effected. Unless the price of the underlying reference instrument changes sufficiently, a call option purchased by the Fund may expire without any value to the Fund, in which case the Fund would experience a loss to the extent of the premium paid for the option plus related transaction costs.

 

As the buyer of a put option, the Fund has the right to sell the underlying reference instrument at the exercise price at any time during the option period (for American style options). Like a call option, the Fund may enter into closing sale transactions with respect to put options, exercise them or permit them to expire. The Fund may buy a put option on an underlying reference instrument owned by the Fund (a protective put) as a hedging technique in an attempt to protect against an anticipated decline in the market value of the underlying reference instrument. Such hedge protection is provided only during the life of the put option when the Fund, as the buyer of the put option, is able to sell the underlying reference instrument at the put exercise price, regardless of any decline in the underlying instrument’s market price. The Fund may also seek to offset a decline in the value of the underlying reference instrument through appreciation in the value of the put option. A put option may also be purchased with the intent of protecting unrealized appreciation of an instrument when the Adviser deems it desirable to continue to hold the instrument because of tax or other considerations. The premium paid for the put option and any transaction costs would reduce any short-term capital gain that may be available for distribution when the instrument is eventually sold. Buying put options at a time when the buyer does not own the underlying reference instrument allows the buyer to benefit from a decline in the market price of the underlying reference instrument, which generally increases the value of the put option.

 

If a put option was not terminated in a closing sale transaction when it has remaining value, and if the market price of the underlying reference instrument remains equal to or greater than the exercise price during the life of the put option, the buyer would not make any gain upon exercise of the option and would experience a loss to the extent of the premium paid for the option plus related transaction costs. In order for the purchase of a put option to be profitable, the market price of the underlying reference instrument must decline sufficiently below the exercise price to cover the premium and transaction costs.

 

Writing call and put options. Writing options may permit the writer to generate additional income in the form of the premium received for writing the option. The writer of an option may have no control over when the underlying reference instruments must be sold (in the case of a call option) or purchased (in the case of a put option) because the writer may be notified of exercise at any time prior to the

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expiration of the option (for American style options). In general, though, options are infrequently exercised prior to expiration. Whether or not an option expires unexercised, the writer retains the amount of the premium. Writing “covered” call options means that the writer owns the underlying reference instrument that is subject to the call option. Call options may also be written on reference instruments that the writer does not own.

 

As the writer of a covered call option, the Fund gives up the potential for capital appreciation above the exercise price of the option should the underlying reference instrument rise in value. If the value of the underlying reference instrument rises above the exercise price of the call option, the reference instrument will likely be “called away,” requiring the Fund to sell the underlying instrument at the exercise price. In that case, the Fund will sell the underlying reference instrument to the option buyer for less than its market value, and the Fund will experience a loss (which will be offset by the premium received by the Fund as the writer of such option). If a call option expires unexercised, the Fund will realize a gain in the amount of the premium received. If the market price of the underlying reference instrument decreases, the call option will not be exercised and the Fund will be able to use the amount of the premium received to hedge against the loss in value of the underlying reference instrument. The exercise price of a call option will be chosen based upon the expected price movement of the underlying reference instrument. The exercise price of a call option may be below, equal to (at-the money), or above the current value of the underlying reference instrument at the time the option is written.

 

As the writer of a put option, the Fund has a risk of loss should the underlying reference instrument decline in value. If the value of the underlying reference instrument declines below the exercise price of the put option and the put option is exercised, the Fund, as the writer of the put option, will be required to buy the instrument at the exercise price, which will exceed the market value of the underlying reference instrument at that time. The Fund will incur a loss to the extent that the current market value of the underlying reference instrument is less than the exercise price of the put option. However, the loss will be offset in part by the premium received from the buyer of the put. If a put option written by the Fund expires unexercised, the Fund will realize a gain in the amount of the premium received.

 

Closing out options (exchange-traded options). If the writer of an option wants to terminate its obligation, the writer may effect a “closing purchase transaction” by buying an option of the same series as the option previously written. The effect of the purchase is that the clearing corporation will cancel the option writer’s position. However, a writer may not effect a closing purchase transaction after being notified of the exercise of an option. Likewise, the buyer of an option may recover all or a portion of the premium that it paid by effecting a “closing sale transaction” by selling an option of the same series as the option previously purchased and receiving a premium on the sale. There is no guarantee that either a closing purchase or a closing sale transaction may be made at a time desired by the Fund. Closing transactions allow the Fund to terminate its positions in written and purchased options. The Fund will realize a profit from a closing transaction if the price of the transaction is less than the premium received from writing the original option (in the case of written options) or is more than the premium paid by the Fund to buy the option (in the case of purchased options). For example, increases in the market price of a call option sold by the Fund will generally reflect increases in the market price of the underlying reference instrument. As a result, any loss resulting from a closing transaction on a written call option is likely to be offset in whole or in part by appreciation of the underlying instrument owned by the Fund.

 

Over-the-counter options. Like exchange-traded options, OTC options give the holder the right to buy from the writer, in the case of OTC call options, or sell to the writer, in the case of OTC put options, an underlying reference instrument at a stated exercise price. OTC options, however, differ from exchange-traded options in certain material respects.

 

OTC options are arranged directly with dealers and not with a clearing corporation or exchange. Consequently, there is a risk of nonperformance by the dealer, including because of the dealer’s bankruptcy or insolvency. While the Fund uses only counterparties, such as dealers, that meet its credit quality standards, in unusual or extreme market conditions, a counterparty’s creditworthiness and ability to perform may deteriorate rapidly, and the availability of suitable replacement counterparties may become limited. Because there is no exchange, pricing is typically done based on information from market makers or other dealers. OTC options are available for a greater variety of underlying reference instruments and in a wider range of expiration dates and exercise prices than exchange-traded options.

 

There can be no assurance that a continuous liquid secondary market will exist for any particular OTC option at any specific time. The Fund may be able to realize the value of an OTC option it has purchased only by exercising it or entering into a closing sale transaction with the dealer that issued it. When the Fund writes an OTC option, it generally can close out that option prior to its expiration only by entering into a closing purchase transaction with the dealer with which the Fund originally wrote the option. The Fund may suffer a loss if it is not able to exercise (in the case of a purchased option) or enter into a closing sale transaction on a timely basis.

 

The staff of the SEC has taken the position that purchased OTC options on securities are considered illiquid securities. Pending a change in the staff’s position, the Fund will treat such OTC options on securities as illiquid and subject to the Fund’s limitation on illiquid securities.

 

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Interest rate caps. An interest rate cap is a type of OTC option. The buyer of an interest rate cap pays a premium to the seller in exchange for payments at set intervals for which a floating interest rate exceeds an agreed upon interest rate. The floating interest rate may be tied to a reference rate, a long-term swap rate or other benchmark. The amount of each payment is determined by reference to a specified “notional” amount of money. Interest rate caps do not involve the delivery of securities, other underlying instruments, or principal amounts. Accordingly, barring counterparty risk, the risk of loss to the purchaser of an interest rate cap is limited to the amount of the premium paid.

 

An interest rate cap can be used to increase or decrease exposure to various interest rates, including to hedge interest rate risk. By purchasing an interest rate cap, the buyer of the cap can benefit from rising interest rates while limiting its downside risk to the amount of the premium paid. If the Fund buys an interest rate cap and the Adviser is correct at predicting the direction of interest rates, the interest rate cap will increase in value. But if the Adviser is incorrect at predicting the direction, the interest rate cap will expire worthless.

 

By writing (selling) an interest rate cap, the seller of the cap can benefit by receiving a premium in exchange for assuming an obligation to make payments at set intervals for which a floating interest rate exceeds an agreed upon interest rate. If interest rates rise above the agreed upon cap, the seller’s obligation to make payments may result in losses in excess of the premium received.

 

Correctly predicting the value of an interest rate cap requires an understanding of the referenced interest rate, and the Fund bears the risk that the Adviser will not correctly forecast future market events, such as interest rate movements. Interest rate caps also involve the risks associated with derivative instruments generally, as described herein, including the risks associated with OTC options.

 

Risks of options. The Fund’s options investments involve certain risks, including general risks related to derivative instruments. There can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular option, or at any particular time, and the Fund may have difficulty effecting closing transactions in particular options. Therefore, the Fund would have to exercise the options it purchased in order to realize any profit, thus taking or making delivery of the underlying reference instrument when not desired. The Fund could then incur transaction costs upon the sale of the underlying reference instruments. Similarly, when the Fund cannot affect a closing transaction with respect to a put option it wrote, and the buyer exercises, the Fund would be required to take delivery and would incur transaction costs upon the sale of the underlying reference instruments purchased. If the Fund, as a covered call option writer, is unable to affect a closing purchase transaction in a secondary market, it will not be able to sell the underlying reference instrument until the option expires, it delivers the underlying instrument upon exercise, or it segregates enough liquid assets to purchase the underlying reference instrument at the marked-to-market price during the term of the option. When trading options on non-U.S. exchanges or in the OTC market, many of the protections afforded to exchange participants will not be available. For example, there may be no daily price fluctuation limits, and adverse market movements could therefore continue to an unlimited extent over an indefinite period of time.

 

The effectiveness of an options strategy for hedging depends on the degree to which price movements in the underlying reference instruments correlate with price movements in the relevant portion of the Fund’s portfolio that is being hedged. In addition, the Fund bears the risk that the prices of its portfolio investments will not move in the same amount as the option it has purchased or sold for hedging purposes, or that there may be a negative correlation that would result in a loss on both the investments and the option. If the Adviser is not successful in using options in managing the Fund’s investments, the Fund’s performance will be worse than if the Adviser did not employ such strategies.

 

Swaps. Generally, swap agreements are contracts between the Fund and another party (the swap counterparty) involving the exchange of payments on specified terms over periods ranging from a few days to multiple years. A swap agreement may be negotiated bilaterally and traded OTC between the two parties (for an uncleared swap) or, in some instances, must be transacted through an FCM and cleared through a clearinghouse that serves as a central counterparty (for a cleared swap). In a basic swap transaction, the Fund agrees with the swap counterparty to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) and/or cash flows earned or realized on a particular “notional amount” or value of predetermined underlying reference instruments. The notional amount is the set dollar or other value selected by the parties to use as the basis on which to calculate the obligations that the parties to a swap agreement have agreed to exchange. The parties typically do not actually exchange the notional amount. Instead, they agree to exchange the returns that would be earned or realized if the notional amount were invested in given investments or at given interest rates. Examples of returns that may be exchanged in a swap agreement are those of a particular security, a particular fixed or variable interest rate, a particular non-U.S. currency, or a “basket” of securities representing a particular index. Swaps can also be based on credit and other events. The Fund will generally enter into swap agreements on a net basis, which means that the two payment streams that are to be made by the Fund and its counterparty with respect to a particular swap agreement are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net difference in the two payments. The Fund’s obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement that is entered into on a net basis will generally be the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the obligations of each party upon termination of the agreement or at set valuation dates. The Fund will accrue its obligations under a swap agreement daily (offset by any amounts the counterparty owes the Fund). If the swap agreement does not provide for that type of netting, the full amount of the Fund’s obligations will be accrued on a daily basis.

 

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Comprehensive swaps regulation. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) and related regulatory developments imposed comprehensive regulatory requirements on swaps and swap market participants. The regulatory framework includes: (1) registration and regulation of swap dealers and major swap participants; (2) requiring central clearing and execution of standardized swaps; (3) imposing margin requirements on swap transactions; (4) regulating and monitoring swap transactions through position limits and large trader reporting requirements; and (5) imposing record keeping and centralized and public reporting requirements, on an anonymous basis, for most swaps. The CFTC is responsible for the regulation of most swaps. The SEC has jurisdiction over a small segment of the market referred to as “security-based swaps,” which includes swaps on single securities or credits, or narrow-based indices of securities or credits.

 

Uncleared swaps. In an uncleared swap, the swap counterparty is typically a brokerage firm, bank or other financial institution. The Fund customarily enter into uncleared swaps based on the standard terms and conditions of an International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) Master Agreement. ISDA is a voluntary industry association of participants in the over-the-counter derivatives markets that has developed standardized contracts used by such participants that have agreed to be bound by such standardized contracts. In the event that one party to a swap transaction defaults and the transaction is terminated prior to its scheduled termination date, one of the parties may be required to make an early termination payment to the other. An early termination payment may be payable by either the defaulting or non-defaulting party, depending upon which of them is “in-the-money” with respect to the swap at the time of its termination. Early termination payments may be calculated in various ways, but are intended to approximate the amount the “in-the money” party would have to pay to replace the swap as of the date of its termination.

 

During the term of an uncleared swap, the Fund is required to pledge to the swap counterparty, from time to time, an amount of cash and/or other assets equal to the total net amount (if any) that would be payable by the Fund to the counterparty if all outstanding swaps between the parties were terminated on the date in question, including any early termination payments (“variation margin”). Periodically, changes in the amount pledged are made to recognize changes in value of the contract resulting from, among other things, interest on the notional value of the contract, market value changes in the underlying investment, and/or dividends paid by the issuer of the underlying instrument. Likewise, the counterparty will be required to pledge cash or other assets to cover its obligations to the Fund. However, the amount pledged may not always be equal to or more than the amount due to the other party. Therefore, if a counterparty defaults in its obligations to the Fund, the amount pledged by the counterparty and available to the Fund may not be sufficient to cover all the amounts due to the Fund and the Fund may sustain a loss.

 

Currently, the Fund does not intend to typically provide initial margin in connection with uncleared swaps. However, rules requiring initial margin for uncleared swaps have been adopted and are being phased in over time. When these rules take effect, if the Fund is deemed to have material swaps exposure under applicable swap regulations, the Fund will be required to post initial margin in addition to variation margin.

 

Cleared swaps. Certain standardized swaps are subject to mandatory central clearing and exchange-trading. The Dodd-Frank Act and implementing rules will ultimately require the clearing and exchange-trading of many swaps. Mandatory exchange-trading and clearing will occur on a phased-in basis based on the type of market participant, CFTC approval of contracts for central clearing and public trading facilities making such cleared swaps available to trade. To date, the CFTC has designated only certain of the most common types of credit default index swaps and interest rate swaps as subject to mandatory clearing and certain public trading facilities have made certain of those cleared swaps available to trade, but it is expected that additional categories of swaps will in the future be designated as subject to mandatory clearing and trade execution requirements. Central clearing is intended to reduce counterparty credit risk and increase liquidity, but central clearing does not eliminate these risks and may involve additional costs and risks not involved with uncleared swaps. See “Risks of cleared swaps” below.

 

In a cleared swap, the Fund’s ultimate counterparty is a central clearinghouse rather than a brokerage firm, bank or other financial institution. Cleared swaps are submitted for clearing through each party’s FCM, which must be a member of the clearinghouse that serves as the central counterparty. Transactions executed on a swap execution facility (“SEF”) may increase market transparency and liquidity but may require the Fund to incur increased expenses to access the same types of swaps that it has used in the past. When the Fund enters into a cleared swap, it must deliver to the central counterparty (via the FCM) an amount referred to as “initial margin.” Initial margin requirements are determined by the central counterparty and are typically calculated as an amount equal to the volatility in market value of the cleared swap over a fixed period, but an FCM may require additional initial margin above the amount required by the central counterparty. During the term of the swap agreement, a “variation margin” amount may also be required to be paid by the Fund or may be received by the Fund in accordance with margin controls set for such accounts. If the value of the Fund’s cleared swap declines, the Fund will be required to make additional “variation margin” payments to the FCM to settle the change in value. Conversely, if the market value of the Fund’s position increases, the FCM will post additional “variation margin” to the Fund’s account. At the conclusion of the term of the swap agreement, if the Fund has a loss equal to or greater than the margin amount, the margin amount is paid to the FCM along with any loss in excess of the margin amount. If the Fund has a loss of less than the margin amount, the excess margin is returned to the Fund. If the Fund has a gain, the full margin amount and the amount of the gain is paid to the Fund.

 

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Credit default swaps. The “buyer” of protection in a credit default swap agreement is obligated to pay the “seller” a periodic stream of payments over the term of the agreement in return for a payment by the “seller” that is contingent upon the occurrence of a credit event with respect to a specific underlying reference debt obligation (whether as a single debt instrument or as part of an index of debt instruments). The contingent payment by the seller generally is the face amount of the debt obligation, in return for the buyer’s obligation to make periodic cash payments and deliver in physical form the reference debt obligation or a cash payment equal to the then-current market value of that debt obligation at the time of the credit event. If no credit event occurs, the seller would receive a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the contract, while the buyer would lose the amount of its payments and recover nothing. The buyer is also subject to the risk that the seller will not satisfy its contingent payment obligation, if and when due.

 

Purchasing protection through a credit default swap may be used to attempt to hedge against a decline in the value of debt security or securities due to a credit event. The seller of protection under a credit default swap receives periodic payments from the buyer but is exposed to the risk that the value of the reference debt obligation declines due to a credit event and that it will have to pay the face amount of the reference obligation to the buyer. Selling protection under a credit default swap may also permit the seller to gain exposure that is similar to owning the reference debt obligation directly. As the seller of protection, the Fund would effectively add leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total assets, the Fund would be subject to the risk that there would be a credit event and the Fund would have to make a substantial payment in the future.

 

Generally, a credit event means bankruptcy, failure to timely pay interest or principal, obligation acceleration or default, or repudiation or restructuring of the reference debt obligation. There may be disputes between the buyer or seller of a credit default swap agreement or within the swaps market as a whole as to whether or not a credit event has occurred or what the payout should be which could result in litigation. In some instances where there is a dispute in the credit default swap market, a regional Determinations Committee set up by ISDA may make an official binding determination regarding the existence of credit events with respect to the reference debt obligation of a credit default swap agreement or, in the case of a credit default swap on an index, with respect to a component of the index underlying the credit default swap agreement. In the case of a credit default swap on an index, the existence of a credit event is determined according to the index methodology, which may in turn refer to determinations made by ISDA’s Determinations Committees with respect to particular components of the index.

 

ISDA’s Determinations Committees are comprised principally of dealers in the OTC derivatives markets which may have a conflicting interest in the determination regarding the existence of a particular credit event. In addition, in the sovereign debt market, a credit default swap agreement may not provide the protection generally anticipated because the government issuer of the sovereign debt instruments may be able to restructure or renegotiate the debt in such a manner as to avoid triggering a credit event. Moreover, (1) sovereign debt obligations may not incorporate common, commercially acceptable provisions, such as collective action clauses, or (2) the negotiated restructuring of the sovereign debt may be deemed non-mandatory on all holders. As a result, the determination committee might then not be able to determine, or may be able to avoid having to determine, that a credit event under the credit default agreement has occurred.

 

For these and other reasons, the buyer of protection in a credit default swap agreement is subject to the risk that certain occurrences, such as particular restructuring events affecting the value of the underlying reference debt obligation, or the restructuring of sovereign debt, may not be deemed credit events under the credit default swap agreement. Therefore, if the credit default swap was purchased as a hedge or to take advantage of an anticipated increase in the value of credit protection for the underlying reference obligation, it may not provide any hedging benefit or otherwise increase in value as anticipated. Similarly, the seller of protection in a credit default swap agreement is subject to the risk that certain occurrences may be deemed to be credit events under the credit default swap agreement, even if these occurrences do not adversely impact the value or creditworthiness of the underlying reference debt obligation.

 

Interest rate swaps. An interest rate swap is an agreement between two parties to exchange interest rate payment obligations. Typically, one party’s obligation is based on an interest rate fixed to maturity while the other party’s obligation is based on an interest rate that changes in accordance with changes in a designated benchmark (for example, SOFR, prime rate, commercial paper rate, or other benchmarks). Alternatively, both payment obligations may be based on an interest rate that changes in accordance with changes in a designated benchmark (also known as a “basis swap”). In a basis swap, the rates may be based on different benchmarks (for example, SOFR versus commercial paper) or on different terms of the same benchmark (for example, one-month SOFR versus three-month SOFR). Each party’s payment obligation under an interest rate swap is determined by reference to a specified “notional” amount of money. Therefore, interest rate swaps generally do not involve the delivery of securities, other underlying instruments, or principal amounts; rather they entail the exchange of cash payments based on the application of the designated interest rates to the notional amount. Accordingly, barring swap counterparty or FCM default, the risk of loss in an interest rate swap is limited to the net amount of interest payments that the Fund is obligated to make or receive (as applicable), as well as any early termination payment payable by or to the Fund upon early termination of the swap.

 

By swapping fixed interest rate payments for floating payments, an interest rate swap can be used to increase or decrease the Fund’s exposure to various interest rates, including to hedge interest rate risk. Interest rate swaps are generally used to permit the party seeking a floating rate obligation the opportunity to acquire such obligation at a rate lower than is directly available in the credit markets, while permitting the party desiring a fixed-rate obligation the opportunity to acquire such a fixed-rate obligation, also frequently at a rate lower

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than is directly available in the credit markets. The success of such a transaction depends in large part on the availability of fixed-rate obligations at interest (or coupon) rates low enough to cover the costs involved. Similarly, a basis swap can be used to increase or decrease the Fund’s exposure to various interest rates, including to hedge against or speculate on the spread between the two indexes, or to manage duration. An interest rate swap transaction is affected by change in interest rates, which, in turn, may affect the prepayment rate of any underlying debt obligations upon which the interest rate swap is based.

 

Inflation index swaps. An inflation index swap is a contract between two parties, whereby one party makes payments based on the cumulative percentage increase in an index that serves as a measure of inflation (typically, the Consumer Price Index) and the other party makes a regular payment based on a compounded fixed rate. Each party’s payment obligation under the swap is determined by reference to a specified “notional” amount of money. Typically, an inflation index swap has payment obligations netted and exchanged upon maturity. The value of an inflation index swap is expected to change in response to changes in the rate of inflation. If inflation increases at a faster rate than anticipated at the time the swap is entered into, the swap will increase in value. Similarly, if inflation increases at a rate slower than anticipated at the time the swap is entered into, the swap will decrease in value.

 

Equity total return swaps. A total return swap (also sometimes referred to as a synthetic equity swap or “contract for difference” when written with respect to an equity security or basket of equity securities) is an agreement between two parties under which the parties agree to make payments to each other so as to replicate the economic consequences that would apply had a purchase or short sale of the underlying reference instrument or index thereof taken place. For example, one party agrees to pay the other party the total return earned or realized on the notional amount of an underlying equity security and any dividends declared with respect to that equity security. In return the other party makes payments, typically at a floating rate, calculated based on the notional amount.

 

Options on swap agreements. An option on a swap agreement generally is an OTC option (see the discussion above on OTC options) that gives the buyer of the option the right, but not the obligation, in return for payment of a premium to the seller, to enter into a previously negotiated swap agreement, or to extend, terminate or otherwise modify the terms of an existing swap agreement. The writer (seller) of an option on a swap agreement receives premium payments from the buyer and, in exchange, becomes obligated to enter into or modify an underlying swap agreement upon the exercise of the option by the buyer. When the Fund purchases an option on a swap agreement, it risks losing only the amount of the premium it has paid should it decide to let the option expire unexercised, plus any related transaction costs.

 

There can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular option on a swap agreement, or at any particular time, and the Fund may have difficulty affecting closing transactions in particular options on swap agreements. Therefore, the Fund may have to exercise the options that it purchases in order to realize any profit and take delivery of the underlying swap agreement. The Fund could then incur transaction costs upon the sale or closing out of the underlying swap agreement. In the event that the option on a swap is exercised, the counterparty for such option would be the same counterparty with whom the Fund entered into the underlying swap.

 

However, if the Fund writes (sells) an option on a swap agreement, the Fund is bound by the terms of the underlying swap agreement upon exercise of the option by the buyer, which may result in losses to the Fund in excess of the premium it received. Options on swap agreements involve the risks associated with derivative instruments generally, as described above, as well as the additional risks associated with both options and swaps generally.

 

Options on swap agreements are considered to be swaps for purposes of CFTC regulation. Although they are traded OTC, the CFTC may in the future designate certain options on swaps as subject to mandatory clearing. For more information, see “Cleared swaps” and “Risks of cleared swaps.”

 

An option on an interest rate swap (also sometimes referred to as a “swaption”) is a contract that gives the purchaser the right, but not the obligation, in return for payment of a premium, to enter into a new interest rate swap. A pay fixed option on an interest rate swap gives the buyer the right to establish a position in an interest rate swap where the buyer will pay (and the writer will receive) the fixed rate cash flows and receive (and the writer will pay) the floating-rate cash flows. In general, most options on interest rate swaps are “European” exercise, which means that they can only be exercised at the end of the option term. Depending on the movement of interest rates between the time of purchase and expiration, the value of the underlying interest rate swap and therefore also the value of the option on the interest rate swap will change.

 

An option on a credit default swap is a contract that gives the buyer the right (but not the obligation), in return for payment of a premium to the option seller, to enter into a new credit default swap on a reference entity at a predetermined spread on a future date. This spread is the price at which the contract is executed (the option strike price). Similar to a put option, in a payer option on a credit default swap, the option buyer pays a premium to the option seller for the right, but not the obligation, to buy credit protection on a reference entity (e.g., a particular portfolio security) at a predetermined spread on a future date. Similar to a call option, in a receiver option on a credit default swap the option buyer pays a premium for the right, but not the obligation to sell credit default swap protection on a reference entity or index. Depending on the movement of market spreads with respect to the particular referenced debt securities between the time of purchase and expiration of the option, the value of the underlying credit default swap and therefore the value of the option will change.

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Options on credit default swaps currently are traded OTC and the specific terms of each option on a credit default swap are negotiated directly with the counterparty.

 

Risks of swaps generally. The use of swap transactions is a highly specialized activity, which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. Whether the Fund will be successful in using swap agreements to achieve its investment goal depends on the ability of the Adviser correctly to predict which types of investments are likely to produce greater returns. If the Adviser, in using swap agreements, is incorrect in its forecasts of market values, interest rates, inflation, currency exchange rates or other applicable factors, the investment performance of the Fund will be less than its performance would have been if it had not used the swap agreements.

 

The risk of loss to the Fund for swap transactions that are entered into on a net basis depends on which party is obligated to pay the net amount to the other party. If the counterparty is obligated to pay the net amount to the Fund, the risk of loss to the Fund is loss of the entire amount that the Fund is entitled to receive. If the Fund is obligated to pay the net amount, the Fund’s risk of loss is generally limited to that net amount. If the swap agreement involves the exchange of the entire principal value of a security, the entire principal value of that security is subject to the risk that the other party to the swap will default on its contractual delivery obligations. In addition, the Fund’s risk of loss also includes any margin at risk in the event of default by the counterparty (in an uncleared swap) or the central counterparty or FCM (in a cleared swap), plus any transaction costs.

 

Because bilateral swap agreements are structured as two-party contracts and may have terms of greater than seven days, these swaps may be considered to be illiquid and, therefore, subject to the Fund’s limitation on investments in illiquid securities. If a swap transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid, the Fund may not be able to establish or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant losses. Participants in the swap markets are not required to make continuous markets in the swap contracts they trade. Participants could refuse to quote prices for swap contracts or quote prices with an unusually widespread between the price at which they are prepared to buy and the price at which they are prepared to sell. Some swap agreements entail complex terms and may require a greater degree of subjectivity in their valuation. However, the swap markets have grown substantially in recent years, with a large number of financial institutions acting both as principals and agents, utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap markets have become increasingly liquid. In addition, central clearing and the trading of cleared swaps on public facilities are intended to increase liquidity. The Adviser, under the supervision of the Board, is responsible for determining and monitoring the liquidity of the Fund’s swap transactions.

 

Rules adopted under the Dodd-Frank Act require centralized reporting of detailed information about many swaps, whether cleared or uncleared. This information is available to regulators and, also, to a more limited extent and on an anonymous basis, to the public. Reporting of swap data is intended to result in greater market transparency. This may be beneficial to funds that use swaps in their trading strategies. However, public reporting imposes additional recordkeeping burdens on these funds, and the safeguards established to protect anonymity are not yet tested and may not provide protection of the funds’ identities as intended.

 

Certain U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) positions may limit the Fund’s ability to use swap agreements in a desired tax strategy. It is possible that developments in the swap markets and/or the laws relating to swap agreements, including potential government regulation, could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to benefit from using swap agreements, or could have adverse tax consequences. For more information about potentially changing regulation, see “Developing government regulation of derivatives” below.

 

Risks of uncleared swaps. Uncleared swaps are typically executed bilaterally with a swap dealer rather than traded on exchanges. As a result, swap participants may not be as protected as participants on organized exchanges. Performance of a swap agreement is the responsibility only of the swap counterparty and not of any exchange or clearinghouse. As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that a counterparty will be unable or will refuse to perform under such agreement, including because of the counterparty’s bankruptcy or insolvency. The Fund risks the loss of the accrued but unpaid amounts under a swap agreement, which could be substantial, in the event of a default, insolvency or bankruptcy by a swap counterparty. In such an event, the Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the swap agreements, but bankruptcy and insolvency laws could affect the Fund’s rights as a creditor. If the counterparty’s creditworthiness declines, the value of a swap agreement would likely decline, potentially resulting in losses. In unusual or extreme market conditions, a counterparty’s creditworthiness and ability to perform may deteriorate rapidly, and the availability of suitable replacement counterparties may become limited.

 

Risks of cleared swaps. As noted above, under recent financial reforms, certain types of swaps are, and others eventually are expected to be, required to be cleared through a central counterparty, which may affect counterparty risk and other risks faced by the Fund.

 

Central clearing is designed to reduce counterparty credit risk and increase liquidity compared to uncleared swaps because central clearing interposes the central clearinghouse as the counterparty to each participant’s swap, but it does not eliminate those risks completely. There is also a risk of loss by the Fund of the initial and variation margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of the FCM with which the Fund has an open position, or the central counterparty in a swap contract. The assets of the Fund may not be fully protected in the event of the bankruptcy of the FCM or central counterparty because the Fund might be limited to recovering only a pro

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rata share of all available funds and margin segregated on behalf of an FCM’s customers. If the FCM does not provide accurate reporting, the Fund is also subject to the risk that the FCM could use the Fund’s assets, which are held in an omnibus account with assets belonging to the FCM’s other customers, to satisfy its own financial obligations or the payment obligations of another customer to the central counterparty. Credit risk of cleared swap participants is concentrated in a few clearinghouses, and the consequences of insolvency of a clearinghouse are not clear.

 

With cleared swaps, the Fund may not be able to obtain as favorable terms as it would be able to negotiate for a bilateral, uncleared swap. In addition, an FCM may unilaterally amend the terms of its agreement with the Fund, which may include the imposition of position limits or additional margin requirements with respect to the Fund’s investment in certain types of swaps. Central counterparties and FCMs can require termination of existing cleared swap transactions upon the occurrence of certain events, and can also require increases in margin above the margin that is required at the initiation of the swap agreement.

 

Finally, the Fund is subject to the risk that, after entering into a cleared swap with an executing broker, no FCM or central counterparty is willing or able to clear the transaction. In such an event, the Fund may be required to break the trade and make an early termination payment to the executing broker.

 

Combined transactions. The Fund may enter into multiple derivative instruments, and any combination of derivative instruments as part of a single or combined strategy (a “Combined Transaction”) when the Adviser believes it is in the best interests of the Fund to do so. A Combined Transaction will usually contain elements of risk that are present in each of its component transactions. Although Combined Transactions are normally entered into based on the Adviser’s judgment that the combined strategies will reduce risk or otherwise more effectively achieve the desired portfolio management goal(s), it is possible that the combination will instead increase such risks or hinder achievement of the portfolio management objective.

 

Equity Securities

 

Equity securities, such as the common stocks of an issuer, are subject to stock market fluctuations and therefore may experience volatile changes in value as market conditions, consumer sentiment or the financial condition of the issuers change. A decrease in value of the equity securities in the Fund’s portfolio may also cause the value of the Fund’s Shares to decline. 11 An investment in the Fund should be made with an understanding of the risks inherent in an investment in equity securities, including the risk that the financial condition of issuers may become impaired or that the general condition of the stock market may deteriorate (either of which may cause a decrease in the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities and therefore a decrease in the value of Shares of the Fund). Common stocks are susceptible to general stock market fluctuations and to volatile increases and decreases in value as market confidence and perceptions change. These investor perceptions are based on various and unpredictable factors, including expectations regarding government, economic, monetary and fiscal policies; inflation and interest rates; economic expansion or contraction; and global or regional political, economic or banking crises.

 

Holders of common stocks incur more risk than holders of preferred stocks and debt obligations because common stockholders, as owners of the issuer, generally have inferior rights to receive payments from the issuer in comparison with the rights of creditors or holders of debt obligations or preferred stocks. Further, unlike debt securities, which typically have a stated principal amount payable at maturity (whose value, however, is subject to market fluctuations prior thereto), or preferred stocks, which typically have a liquidation preference and which may have stated optional or mandatory redemption provisions, common stocks have neither a fixed principal amount nor a maturity. Common stock values are subject to market fluctuations as long as the common stock remains outstanding.

 

Types of Equity Securities:

 

Common Stocks. Common stocks represent units of ownership in a company. Common stocks usually carry voting rights and earn dividends. Unlike preferred stocks, which are described below, dividends on common stocks are not fixed but are declared at the discretion of the company’s board of directors.

 

Preferred Stocks. Preferred stocks are also units of ownership in a company. Preferred stocks normally have preference over common stock in the payment of dividends and the liquidation of the company. However, in all other respects, preferred stocks are subordinated to the liabilities of the issuer. Unlike common stocks, preferred stocks are generally not entitled to vote on corporate matters. Types of preferred stocks include adjustable-rate preferred stock, fixed dividend preferred stock, perpetual preferred stock, and sinking fund preferred stock.

 

Generally, the market values of preferred stock with a fixed dividend rate and no conversion element vary inversely with interest rates and perceived credit risk.

 

Rights and Warrants. A right is a privilege granted to existing shareholders of a corporation to subscribe to shares of a new issue of common stock before it is issued. Rights normally have a short life of usually two to four weeks, are freely transferable and entitle the

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holder to buy the new common stock at a lower price than the public offering price. Warrants are securities that are usually issued together with a debt security or preferred stock and that give the holder the right to buy proportionate amount of common stock at a specified price. Warrants are freely transferable and are traded on major exchanges. Unlike rights, warrants normally have a life that is measured in years and entitles the holder to buy common stock of a company at a price that is usually higher than the market price at the time the warrant is issued. Corporations often issue warrants to make the accompanying debt security more attractive.

 

An investment in warrants and rights may entail greater risks than certain other types of investments. Generally, rights and warrants do not carry the right to receive dividends or exercise voting rights with respect to the underlying securities, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer. In addition, their value does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities, and they cease to have value if they are not exercised on or before their expiration date. Investing in rights and warrants increases the potential profit or loss to be realized from the investment as compared with investing the same amount in the underlying securities.

 

Tracking Stocks. The Fund may invest in tracking stocks. A tracking stock is a separate class of common stock whose value is linked to a specific business unit or operating division within a larger company and which is designed to “track” the performance of such business unit or division. The tracking stock may pay dividends to shareholders independent of the parent company. The parent company, rather than the business unit or division, generally is the issuer of tracking stock. However, holders of the tracking stock may not have the same rights as holders of the company’s common stock.

 

Illiquid Investments and Restricted Securities

 

Pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, the Fund may not acquire any “illiquid investment” if, immediately after the acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets. An “illiquid investment” is any investment 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. The Fund has implemented a liquidity risk management program and related procedures to identify illiquid investments pursuant to Rule 22e-4. The 15% limit shall be observed continuously.

 

The Fund may purchase certain restricted securities that can be resold to institutional investors and which may be determined not to be illiquid investments pursuant to the Fund’s liquidity risk management program. In many cases, those securities are traded in the institutional market under Rule 144A under the 1933 Act and are called Rule 144A securities.

 

Risks of Illiquid Investments and Restricted Securities. Investments in illiquid investments involve more risks than investments in similar securities that are readily marketable. Illiquid investments may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments. Investment of the Fund’s assets in illiquid investments may restrict the ability of the Fund to dispose of its investments in a timely fashion and for a fair price as well as its ability to take advantage of market opportunities. The risks associated with illiquidity will be particularly acute where the Fund’s operations require cash, such as when the Fund has net redemptions, and could result in the Fund borrowing to meet short-term cash requirements or incurring losses on the sale of illiquid investments.

 

Illiquid investments are often restricted securities sold in private placement transactions between issuers and their purchasers and may be neither listed on an exchange nor traded in other established markets. In many cases, the privately placed securities may not be freely transferable under the laws of the applicable jurisdiction or due to contractual restrictions on resale. To the extent privately placed securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized from the sales could be less than those originally paid by the Fund or less than the fair value of the securities. In addition, issuers whose securities are not publicly traded may not be subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements that may be applicable if their securities were publicly traded. If any privately placed securities held by the Fund are required to be registered under the securities laws of one or more jurisdictions before being resold, the Fund may be required to bear the expenses of registration. Private placement investments may involve investments in smaller, less seasoned issuers, which may involve greater risks than investments in more established companies. These issuers may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or they may be dependent on a limited management group. In making investments in private placement securities, the Fund may obtain access to material non-public information, which may restrict the Fund’s ability to conduct transactions in those securities.

 

Investment Company Securities

 

The Fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies, including money market funds and ETFs, subject to applicable limitations under Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act. Investing in another pooled vehicle exposes the Fund to all the risks of that pooled vehicle, including the risks associated with each of the securities in which the pooled vehicle invests. Pursuant to Section 12(d)(1), the Fund may invest in the securities of another investment company (the “acquired company”) provided that the Fund, immediately after such purchase or acquisition, does not own in the aggregate: (1) more than 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of the acquired company; (2) securities issued by the acquired company having an aggregate value in excess of 5% of the value of the total assets of the Fund; or (3) securities issued by the acquired company and all other investment companies (other than treasury stock of the Fund) having

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an aggregate value in excess of 10% of the value of the total assets of the Fund. To the extent allowed by law or regulation, the Fund may invest its assets in securities of investment companies that are money market funds in excess of the limits discussed above.

 

However, registered investment companies are permitted to invest in other investment companies beyond the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1), subject to certain conditions. The Fund may rely on Rule 12d1-4 of the 1940 Act, which provides an exemption from Section 12(d)(1) that allows the Fund to invest beyond the stated limits in other registered funds, including ETFs, if the Fund satisfies certain conditions specified in the Rule, including, among other conditions, that the Fund and its advisory group will not control (individually or in the aggregate) an acquired fund (e.g., hold more than 25% of the outstanding voting securities of an acquired fund that is a registered open-end management investment company).

 

The Fund may rely on Section 12(d)(1)(F) and Rule 12d1-3 of the 1940 Act, which provide an exemption from Section 12(d)(1) that allows the Fund to invest all of its assets in other registered funds, including ETFs, if, among other conditions: (1) the Fund, together with its affiliates, acquires no more than three percent of the outstanding voting stock of any acquired fund; and (2) the sales load charged on Shares is no greater than the limits set forth in Rule 2830 of the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”).

 

Money Market Funds

 

The Fund may invest in underlying money market funds that either seek to maintain a stable $1 NAV (“stable NAV money market funds”) or that have a share price that fluctuates (“variable NAV market funds”). Although an underlying stable NAV money market fund seeks to maintain a stable $1 NAV, it is possible for the Fund to lose money by investing in such a money market fund. Because the share price of an underlying variable NAV market fund will fluctuate, when the Fund sells the shares it owns they may be worth more or less than what the Fund originally paid for them. In addition, neither type of money market fund is designed to offer capital appreciation. Certain underlying money market funds may impose a fee upon the sale of shares or may temporarily suspend the ability to sell shares if such fund’s liquidity falls below required minimums.

 

Other Short-Term Instruments

 

The Fund may invest in short-term instruments, including money market instruments, on an ongoing basis to provide liquidity or for other reasons. Money market instruments are generally short-term investments that may include but are not limited to: (1) shares of money market funds; (2) obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies, or instrumentalities (including government-sponsored enterprises); (3) negotiable certificates of deposit (“CDs”), bankers’ acceptances, fixed time deposits, and other obligations of U.S. and foreign banks (including foreign branches) and similar institutions; (4) commercial paper rated at the date of purchase “Prime-1” by Moody’s Investors Service or “A-1” by S&P Global Ratings or, if unrated, of comparable quality as determined by the Adviser; (5) non-convertible corporate debt securities (e.g., bonds and debentures) with remaining maturities at the date of purchase of not more than 397 days and that satisfy the rating requirements set forth in Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act; and (6) short-term U.S. dollar-denominated obligations of foreign banks (including U.S. branches) that, in the opinion of the Adviser, are of comparable quality to obligations of U.S. banks which may be purchased by the Fund. Any of these instruments may be purchased on a current or a forward-settled basis. Money market instruments also include shares of money market funds. Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in banking institutions for specified periods of time at stated interest rates. Bankers’ acceptances are time drafts drawn on commercial banks by borrowers, usually in connection with international transactions.

 

Securities Lending

 

If approved by the Board, the Fund may lend portfolio securities to certain creditworthy borrowers, including brokers, dealers and other financial institutions needing to borrow securities to complete certain transactions. The borrowers provide collateral that is maintained in an amount at least equal to the current value of the securities loaned. The Fund may terminate a loan at any time and obtain the return of the securities loaned. The lending Fund receives the value of any interest or cash or non-cash distributions paid on the loaned securities. Distributions received on loaned securities in lieu of dividend payments (i.e., substitute payments) would not be considered qualified dividend income.

 

With respect to loans that are collateralized by cash, the borrower will be entitled to receive a fee based on the amount of cash collateral. The Fund is compensated by the difference between the amount earned on the reinvestment of cash collateral and the fee paid to the borrower. The Fund typically will receive collateral consisting of cash, U.S. Government securities or irrevocable letters of credit which will be maintained at all times in an amount equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the loaned securities. In the case of collateral other than cash, the Fund is compensated by a fee paid by the borrower equal to a percentage of the value of the loaned securities. Any cash collateral may be reinvested in certain short-term instruments either directly on behalf of the lending Fund or through one or more joint accounts or money market funds, which may include those managed by the Adviser.

 

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The Fund may pay a portion of the interest or fees earned from securities lending to a borrower as described above, and to one or more securities lending agents approved by the Board who administer the lending program for the Fund in accordance with guidelines approved by the Board. In such capacity, the lending agent causes the delivery of loaned securities from the Fund to borrowers, arranges for the return of loaned securities to the Fund at the termination of a loan, requests deposit of collateral, monitors the daily value of the loaned securities and collateral, requests that borrowers add to the collateral when required by the loan agreements, and provides recordkeeping and accounting services necessary for the operation of the program.

 

Risks of Securities Lending. Securities lending involves exposure to certain risks, including operational risk (i.e., the risk of losses resulting from problems in the settlement and accounting process), “gap” risk (i.e., the risk of a mismatch between the return on cash collateral reinvestments and the fees the Fund has agreed to pay a borrower), and credit, legal, counterparty and market risk. In the event a borrower does not return the Fund’s securities as agreed, the Fund may experience losses if the proceeds received from liquidating the collateral do not at least equal the value of the loaned security at the time the collateral is liquidated plus the transaction costs incurred in purchasing replacement securities.

 

Repurchase Agreements

 

The Fund may invest in repurchase agreements with commercial banks, brokers or dealers to generate income from its excess cash balances. A repurchase agreement is an agreement under which the Fund acquires a financial instrument (e.g., a security issued by the U.S. government or an agency thereof, a banker’s acceptance or a certificate of deposit) from a seller, subject to resale to the seller at an agreed upon price and date (normally, the next Business Day). A “Business Day” is any day on which the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for regular trading. A repurchase agreement may be considered a loan collateralized by securities. The resale price reflects an agreed upon interest rate effective for the period the instrument is held by the Fund and is unrelated to the interest rate on the underlying instrument.

 

In these repurchase agreement transactions, the securities acquired by the Fund (including accrued interest earned thereon) must have a total value in excess of the value of the repurchase agreement and are held by the Fund’s custodian bank until repurchased. No more than an aggregate of 15% of the Fund’s net assets will be invested in illiquid securities, including repurchase agreements having maturities longer than seven days and securities subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale, or for which there are no readily available market quotations.

 

Risks of Repurchase Agreements, The use of repurchase agreements involves certain risks. For example, if the other party to the agreement defaults on its obligation to repurchase the underlying security at a time when the value of the security has declined, the Fund may incur a loss upon disposition of the security. If the other party to the agreement becomes insolvent and subject to liquidation or reorganization under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or other laws, a court may determine that the underlying security is collateral for a loan by the Fund not within the control of the Fund and, therefore, the Fund may not be able to substantiate its interest in the underlying security and may be deemed an unsecured creditor of the other party to the agreement.

 

Tax Risks As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in Shares will be taxed. The tax information in the Prospectus and this SAI is provided as general information. You should consult your own tax professional about the tax consequences of an investment in Shares.

 

Unless your investment in Shares is made through a tax-deferred retirement account or other tax-advantaged arrangement, such as an individual retirement account, you need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when the Fund makes distributions or you sell Shares.

 

Temporary Defensive Strategies Under normal market conditions, the Fund will stay fully invested according to its principal investment strategies. For temporary defensive purposes during adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in cash or cash equivalents, such as U.S. Government obligations, investment grade debt securities and other money market instruments. Taking a temporary defensive position may result in the Fund not achieving its investment objective.

 

Market Risks

 

Recent Market Circumstances

 

Since the financial crisis that started in 2008, the U.S. and many foreign economies continue to experience its after-effects. Conditions in the U.S. and many foreign economies have resulted, and may continue to result, in certain instruments experiencing unusual liquidity issues, increased price volatility and, in some cases, credit downgrades and increased likelihood of default. These events have reduced the willingness and ability of some lenders to extend credit, and have made it more difficult for some borrowers to obtain financing on attractive terms, if at all. In some cases, traditional market participants have been less willing to make a market in some types of debt instruments, which has affected the liquidity of those instruments. During times of market turmoil, investors tend to look to the safety

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of securities issued or backed by the U.S. Treasury, causing the prices of these securities to rise and the yields to decline. Reduced liquidity in fixed income and credit markets may negatively affect many issuers worldwide. In addition, global economies and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the possibilities that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. A rise in protectionist trade policies, and the possibility of changes to some international trade agreements, could affect the economies of many nations in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. In response to the financial crisis, the U.S. and other governments and the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks have taken steps to support financial markets. In some countries where economic conditions are recovering, such countries are nevertheless perceived as still fragile. Withdrawal of government support, failure of efforts in response to the crisis, or investor perception that such efforts are not succeeding, could adversely impact the value and liquidity of certain securities. The severity or duration of adverse economic conditions may also be affected by policy changes made by governments or quasi-governmental organizations, including changes in tax laws. The impact of new financial regulation legislation on the markets and the practical implications for market participants may not be fully known for some time. Regulatory changes are causing some financial services companies to exit long-standing lines of business, resulting in dislocations for other market participants. In addition, the contentious domestic political environment, as well as political and diplomatic events within the United States and abroad, such as the U.S. Government’s inability at times to agree on a long-term budget and deficit reduction plan, the threat of a federal government shutdowns and threats not to increase the federal government’s debt limit, may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree. The U.S. Government has recently reduced the federal corporate income tax rate, and future legislative, regulatory and policy changes may result in more restrictions on international trade, less stringent prudential regulation of certain players in the financial markets, and significant new investments in infrastructure and national defense. Markets may react strongly to expectations about the changes in these policies, which could increase volatility, especially if the markets’ expectations for changes in government policies are not borne out.

 

On June 23, 2016, the United Kingdom (“UK”) held a referendum on whether to remain a member state of the European Union (“EU”), in which voters favored the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, an event widely referred to as “Brexit” and which triggered a two-year period of negotiations on the terms of withdrawal. The formal notification to the European Council required under Article 50 of the Treaty on EU was made on March 29, 2017, following which the terms of exit were negotiated. On January 31, 2020, the UK formally withdrew from the EU, subject to a transition period that ended on December 31, 2020. The longer term economic, legal, political and social framework to be put in place between the UK and the EU are unclear at this stage and are likely to lead to ongoing political and economic uncertainty and periods of exacerbated volatility in both the UK and in wider European markets for some time. The outcomes may cause increased volatility and have a significant adverse impact on world financial markets, other international trade agreements, and the United Kingdom and European economies, as well as the broader global economy for some time. Additionally, a number of countries in Europe have suffered terror attacks, and additional attacks may occur in the future. Europe also has been struggling with mass migration from the Middle East and Africa. The ultimate effects of these events and other socio-political or geographical issues are not known but could profoundly affect global economies and markets.

 

The current political climate has intensified concerns about a potential trade war between China and the United States, as each country has recently imposed tariffs on the other country’s products. These actions may trigger a significant reduction in international trade, the oversupply of certain manufactured goods, substantial price reductions of goods and possible failure of individual companies and/or large segments of China’s export industry, which could have a negative impact on the Fund’s performance. U.S. companies that source material and goods from China and those that make large amounts of sales in China would be particularly vulnerable to an escalation of trade tensions. Uncertainty regarding the outcome of the trade tensions and the potential for a trade war could cause the U.S. dollar to decline against safe haven currencies, such as the Japanese yen and the euro. Events such as these and their consequences are difficult to predict and it is unclear whether further tariffs may be imposed or other escalating actions may be taken The Fund is also subject to geopolitical risks associated with military conflicts and associated events that may disrupt securities markets, adversely affect global economies and markets and thereby decrease the value of the Fund’s investments. Russia’s ongoing military invasion of Ukraine beginning in February 2022 has posed such risks, resulting in the United States, other countries, and certain international organizations levying broad economic sanctions against Russia. These sanctions froze certain Russian assets and prohibited, among other things, trading in certain Russian securities and doing business with specific Russian corporate entities, large financial institutions, officials and oligarchs. The sanctions also included the removal of some Russian banks from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT), the electronic network that connects banks globally, and imposed restrictive measures to prevent the Russian Central Bank from undermining the impact of the sanctions. The United States and other countries also imposed economic sanctions on Belarus and may impose sanctions on other countries that support Russia’s military invasion. A number of large corporations and U.S. states also announced plans to divest interests or otherwise curtail business dealings with certain Russian businesses. These sanctions and any additional sanctions or other intergovernmental actions that may be undertaken against Russia or other countries that support Russia’s military invasion in the future may result in the devaluation of Russian or other affected currencies, a downgrade in the sanctioned country’s credit rating, and a decline in the value and liquidity of Russian securities and securities of issuers in other countries that support the invasion. The potential for wider conflict may further decrease the value and liquidity of certain Russian securities and securities of issuers in other countries affected by the invasion. In addition, the ability to price, buy, sell, receive, or deliver such securities is also affected due to these measures. For example, a fund may be prohibited from investing in securities issued by companies subject to such sanctions. In addition, the sanctions may require a fund to freeze its existing investments

19 
 

in companies operating in or having dealings with Russia or other sanctioned countries, which would prevent a fund from selling these investments. Any exposure that a fund may have to Russian counterparties or counterparties in other sanctioned countries also could negatively impact the fund’s portfolio. The extent and duration of Russia’s military actions and the repercussions of such actions, including any retaliatory actions or countermeasures that may be taken by Russia or others subject to sanctions (such as cyberattacks on other governments, corporations or individuals) are unpredictable, but could result in significant market disruptions, including in the oil and natural gas markets, and may negatively affect global supply chains, inflation and global growth. These and any related events could significantly impact the Fund’s performance and the value of an investment in the Fund, even beyond any direct exposure the Fund may have to Russian issuers or issuers in other countries affected by the invasion.

 

Most recently, political and military tensions in the Middle East, including hostilities involving Israel, Iran, the United States, and affiliated groups or regional actors, may adversely affect global markets, particularly in the energy sector, and the issuers in which the Fund invests. The region is a significant source of global energy supply and a key transit route for international shipping. Escalation of hostilities could disrupt energy production, transportation infrastructure, or global trade routes, which could lead to increased inflation, higher energy costs, and broader economic uncertainty. Such developments may negatively impact securities markets globally, particularly companies involved in energy production, transportation, defense, international trade, and industries dependent on stable energy prices. The Fund may also experience increased volatility in equity, fixed income, currency, or commodities markets during periods of heightened geopolitical risk. Companies in which the Fund invests may be affected by the economic consequences of geopolitical conflicts, including increased costs of energy and raw materials, disruptions to supply chains, or reduced global economic activity. Financial markets may also experience increased volatility and periods of reduced liquidity during times of geopolitical tension.

 

Periods of market volatility may continue to occur in response to pandemics or other events outside of our control. These types of events could adversely affect the Fund’s performance. For example, beginning in December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus spread globally, which resulted in the temporary closure of many corporate offices, retail stores, manufacturing facilities and factories, and other businesses across the world. As the extent of the impact on global markets from the coronavirus pandemic (or similar regional, national. or global health crisis is difficult to predict, the extent to which such events may negatively affect the Fund’s performance or the duration of any potential business disruption is uncertain. Any potential impact on performance will depend to a large extent on future developments and new information that may emerge regarding the duration and severity of the pandemic and the actions taken by authorities and other entities to contain the pandemic or treat its impact.

 

The impact of these developments in both the near-term and long-term is unknown and could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world.

 

 

LENDING PORTFOLIO SECURITIES

 

The Fund may lend securities from its portfolio to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions needing to borrow securities to complete certain transactions. The Fund will be entitled to payments in amounts equal to the interest, dividends or other distributions payable on the loaned securities which enable the Fund an opportunity to earn interest on the amount of the loan and on the loaned securities collateral. The Fund typically will receive collateral consisting of cash, U.S. Government securities or irrevocable letters of credit which will be maintained at all times in an amount equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the loaned securities.

 

Risks of Securities Lending. The Fund might experience risk of loss if the institution with which it has engaged in a portfolio loan transaction breaches its agreement with the Fund. Other risks in lending portfolio securities include possible delay in receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of the loaned securities or the possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. In addition, the Fund is responsible for any loss that might result from its investment of the borrower’s collateral.

 

LEVERAGE

 

The Fund may engage in various forms of leverage. Leverage can be employed in a variety of ways including using margin (an amount of cash or eligible securities an investor deposits with a broker when borrowing to buy equity and fixed income securities), selling short equity and fixed income securities, using derivatives and participating in other forms of direct or indirect borrowings.

 

Risks of Leverage. Generally, leverage creates the risk of magnified capital. Leverage may involve the creation of a liability that requires the payment of interest (or the creation of a liability that does not entail any interest costs (for instance, a futures contract). The risks of leverage include a higher volatility of the NAV of the Fund and the relatively greater effect on the NAV caused by favorable or adverse market movements or changes in the cost of cash obtained by leveraging and the yield from invested cash. So long as the Fund is able to realize a net return on its investment portfolio that is higher than interest expense incurred, if any, leverage will result in higher current net investment income than if the portfolio was not leveraged. Changes in interest rates and related economic factors could cause the relationship between the cost of leveraging and the yield to change so that rates involved in the leveraging arrangement may substantially increase relative to the yield on the obligations in which the proceeds of the leveraging have been invested. To the extent that the interest

20 
 

expense involved in leveraging approaches the net return on the Fund’s investment portfolio, the benefit of leveraging will be reduced, and, if the interest expense on borrowings were to exceed the net return to investors, the use of leverage would result in a lower rate of return than if leverage was not employed. In an extreme case, if the Fund’s investment income was not sufficient to meet the interest expense of leveraging, it could be necessary for the Fund, as applicable, to liquidate certain of its investments at an inappropriate time.

 

SHORT SELLING

 

The Fund may engage in short selling. The Fund may use short selling to limit its exposure to a possible market decline in its portfolio investments or to take advantage of anticipated market declines in certain securities. Short selling involves selling securities, which may or may not be owned, by borrowing the securities and delivering them to a purchaser, with an obligation to return the borrowed securities at a later date. Short selling allows the investor to profit from declines in market prices.

 

Risks of Short Selling. To the extent that the borrowed securities must be replaced by purchases at market prices in order to close out the short position, any appreciation in the price of the borrowed securities results in a loss. Possible losses from short sales differ from losses on long positions because losses from short sales may be unlimited whereas losses from purchases cannot exceed the total amount invested. Purchasing securities to close out the short position can itself cause the price of the securities to rise further, thereby exacerbating the losses from short sales. The Fund will incur transaction costs, including interest expenses, in connection with opening, maintaining, and closing short sales against the box.

 

Short Sales “Against the Box. Short sales of securities that the Fund owns or has the right to obtain (equivalent in kind or amount to the securities sold short). If the Fund enters into a short sale against the box, it will be required to set aside securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold short (or securities convertible or exchangeable into such securities) and will be required to hold such securities while the short sale is outstanding.

 

CYBER SECURITY RISKS

 

Investment companies, such as the Fund, and their service providers may be subject to operational and information security risks resulting from cyber attacks. Cyber attacks include, among other behaviors, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, denial of service attacks on websites, the unauthorized release of confidential information or various other forms of cyber security breaches. Cyber attacks affecting the Fund or the Adviser, Adviser, custodian, transfer agent, intermediaries and other third-party service providers may adversely impact the Fund. For instance, cyber attacks may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, impact the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential company information, impede trading, subject the Fund to regulatory fines or financial losses, and cause reputational damage. The Fund may also incur additional costs for cyber security risk management purposes. Similar types of cyber security risks are also present for issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers, and may cause the Fund’s investment in such portfolio companies to lose value.

 

INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

 

Fundamental Limitations

 

The investment limitations described below have been adopted by the Trust with respect to the Fund and are fundamental (“Fundamental”), i.e., they may not be changed without the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. As used in the Prospectus and this SAI, the term “majority of the outstanding shares” of the Fund means the lesser of (1) 67% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or represented at such meeting; or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Other investment practices which may be changed by the Board without the approval of shareholders to the extent permitted by applicable law, regulation or regulatory policy are considered non-fundamental (“Non-Fundamental”).

 

1.Borrowing Money. The Fund will not Borrow money, except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief. The 1940 Act presently allows a fund to: (1) borrow from any bank (including pledging, mortgaging or hypothecating assets) in an amount up to 33 1/3% of its total assets, (2) borrow money for temporary purposes in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time of the loan, and (3) enter into reverse repurchase agreements.

 

2.Commodities. The Fund will not purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments issued by persons that purchase or sell commodities or commodities contracts; but this shall not prevent the Fund from purchasing, selling and entering into financial futures contracts (including futures contracts on indices of securities, interest rates and currencies), options on financial futures contracts (including futures contracts on indices
21 
 

of securities, interest rates and currencies), warrants, swaps, forward contracts, foreign currency spot and forward contracts or other derivative instruments that are not related to physical commodities.

 

3.Diversification. The Fund will not purchase securities of an issuer if such purchase would cause the Fund to fail to satisfy the diversification requirement for a diversified management company under the 1940 Act, the rules or regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time, including i) With respect to 75% of its total assets, purchase securities of any issuer (except securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities or shares of investment companies) if, as a result, more than 5% of its total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer; or (ii) acquire more than 10% of the outstanding (voting securities of any one issuer.

 

4.Concentration. The Fund will not invest 25% or more of its total assets in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry or group of industries. This limitation does not apply to investments in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, or shares of investment companies. To the extent that the Fund invests in open-end funds, ETFs, and other pooled investment vehicle, it is required “look-through” those vehicles to their underlying securities for purposes of determining whether the Fund is concentrated in a particular industry group of industries.

 

5.Loans. The Fund will not make loans, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief.

 

6.Real Estate. The Fund will not purchase or sell real estate, except that, to the extent permitted by applicable law, the Fund may (a) invest in securities or other instruments directly or indirectly secured by real estate, and (b) invest in securities or other instruments issued by issuers that invest in real estate.

 

7.Senior Securities. The Fund will not issue senior securities, except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief.

 

8.Underwriting. The Fund will not underwrite securities issued by others, except to the extent that the Fund may be considered an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act in the disposition of restricted securities or in connection with investments in other investment companies.

 

With respect to the percentages adopted by the Trust as maximum limitations on the Fund’s investment policies and limitations, an excess amount above the fixed percentage will not be a violation of the policy or limitation unless the excess amount results immediately and directly from the acquisition of any security or the action taken. This paragraph does not apply to the borrowing policy set forth above.

 

In determining its compliance with the fundamental investment restriction on concentration, the Fund will look through to the underlying holdings of any investment company that publicly publishes its underlying holdings on a daily basis. In addition, if an underlying investment company does not publish its holdings daily but has a policy to concentrate or has otherwise disclosed that it is concentrated in a particular industry or group of related industries, the Fund will consider such investment company as being invested in such industry or group of related industries. In determining its compliance with the fundamental investment restriction on concentration, each Fund will also look through to the user or use of private activity municipal bonds to determine their industry. Each Fund’s derivatives investments will be categorized based on their underlying asset exposure. The notional value of these derivatives will be considered when assessing each Fund’s compliance with its industry concentration policies.

 

If the Fund’s borrowings exceed one-third of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) less liabilities (other than borrowings), such borrowings will be reduced within three days, (not including Sundays and holidays) or such longer period as may be permitted by the 1940 Act, to the extent necessary to comply with the one-third limitation.

 

Notwithstanding any of the foregoing limitations, any investment company, whether organized as a trust, association or corporation, or a personal holding company, may be merged or consolidated with or acquired by the Trust, provided that if such merger, consolidation or acquisition results in an investment in the securities of any issuer prohibited by said paragraphs, the Trust shall, within ninety days after the consummation of such merger, consolidation or acquisition, dispose of all of the securities of such issuer so acquired or such portion thereof as shall bring the total investment therein within the limitations imposed by said paragraphs above as of the date of consummation.

 

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TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE TRUST

A.       General Information

 

The Board supervises the business activities of the Trust and is responsible for protecting the interests of shareholders. The Chairman of the Board is Walter B. Grimm, who is an Independent Trustee of the Trust.

 

Each Trustee serves as a Trustee for the lifetime of the Trust or until the earlier of his or her required retirement as a Trustee as of December 31 of the year that he or she turns, age 78, death, resignation, or removal. At the invitation of the Board, a Trustee may serve as an Emeritus Trustee for no more than 2 years after December 31 of the year that he or she turns 78, subject to such terms as the Board may specify, including with respect to compensation. Officers are re-elected annually by the Board. The address of each Trustee and Officer is 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246.

 

As of the date of this SAI, the Trustees oversee the operations of 16 series.

 

Independent Trustee Background. The following table provides information regarding the Independent Trustees.

 

Name, Address, (Age), Position with Trust,
Term of Position with Trust

 

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years

and Other Directorships

Walter B. Grimm

Birth Year: 1945

Trustee and chair

Began Serving: November 2013

 

Principal Occupations(s): President, Leigh Management Group, LLC (consulting firm) (October 2005 to present); President, Leigh Investments, Inc. (1988 to present); and Board member, Boys & Girls Club of Coachella (2018 to present).

 

     

Lori Kaiser

Birth Year: 1963

TRUSTEE

Began Serving: July 2018

 

Principal Occupations(s): Founder and CEO, Kaiser Consulting since 1992; Board Member, Fortuna Bank (currently in formation).

 

     

Janet Smith-Meeks

Birth Year: 1955

TRUSTEE

Began Serving: July 2018

 

 

Principal Occupations(s): Co-Founder and CEO, Healthcare Alignment Advisors, LLC (consulting company) since August 2015.

 

Previous Position(s): President and Chief Operating Officer, Mount Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital (2006 to 2015).

     

Mary Madick

Birth Year: 1958

Trustee

Began Serving: November 2013

 

 

Principal Occupations(s): President, US Health Holdings, a division of Ascension Insurance (2020 to present).  

 

Previous Position(s): President (2019 to 2020) and Chief Operating Officer (2018 to 2019), Dignity Health Managed Services Organization; Chief Operating Officer, Pennsylvania Health and Wellness (fully owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation) (2016 to 2018); Vice President, Gateway Heath (2015 to 2016).

     
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Officers. The following table provides information regarding the Officers.

 

Name, Address, (Age), Position with Trust,
Term of Position with Trust

 

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years

and Other Officer Positions

     

Matthew J. Miller

Birth Year: 1976

PRESIDENT and CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Began Serving: September 2013 (as VP); September 2018 (as President)

 

Principal Occupation(s): Assistant Vice President, Relationship Management, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (December 2015 to present).

 

Previous Position(s): Vice President, Capitol Series Trust (September 2013 to March 2017); Chief Executive Officer and President, Capitol Series Trust (March 2017 to March 2018); Secretary, Capitol Series Trust (March 2018 to September 2018).

     

Zachary P. Richmond

Birth Year: 1980

TREASURER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Began Serving: August 2014

 

Principal Occupation(s): Vice President, Director of Financial Administration for Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (February 2019 to present).

 

Previous Position(s): Assistant Vice President, Associate Director of Financial Administration for Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (December 2015 to February 2019).

     

Martin R. Dean

Birth Year: 1963

CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER and

ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING OFFICER

Began Serving: May 2019 and February 2026, respectively

 

Principal Occupation(s): President, Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (2023 to present).

 

Previous Position(s): Senior Vice President, Director of Fund Compliance, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (January 2016 to January 2023).

 

     

Tiffany R. Franklin

Birth Year: 1975

SECRETARY

Began Serving: March 2024

 

Principal Occupation(s): Legal Administration Manager, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (April 2024 to present).

Previous Position(s): Senior Paralegal, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (January 2016 to April 2024); Assistant Secretary, Capitol Series Trust (September 2018 to March 2024 and September 2013 to December 2015); Secretary, Capitol Series Trust (December 2015 to September 2018).

     

 

 

B. Qualifications of the Trustees

 

In addition to the information provided above, below is a summary of the specific experience, qualifications, attributes or skills of each Trustee and the reason why he or she was selected to serve as Trustee:

 

Mr. Walter B. Grimm – Mr. Grimm has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, including as a trustee of other mutual funds and as the head of Client Services and Relationship Management areas for a mutual fund servicing company. He was selected to serve as a Trustee of the Trust based primarily on his extensive knowledge of mutual fund operations. Mr. Grimm has been a Trustee since November 2013 and began serving as Chair of the Board in March 2018.

 

Ms. Lori Kaiser - Ms. Kaiser is the CEO of Kaiser Consulting, an international professional services firm that she founded in 1992, which specializes in accounting, finance, and IT consulting. She is a Certified Public Accountant and a Chartered Global Management Accountant, with over 20 years’ experience serving the needs of auto/auto-parts manufacturers and various other industries, including financial, communications, not-for-profits, mutual funds, and insurance. She advises executive management on issues of risk identification and mitigation, mergers, acquisitions, and integrations. Prior to Kaiser Consulting, Ms. Kaiser was the Chief Financial Officer at Lowestpremium.com, an online insurance aggregator enabling users to search for the lowest auto insurance rates. Earlier in her career, Ms. Kaiser served as Corporate Controller for Nationwide Communications, Inc., the media subsidiary of Nationwide Insurance Company, and she began her career in the audit practice of KPMG, LLP in Columbus, Ohio.

 

Ms. Kaiser has board and community service experience with a variety of organizations. She is a Board member of the Business Advisory Council at Miami University’s Farmer School of Business. Ms. Kaiser also serves on the Board of Trustees and is Chair of the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants. She also serves on the Board of National Church residences, the nation’s largest not-for-profit provider of affordable senior housing, and is on its Finance and Audit Committee. She also serves on the Board of Trustees

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for Franklin University and is also an Audit Committee member. As a member of the Executive Board of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, she chairs its Small Business Council. She is also on the Governing Council of the AICPA. She is also a Board Member of Fortuna Bank, which is currently in formation. Ms. Kaiser completed a three-year term on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Women Business Owners, where she also served as Treasurer and as a member of the Executive Committee. Ms. Kaiser was selected to serve as a Trustee as a result of her board and executive level leadership experience, as well as her extensive financial, IT and risk management experience. Ms. Kaiser has been a Trustee since July 2018. Ms. Kaiser earned an MBA with honors from the University of Chicago and received a BS from Miami University, graduating cum laude. In addition, she is an adjunct professor in the MBA Program at Ohio State University Fisher School of Business. Ms. Kaiser also serves as Chair of the Trust’s Audit Committee and has been designated as an “audit committee financial expert” to the Trust’s Audit Committee, as that designation is defined by SEC rules.

 

Ms. Janet S. Meeks - Ms. Meeks has 45 years of experience in the healthcare and financial services industries. Ms. Meeks founded Healthcare Alignment Advisers, LLC in 2015, a consulting company located in Westerville, Ohio, that provides advice to healthcare executives with respect to, among other things, strategy development and implementation and currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Meeks previously served for nine years as President and Chief Operating Officer of Mount Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital (MCSA), a regional medical center located in Westerville, Ohio, and ranked among the Top 100 hospitals nationally. She served in executive roles for four nationally known healthcare systems, including Trinity Health and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Before entering the healthcare sector, Ms. Meeks worked in the financial services industry for Bank of Mississippi.

 

As an experienced corporate director, Ms. Meeks currently serves on the Board of Directors of National Church Residences, where she also serves on the Executive Committee and as Chairperson of the Senior Living Subsidiary Board Committee. She previously served on the Healthcare Quality Committee and as Chairperson of the Affordable Housing Subsidiary Committee, which oversees 300 properties nationally. Ms. Meeks has served on the Governance Committee and Human Resources/Executive Compensation Committee of that organization. Ms. Meeks served on the Advisory Board of LeaderStat, a national healthcare staffing, consulting and executive search organization. Ms. Meeks has served as a faculty member of the AHA Society for Healthcare Planning and Marketing National Conferences, the Healthcare Strategy Institute National Conferences, and as an Instructor for the University of Mississippi School of Business Administration. Ms. Meeks has published extensively and is an accomplished national speaker. Ms. Meeks was selected to serve as a Trustee as a result of her board and executive level leadership experience and her extensive financial industry, marketing, and strategy expertise. Ms. Meeks has been a Trustee since July 2018 and serves as Chair of the Valuation Committee. Ms. Meeks is a two-time graduate of the University of Mississippi, where she received an undergraduate degree in banking and finance and an MBA in finance.

 

Ms. Mary Madick – Ms. Madick has over 25 years of experience in customer service, processing operations, and systems implementation experience both in the managed care and financial services arenas. Prior to work in the managed care arena, Ms. Madick served as the Vice President in charge of Business Applications for a large mutual fund company and as a Senior Vice President of Transfer Agency Operations for a mutual fund services provider. She was selected to serve as a Trustee of the Trust based primarily on her significant corporate experience as well as her operational knowledge of mutual fund operations. Ms. Madick has been a Trustee since November 2013. Ms. Madick also serves as Chair of the Nominating Committee.

 

C.       Risk Management

 

The overall management and affairs of the Trust are supervised by the Board. The Board consists of four individuals. The Trustees are fiduciaries and are governed by the laws of the State of Ohio in this regard. The Board establishes policies for the operation of the Trust and appoints the officers who conduct the daily business of the Trust. The Board provides oversight into the management and operations of the Trust. The day-to-day responsibility for the management and operation of the Trust is the responsibility of various officers and service providers to the Trust and its individual series, such as the Adviser, Distributor, administrator, custodian, and Transfer Agent, each of whom are discussed in greater detail in this SAI. The Board approves all significant agreements between the Trust and its service providers, including the agreements with the Adviser, Distributor, administrator, custodian, and Transfer Agent. The Board has appointed various individuals of certain of these service providers as officers of the Trust, with responsibility to monitor and report to the Board on the Trust’s day-to-day operations. In all cases, the role of the Board and of any individual Trustee is one of oversight and not of management of the day-to-day affairs of the Trust and its oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Trust’s investments, operations, or activities.

 

The Board has structured itself in a manner that it believes allows it to effectively perform its oversight function. The Board is comprised of four Independent Trustees – Mr. Walter Grimm, Ms. Lori Kaiser, Ms. Janet S. Meeks, and Ms. Mary Madick. Accordingly, all of the members of the Board are Independent Trustees and are not affiliated with any investment adviser to the Trust or their respective affiliates or other service providers to the Trust or any Trust series. The Board has established three standing committees, an Audit Committee, a Nominating Committee, and a Valuation Committee, which are discussed in greater detail below. Each of the Audit Committee and Nominating Committee is comprised entirely of Independent Trustees. The Valuation Committee is comprised of all of

25 
 

the Trustees of the Trust, including the Independent Trustees, plus the Trust’s President/Principal Executive Officer and its Treasurer/Principal Financial Officer. Non-Trustee members of the Valuation Committee serve as non-voting members.

 

As part of its efforts to oversee risk management associated with the Trust, the Board has established the Audit Committee, the Nominating Committee and the Valuation Committee as described below:

       
    The Audit Committee consists of all of the Independent Trustees.  The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the Trust’s accounting and financial reporting policies and practices, internal controls and, as appropriate, the internal controls of certain service providers; overseeing the quality and objectivity of financial statements and the independent audits of the financial statements; and acting as a liaison between the independent auditors and the full Board.
       
    The Nominating Committee consists of all of the Independent Trustees.  The Nominating Committee is responsible for identifying and nominating Trustee candidates to the full Board.  The Nominating Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders.  Recommendations should be submitted to the Nominating Committee in care of the Trust.
       
    The Valuation Committee consists of all of the Trustees plus the Trust’s President/Principal Executive Officer and its Treasurer/Principal Financial Officer. Non-Trustee members of the Valuation Committee serve as non-voting members.  The Valuation Committee is responsible for reviewing or approving fair valuation determinations pursuant to the Trust’s Portfolio Valuation Procedures.  As part of its function, the Valuation Committee considers all fair value pricing methodologies proposed by the Valuation Designees and approves such methodologies, and any amendments thereto.

 

The Trust’s Audit Committee generally meets at least quarterly. The Audit Committee reviews reports provided by administrative service providers, legal counsel, and independent accountants. The Nominating Committee and Valuation Committee meet as needed. The Committees report directly to the Board. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, the Audit Committee met six times, none of which involved matters relating to the Fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, the Nominating Committee did not meet and the Valuation Committee met four times. The inclusion of all Independent Trustees as members of the Audit Committee, Nominating Committee and Valuation Committee allows all such Trustees to participate in the full range of the Board’s oversight duties, including oversight of risk management processes.

 

The Independent Trustees have engaged their own independent legal counsel to provide advice on regulatory, compliance and other topics. In addition, the Board has engaged on behalf of the Trust a full-time Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) who is responsible for overseeing compliance risks. The CCO reports to the Board at least quarterly any material compliance items that have arisen, and on an annual basis provides to the Board a comprehensive compliance report outlining the effectiveness of compliance policies and procedures of the Trust and its service providers. As part of the CCO’s risk oversight function, the CCO seeks to understand the risks inherent in the operations of the Trust’s series and their advisers and Advisers. Periodically the CCO provides reports to the Board that:

 

    Assess the quality of the information the CCO receives from internal and external sources;

 

    Assess how Trust personnel monitor and evaluate risks;

 

    Assess the quality of the Trust’s risk management procedures and the effectiveness of the Trust’s organizational structure in implementing those procedures;

 

    Consider feedback from and provide feedback regarding critical risk issues to administrative and advisory personnel responsible for implementing risk management programs; and

 

    Consider economic, industry, and regulatory developments, and recommend changes to the Trust’s compliance programs as necessary to meet new regulations or industry developments.

The Trustees meet on a quarterly basis, typically for 1-2 days of meetings. Trustees also participate in special meetings and conference calls as needed. In addition to Board meetings, Trustees may participate in teleconferences to review and discuss 15(c) materials, and to interview advisers and Advisers whose contracts are up for renewal at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting. Legal counsel to the Trust provides quarterly reports to the Board regarding regulatory developments. On a quarterly basis, the Trustees review and discuss some or all of the following compliance and risk management reports relating to the series of the Trust:

 

  Fund Performance/Morningstar Report/Portfolio Manager’s Commentary

 

  Code of Ethics review

 

  NAV Errors, if any

 

  Distributor Compliance Reports

 

  Timeliness of SEC Filings

 

  Dividends and other Distributions

 

26 
 

 

  List of Brokers, Brokerage Commissions Paid and Average Commission Rate

 

  Review of 12b-1 Payments

 

  Multiple Class Expense Reports

 

  Anti-Money Laundering/Customer Identification Reports

 

  Administrator and CCO Compliance Reports

 

  Market Timing Reports

From time to time, one or more members of the Board may also meet with Trust officers in less formal settings, between formal Board meetings to discuss various topics.

The Board has not adopted a formal diversity policy. When soliciting future nominees for Trustee, the Nominating Committee will make efforts to identify and solicit qualified minorities and women.

The Board reviews its structure regularly in light of the characteristics and circumstances of the Trust, including the number of funds that comprise the Trust; the variety of asset classes that those funds reflect; the net assets of the Trust; and the distribution arrangements of the funds. At least annually, the Trustees conduct an assessment of the Board’s and their individual effectiveness in overseeing the Trust. Based upon its assessment, the Board determines whether additional risk assessment or monitoring processes are required with respect to the Trust or any of its service providers.

Based on the qualifications of each of the Trust’s Trustees and officers, the risk management practices adopted by the Board, including a regular review of several compliance and operational reports, and the committee structure adopted by the Board, the Trust believes that its leadership is appropriate.

 

D.       Trustee Ownership of Shares of the Fund and of the Fund Complex

 

The following table provides information regarding shares of the Fund and other portfolios of the Trust owned by each Trustee as of December 31, 2025.

 

Trustee

  Dollar
Range of
the Fund’s
Shares
  Aggregate Dollar
Range of Shares of
All Series Within
the Trust(1)
Independent Trustees        
Walter B. Grimm   None   $50,001 - $100,000
Lori Kaiser   None   None
Janet Smith Meeks   None   None
Mary Madick   None   None

 

(1) The Trust currently consists of 16 series.

 

Set forth below is the annual compensation paid to the Independent Trustees and by the Trust on an aggregate basis. No Interested Trustee or officer receives compensation from the Trust although all Trustee and officer travel expenses incurred to attend Board and committee meetings are reimbursed. Trustees’ fees and Trustee and officer reimbursable travel expenses are Trust expenses and the Fund incurs its share of such expenses, which are allocated among the Funds in such manner as the Trustees determine to be fair and equitable. None of the Trustees receive pension or retirement benefits for his or her services to the Trust.

 

 

Trustee

  Compensation from the Fund   Total Compensation
From Trust
Independent Trustees        
Walter B. Grimm*   $0   $68,500
Lori Kaiser*   $0   $68,500
Janet Smith-Meeks*   $0   $68,500
Mary Madick*   $0   $68,500

 

______________________________

* Annual compensation for 2025.

 

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SERVICE PROVIDERS

 

INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES

 

Investment Adviser

Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc. (the “Adviser” or “MRP’ ) serves as investment adviser to the Fund pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with the Trust. Subject to the supervision of the Trustees of the Trust, the Adviser manages the investment and reinvestment of the Fund’s assets. The Adviser is controlled by Lawrence Kriesmer and Bernard Surovsky. The Adviser’s address 5230 Carroll Canyon Road, Suite 224, San Diego, CA 92121. As of April 30, 2026, MRP had assets under management of approximately [$xxx million].

 

Under the investment advisory agreement between the Trust and the Adviser (“Investment Advisory Agreement”), the Adviser, at its expense, furnishes a continuous investment program for the Fund and makes investment decisions on its behalf, all subject to such policies as the Trustees may determine. Investment decisions are subject to the provisions of the Trust Agreement and By-Laws, and the 1940 Act. In addition, the Adviser makes decisions consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives, policies, and restrictions as set forth in the Prospectus and this SAI, and such policies and instructions as the Trustees may, from time to time, establish. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser may delegate to another investment adviser the responsibility of investing the Fund’s assets subject to the supervision of the Adviser and the Board. The delegation of investment advisory services to another investment adviser does not relieve the Adviser from any duty or liability it would otherwise have under the Investment Advisory Agreement.

The Investment Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser shall not be subject to any liability for any error of judgment, or mistake of law, or for any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with the matters to which the Investment Advisory Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of compensation for services, or a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties on the part of the Adviser.

The Investment Advisory Agreement may be terminated without penalty with respect to the Fund at any time by the vote of the Trustees or by the shareholders of that Fund upon 60 days’ written notice, or by the Adviser on 90 days’ written notice. The Investment Advisory Agreement may be amended only by a vote of the shareholders of the affected Fund(s). The Investment Advisory Agreement also terminates without payment of any penalty in the event of its assignment.

The Investment Advisory Agreement provides for an initial term of two years. Thereafter, the Investment Advisory Agreement shall continue from year to year so long as such continuance is approved at least annually with respect to the Fund by the vote of either the Trustees or the shareholders of the Fund, and, in either case, by a vote of the majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.

 

For its services, the Adviser is paid a fee by the Trust, which fee is calculated daily and paid quarterly, at an annual rate of 0.95% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. 

 

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and the Adviser with respect to the Fund, and subject to the general supervision of the Board, the Adviser has also agreed to pay all other regular and recurring expenses of the Fund such the costs of various third-party services required by the Fund, including administration, certain custody, audit, legal, transfer agency, and printing costs (other than taxes and governmental fees, brokerage fees, commissions and other transaction expenses, certain foreign custodial fees and expenses, costs of borrowing money, including interest expenses, and extraordinary expenses (such as litigation and indemnification expenses) so that total annual fund operating expense remain at 0.95% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.  The Fund bears other fees and expenses that are not covered by the Investment Advisory Agreement, which may vary and will affect the total expense ratio of the Fund, such as taxes and governmental fees, brokerage fees, commissions and other transaction expenses, certain foreign custodial fees and expenses, costs of borrowing money, including interest expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses (such as litigation and indemnification expenses).

 

Because the Fund is new, no fees have been paid to the Adviser as of the effective date of this SAI.

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

The Fund is managed by Larry Kriesmer, Co-Portfolio Manager and Founder of the Adviser, and Bernard Surovsky, Co-Portfolio Manager and Founder of the Adviser.

 

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

Other Accounts Under Management

This section includes information about the portfolio managers, including information about other accounts that each portfolio manager manages, the portfolio manager’s compensation, and the dollar range of shares of the Fund owned by the portfolio manager.

Unless otherwise noted, the following information about the Fund’s portfolio manager is provided as of March 31, 2026.

Larry Kriesmer, Co-Portfolio Manager and Founder of the Adviser

Type of Accounts

Total Number

of Accounts

Total Assets of Accounts (in millions) Total Number of  Accounts Subject to  a Performance-Based Fee Total Assets of Accounts Subject to a Performance-Based Fee (in millions)
Registered Investment Companies 1 $0 0 $0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 0 $0 0 $0
Other Accounts 1,100 $380 26 $21

 

Bernard Surovsky, Co-Portfolio Manager and Founder of the Adviser

Type of Accounts

Total Number

of Accounts

Total Assets of Accounts (in millions) Total Number of  Accounts Subject to  a Performance Based Fee Total Assets of Accounts Subject to a Performance-Based Fee (in millions)
Registered Investment Companies 1 $0 0 $0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 0 $0 0 $0
Other Accounts 1,100 $380 26 $21

 

Ownership of Fund Shares

 As of July 1, 2026 the portfolio managers beneficially owned shares of the Fund as summarized in the following table:

 

 

Portfolio Managers

Dollar Range of Beneficial Ownership in the Fund

as of July 1, 2026

Larry Kriesme [None]
Bernard Surovsky [None]

 

Portfolio Manager Compensation

 

Mr. Kriesmer and Mr. Surovsky receive a base salary and discretionary bonuses that are not based on the performance of the Fund. Collectively, they own 100% of the shares of Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc. so any net income from the firm flows through to the shareholders.

 

Conflicts of Interest

As a general matter, certain actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise in connection with a portfolio manager’s management of the Fund’s investments, on the one hand, and the investments of other accounts for which the portfolio manager is responsible, on the other. For example, the management of multiple accounts may result in a portfolio manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management of each account. Although the Adviser does not track the time a portfolio manager spends on a single portfolio, the Adviser

29 
 

does periodically assess whether a portfolio manager has adequate time and resources to effectively manage all of the accounts for which he is responsible. Moreover, variances in advisory fees charged from account to account may create an incentive for portfolio managers to devote more attention to those accounts that pay high advisory fees. It is also possible that the various accounts managed could have different investment strategies that, at times, might conflict with one another. Alternatively, to the extent that the same investment opportunities might be desirable for more than one account, possible conflicts could arise in determining how to allocate them.

 

Other potential conflicts might include conflicts created by specific portfolio manager compensation arrangements, and conflicts relating to selection of brokers or dealers to execute Fund portfolio trades and/or specific uses of commissions from Fund portfolio trades (for example, research, or “soft dollars”).

The Adviser has adopted and implemented policies and procedures, including brokerage and trade allocation policies and procedures, which it believes address the conflicts associated with managing multiple accounts for multiple clients. In addition, the Adviser monitors a variety of areas, including compliance with account investment guidelines and compliance with its applicable Code of Ethics. Finally, the Adviser has structured its portfolio managers’ compensation in a manner, and the Trust has adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed, to safeguard the Fund from being negatively affected as a result of any such potential conflicts.

 

Trading Subadviser

 

Exchange Traded Concepts, LLC, an Oklahoma limited liability company located at 10900 Hefner Pointe Drive, Suite 400, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73120, serves as the Fund’s trading subadviser. Under the supervision of the Adviser, the Trading Subadviser is responsible for executing portfolio transactions and implementing the Adviser's decisions for the Fund. In addition, the Trading Subadviser is responsible for maintaining certain transaction and compliance related records of the Fund.

 

Pursuant to an agreement between the Adviser and Trading Subadviser (the “Trading Subadvisory Agreement”), as compensation for the subadvisory services it provides to the Fund, the Adviser will pay the Trading Subadviser a fee, computed daily, at an annual rate based on the greater of (1) the Minimum Sub-Advisory Fees (a fixed dollar amount) or (2) an asset-based subadvisory fee based on daily net assets of the Fund in accordance with an agreed upon fee schedule (the “Asset-Based Sub-Advisory Fees"), if the aggregate Asset-Based Sub-Advisory Fees exceed the aggregate Minimum Sub-Advisory Fees. 

 

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

 

Administrator and Fund Accountant

 

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“Ultimus”) is the administrator and fund accountant for the Fund pursuant to a Master Services Agreement. As compensation for the foregoing services, Ultimus receives a fee, accrued daily, and paid monthly by the Adviser from the management fee. Ultimus is located at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246.

 

Custodian and Transfer Agent

U.S. Bank National Association (“U.S. Bank”), 1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212, serves as custodian (the “Custodian”) of the Fund’s assets. The Custodian holds and administers the assets in the Fund’s portfolio. Pursuant to the Custody Agreement, the Custodian receives an annual fee from the Adviser based on the Trust’s total average daily net assets, subject to a minimum annual fee, and certain settlement charges. The Custodian also is entitled to certain out-of-pocket expenses. Pursuant to a Transfer Agency Agreement, U.S. Bank also serves as the Fund’s Transfer Agent. For such services, the Transfer Agent receives a fee from the Adviser based on the Fund’s average daily net assets, subject to a minimum annual fee, and is also entitled to certain out-of-pocket expenses for the services.

The fees paid to U.S. Bank in connection with these services are paid by the Adviser.

Compliance Consulting

Under the terms of a Compliance Consulting Agreement with the Trust, Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (“NLCS”) provides an individual with the requisite background and familiarity with the federal securities laws to serve as the Trust’s CCO and to administer the Trust’s compliance policies and procedures. For these services, the Adviser pays NLCS a base fee per annum, plus an asset-based fee computed at an annual rate. In addition, the Adviser reimburses NLCS for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to these compliance services. NLCS’s principal address is 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. Martin Dean currently serves as the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer.

Distributor

 

Northern Lights Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) is the distributor of the Fund’s shares. The Distributor has entered into a Distribution Agreement with the Trust pursuant to which it distributes Fund shares. Shares are continuously offered for sale by the Fund through the Distributor only in Creation Unit Aggregations, as described in the Prospectus and below under the heading “Creation and Redemption of Creation Units.” The Distributor’s principal address is 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022.

 

Aggregations

 

Fund shares in less than Creation Unit Aggregations are not distributed by the Distributor. The Distributor will deliver the Prospectus and, upon request, this SAI to persons purchasing Creation Unit Aggregations and will maintain records of both orders placed with it and confirmations of acceptance furnished by it. The Distributor is a broker-dealer registered under the Exchange Act and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”).

 

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The Distribution Agreement for the Fund provides that it may be terminated as to the Fund at any time, without the payment of any penalty, on at least 60 days written notice by the Trust to the Distributor (i) by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or (ii) by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund. The Distribution Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).

 

The Distributor may also enter into agreements with securities dealers (“Soliciting Dealers”) who will solicit purchases of Creation Unit Aggregations of Fund shares. Such Soliciting Dealers may also be Participating Parties (as defined in “Procedures for Creation of Creation Unit Aggregations” below) and DTC Participants of the Depository Trust Company (the “DTC”) (as defined in “DTC Acts as Securities Depository” below).

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

[                                                  ] serves as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm and is responsible for auditing the Fund’s annual financial statements.

 

Legal Counsel

Practus, LLP is counsel to the Trust and will pass upon the legality of the shares offered hereby.

Supplemental Payments to Financial Intermediaries

Financial intermediaries that promote the sale of Fund shares may be paid fees out of the assets of the Distributor, the Adviser and their affiliates (but not out of Fund assets).

Financial intermediaries who solicit the sale of Fund shares may receive fees for providing distribution-related, recordkeeping or shareholder services such as sponsoring sales, providing sales literature, conducting training seminars for employees, and engineering sales-related computer software programs and systems. Also, these financial intermediaries may be paid cash or promotional incentives, such as reimbursement of certain expenses relating to attendance at informational meetings about the Fund or other special events at recreational-type facilities, or items of material value. These payments will be based upon the amount of Fund shares the financial intermediary sells or may sell and/or upon the type and nature of sales or marketing support furnished by the financial intermediary.

From time to time, the Distributor, the Adviser, and their affiliates, at their expense, may provide additional compensation to financial intermediaries that sell or arrange for the sale of Fund shares. Such compensation may include financial assistance to financial intermediaries that enable the Distributor, the Adviser, and their affiliates to participate in or present at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs for invited employees, client and investor events and other financial intermediary-sponsored events.

The Distributor, the Adviser, and their affiliates also may hold or sponsor, at their expense, sales events, conferences, and programs for employees or associated persons of financial intermediaries in order to facilitate the sale of Fund shares and may pay the travel and lodging expenses of attendees. The Distributor, the Adviser, and their affiliates also may provide, at their expense, meals, and entertainment in conjunction with meetings with these financial intermediaries. Other compensation may be offered to the extent not prohibited by applicable laws, regulations or the rules of any self-regulatory agency, such as FINRA.  

 

CODES OF ETHICS

 

The Trust, the Adviser, and the Distributor have each adopted a code of ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act. These codes of ethics are designed to prevent affiliated persons of the Trust, the Adviser, and the Distributor from engaging in deceptive, manipulative or fraudulent activities in connection with securities held or to be acquired by the Fund (which may also be held by persons subject to the codes of ethics).

 

There can be no assurance that the codes of ethics will be effective in preventing such activities. Each code of ethics, filed as exhibits to this registration statement, may be examined at the office of the SEC in Washington, D.C. or on the Internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

VOTING PROXIES OF FUND PORTFOLIO SECURITIES

 

The Trust and the Adviser have each adopted proxy voting policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in shareholders’ best interests. Pursuant to the Fund’s Policy Related to Proxy Voting, as approved by the Fund’s Board, the Fund has delegated to the Adviser the authority to vote all proxies relating to the Fund’s portfolio securities. In each case, proxies will be voted

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in accordance with the Adviser’s proxy voting policy, subject to the supervision of the Board. The Adviser has a duty to vote or not vote such proxies in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders, and to avoid the influence of conflicts of interest.

 

In the absence of a conflict of interest, the Adviser will generally vote “for” routine proposals, such as the election of directors, approval of auditors, and amendments or revisions to corporate documents to eliminate outdated or unnecessary provisions. Unusual or disputed proposals will be reviewed and voted on a case-by-case basis. The Proxy Voting Policies address, among other things, material conflicts of interest that may arise between the interests of the Fund and the interests of the Adviser. The Proxy Voting Policies will ensure that all issues brought to shareholders are analyzed in light of the Adviser’s fiduciary responsibilities.

 

The policies and procedures used by the Adviser to determine how to vote certain proxies relating to portfolio securities are set forth in Appendix B to this SAI. For a complete copy of the Adviser’s proxy voting policies and procedures, as well as any separate guidelines it uses, please refer to www.synthequityetf.com.

Proxy Voting Report

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ending June 30 is available: (1) without charge, upon request, by calling XXX-XXX-XXXX toll free; (2) by sending an email request to Fulfillment@ultimusfundsolutions.com; (3) by vising the Fund’s website at www. https://synthequityetf.com/ and (4) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS DISCLOSURE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

The Board has adopted a policy regarding the disclosure of information about the Fund’s security holdings.

 

The Fund’s entire portfolio holdings are publicly disseminated each day the Fund is open for business through financial reporting and news services including publicly available internet websites. In addition, the composition of the in-kind creation basket and the in-kind redemption basket is publicly disseminated daily prior to the opening of the Exchange via the NSCC. Consistent with this policy, the Fund may make available, through the facilities of the NSCC or through posting on www. prior to the opening of trading on each Business Day, a list of the Fund’s holdings (generally pro-rata) that Authorized Participants can deliver to the Fund to settle purchases of the Fund (i.e., Deposit Securities) or that Authorized Participants would receive from the Fund to settle redemptions of the Fund (i.e., Fund Securities). These files are known as the Portfolio Composition File and the Fund Data File (collectively, the “Files”). The Files are applicable for the next trading day and are provided to the NSCC and/or posted on www. after the close of markets in the U.S.

 

Greater than daily access to information concerning the Fund’s portfolio holdings will be permitted (i) to certain personnel of service providers to the Fund involved in portfolio management and providing administrative, operational, risk management, or other support to portfolio management, and (ii) to other personnel of the Fund’s service providers who deal directly with, or assist in, functions related to investment management, administration, custody and fund accounting, as may be necessary to conduct business in the ordinary course in a manner consistent with the Trust’s exemptive relief, agreements with the Fund, and the terms of the Trust’s current registration statement. From time to time, and in the ordinary course of business, such information may also be disclosed (i) to other entities that provide services to the Fund, including pricing information vendors, and third parties that deliver analytical, statistical or consulting services to the Fund and (ii) generally after it has been disseminated to the NSCC.

 

The Fund will disclose its complete portfolio holdings in public filings with the SEC on a quarterly basis, based on the Fund’s fiscal year-end, within 60 days of the end of the quarter, and will provide that information to shareholders, as required by federal securities laws and regulations thereunder.

No consideration may be received by the Fund, the Adviser, or any other person in connection with the disclosure of portfolio information.

 

No person is authorized to disclose any of the Fund’s portfolio holdings or other investment positions (whether in writing, by fax, by e-mail, or by other means) except in accordance with this policy. The Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer may authorize disclosure of portfolio holdings. The Board exercises oversight of the disclosure of Fund portfolio holdings by: (1) overseeing the implementation and enforcement of the policy, the Trust’s Code of Ethics and other relevant policies and procedures of the Trust and its service providers by the CCO; (2) considering reports and recommendations by the CCO concerning material compliance matters (as defined in Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act); and (3) considering proposed amendments to this policy. The Board also receives and reviews periodically and at least annually a list of the persons who receive nonpublic portfolio holdings information and the purposes for which it is furnished.

 

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SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS

All shareholders are entitled to one vote for each Fund share held on the record date for any action requiring a vote by the shareholders. Shareholders of the Trust will vote in the aggregate and not by Fund except as otherwise expressly required by law or when the Trustees determine that the matter to be voted upon affects only the interests of the shareholders of a particular Fund.

Each share of the Fund represents a pro rata interest in the assets of the Fund. Fund shares have no preemptive, exchange, subscription or conversion rights and there are no restrictions on the transfer of Fund shares. Each Fund share participates pro rata in all dividends and distributions of the Fund and in the net distributable assets upon liquidation.

The Trust is not required to hold annual meetings of shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees except that (1) the Trust is required to hold a shareholder 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 (2) 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 only be filled by a vote of the shareholders. Except as set forth above, a Trustee may continue to hold office and may appoint successor Trustees.

Under the Trust Agreement, the Trustees have the power to liquidate any Fund without shareholder approval. While the Trustees have no present intent to exercise this power, they may do so if the Fund fails to reach a viable size within a reasonable amount of time or for such other reasons as may be determined by the Board.

The rights of shareholders cannot be modified without a majority vote of the shareholders.

 

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

 

While changes to the Fund’s investment portfolio will generally be implemented through the issuance and redemption of the Fund’s Creation Units in exchange for a Creation Basket, there may be occasions wherein the Adviser will purchase or sell securities directly on behalf of the Fund. To the extent that the Fund issues or redeems Creation Units partly or solely for cash, the Adviser may have to execute portfolio transactions on behalf of the Fund.

 

The policy of the Trust regarding purchases and sales of securities for the Fund is that primary consideration will be given to obtaining the most favorable prices and efficient executions of transactions. Consistent with this policy, when securities transactions are effected on a stock exchange, the Trust’s policy is to pay commissions which are considered fair and reasonable without necessarily determining that the lowest possible commissions are paid in all circumstances. The Trust believes that a requirement always to seek the lowest possible commission cost could impede effective portfolio management and preclude the Fund and the Adviser from obtaining a high quality of brokerage and research services. In seeking to determine the reasonableness of brokerage commissions paid in any transaction, the Adviser will rely upon its experience and knowledge regarding commissions generally charged by various brokers and on its judgment in evaluating the brokerage services received from the broker effecting the transaction. Such determinations are necessarily subjective and imprecise, and in most cases, exact dollar values for those services are not ascertainable. The Trust has adopted policies and procedures that prohibit the consideration of sales of the Fund’s shares as a factor in the selection of a broker or dealer to execute its portfolio transactions.

 

The Adviser owes a fiduciary duty to its clients to seek to provide best execution on trades effected. In selecting a broker/dealer for each specific transaction, the Adviser chooses the broker/dealer deemed most capable of providing the services necessary to obtain the most favorable execution. To the extent that the Adviser engages in brokerage transactions with a broker-dealer that is an affiliated person, it will do so in accordance with applicable law. The Adviser’s use of an affiliated broker-dealer creates a potential conflict of interest to favor an affiliate. The Adviser’s brokerage allocation process and best execution reviews seek to identify and address potential conflicts of interest.

 

Best execution is generally understood to mean the most favorable cost or net proceeds reasonably obtainable under the circumstances. The full range of brokerage services applicable to a particular transaction may be considered when making this judgment, which may include, but is not limited to: liquidity, price, commission, timing, aggregated trades, capable floor brokers or traders, competent block trading coverage, ability to position, capital strength and stability, reliable and accurate communications and settlement processing, use of automation, knowledge of other buyers or sellers, arbitrage skills, administrative ability, underwriting and provision of information on a particular security or market in which the transaction is to occur. The specific criteria will vary depending upon the nature of the transaction, the market in which it is executed, and the extent to which it is possible to select from among multiple broker/dealers. The Adviser will also use electronic crossing networks (“ECNs”) when appropriate.

 

The Adviser may use the Fund’s assets for, or participate in, third-party soft dollar arrangements, in addition to receiving proprietary research from various full-service brokers, the cost of which is bundled with the cost of the broker’s execution services. The Adviser does not “pay up” for the value of any such proprietary research. Section 28(e) of the Exchange Act permits the Adviser, under certain

33 
 

circumstances, to cause the Fund to pay a broker or dealer a commission for effecting a transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting the transaction in recognition of the value of brokerage and research services provided by the broker or dealer. The Adviser may receive a variety of research services and information on many topics, which it can use in connection with its management responsibilities with respect to the various accounts over which it exercises investment discretion or otherwise provides investment advice. The research services may include qualifying order management systems, portfolio attribution and monitoring services and computer software and access charges which are directly related to investment research. Accordingly, the Fund may pay a broker commission higher than the lowest available in recognition of the broker’s provision of such services to the Adviser, but only if the Adviser determines the total commission (including the soft dollar benefit) is comparable to the best commission rate that could be expected to be received from other brokers. The amount of soft dollar benefits received depends on the amount of brokerage transactions effected with the brokers. A conflict of interest exists because there is an incentive to: (1) cause clients to pay a higher commission than the firm might otherwise be able to negotiate; (2) cause clients to engage in more securities transactions than would otherwise be optimal; and (3) only recommend brokers that provide soft dollar benefits.

 

The Adviser faces a potential conflict of interest when it uses client trades to obtain brokerage or research services. This conflict exists because the Adviser is able to use the brokerage or research services to manage client accounts without paying cash for such services, which reduces the Adviser’s expenses to the extent that the Adviser would have purchased such products had they not been provided by brokers. Section 28(e) permits the Adviser to use brokerage or research services for the benefit of any account it manages. Certain accounts managed by the Adviser may generate soft dollars used to purchase brokerage or research services that ultimately benefit other accounts managed by the Adviser, effectively cross subsidizing the other accounts managed by the Adviser that benefit directly from the product. The Adviser may not necessarily use all of the brokerage or research services in connection with managing the Fund whose trades generated the soft dollars used to purchase such products.

 

The Adviser does not currently use the Fund’s assets for, or participate in, any third-party soft dollar arrangements, although they may do so in the future. However, they may receive proprietary research from various full-service brokers, the cost of which is bundled with the cost of the broker’s execution services. The Adviser does not “pay up” for the value of any such proprietary research.

 

The Adviser is responsible, subject to oversight by the Adviser, for placing orders on behalf of the Fund for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities. If purchases or sales of portfolio securities of the Fund and one or more other investment companies or clients supervised by the Adviser are considered at or about the same time, transactions in such securities are allocated among the several investment companies and clients in a manner that the Adviser deems equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to all parties. In some cases, this procedure could have a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security so far as the Fund is concerned. However, in other cases, it is possible that the ability to participate in volume transactions and to negotiate lower brokerage commissions will be beneficial to the Fund. The primary consideration is prompt execution of orders at the most favorable net price.

 

The Fund may deal with affiliates in principal transactions to the extent permitted by exemptive order or applicable rule or regulation.

 

The Fund is new and has not paid any brokerage transactions as of the date of this SAI.

 

Portfolio Turnover

 

The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate, in summary, is the percentage computed by dividing the lesser of the Fund’s purchases or sales of securities (excluding short-term securities, securities transferred in-kind, and options, whose maturities or expiration dates at the time of acquisition were one year or less) by the average market value of the Fund. A rate of 100% indicates that the equivalent of all of the Fund’s assets have been sold and reinvested in a year. High portfolio turnover may affect the amount, timing and character of distributions, and, as a result, may increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders. Higher portfolio turnover also results in higher transaction costs. To the extent that net short-term capital gains are realized by the Fund, any distributions resulting from such gains are considered ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

The Fund is new and does not have a portfolio turnover rate to report as of the date of this SAI.

 

Directed Brokerage. The Fund is new and has not paid any commissions on brokerage transactions directed to brokers pursuant to an agreement or understanding whereby the broker provides research or other brokerage services to the Adviser.

 

Brokerage with Fund Affiliates. The Fund may execute brokerage or other agency transactions through registered broker-dealer affiliates of the Fund, the Adviser, or the Distributor for a commission in conformity with the 1940 Act, the Exchange Act and rules promulgated by the SEC. These rules require that commissions paid to the affiliate by the Fund for exchange transactions not exceed “usual and customary” brokerage commissions. The rules define “usual and customary” commissions to include amounts which are “reasonable and fair compared to the commission, fee or other remuneration received or to be received by other brokers in connection with comparable transactions involving similar securities being purchased or sold on a securities exchange during a comparable period

34 
 

of time.” The Board, including those members who are not “interested persons” of the Fund, has adopted procedures for evaluating the reasonableness of commissions paid to affiliates and reviews these procedures periodically.

 

The Fund is new and does not have any brokerage with fund affiliates to report.

 

Securities of “Regular Broker-Dealers.” The Fund is required to identify any securities of its “regular brokers and dealers” (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) which the Fund may hold at the close of its most recent fiscal year. “Regular brokers or dealers” of the Fund are the ten brokers or dealers that, during the most recent fiscal year: (i) received the greatest dollar amounts of brokerage commissions from the Fund’s portfolio transactions; (ii) engaged as principal in the largest dollar amounts of portfolio transactions of the Fund; or (iii) sold the largest dollar amounts of the Fund’s shares.

 

 

BOOK ENTRY ONLY SYSTEM

The information below supplements disclosure in the Prospectus regarding the book entry system. This information should be read in conjunction with the disclosure included in the Prospectus.

DTC acts as securities depositary for the Fund’s shares. Shares of the Fund are represented by securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., and deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC. Generally, certificates will not be issued for shares.

 

DTC is a limited-purpose trust company that was created to hold securities of the DTC Participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among the DTC Participants in such securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the DTC Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. DTC Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations, some of whom (and/or their representatives) own DTC. More specifically, DTC is owned by a number of its DTC Participants and by the Exchange and FINRA. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers, and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC Participant, either directly or indirectly (the “Indirect Participants”).

Beneficial ownership of the Fund’s shares is limited to DTC Participants, Indirect Participants, and persons holding interests through DTC Participants and Indirect Participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in the Fund’s shares (owners of such beneficial interests are referred to herein as “Beneficial Owners”) is shown on, and the transfer of ownership is effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to DTC Participants) and on the records of DTC Participants (with respect to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners that are not DTC Participants). Beneficial Owners will receive from or through the DTC Participant a written confirmation relating to their purchase of the Fund’s shares. The Trust recognizes DTC or its nominee as the record owner of the Fund’s shares for all purposes. Beneficial Owners of the Fund’s shares are not entitled to have Fund shares registered in their names, and will not receive or be entitled to physical delivery of share certificates. Each Beneficial Owner must rely on the procedures of DTC and any DTC Participant and/or Indirect Participant through which such Beneficial Owner holds its interests, to exercise any rights of a holder of the Fund’s shares.

Conveyance of all notices, statements, and other communications to Beneficial Owners is affected as follows. DTC will make available to the Trust upon request and for a fee a listing of the Fund’s shares held by each DTC Participant. The Trust shall obtain from each such DTC Participant the number of Beneficial Owners holding the Fund’s shares, directly or indirectly, through such DTC Participant. The Trust shall provide each such DTC Participant with copies of such notice, statement, or other communication, in such form, number and at such place as such DTC Participant may reasonably request, in order that such notice, statement or communication may be transmitted by such DTC Participant, directly or indirectly, to such Beneficial Owners. In addition, the Trust shall pay to each such DTC Participant a fair and reasonable amount as reimbursement for the expenses attendant to such transmittal, all subject to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

Share distributions shall be made to DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., as the registered holder of the Fund’s shares. DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any such distributions, shall credit immediately DTC Participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the Fund as shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. Payments by DTC Participants to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners of the Fund’s shares held through such DTC Participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in a “street name,” and will be the responsibility of such DTC Participants.

The Trust has no responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or notices to Beneficial Owners, or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the Fund’s shares, or for maintaining, supervising, or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests, or for any other aspect of the relationship between DTC and the DTC Participants or the relationship between such DTC Participants and the Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners owning through such DTC Participants.

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DTC may determine to discontinue providing its service with respect to any Fund at any time by giving reasonable notice to the Fund and discharging its responsibilities with respect thereto under applicable law. Under such circumstances, the Fund shall take action either to find a replacement for DTC to perform its functions at a comparable cost or, if such replacement is unavailable, to issue and deliver printed certificates representing ownership of the Fund’s shares, unless the Trust makes other arrangements with respect thereto satisfactory to the Exchange. The DTC Participants’ rules and policies are made publicly available through its website at www.dtcc.com.

 

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

 

A principal shareholder is any person who owns (either of record or beneficially) 5% or more of the outstanding shares of a fund. A control person is one who owns beneficially or through controlled companies more than 25% of the voting securities of a company or acknowledges the existence of control.

 

The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) or its nominee is the record owner of all outstanding shares and is recognized as the owner of all shares for all purposes. Investors owning shares are beneficial owners as shown on the records of DTC or its participants. As of the date of this SAI, because the Fund has not commenced operations, there are no control persons or principal holders of securities. As of the date of this SAI, the Fund is newly formed and no persons or “groups” (as that term is used in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”) are DTC members reflecting ownership of 5% or more of the Fund’s outstanding shares.

 

As of the date of this SAI, the Trustees and Officers of the Trust as a group did not own any shares of the Fund.

 

PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNITS

PURCHASE (CREATION). The Trust issues and sells shares of the Fund only in Creation Units on a continuous basis through the Distributor, at their NAV next determined after receipt, on any Business Day (as defined below), of an order received in proper form.

 

A “Business Day” with respect to the Fund is any day on which the Exchange is open for business. As of the date of the Prospectus, the Exchange observes the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day (Washington’s Birthday), Good Friday, Memorial Day (observed), Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

 

FUND DEPOSIT. The consideration for purchase of a Creation Unit of the Fund generally consists of a cash payment. However, the Fund reserves the right to accept as consideration for the purchase of a Creation Unit either (i) the in-kind deposit of a designated portfolio of securities (the “Deposit Securities”) per each Creation Unit, constituting a substantial replication, or a portfolio sampling representation, of the securities included in the Fund’s portfolio and the Cash Component (defined below), computed as described below, or (ii) the cash value of the Deposit Securities (“Deposit Cash”) and the Cash Component. When accepting purchases of Creation Units for cash, the Fund may incur additional costs associated with the acquisition of Deposit Securities that would otherwise be provided by an in-kind purchaser. These additional costs may be recoverable from the purchaser of Creation Units.

 

Together, the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable, and the Cash Component constitute the “Fund Deposit,” which represents the minimum initial and subsequent investment amount for a Creation Unit of the Fund. The “Cash Component” is an amount equal to the difference between the NAV of the shares of the Fund (per Creation Unit) and the market value of the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable. If the Cash Component is a positive number (i.e., the NAV per Creation Unit exceeds the market value of the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable), the Cash Component shall be such positive amount. If the Cash Component is a negative number (i.e., the NAV per Creation Unit is less than the market value of the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable), the Cash Component shall be such negative amount and the creator will be entitled to receive cash in an amount equal to the Cash Component. The Cash Component serves the function of compensating for any differences between the NAV per Creation Unit and the market value of the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable. Computation of the Cash Component excludes any stamp duty or other similar fees and expenses payable upon transfer of beneficial ownership of the Deposit Securities, if applicable, which shall be the sole responsibility of the Authorized Participant (as defined below).

 

The identity and number of shares of the Deposit Securities required for a Fund Deposit for the Fund changes as rebalancing adjustments and corporate action events are reflected from time to time by the Adviser to the Fund with a view to the investment objectives of the Fund. In addition, the Trust reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of an amount of cash – i.e., a “cash in lieu” amount – to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Security which may not be available in sufficient quantity for delivery or which may not be eligible for transfer through the Clearing Process (discussed below), or which may not be eligible for trading by an Authorized Participant (as defined below) or the investor for which it is acting. The Trust also reserves the right to offer an “all cash” option for creations of Creation Units for the Fund.

 

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In addition to the list of names and numbers of securities constituting the current Deposit Securities of a Fund Deposit, the Administrator, through the NSCC, also makes available on each Business Day, the estimated Cash Component, effective through and including the previous Business Day, per outstanding Creation Unit of the Fund.

 

PROCEDURES FOR PURCHASE OF CREATION UNITS. To be eligible to place orders with the Distributor to create a Creation Unit of the Fund, an entity must be (i) a “Participating Party,” i.e., a broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC (the “Clearing Process”), a clearing agency that is registered with the SEC; or (ii) a DTC Participant (see “Book Entry Only System”), and, in each case, must have executed an agreement with the Trust, the Distributor and the Administrator with respect to creations and redemptions of Creation Units (“Participant Agreement”) (discussed below). A Participating Party and DTC Participant are collectively referred to as an “Authorized Participant.” Investors should contact the Distributor for the names of Authorized Participants that have signed a Participant Agreement with the Fund. All shares of the Fund, however created, will be entered on the records of DTC in the name of Cede & Co. for the account of a DTC Participant.

 

All orders to create Creation Units must be placed for one or more Creation Unit size aggregations. All orders to create Creation Units, whether through the Clearing Process (through a Participating Party) or outside the Clearing Process (through a DTC Participant), must be received by the Distributor no later than 3:00 p.m., Eastern Time, an hour earlier than the close of the regular trading session on the Exchange (ordinarily 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) (“Closing Time”), in each case on the date such order is placed in order for the creation of Creation Units to be effected based on the NAV of shares of the Fund as next determined on such date after receipt of the order in proper form. The date on which an order to create Creation Units (or an order to redeem Creation Units as discussed below) is placed is referred to as the “Transmittal Date.” Orders must be transmitted by an Authorized Participant by telephone or other transmission method acceptable to the Distributor pursuant to procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement, as described below (see “Placement of Creation Orders Using Clearing Process” and “Placement of Creation Orders Outside Clearing Process”). Severe economic or market disruptions or changes, or telephone or other communication failure, may impede the ability to reach the Distributor or an Authorized Participant.

 

Orders to create Creation Units of the Fund shall be placed with an Authorized Participant, as applicable, in the form required by such Authorized Participant. In addition, the Authorized Participant may request the investor to make certain representations or enter into agreements with respect to the order, i.e., to provide for payments of cash, when required. Investors should be aware that their particular broker may not have executed a Participant Agreement and, therefore, orders to create Creation Units of the Fund have to be placed by the investor’s broker through an Authorized Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement. At any given time, there may be only a limited number of broker-dealers that have executed a Participant Agreement. Those placing orders for Creation Units through the Clearing Process should afford sufficient time to permit proper submission of the order to the Distributor prior to 3:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the Transmittal Date.

 

Orders for creation that are effected outside the Clearing Process are likely to require transmittal by the DTC Participant earlier on the Transmittal Date than orders effected using the Clearing Process. Those persons placing orders outside the Clearing Process, should ascertain the deadlines applicable to DTC and the Federal Reserve Bank wire system by contacting the operations department of the broker or depository institution effecting such transfer of Deposit Securities and Cash Component.

 

PLACEMENT OF CREATION ORDERS USING THE CLEARING PROCESS. The Clearing Process is the process of creating or redeeming Creation Units through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC. Fund Deposits made through the Clearing Process must be delivered through a Participating Party that has executed a Participant Agreement. The Participant Agreement authorizes the Distributor to transmit through the Fund’s transfer agent to NSCC, on behalf of the Participating Party, such trade instructions as are necessary to effect the Participating Party’s creation order. Pursuant to such trade instructions to NSCC, the Participating Party agrees to deliver the requisite Deposit Securities and the Cash Component to the Trust, together with such additional information as may be required by the Distributor. An order to create Creation Units through the Clearing Process is deemed received by the Distributor on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received by the Distributor not later than 3:00 p.m., Eastern Time on such Transmittal Date and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed.

 

PLACEMENT OF CREATION ORDERS OUTSIDE THE CLEARING PROCESS. Fund Deposits made outside the Clearing Process must be delivered through a DTC Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement with the Trust, the Distributor and the Administrator. A DTC Participant who wishes to place an order creating Creation Units to be effected outside the Clearing Process need not be a Participating Party, but such orders must state that the DTC Participant is not using the Clearing Process and that the creation of Creation Units will instead be effected through a transfer of securities and cash directly through DTC. A Fund Deposit transfer must be ordered by the DTC Participant on the Transmittal Date in a timely fashion so as to ensure the delivery of the requisite number of Deposit Securities through DTC to the account of the Trust by no later than 11:00 a.m., Eastern Time, of the next Business Day immediately following the Transmittal Date. All questions as to the number of Deposit Securities to be delivered, and the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) for the deposit of any tendered securities, will be determined by the Trust, whose determination shall be final and binding. The cash equal to the Cash Component must be transferred directly to the Administrator through the Federal Reserve wire system in a timely manner so as to be received by the Administrator no later than 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the next

37 
 

Business Day immediately following such Transmittal Date. An order to create Creation Units outside the Clearing Process is deemed received by the Distributor on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received by the Distributor not later than 3:00 p.m., Eastern Time on such Transmittal Date; and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. However, if the Administrator does not receive both the requisite Deposit Securities and the Cash Component by 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., respectively, on the next Business Day immediately following the Transmittal Date, such order will be cancelled. Upon written notice to the Distributor, such cancelled order may be resubmitted the following Business Day using a Fund Deposit as newly constituted to reflect the then current NAV of the Fund. The delivery of Creation Units of the Fund so created will occur no later than the third (3rd) Business Day following the day on which the purchase order is deemed received by the Distributor.

 

Creation Units may be created in advance of receipt by the Trust of all or a portion of the applicable Deposit Securities as described below. In these circumstances, the initial deposit will have a value greater than the NAV of the shares on the date the order is placed in proper form since in addition to available Deposit Securities, cash must be deposited in an amount equal to the sum of (i) the Cash Component, plus (ii) 115% of the market value of the undelivered Deposit Securities (the “Additional Cash Deposit”). The order shall be deemed to be received on the Business Day on which the order is placed provided that the order is placed in proper form prior to 3:00 p.m., Eastern Time on such date and federal funds in the appropriate amount are deposited with the Administrator by 11:00 a.m., Eastern Time, the following Business Day. If the order is not placed in proper form by 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time or federal funds in the appropriate amount are not received by 11:00 a.m. on the next Business Day, then the order may be deemed to be rejected and the investor shall be liable to the Trust for losses, if any, resulting therefrom. An additional amount of cash shall be required to be deposited with the Trust, pending delivery of the missing Deposit Securities to the extent necessary to maintain the Additional Cash Deposit with the Trust in an amount at least equal to 115% of the daily marked to market value of the missing Deposit Securities. To the extent that missing Deposit Securities are not received by 1:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the third Business Day following the day on which the purchase order is deemed received by the Distributor or in the event a mark to market payment is not made within one Business Day following notification by the Distributor that such a payment is required, the Trust may use the cash on deposit to purchase the missing Deposit Securities. Authorized Participants will be liable to the Trust for the costs incurred by the Trust in connection with any such purchases. These costs will be deemed to include the amount by which the actual purchase price of the Deposit Securities exceeds the market value of such Deposit Securities on the day the purchase order was deemed received by the Distributor plus the brokerage and related transaction costs associated with such purchases. The Trust will return any unused portion of the Additional Cash Deposit once all of the missing Deposit Securities have been properly received by the Administrator or purchased by the Trust and deposited into the Trust. In addition, a transaction fee will be charged in all cases. The delivery of Creation Units of the Fund so created will occur no later than the third Business Day following the day on which the purchase order is deemed received by the Distributor.

 

ACCEPTANCE OF ORDERS FOR CREATION UNITS. The Trust reserves the right to reject a creation order transmitted to it by the Distributor in respect of the Fund including, without limitation, if (a) the order is not in proper form; (b) the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable, delivered by the Participant are not as disseminated through the facilities of the NSCC for that date by the Custodian; (c) the investor(s), upon obtaining the shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding shares of the Fund; (d) the acceptance of the Fund Deposit would, in the opinion of counsel, be unlawful; (e) the acceptance or receipt of the order for a Creation Unit would, in the opinion of counsel to the Trust, be unlawful; or (f) circumstances outside the control of the Trust, the Custodian, the Transfer Agent and/or the Adviser make it for all practical purposes not feasible to process orders for Creation Units.

 

Examples of such circumstances include acts of God or public service or utility problems such as fires, floods, extreme weather conditions and power outages resulting in telephone, telecopy and computer failures; market conditions or activities causing trading halts; systems failures involving computer or other information systems affecting the Trust, the Distributor, the Custodian, a sub-custodian, the Transfer Agent, DTC, NSCC, Federal Reserve System, or any other participant in the creation process, and other extraordinary events. The Distributor shall notify a prospective creator of a Creation Unit and/or the Authorized Participant acting on behalf of the creator of a Creation Unit of its rejection of the order of such person. The Trust, the Transfer Agent, the Custodian, any sub-custodian and the Distributor are under no duty, however, to give notification of any defects or irregularities in the delivery of Fund Deposits nor shall either of them incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification. The Trust, the Transfer Agent, the Custodian and the Distributor shall not be liable for the rejection of any purchase order for Creation Units. Given the importance of the ongoing issuance of Creation Units to maintaining a market price that is at or close to the underlying net asset value of the Fund, the Trust does not intend to suspend acceptance of orders for Creation Units.

 

All questions as to the number of shares of each security in the Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility and acceptance for deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by the Trust, and the Trust’s determination shall be final and binding.

 

CREATION TRANSACTION FEE. To compensate the Trust for transfer and other transaction costs involved in creation transactions through the Clearing Process, investors will be required to pay a minimum creation transaction fee, assessed per transaction, as follows:

 

Name of Fund Fixed Creation Transaction Fee Maximum Variable Transaction Fee
MRP SynthEquity® Nasdaq 100 ETF [$xxx] [x%]

 

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The Fund, subject to approval by the Board, may adjust the Creation Transaction Fee from time to time based upon actual experience. Investors who use the services of a broker or other such intermediary in addition to an Authorized Participant to effect the creation of a Creation Unit may be charged a fee for such services.

 

REDEMPTION. Shares may be redeemed only in Creation Units at their NAV next determined after receipt of a redemption request in proper form by the Fund through the Administrator and only on a Business Day. The Trust will not redeem shares in amounts less than Creation Units. Beneficial Owners must accumulate enough shares in the secondary market to constitute a Creation Unit in order to have such shares redeemed by the Trust. There can be no assurance, however, that there will be sufficient liquidity in the public trading market at any time to permit assembly of a Creation Unit. Investors should expect to incur brokerage and other costs in connection with assembling a sufficient number of shares to constitute a redeemable Creation Unit.

 

With respect to the Fund, the Administrator, through the NSCC, makes available immediately prior to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m., Eastern Time) on each Business Day, the “Fund Securities” that will be applicable (subject to possible amendment or correction) to redemption requests received in proper form (as defined below) on that day. Fund Securities received on redemption may not be identical to Deposit Securities which are applicable to creations of Creation Units.

 

CASH REDEMPTION AMOUNT. Unless cash redemptions are available or specified for the Fund, the redemption proceeds for a Creation Unit generally consist of Fund Securities – as announced by the Administrator on the Business Day of the request for redemption received in proper form plus cash in an amount equal to the difference between the NAV of the shares being redeemed, as next determined after receipt of a request in proper form, and the value of the Fund Securities (the “Cash Redemption Amount”), less a redemption transaction fee described below in the section entitled “Redemption Transaction Fee”. In the event that the Fund Securities have a value greater than the NAV of the shares of the Fund, a compensating cash payment equal to the differential is required to be made by or through an Authorized Participant by the redeeming shareholder.

 

PLACEMENT OF REDEMPTION ORDER USING CLEARING PROCESS. Orders to redeem Creation Units through the Clearing Process must be delivered through a Participating Party that has executed the Participant Agreement. An order to redeem Creation Units using the Clearing Process is deemed received on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received by the Administrator not later than 3:00 p.m., Eastern Time on such Transmittal Date; and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed; such order will be effected based on the NAV of the Fund as next determined. An order to redeem Creation Units using the Clearing Process made in proper form but received by the Fund after 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time will be deemed received on the next Business Day immediately following the Transmittal Date and will be effected at the NAV next determined on such Business Day. The requisite Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount will be transferred by the third (3rd) NSCC Business Day following the date on which such request for redemption is deemed received.

 

PLACEMENT OF REDEMPTION ORDERS OUTSIDE CLEARING PROCESS. Orders to redeem Creation Units outside the Clearing Process must be delivered through a DTC Participant that has executed the Participant Agreement. A DTC Participant who wishes to place an order for redemption of Creation Units to be effected outside the Clearing Process need not be a Participating Party, but such orders must state that the DTC Participant is not using the Clearing Process and that redemption of Creation Units will instead be effected through transfer of shares directly through DTC. An order to redeem Creation Units outside the Clearing Process is deemed received by the Administrator on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received by the Administrator not later than 3:00 p.m., Eastern Time on such Transmittal Date; (ii) such order is accompanied or proceeded by the requisite number of shares of the Fund and/or the Cash Redemption Amount specified in such order, which delivery must be made through DTC to the Administrator no later than 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., respectively, Eastern Time, on the next Business Day following such Transmittal Date (the “DTC Cut-Off-Time”); and (iii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed.

 

After the Administrator has deemed an order for redemption outside the Clearing Process received, the Administrator will initiate procedures to transfer the requisite Fund Securities, which are expected to be delivered within three Business Days, and/or the Cash Redemption Amount to the Authorized Participant, on behalf of the redeeming Beneficial Owner, by the third Business Day following the Transmittal Date on which such redemption order is deemed received by the Administrator.

 

The calculation of the value of the Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered upon redemption will be made by the Administrator according to the procedures set forth under “Determination of Net Asset Value” computed on the Business Day on which a redemption order is deemed received by the Administrator. Therefore, if a redemption order in proper form is submitted to the Administrator by a DTC Participant not later than 3:00 p.m., Eastern Time on the Transmittal Date, and the requisite number of shares of the Fund are delivered to the custodian prior to the DTC Cut-Off-Time, then the value of the Fund Securities and/or the Cash

39 
 

Redemption Amount to be delivered will be determined by the Administrator on such Transmittal Date. If, however, a redemption order is submitted to the Administrator by a DTC Participant not later than 3:00 p.m., Eastern Time on the Transmittal Date, but either (1) the requisite number of shares of the Fund are not delivered by the DTC Cut-Off-Time as described above on the next Business Day following the Transmittal Date or (2) the redemption order is not submitted in proper form, then the redemption order will not be deemed received as of the Transmittal Date. In such case, the value of the Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered will be computed on the Business Day that such order is deemed received by the Administrator, i.e., the Business Day on which the shares of the Fund are delivered through DTC to the Administrator by the DTC Cut-Off-Time on such Business Day pursuant to a properly submitted redemption order.

 

If it is not possible to effect deliveries of the Fund Securities, the Trust may in its discretion exercise its option to redeem such shares in cash, and the redeeming Beneficial Owner will be required to receive its redemption proceeds in cash. In addition, an investor may request a redemption in cash which the Fund may, in its sole discretion, permit. In either case, the investor will receive a cash payment equal to the NAV of its shares based on the NAV of shares of the Fund next determined after the redemption request is received in proper form (minus a redemption transaction fee and additional charge for requested cash redemptions specified above, to offset the Trust’s brokerage and other transaction costs associated with the disposition of Fund Securities). The Fund may also, in its sole discretion, upon request of a shareholder, provide such redeemer a portfolio of securities which differs from the exact composition of the Fund Securities but does not differ in NAV.

 

Redemptions of shares for Fund Securities will be subject to compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws and the Fund (whether or not it otherwise permits cash redemptions) reserves the right to redeem Creation Units for cash to the extent that the Fund could not lawfully deliver specific Fund Securities upon redemptions or could not do so without first registering the Fund Securities under such laws. An Authorized Participant or an investor for which it is acting subject to a legal restriction with respect to a particular stock included in the Fund Securities applicable to the redemption of a Creation Unit may be paid an equivalent amount of cash. The Authorized Participant may request the redeeming Beneficial Owner of the shares to complete an order form or to enter into agreements with respect to such matters as compensating cash payment, beneficial ownership of shares or delivery instructions. The Trust also reserves the right to offer an “all cash” option for redemptions of Creation Units for the Fund.

 

The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed with respect to the Fund (1) for any period during which the New York Stock Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings); (2) for any period during which trading on the New York Stock Exchange is suspended or restricted; (3) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the securities owned by the Fund or determination of the shares’ NAV is not reasonably practicable; or (4) in such other circumstance as is permitted by the SEC.

 

REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEE. To compensate the Trust for transfer and other transaction costs involved in redemption transactions through the Clearing Process, investors will be required to pay a minimum redemption transaction fee, assessed per transaction as follows:

 

Name of Fund Fixed Redemption Transaction Fee Maximum Variable Transaction Fee
MRP SynthEquity® Nasdaq 100 ETF [$xxx] [x%]

 

The Fund, subject to approval by the Board, may adjust the Redemption Transaction Fee from time to time based upon actual experience. Investors who use the services of a broker or other such intermediary in addition to an Authorized Participant to effect a redemption of a Creation Unit may be charged a fee for such services.

 

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

 

The NAV per share of the Fund is computed by dividing the value of the net assets of the Fund (i.e., the value of its total assets less total liabilities) by the Total number of shares of the Fund outstanding, rounded to the nearest cent. Expenses and fees, including without limitation, the management, administration and distribution fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for purposes of determining NAV per share. The NAV per share for the Fund is calculated by the Administrator and determined as of the close of the regular trading session on the Exchange (ordinarily 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) on each day that such exchange is open, provided that fixed-income assets may be valued as of the announced closing time for trading in fixed-income instruments on any day that the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (“SIFMA”) announces an early closing time.

 

40 
 

In calculating the Fund’s NAV per share, the Fund’s investments are generally valued using market valuations. A market valuation generally means a valuation (i) obtained from an exchange, a pricing service, or a major market maker (or dealer), (ii) based on a price quotation or other equivalent indication of value supplied by an exchange, a pricing service, or a major market maker (or dealer) or (iii) based on amortized cost. In the case of shares of other funds that are not traded on an exchange, a market valuation means such fund’s published NAV per share. The Adviser may use various pricing services, or discontinue the use of any pricing service, as approved by the Board from time to time. A price obtained from a pricing service based on such pricing service’s valuation matrix may be considered a market valuation. Any assets or liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted into U.S. dollars at the current market rates on the date of valuation as quoted by one or more sources. Futures contracts will be valued at the settlement or closing price determined by the applicable exchange. Cash Instruments may be valued at market values, as furnished by recognized dealers in such securities or assets. Cash Instruments also may be valued on the basis of information furnished by an independent pricing service that uses a valuation matrix which incorporates both dealer-supplied valuations and electronic data processing techniques. Shares of money market mutual funds held by the Fund will be valued at their respective NAVs.

 

In the event that current market valuations are not readily available or such valuations do not reflect current market value, the Trust’s procedures require the Fair Value Committee to determine a security’s fair value if a market price is not readily available. In determining such value the Fair Value Committee may consider, among other things, (i) price comparisons among multiple sources, (ii) a review of corporate actions and news events, and (iii) a review of relevant financial indicators (e.g., movement in interest rates, market indices, and prices). In these cases, the Fund’s NAV may reflect certain portfolio securities’ fair values rather than their market prices. Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determination for a security is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of the security. With respect to securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges, the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or sell your shares.

 

DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS, AND TAXES

 

Dividends and Distributions

 

The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus entitled “Dividends, Distributions and Taxes.”

 

General Policies. Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid at least annually by the Fund. Distributions of net realized securities gains, if any, generally are declared and paid once a year, but the Fund may make distributions on a more frequent basis for the Fund to comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, in all events in a manner consistent with the provisions of the 1940 Act.

 

Dividends and other distributions on shares of the Fund are distributed, as described below, on a pro rata basis to Beneficial Owners of such shares. Dividend payments are made through DTC Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners then of record with proceeds received from the Fund.

 

The Fund may make additional distributions to the extent necessary (i) to distribute the entire annual taxable income of the Fund, plus any net capital gains and (ii) to avoid imposition of the excise tax imposed by Section 4982 of the Internal Revenue Code. Management of the Trust reserves the right to declare special dividends by the Fund if, in its reasonable discretion, such action is necessary or advisable to preserve the Fund’s eligibility for treatment as a RIC or to avoid imposition of income or excise taxes on undistributed income.

 

Dividend Reinvestment Service. The Trust will not make the DTC book-entry dividend reinvestment service available for use by Beneficial Owners for reinvestment of their cash proceeds, but certain individual broker-dealers may make available the DTC book-entry Dividend Reinvestment Service for use by Beneficial Owners of the Fund through DTC Participants for reinvestment of their dividend distributions. Investors should contact their brokers to ascertain the availability and description of these services. Beneficial Owners should be aware that each broker may require investors to adhere to specific procedures and timetables in order to participate in the dividend reinvestment service and investors should ascertain from their brokers such necessary details. If this service is available and used, dividend distributions of both income and realized gains will be automatically reinvested in additional whole shares issued by the Trust of the same Fund at NAV. Distributions reinvested in additional shares of the Fund will nevertheless be taxable to Beneficial Owners acquiring such additional shares to the same extent as if such distributions had been received in cash.

 

Federal Income Taxes

 

The following is a summary of certain additional U.S. federal income tax considerations generally affecting the Fund and its shareholders that supplements the summary in the Prospectus. No attempt is made to present a comprehensive explanation of the federal, state, local or foreign tax treatment of the Fund or its shareholders, and the discussion here and in the Prospectus is not intended to be a substitute for careful tax planning.

41 
 

 

The following general discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences is based on provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations issued thereunder as in effect on the date of this SAI. New legislation, as well as administrative changes or court decisions, may significantly change the conclusions expressed herein, and may have a retroactive effect with respect to the transactions contemplated herein.

 

The summary is very general, and does not address investors subject to special rules, such as investors who hold shares through an individual retirement account (“IRA”), 401(k) or other tax-advantaged account. Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding the application of the provisions of tax law described in this SAI in light of the particular tax situations of the shareholders and regarding specific questions as to federal, state, or local taxes.

 

Regulated Investment Company Status. The Fund has elected and intends to continue to qualify each year to be treated as a RIC under the Internal Revenue Code. By following such a policy, the Fund expects to eliminate or reduce to a nominal amount the federal taxes to which it may be subject. If the Fund qualifies as a RIC, it will generally not be subject to federal income taxes on the net investment income and net realized capital gains that it timely distributes to its shareholders. The Board reserves the right not to maintain the qualification of the Fund as a RIC if it determines such course of action to be beneficial to shareholders.

 

In order to qualify as a RIC under the Internal Revenue Code, the Fund must distribute annually to its shareholders at least an amount equal to the sum of 90% of the Fund’s net investment company taxable income for such year (including, for this purpose, dividends, taxable interest, and the excess of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses, less operating expenses), computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction, and at least 90% of its net tax-exempt interest income for such year, if any (the “Distribution Requirement”) and also must meet certain additional requirements. One of these additional requirements for RIC qualification is that the Fund must receive at least 90% of its gross income each taxable year from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in stock, securities, foreign currencies and net income from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships (the “90% Test”). A second requirement for qualification as a RIC is that the Fund must diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year: (a) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund’s total assets is represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities, with these other securities limited, in respect to any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets or 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, including the equity securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership; and (b) not more than 25% of the value of its total assets is invested, including through corporations in which the Fund owns a 20% or more voting stock interest, in the securities (other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs) of any one issuer or the securities (other than the securities of another RIC) of two or more issuers that the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or related trades or businesses, or the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships (the “Asset Test”). The Fund expects to invest in certain Underlying ETFs and underlying mutual funds (collectively, “Underlying Funds”), some of which will have qualified and will intend to continue to qualify for treatment each year as a RIC.

 

If the Fund fails to satisfy the 90% Test or the Asset Test, the Fund may be eligible for relief provisions if the failures are due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect and if a penalty tax is paid with respect to each failure to satisfy the applicable requirements. Additionally, relief is provided for certain de minimis failures of the Asset Test where the Fund corrects the failure within a specified period of time. In order to be eligible for the relief provisions with respect to a failure to meet the Asset Test, the Fund may be required to dispose of certain assets. If these relief provisions are not available to the Fund and it fails to qualify for treatment as a RIC for a taxable year, all of its taxable income would be subject to tax at the regular corporate income tax rate without any deduction for distributions to shareholders, and its distributions (including capital gains distributions) generally would be taxable as ordinary income dividends to its shareholders, subject to the dividends received deduction for corporate shareholders and the lower tax rates on qualified dividend income received by non-corporate shareholders.

 

In addition, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest, and make substantial distributions before requalifying as a RIC. If the Fund determines that it will not qualify for treatment as a RIC, the Fund will establish procedures to reflect the anticipated tax liability in the Fund’s NAV.

 

Although the Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and may distribute its capital gains for any taxable year, the Fund will be subject to federal income taxation to the extent any such income or gains are not distributed.

 

Notwithstanding the Distribution Requirement described above, the Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax on certain undistributed income if it does not distribute (and is not deemed to distribute) to its shareholders in each calendar year an amount at least equal to 98% of its ordinary income for the calendar year and 98.2% of its capital gain net income for the twelve months ended October 31 of such year, subject to an increase for any shortfall in the prior year’s distribution. For this purpose, any ordinary income or capital gain net income retained by the Fund and subject to corporate income tax will be considered to have been distributed. The

42 
 

Fund intends to declare and distribute dividends and distributions in the amounts and at the times necessary to avoid the application of this 4% excise tax, but can make no assurances that such tax will be completely eliminated. The Fund may in certain circumstances be required to liquidate Fund investments in order to make sufficient distributions to avoid federal excise tax liability at a time when the investment adviser might not otherwise have chosen to do so, and liquidation of investments in such circumstances may affect the ability of the Fund to satisfy the requirement for qualification as a RIC.

 

The Fund may elect to treat part or all of any “qualified late year loss” as if it had been incurred in the succeeding taxable year in determining the Fund’s taxable income, net capital gain, net short-term capital gain, and earnings and profits. The effect of this election is to treat any such “qualified late year loss” as if it had been incurred in the succeeding taxable year in characterizing Fund distributions for any calendar year. A “qualified late year loss” generally includes net capital loss, net long-term capital loss, or net short-term capital loss incurred after October 31 of the current taxable year (commonly referred to as “post-October losses”) and certain other late-year losses.

 

Capital losses in excess of capital gains (“net capital losses”) are not permitted to be deducted against a RIC’s net investment income. Instead, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, potentially subject to certain limitations, a RIC may carry net capital losses from any taxable year forward to offset capital gains in future years. The Fund is permitted to carry forward a net capital loss indefinitely. To the extent subsequent capital gains are offset by such losses, they will not result in U.S. federal income tax liability to the Fund and may not be distributed as capital gains to shareholders. The Fund may invest in Underlying Funds with capital loss carryforwards. Underlying Funds with net capital losses may also carry forward those net capital losses indefinitely. Generally, neither the Fund nor any Underlying Fund may carry forward any losses other than net capital losses. The carryover of capital losses may be limited under the general loss limitation rules if the Fund experiences an ownership change as defined in the Internal Revenue Code.

 

The Fund will not be able to offset gains distributed by any Underlying Fund in which it invests against losses incurred by another Underlying Fund in which it invests because the Underlying Funds cannot distribute losses. The Fund’s sales of shares in an Underlying Fund, including those resulting from changes in the allocation among Underlying Funds, could cause the Fund to recognize taxable gains or losses. A portion of any such gains may be short-term capital gains that would be distributable as ordinary income to shareholders of the Fund. Further, a portion of losses on sales of shares in the Underlying Funds may be deferred. Short-term capital gains earned by an Underlying Fund will be treated as ordinary dividends when distributed to the Fund and therefore may not be offset by any short-term capital losses incurred by the Fund. Thus, the Fund’s short-term capital losses may instead offset its long-term capital gains, which might otherwise be eligible for the reduced U.S. federal income tax rates for individual and certain other non-corporate shareholders. As a result of these factors, the use of the fund of funds structure by the Fund could adversely affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to its shareholders.

 

Net capital gain distributions by an Underlying Fund will be treated as long-term capital gain, even if the Fund has held shares of the Underlying Fund for less than one year. If not disallowed under the wash sale rules (described below), any loss incurred by the Fund on the sale of such Underlying Fund shares that have a tax holding period of six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the gain distribution received on the shares disposed of by the Fund.

 

Taxation of Shareholders. The Fund receives income generally in the form of dividends and interest on investments. This income, plus net short-term capital gains, if any, less expenses incurred in the operation of the Fund, constitutes the Fund’s net investment income from which dividends may be paid to you. Any distributions by the Fund from such income will be taxable to you as ordinary income or at the lower capital gains rates that apply to individuals receiving qualified dividend income (as discussed below), whether you take them in cash or in additional shares.

 

Subject to certain limitations and requirements, dividends reported by the Fund as qualified dividend income will be taxable to non-corporate shareholders at rates of up to 20%. In general, dividends may be reported by the Fund as qualified dividend income if they are (i) paid from dividends received by the Fund from Underlying Funds that themselves received such income as dividends on common and preferred stock of U.S. corporations or on stock of certain eligible foreign corporations, and (ii) reported as such by the Underlying Funds, provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met by both the Fund and the shareholders. If the Fund invests directly in stock of U.S. corporations other than Underlying Funds or in stock of certain eligible foreign corporations, dividends the Fund receives on those investments may also be reported by the Fund as qualified dividend income. Subject to certain limitations, eligible foreign corporations include those incorporated in possessions of the United States or in certain countries with comprehensive tax treaties with the United States, and other foreign corporations if the stock with respect to which the dividends are paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. A dividend will not be treated as qualified dividend income to the extent that: (i) the shareholder has not held the shares on which the dividend was paid for more than 60 days during the 121-day period that begins on the date that is 60 days before the date on which the shares become “ex-dividend” (which is the day on which declared distributions (dividends or capital gains) are deducted from the Fund’s assets before it calculates the NAV) with respect to such dividend, (ii) the Fund has not satisfied similar holding period requirements with respect to the securities it holds that paid the dividends distributed to the shareholder), (iii) the shareholder is under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to substantially similar or related property, or (iv) the shareholder elects to treat such dividend as investment income under

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section 163(d)(4)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code. Therefore, if you lend your shares in the Fund, such as pursuant to a securities lending arrangement, you may lose the ability to treat dividends (paid while the shares are held by the borrower) as qualified dividend income. Distributions that the Fund receives from an ETF or an underlying fund taxable as a RIC will be treated as qualified dividend income only to the extent so reported by such ETF or underlying fund. If 95% or more of the Fund’s gross income (calculated without taking into account net capital gain derived from sales or other dispositions of stock or securities) consists of qualified dividend income, the Fund may report all distributions of such income as qualified dividend income.

 

Distributions by the Fund of its net short-term capital gains will be taxable as ordinary income. Capital gains distributions consisting of the Fund’s net capital gains will be taxable as long-term capital gains for individual shareholders currently set at a maximum rate of 20% regardless of how long you have held your shares in the Fund.

 

In the case of corporate shareholders, the Fund’s distributions (other than capital gain distributions) generally qualify for the dividends received deduction to the extent such distributions are so reported and do not exceed the gross amount of qualifying dividends received by the Fund for the year. Generally, and subject to certain limitations (including certain holding period limitations), a dividend will be treated as a qualifying dividend if it has been received from a domestic corporation.

 

Certain dividends received by the Fund from an Underlying Fund and attributable to the Underlying Fund’s dividend income from stock of U.S. corporations (generally, dividends received by an Underlying Fund in respect of any share of stock (1) as to which the Underlying Fund has met certain holding period requirements and (2) that is held in an unleveraged position) and distributed and appropriately so reported by the Underlying Fund may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally available to corporate shareholders under the Internal Revenue Code, provided such dividends are also appropriately so reported as eligible for the dividends-received deduction by the Fund. Capital gain distributions distributed to the Fund from Underlying Funds and capital gain dividends distributed to an Underlying Fund from other RICs are not eligible for the dividends-received deduction. In order to qualify for the dividends-received deduction, corporate shareholders must also meet minimum holding period requirements with respect to their Fund shares, taking into account any holding period reductions from certain hedging or other transactions or positions that diminish their risk of loss with respect to their Fund shares. Any corporate shareholder should consult its tax adviser regarding the possibility that its tax basis in its shares may be reduced, for federal income tax purposes, by reason of “extraordinary dividends” received with respect to the shares and, to the extent such basis would be reduced below zero, current recognition of income may be required.

 

The Fund’s participation in loans of securities may affect the amount, timing, and character of distributions to Fund shareholders. If the Fund participates in a securities lending transaction and receives a payment in lieu of dividends (a “substitute payment”) with respect to securities on loan in a securities lending transaction, such income generally will not constitute qualified dividend income and thus dividends attributable to such income will not be eligible for taxation at the rates applicable to qualified dividend income for individual shareholders and will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporate shareholders.

 

Although dividends generally will be treated as distributed when paid, any dividend declared by the Fund in October, November or December and payable to shareholders of record in such a month that is paid during the following January will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as received by shareholders on December 31 of the calendar year in which it was declared. A taxable shareholder may wish to avoid investing in the Fund shortly before a dividend or other distribution, because the distribution will generally be taxable even though it may economically represent a return of a portion of the shareholder’s investment.

 

If the Fund’s distributions exceed its current and accumulated earnings and profits, all or a portion of the distributions made in the taxable year may be treated as a return of capital to shareholders. A return of capital distribution generally will not be taxable but will reduce the shareholder’s cost basis and result in a higher capital gain or lower capital loss when the shares of the Fund on which the distribution was received are sold. After a shareholder’s basis in the shares of the Fund has been reduced to zero, distributions in excess of earnings and profits will be treated as gain from the sale of the shareholder’s shares.

 

The Fund’s shareholders will be notified annually by the Fund (or their broker) as to the federal tax status of all distributions made by the Fund. Distributions may be subject to state and local taxes.

 

Shareholders who have not held Fund shares for a full year should be aware that the Fund may report and distribute to a shareholder, as ordinary dividends or capital gain dividends, a percentage of income that is not equal to the percentage of the Fund’s ordinary income or net capital gain, respectively, actually earned during the shareholder’s period of investment in the Fund.

 

Sales, Exchanges, or Redemptions. A sale of shares by a shareholder or redemption of Creation Units by an Authorized Participant in the Fund may give rise to a gain or loss. In general, any gain or loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares will be treated as capital gain or loss if the shares are capital assets in the shareholder’s hands, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than 12 months, and short-term capital gain or loss if the shares are held for 12 months or less. However, if shares on which a shareholder has received a long-term capital gain distribution are subsequently sold, exchanged, or redeemed and such shares have been held for six months or less, any loss recognized will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of the long-term capital

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gain distribution. In addition, the loss realized on a sale or other disposition of shares will be disallowed to the extent a shareholder repurchases (or enters into a contract or option to repurchase) shares within a period of 61 days (beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the disposition of the shares). This loss disallowance rule will apply to shares received through the reinvestment of dividends during the 61-day period. In such a case, the basis of the newly purchased shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.

 

An Authorized Participant who exchanges securities for Creation Units generally will recognize gain or loss from the exchange. The gain or loss will be equal to the difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time of the exchange and the sum of the exchanger’s aggregate basis in the securities surrendered plus the amount of cash paid for such Creation Units. The ability of Authorized Participants to receive a full or partial cash redemption of Creation Units of the Fund may limit the tax efficiency of the Fund. A person who redeems Creation Units will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the sum of the aggregate market value of any securities received plus the amount of any cash received for such Creation Units and the exchanger’s basis in the Creation Units. The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), however, may assert that an Authorized Participant may not be permitted to currently deduct losses realized upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units under the rules governing “wash sales” (for an Authorized Participant that does not mark-to-market its holdings), or on the basis that there has been no significant change in economic position.

 

Any gain or loss realized upon a creation or redemption of Creation Units will be treated as capital or ordinary gain or loss, depending on the holder’s circumstances. Any capital gain or loss realized upon the creation of Creation Units will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the securities exchanged for such Creation Units have been held for more than one year and were held as capital assets in the hands of the exchanging Authorized Participant. Any capital gain or loss realized upon the redemption of Creation Units will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares comprising the Creation Units have been held for more than one year. Otherwise, such capital gains or losses will be treated as short-term capital gains or losses. Any capital loss realized upon a redemption of Creation Units held for six months or less should be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions to the applicable Authorized Participant of long-term capital gains with respect to the Creation Units (including any amounts credited to the Authorized Participant as undistributed capital gains).

 

The Trust on behalf of the Fund has the right to reject an order for a purchase of shares of the Fund if the purchaser (or group of purchasers) would, upon obtaining the shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund and if, pursuant to Section 351 of the Internal Revenue Code, the Fund would have a basis in the securities different from the market value of such securities on the date of deposit. The Trust also has the right to require information necessary to determine beneficial share ownership for purposes of the 80% determination. If the Fund does issue Creation Units to a purchaser (or group of purchasers) that would, upon obtaining the shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund, the purchaser (or group of purchasers) may not recognize gain or loss upon the exchange of securities for Creation Units.

 

Authorized Participants purchasing or redeeming Creation Units should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the tax treatment of any creation or redemption transaction and whether the wash sales rules apply and when a loss might be deductible.

 

Net Investment Income Tax. U.S. individuals with adjusted gross income (subject to certain adjustments) exceeding certain threshold amounts ($250,000 if married and filing jointly or if considered a “surviving spouse” for federal income tax purposes, $125,000 if married filing separately, and $200,000 in other cases) are subject to a 3.8% tax on all or a portion of their “net investment income.” This 3.8% tax also applies to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates and trusts. For these purposes, interest, dividends and certain capital gains (including capital gain distributions and capital gains realized on the sale of shares of the Fund or the redemption of Creation Units), among other categories of income, are generally taken into account in computing a shareholder’s net investment income.

 

Taxation of Fund and Underlying Fund Investments. Certain of the Fund’s and Underlying Funds’ investments may be subject to complex provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (including provisions relating to hedging transactions, straddles, integrated transactions, foreign currency contracts, forward foreign currency contracts, and notional principal contracts) that, among other things, may affect the character of gains and losses realized by the Fund or Underlying Funds (i.e., may affect the Fund’s and an Underlying Fund’s ability to qualify as a RIC, affect whether gains or losses are ordinary or capital), accelerate recognition of income to the Fund or Underlying Funds and defer losses and, in limited cases, subject the Fund to U.S. federal income tax on income from certain of its foreign securities. These rules could therefore affect the character, amount and timing of distributions to shareholders. These provisions also may require the Fund or Underlying Funds to mark to market certain types of positions in their portfolios (e.g., treat them as if they were closed out) which may cause the Fund or Underlying Funds to recognize income without receiving cash with which to make distributions in amounts necessary to satisfy the RIC Distribution Requirement for avoiding income and excise taxes. Accordingly, in order to avoid certain income and excise taxes, the Fund or Underlying Funds may be required to liquidate its investments at a time when the investment adviser might not otherwise have chosen to do so. The Fund intends to monitor its transactions, intends to make appropriate tax elections, and intends to make appropriate entries in its books and records in order to mitigate the effect of these rules and preserve its qualification for treatment as a RIC.

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Certain investments by the Fund, such as certain ETPs, commodity-linked instruments and certain over-the-counter derivatives, do not produce qualifying income for purposes of the “90% Test” described above, which must be met in order for the Fund to maintain its status as a RIC under the Internal Revenue Code. In addition, the determination of the value and the identity of the issuer of certain derivative investments are often unclear for purposes of the “Asset Test” described above. The Fund intends to carefully monitor such investments to ensure that any non-qualifying income does not exceed permissible limits and to ensure that it is adequately diversified under the Asset Test. The Fund, however, may not be able to accurately predict the nonqualifying income from these investments and there are no assurances that the IRS will agree with the Fund’s determination of the “Asset Test” with respect to such derivatives.

 

The Fund is required, for federal income tax purposes, to mark to market and recognize as income for each taxable year its net unrealized gains and losses as of the end of such year on certain regulated futures contracts, foreign currency contracts and options subject to section 1256 of the Code (“Section 1256 Contracts”) in addition to the gains and losses actually realized with respect to Section 1256 Contracts during the year. Gain or loss from Section 1256 Contracts will generally be 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. Application of this rule may alter the timing and character of distributions to shareholders. The Fund may be required to defer the recognition of losses on Section 1256 Contracts to the extent of any unrecognized gains on offsetting positions held by the Fund. These provisions may also require the Fund to mark-to-market certain types of positions in its portfolio, (i.e., treat them as if they were closed out), which may cause the Fund to recognize income without receiving cash with which to make distributions in amounts necessary to satisfy the distribution requirement and for avoiding the excise tax discussed above. Accordingly, to avoid certain income and excise taxes, the Fund may be required to liquidate its investments at a time when the investment adviser might not otherwise have chosen to do so.

 

Offsetting positions held by the Fund involving certain derivative instruments, such as options, forwards, and futures, as well as its long and short positions in portfolio securities, may be considered to constitute “straddles” for federal income tax purposes. In general, straddles are subject to certain rules that may affect the amount, character and timing of the Fund’s gains and losses with respect to the straddle positions by requiring, among other things, that: (1) any loss realized on disposition of one position of a straddle may not be recognized to the extent that the Fund has unrealized gains with respect to the other positions in straddle; (2) the Fund’s holding period in straddle positions be suspended while the straddle exists (possibly resulting in a gain being treated as short-term rather than long-term capital gain and potentially affecting the ability of a dividend received by a taxpayer to qualify for treatment as qualified dividend income or be eligible for the dividends received deduction); (3) the losses recognized with respect to certain straddle positions that are part of a mixed straddle and are non-Section 1256 Contracts be treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital loss; (4) losses recognized with respect to certain straddle positions that would otherwise constitute short-term capital losses be treated as long-term capital losses; and (5) the deduction of interest and carrying charges attributable to certain straddle positions may be deferred. Various elections are available to the Fund, which may mitigate the effects of the straddle rules, particularly with respect to mixed straddles.

 

In general, the straddle rules described above do not apply to any straddles held by the Fund if all of the offsetting positions consist of Section 1256 Contracts. The straddle rules described above also do not apply if all the offsetting positions making up a straddle consist of one or more “qualified covered call options” and the stock to be purchased under the options and the straddle is not part of a larger straddle. A qualified covered call option is generally any option granted by the Fund to purchase stock it holds (or stock it acquires in connection with granting the option) if, among other things, (1) the option is traded on a national securities exchange that is registered with the SEC or other market the IRS determined has rules adequate to carry out the purposes of the applicable Code provision, (2) the option is granted more than 30 days before it expires, (3) the option is not a “deep-in-the-money option,” (4) such option is not granted by an options dealer in connection with the dealer’s activity of dealing in options, and (5) gain or loss with respect to the option is not ordinary income or loss. In addition, the straddle rules could cause distributions from the Fund that would otherwise constitute “qualified dividend income” or qualify for the dividends received deduction to fail to satisfy the applicable holding period requirements.

 

To the extent the Fund writes options that are not Section 1256 Contracts, the amount of the premium received by the Fund for writing such options is likely to be entirely short-term capital gain to the Fund. In addition, if such an option is closed by the Fund, any gain or loss realized by the Fund as a result of closing the transaction will also generally be short-term capital gain or loss. If such an option is exercised any gain or loss realized by the Fund upon the sale of the underlying security pursuant to such exercise will generally be short-term or long-term capital gain or loss to the Fund depending on the Fund’s holding period for the underlying security.

 

In general, for purposes of the 90% Test described 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 that would be qualifying income if realized directly by the Fund. However, 100% of the net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership” (generally, a partnership (i) interests in which are traded on an established securities market or are readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof, (ii) that derives at least 90% of its income from the passive income sources specified in Internal Revenue Code section 7704(d), and (iii) that generally derives less than 90% of its income from the same sources as described in the 90% Test will be treated as qualifying income. In addition, although in general the passive loss rules of the Internal Revenue Code do not apply to RICs, such rules do apply to a RIC with respect to items attributable to an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership.

 

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The Fund may invest in certain pooled investment vehicles which may be treated as qualified publicly traded partnerships. Income from qualified publicly traded partnerships is qualifying income for purposes of the 90% Test, but the Fund’s investment in one or more of such qualified publicly traded partnerships is limited under the Asset Test to no more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s assets. The Fund will monitor its investment in such qualified publicly traded partnerships in order to ensure compliance with the 90% and Asset Tests. pooled investment vehicles and other partnerships that the Fund may invest in will deliver Schedule K-1s to the Fund to report its share of income, gains, losses, deductions and credits of the pooled investment vehicle or other partnership. These Schedule K-1s may be delayed and may not be received until after the time that the Fund issues its tax reporting statements. As a result, the Fund may at times find it necessary to reclassify the amount and character of its distributions to you after it issues you your tax reporting statement.

 

“Qualified publicly traded partnership income” within the meaning of Section 199A(e)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code is eligible for a 20% deduction by non-corporate taxpayers. Qualified publicly traded partnership income is generally income of a “publicly traded partnership” that is not treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes that is effectively connected with such entity’s trade or business, but does not include certain investment income. A “publicly traded partnership” for purposes of this deduction is not necessarily the same as a “qualified publicly traded partnership” as defined for the purpose of the immediately preceding paragraphs. This deduction, if allowed in full, equates to a maximum effective tax rate of 29.6% (37% top rate applied to income after 20% deduction). A RIC, such as the Fund, is not permitted to pass the special character of this income through to its shareholders. Currently, direct investors in entities that generate “qualified publicly traded partnership income” will enjoy the lower rate, but investors in a RIC that invests in such entities will not. It is uncertain whether future technical corrections or administrative guidance will address this issue to enable the Fund to pass through the special character of “qualified publicly traded partnership income” to shareholders.

 

The Fund may make short sales of securities. Short sales may increase the amount of short-term capital gain realized by the Fund, which is taxed as ordinary income when distributed to shareholders.

 

If the Fund enters into a “constructive sale” of any appreciated financial position in its portfolio, the Fund will be treated as if it had sold and immediately repurchased the property and must recognize gain (but not loss) with respect to that position. A constructive sale of an appreciated financial position occurs when the Fund enters into certain offsetting transactions with respect to the same or substantially identical property, including, but not limited to: (i) a short sale; (ii) an offsetting notional principal contract; (iii) a futures or forward contract; or (iv) other transactions identified in future Treasury Regulations. The character of the gain from constructive sales will depend upon the Fund’s holding period in the appreciated financial position. Losses realized from a sale of a position that was previously the subject of a constructive sale will be recognized when the position is subsequently disposed of. The character of such losses will depend upon the Fund’s holding period in the position beginning with the date the constructive sale was deemed to have occurred and the application of various loss deferral provisions in the Internal Revenue Code. Constructive sale treatment does not apply to certain closed transactions, including if such a transaction is closed on or before the 30th day after the close of the Fund’s taxable year and the Fund holds the appreciated financial position unhedged throughout the 60-day period beginning with the day such transaction was closed.

 

Foreign Investments. The Fund or an Underlying Fund may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries, including taxes on interest, dividends and capital gains with respect to any investments in those countries. Any such taxes would, if imposed, reduce the yield on or return from those investments. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes in some cases. The Fund cannot guarantee that the Underlying Funds will satisfy the requirements for passing through to their shareholders (including the Fund) any share of foreign taxes paid by such Underlying Funds, with the result that the shareholders of the Fund may not be required to include such taxes in their respective gross incomes and therefore will not be entitled to any tax deductions or credits for such taxes on their own returns.

 

If more than 50 percent of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the close of its taxable year consists of stock or securities of foreign corporations, then the Fund will be eligible to and intends to file and election with the IRS that may enable shareholders, in effect, to receive either the benefit of a foreign tax credit, or a deduction from such taxes, with respect to any foreign and U.S. possessions income taxes paid by the Fund, subject to certain limitations. Pursuant to this election, the Fund will treat those taxes as dividends paid to its shareholders. Each such shareholder will be required to include a proportionate share of those taxes in gross income as income received from a foreign source and must treat the amount so included as if the shareholder had paid the foreign tax directly. The shareholder may then either deduct the taxes deemed paid by him or her in computing his or her taxable income or, alternatively, use the foregoing information in calculating any foreign tax credit they may be entitled to use against the shareholders’ federal income tax. If the Fund makes the election, the Fund (or financial intermediaries, such as brokers, through which a shareholder holds shares) will report annually to its shareholders the respective amounts per share of the Fund’s income from sources within, and taxes paid to, foreign countries and U.S. possessions.

 

A shareholder’s ability to claim a foreign tax credit or deduction in respect of foreign taxes paid by the Fund may be subject to certain limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code, which may result in a shareholder not receiving 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 30-day period surrounding the ex-dividend date to be eligible to claim a foreign tax

47 
 

credit with respect to a given dividend. Shareholders who do not itemize on their federal income tax returns may claim a credit (but no deduction) for such foreign taxes. Even if the Fund were eligible to make such an election for a given year, it may determine not to do so. Shareholders that are not subject to U.S. federal income tax, and those who invest in the Fund through tax-advantaged accounts (including those who invest through individual retirement accounts or other tax-advantaged retirement plans), generally will receive no benefit from any tax credit or deduction passed through by the Fund.

 

Foreign tax credits, if any, received by the Fund as a result of an investment in an Underlying Fund taxable as a RIC will not be passed through to you will be eligible to file an election with the IRS that will enable the Fund to pass along these foreign tax credits to its shareholders. The Fund will be treated as a “qualified fund of funds” under the Internal Revenue Code if at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets (at the close of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year) is represented by interests in other RICs.

 

Backup Withholding. The Fund (or financial intermediaries, such as brokers, through which a shareholder holds shares) will be required in certain cases to withhold (as “backup withholding”) at the applicable withholding rate and remit to the U.S. Treasury the withheld amount of dividends paid to any shareholder who: (1) fails to provide a correct taxpayer identification number certified under penalty of perjury; (2) is subject to backup withholding by the IRS for failure to properly report all payments of interest or dividends; (3) fails to provide a certified statement that he or she is not subject to backup withholding; or (4) fails to provide a certified statement that he or she is a U.S. person (including a U.S. resident alien). The backup withholding rate is 24%. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and any amounts withheld may be credited against the shareholder’s ultimate U.S. tax liability.

 

Foreign Shareholders. Any foreign shareholders in the Fund may be subject to U.S. withholding and estate tax and are encouraged to consult their tax advisors prior to investing in the Fund. Foreign shareholders (i.e., nonresident alien individuals and foreign corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates) are generally subject to U.S. withholding tax at the rate of 30% (or a lower tax treaty rate) on distributions derived from taxable ordinary income. Gains realized by foreign shareholders from the sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund generally are not subject to U.S. taxation, unless the recipient is an individual who is physically present in the U.S. for 183 days or more per year. The Fund may, under certain circumstances, report all or a portion of a dividend as an “interest-related dividend” or a “short-term capital gain dividend,” which would generally be exempt from this 30% U.S. withholding tax, provided certain other requirements are met. Short-term capital gain dividends received by a nonresident alien individual who is present in the U.S. for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the taxable year are not exempt from this 30% withholding tax. Foreign shareholders who fail to provide an applicable IRS form may be subject to backup withholding on certain payments from the Fund. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that are subject to the 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) withholding tax described in this paragraph. Different tax consequences may result if the foreign shareholder is engaged in a trade or business within the United States. In addition, the tax consequences to a foreign shareholder entitled to claim the benefits of a tax treaty may be different than those described above.

 

Under legislation known as “FATCA” (the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act), a U.S. withholding tax of 30% will apply to payments to certain foreign entities of U.S.-source interest and dividends unless various U.S. information reporting and due diligence requirements that are different from, and in addition to, the beneficial owner certification requirements described above have been satisfied. A non-U.S. shareholder may be exempt from the withholding described in this paragraph under an applicable intergovernmental agreement between the U.S. and a foreign government, provided that the shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of the agreement. The Fund will not pay additional amounts in respect to any amounts withheld. Non-U.S. shareholders should consult their tax advisers regarding the effect, if any, of this legislation on their ownership and sale or disposition of the Fund’s common shares.

 

A beneficial holder of shares of the Fund who is a foreign person may be subject to foreign, state and local tax and to the U.S. federal estate tax in addition to the federal income tax consequences referred to above. If a shareholder is 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 or fixed base maintained by the shareholder in the United States.

 

Tax-Exempt Shareholders. Certain tax-exempt shareholders, including qualified pension plans, IRAs, salary deferral arrangements, 401(k)s, and other tax exempt entities, generally are exempt from federal income taxation except with respect to their unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”). Tax-exempt entities are not permitted to offset losses from one trade or business against the income or gain of another trade or business. Certain net losses incurred prior to January 1, 2018 are permitted to offset gain and income created by an unrelated trade or business, if otherwise available. Under current law, the Fund generally serves to block UBTI from being realized by its tax-exempt shareholders. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, the tax-exempt shareholder could realize UBTI by virtue of an investment in the Fund where, for example, 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 Internal Revenue Code. Charitable remainder trusts are subject to special rules and should consult their tax advisor. The IRS has issued guidance with respect to these issues and prospective shareholders, especially charitable remainder trusts, are strongly encouraged to consult their tax advisors regarding these issues.

 

The Fund’s shares held in a tax-qualified retirement account will generally not be subject to federal taxation on income and capital gains distributions from the Fund until a shareholder begins receiving payments from their retirement account.

48 
 

 

Certain Potential Tax Reporting Requirements. Under U.S. 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 (or certain greater amounts over a combination of years), the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on IRS Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance shareholders of a RIC are not excepted. A shareholder who fails to make the required disclosure to the IRS may be subject to substantial penalties. 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 advisors to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.

 

Cost Basis Reporting. The cost basis of shares of the Fund acquired by purchase will generally be based on the amount paid for the shares and then may be subsequently adjusted for other applicable transactions as required by the Internal Revenue Code. The difference between the selling price and the cost basis of shares generally determines the amount of the capital gain or loss realized on the sale or exchange of shares. Contact the broker through whom you purchased your shares to obtain information with respect to the available cost basis reporting methods and elections for your account. State Taxes. Depending upon state and local law, distributions by the Fund to its shareholders and the ownership of such shares may be subject to state and local taxes. Rules of state and local taxation of dividend and capital gains distributions from RICs often differ from the rules for federal income taxation described above. It is expected that the Fund will not be liable for any corporate excise, income or franchise tax in Delaware if it qualifies as a RIC for federal income tax purposes.

 

The foregoing discussion is based on U.S. federal tax laws and regulations which are in effect on the date of this SAI. Such laws and regulations may be changed by legislative or administrative action. Shareholders are advised to consult their tax advisors concerning their specific situations and the application of foreign, federal, state, and local taxes.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Financial statements are not available because the Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI. Financial statements and annual reports will be available after the Fund has completed a fiscal year of operations. When financial statements are available, you can obtain a copy of the Fund’s Annual Report and/or Semi-Annual Report without charge by calling Shareholder Services at [] or upon written request to:

 

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC

P.O. Box 46707

Cincinnati, OH 45246-0707

49 
 

APPENDIX A

 

Bond Ratings

 

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS

Commercial Paper Ratings

 

A Standard & Poor’s commercial paper rating is a current assessment of the likelihood of timely payment of debt having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Standard & Poor’s for commercial paper in which the Fund may invest:

 

“A-1” - Issue’s degree of safety regarding timely payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess extremely strong safety characteristics are denoted “A-1+.”

 

“A-2” - Issue’s capacity for timely payment is satisfactory. However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as for issues designated “A-1.”

 

Moody’s commercial paper ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to repay punctually promissory obligations not having an original maturity in excess of 9 months. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Moody’s for commercial paper in which the Fund may invest:

 

“Prime-1” - Issuer or related supporting institutions are considered to have a superior capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. Prime-1 repayment capacity will normally be evidenced by the following capacities: leading market positions in well-established industries; high rates of return on funds employed; conservative capitalization structures with moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protection; broad margins in earning coverage of fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation; and well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity.

 

“Prime-2” - Issuer or related supporting institutions are considered to have a strong capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, will be more subject to variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by external conditions. Ample alternative liquidity is maintained.

 

Fitch short-term ratings apply to debt obligations that are payable on demand or have original maturities of up to three years. The highest rating category of Fitch for short-term obligations is “F-1.” Fitch employs two designations, “F-1+” and “F-1,” within the highest category. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Fitch for short-term obligations in which the Fund may invest:

 

“F-1+” - Securities possess exceptionally strong credit quality. Issues assigned this rating are regarded as having the strongest degree of assurance for timely payment.

 

“F-1” - Securities possess very strong credit quality. Issues assigned this rating reflect an assurance of timely payment only slightly less in degree than issues rated “F-1+.”

 

Fitch may also use the symbol “LOC” with its short-term ratings to indicate that the rating is based upon a letter of credit issued by a commercial bank.

 

Thomson BankWatch short-term ratings assess the likelihood of an untimely or incomplete payment of principal or interest of unsubordinated instruments having a maturity of one year or less which are issued by a bank holding company or an entity within the holding company structure. The following summarizes the ratings used by Thomson BankWatch in which the Fund may invest:

 

“TBW-1” - This designation represents Thomson BankWatch’s highest rating category and indicates a very high degree of likelihood that principal and interest will be paid on a timely basis.

 

“TBW-2” - this designation indicates that while the degree of safety regarding timely payment of principal and interest is strong, the relative degree of safety is not as high as for issues rated “TBW-1.”

 

IBCA assesses the investment quality of unsecured debt with an original maturity of less than one year which is issued by bank holding companies and their principal bank subsidiaries. The following summarizes the rating categories used by IBCA for short-term debt ratings in

A-1 
 

which the Fund may invest:

 

“A1” - Obligations are supported by the highest capacity for timely repayment. Where issues possess a particularly strong credit feature, a rating of A1+ is assigned.

 

“A2” - Obligations are supported by a good capacity for timely repayment.

 

Corporate Long-Term Investment Grade Debt Ratings

 

Standard & Poor’s Debt Ratings

 

A Standard & Poor’s corporate or municipal debt rating is a current assessment of the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific obligation. This assessment may take into consideration obligors such as guarantors, insurers, or lessees. The debt rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a security, inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor.

 

The ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer or obtained by S&P from other sources it considers reliable. S&P does not perform an audit in connection with any rating and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited financial information. The ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or unavailability of, such information, or for other circumstances.

 

The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations:

 

  1. Likelihood of default - capacity and willingness of the obligor as to the timely payment of interest and repayment of principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation.

 

  1. Nature of and provisions of the obligation.

 

  1. Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors’ rights.

 

AAA - Debt rated ‘AAA’ has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor’s. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.

 

AA - Debt rated ‘AA’ has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal and differs from the highest rated issues only in small degree.

 

A - Debt rated ‘A’ has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories.

 

BBB - Debt rated ‘BBB’ is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this category than in higher rated categories.

BB, B, CCC, CC and C:

Obligations rated ‘BB’, ‘B’, ‘CCC’ ‘CC’, and ‘C’ are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. ‘BB’ indicates the least degree of speculation and ‘C’ the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions.

 

BB: - An obligation rated ‘BB’ is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

B: - An obligation rated ‘B’ is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated ‘BB’, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

CCC: - An obligation rated ‘CCC’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

A-2 
 

 

CC: - An obligation rated ‘CC’ is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The ‘CC’ rating is used when a default has not yet occurred but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

 

C: - An obligation rated ‘C’ is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with obligations that are rated higher.

 

D: - An obligation rated ‘D’ is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the ‘D’ rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The ‘D’ rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to ‘D’ if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

 

Moody’s Long-Term Debt Ratings

 

Aaa: - Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as “gilt edged.” Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.

 

Aa: - Bonds which are rated ‘Aa’ are judged to be of high quality by all standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the long-term risk appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.

 

A: - Bonds which are rated ‘A’ possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be considered as upper-medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.

 

Baa: - Bonds which are rated ‘Baa’ are considered as medium-grade obligations (i.e, they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured). Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.

 

Ba: - Obligations rated ‘Ba’ are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.

 

B: - Obligations rated ‘B’ are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.

 

Caa: - Obligations rated ‘Caa’ are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.

 

Ca: - Obligations rated ‘Ca’ are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

 

C: - Obligations rated ‘C’ are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

 

Fitch Investors Service, Inc. Ratings

 

Fitch investment grade bond ratings provide a guide to investors in determining the credit risk associated with a particular security. The ratings represent Fitch’s assessment of the issuer’s ability to meet the obligations of a specific debt issue or class of debt in a timely manner.

 

The rating takes into consideration special features of the issue, its relationship to other obligations of the issuer, the current and prospective financial condition and operating performance of the issuer and any guarantor, as well as the economic and political environment that might affect the issuer’s future financial strength and credit quality.

 

Fitch ratings do not reflect any credit enhancement that may be provided by insurance policies or financial guaranties unless otherwise indicated.

 

Bonds that have the same rating are of similar but not necessarily identical credit quality since the rating categories do not fully reflect small differences in the degrees of credit risk.

A-3 
 

 

Fitch ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any security. Ratings do not comment on the adequacy of market price, the suitability of any security for a particular investor, or the tax-exempt nature of taxability of payments made in respect of any security.

 

Fitch ratings are based on information obtained from issuers, other obligors, underwriters, their experts, and other sources Fitch believes to be reliable. Fitch does not audit or verify the truth or accuracy of such information. Ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or the unavailability of, information or for other reasons.

 

AAA Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest and repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable events.

 

AA Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit quality. The obligor’s ability to pay interest and repay principal is very strong, although not quite as strong as bonds rated ‘AAA.= Because bonds rated in the ‘AAA’ and ‘AA’ categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable future developments, short-term debt of the issuers is generally rated ‘F-1+.’

 

A Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. The obligor’s ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.

 

BBB Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit quality. The obligor’s ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances, however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these bonds, and therefore impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than for bonds with higher ratings.

BB: Speculative. ‘BB’ ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial flexibility exists that supports the servicing of financial commitments.

B: Highly speculative. ‘B’ ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment.

CCC: Substantial credit risk. Default is a real possibility.

CC: Very high levels of credit risk. Default of some kind appears probable.

C: Near default. A default or default-like process has begun, or the issuer is in standstill, or for a closed funding vehicle, payment capacity is irrevocably impaired. Conditions that are indicative of a ‘C’ category rating for an issuer include:

  1. the issuer has entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligation;

 

  1. the issuer has entered into a temporary negotiated waiver or standstill agreement following a payment default on a material financial obligation; or

 

  1. the formal announcement by the issuer or their agent of a distressed debt exchange;

 

  1. a closed financing vehicle where payment capacity is irrevocably impaired such that it is not expected to pay interest and/or principal in full during the life of the transaction, but where no payment default is imminent

RD: Restricted default. ‘RD’ ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch’s opinion has experienced:

 

  1. an uncured payment default on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation, but

 

  1. has not entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation, or other formal winding-up procedure, and

 

  1. has not otherwise ceased operating.

 

This would include:

 

A-4 
 
  1. the selective payment default on a specific class or currency of debt;

 

  1. the uncured expiry of any applicable grace period, cure period or default forbearance period following a payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other material financial obligation;

 

  1. the extension of multiple waivers or forbearance periods upon a payment default on one or more material financial obligations, either in series or in parallel; ordinary execution of a distressed debt exchange on one or more material financial obligations.

D: Default. ‘D’ ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch Ratings’ opinion has entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure or which has otherwise ceased business.

Default ratings are not assigned prospectively to entities or their obligations; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will generally not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period, unless a default is otherwise driven by bankruptcy or other similar circumstance, or by a distressed debt exchange.

In all cases, the assignment of a default rating reflects the agency’s opinion as to the most appropriate rating category consistent with the rest of its universe of ratings and may differ from the definition of default under the terms of an issuer’s financial obligations or local commercial practice.

The rating takes into consideration special features of the issue, its relationship to other obligations of the issuer, the current and prospective financial condition and operating performance of the issuer and any guarantor, as well as the economic and political environment that might affect the issuer’s future financial strength.

 

Bonds that have the same rating are of similar but not necessarily identical credit quality since the rating categories cannot fully reflect the differences in the degrees of credit risk. Moreover, the character of the risk factor varies from industry to industry and between corporate, health care and municipal obligations.

A-5 
 

 

APPENDIX B

MEASURED RISK PORTFOLIOS, INC.

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

 

 

 

B-1 
 

PART C: OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 28.   Exhibits
(a)(1)   Agreement and Declaration of Trust (“Trust Instrument”) as filed with the State of Ohio on September 27, 2013 (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Initial Registration Statement on Form N-1A on October 1, 2013.)
     
(a)(2)   Amendment No. 1 to Trust Instrument as filed with the State of Ohio on November 13, 2013 (“Amendment No. 1”) (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 on Form N-1A/A on December 12, 2013.)
     
(a)(3)   Amendment No. 2 to Trust Instrument as filed with the State of Ohio on December 2, 2013 (“Amendment No. 2”) (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 on Form N-1A/A on December 12, 2013.)
     
(a)(4)   Amendment No. 3 to Trust Instrument as filed with the State of Ohio – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 on May 20, 2015.)
     
(a)(5)   Amendment No. 4 to Trust Instrument as filed with the State of Ohio – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 9 on October 13, 2015.)
     
(a)(6)   Amendment No. 5 to Trust Instrument as filed with the State of Ohio – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 9 on October 13, 2015.)
     
(a)(7)   Amendment No. 6 to Trust Instrument as filed with the State of Ohio – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 on April 11, 2016.)
     
(a)(8)   Amendment No. 7 to Trust Instrument as filed with the State of Ohio – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 on August 26, 2016.)
     
(a)(9)   Amendment No. 8 to Trust Instrument as filed with the State of Ohio – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 on December 22, 2016.)
     
(a)(10)   Amendment No. 9 to Trust Instrument as filed with the State of Ohio – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 40 on December 20, 2017.)
     
(a)(11)   Amendment No. 10 to Trust Instrument as filed with the State of Ohio – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 on June 4, 2018.)
     
(a)(12)   Amendment No. 11 to Trust Instrument as filed with the State of Ohio – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 on December 10, 2018.)

 

 
 

 

 

     
(a)(13)   Amendment No. 12 to Trust Instrument as filed with the State of Ohio – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 on December 19, 2018.)
     
(a)(14)   Amendment No. 13 to Trust Instrument filed with the State of Ohio – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 on April 16, 2019.)
     
(a)(15)   Amendment No. 14 to Trust Instrument filed with the State of Ohio – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 81 on October 1, 2019.)
     
(a)(16)   Amendment No. 15 (form of) to Trust Instrument filed with the State of Ohio – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 on December 16, 2019.)
     
(a)(17)   Amendment No. 16 to Trust Instrument filed with the State of Ohio – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 on January 29, 2021.)
     
(a)(18)   Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust (“Trust Instrument”) dated November 18, 2021 as filed with the State of Ohio – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 121 on December 22, 2021.)
     
(a)(19)   Amendment to Appendix B to Trust Instrument dated February 2, 2022, as filed with the State of Ohio – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 on March 8, 2022.)
     
(a)(20)   Amendment to Appendix B to Trust Instrument dated March 7, 2023, as filed with the State of Ohio – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 134 on May 17, 2023.)
     
(a)(21)   Amendment to Appendix B to Trust Instrument dated September 12, 2023, as filed with the State of Ohio – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 on October 2, 2023.)
     
(a)(22)   Amendment to Appendix B to Trust Instrument dated October 19, 2023, as filed with the State of Ohio – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 on December 15, 2023.)
     
(a)(23)   Amendment to Appendix B to Trust Instrument dated December 29, 2023, as filed with the State of Ohio – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 148 filed on January 26, 2024.)
     
(a)(24)   Amendment to Appendix B to Trust Instrument dated December 10, 2024, as filed with the State of Ohio – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 165 filed on January 28, 2025).
     
(a)(25)   Amendment to Appendix B to Trust Instrument dated March 10, 2026, as filed with the State of Ohio – filed herewith.
     
 
 

 

(b)(1)   By-Laws adopted as of September 18, 2013 (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Initial Registration Statement on Form N-1A on October 1, 2013.)
     
(b)(2)   Amendment No. 1 to By-Laws adopted as of November 18, 2013 – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 on December 27, 2017.)
     
(b)(3)   Amendment No. 2 to By-Laws adopted as of June 16, 2016 – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 on August 26, 2016.)
     
(c)   Instruments Defining Rights of Shareholders – incorporated by reference to the Trust Instrument, Amendment No. 1, Amendment No. 2, the By-Laws and Amendment No.1 to the By-Laws.
     
(d)(1)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant, and Nightview Capital, LLC on behalf of the Nightview Fund – (Exhibit incorporated hereby by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 158 on May 31, 2024.)
     
(d)(2)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant, and Oak Harvest Investment Services, LLC on behalf of the Oak Harvest Long/Short Hedged Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 on December 15, 2023.)
     
(d)(3)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Core Equity Fund and Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 on Form N-14/A on September 18, 2015.)
     
(d)(4)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. dated January 31, 2022, on behalf of the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund and Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 on January 29, 2024.)
     
(d)(5)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. dated January 27, 2023, on behalf of the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund and Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 on January 29, 2024.)
     
(d)(6)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Canterbury Investment Management, LLC, on behalf of the Canterbury Portfolio Thermostat Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 on April 11, 2016.)
     
(d)(7)   Form of Trading Subadvisory Agreement between Nightview Capital, LLC and Exchange Traded Concepts, LLC on behalf of the Nightview Fund – (Exhibit incorporated hereby by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 158 on May 31, 2024.)
     
 
 

 

(d)(8)   Restated Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund and Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 on January 30, 2017.)
     
(d)(9)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the Reynders, McVeigh Core Equity Fund and Reynders, McVeigh Capital Management, LLC dated December 10, 2018 – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 on December 10, 2018.)
     
 (d)(10)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the Alta Quality Growth Fund and Alta Capital Management, LLC dated December 18, 2018 – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 on December 19, 2018.)
     
(d)(11)   Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund and Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. dated December 19, 2018 – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 on December 19, 2018.)
     
(d)(12)   Investment Advisory Agreement (form of) between the Registrant, on behalf of the Guardian Dividend Growth Fund and Guardian Capital LP dated March 14, 2019 – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 on April 16, 2019.)
     
(d)(13)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the Alta Quality Growth Fund and Guardian Capital LP dated July 1, 2024  (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 160 on July 1, 2024).
     
(d)(14)   Investment Subadvisory Agreement between Guardian Capital LP and Alta Capital Management, LLC, on behalf of the Alta Quality Growth Fund dated July 1, 2024  (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 160 on July 1, 2024).
     
(d)(15)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the Sterling Capital Enhanced Core Bond ETF, and Sterling Capital Management LLC dated February 19, 2025 – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 on March 7, 2025).   
     
(d)(16)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the MRP SynthEquity® Nasdaq 100 ETF, and Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc. dated [], 2026 – to be filed by amendment.
     
(d)(17)   Subadvisory Agreement between Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc. and Exchange Traded Concepts, LLC dated [], 2026 – to be filed by amendment.
     
(d)(18)   [Reserved]
     
(d)(19)   [Reserved]
 
 

 

     
(d)(20)   Form of Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the Guardian Fundamental Global Equity Fund, and Alta Capital Management, LLC dated December 12, 2019 – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 on December 16, 2019.)
     
(d)(21)   Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund and Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. dated December 9, 2020 and effective January 31, 2021 – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 on January 29, 2021.)
     
(d)(22)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the Clockwise Capital Innovation ETF, and Clockwise Capital LLC dated December 8, 2021 –  (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 121 on December 22, 2021.)
     
(d)(23)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund, and Guardian Capital LP dated January 28, 2022 – (Exhibit incorporated by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 123 on January 28, 2022.)
     
(d)(24)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between Guardian Capital LP and GuardCap Asset Management Limited on behalf of the Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund dated January 28, 2022 – (Exhibit incorporated by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 123 on January 28, 2022.)
     
(d)(25)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the Fairlead Tactical Sector ETF, and Cary Street Partners Asset Management LLC dated March 8, 2022 – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 on March 8, 2022.)
     
(d)(26)   Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Cary Street Partners Asset Management LLC and Fairlead Strategies LLC on behalf of the Fairlead Tactical Sector ETF dated March 8, 2022 – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 on March 8, 2022.)
     
(d)(27)   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the Hull Tactical US ETF, and HTAA, LLC dated March 7, 2023 –  (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 134 on May 17, 2023.)
     
(e)(1)   Distribution Agreement between the Registrant, Reynders, McVeigh Capital Management, LLC and Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC dated July 1, 2025 on behalf of the Reynders, McVeigh Core Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 173 on August 27, 2025.)
     
 
 

 

(e)(2)   Distribution Agreement between the Registrant, Oak Harvest Investment Services, LLC and Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC dated July 1, 2025 on behalf of the Oak Harvest Long/Short Hedged Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 173 on August 27, 2025.)
     
(e)(3)   Distribution Agreement between the Registrant, Canterbury Investment Management, LLC and Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC dated July 1, 2025 on behalf of the Canterbury Portfolio Thermostat Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 173 on August 27, 2025.)
     
(e)(4)   Distribution Agreement between the Registrant, Guardian Capital LP and Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC dated July 1, 2025 on behalf of the Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund, Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund and Alta Quality Growth Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 173 on August 27, 2025.)
     
(e)(5)   Distribution Agreement between the Registrant, Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. and Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC dated July 1, 2025 on behalf of the FullerThaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, FullerThaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, FullerThaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, FullerThaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, FullerThaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, FullerThaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund and FullerThaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 173 on August 27, 2025.)
     
(e)(6)   ETF Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and Northern Lights Distributors, LLC dated July 1, 2025 – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 173 on August 27, 2025.)
     
(e)(7)   Schedule B-7 dated [], 2026 to the ETF Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and Northern Lights Distributors, LLC on behalf of the MRP SynthEquity® Nasdaq 100 ETF – to be filed by amendment.
     
(f)   Bonus or Profit Sharing Contracts – not applicable.
     
(g)(1)   Custody Agreement between the Registrant and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., on behalf of the Oak Harvest Long/Short Hedged Equity Fund dated December 1, 2023 – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 on December 15, 2023.)
     
(g)(2)   ETF Custody Agreement between the Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association dated [], 2026 – to be filed by amendment.
     
(g)(3)   Form of Custody Agreement between the Registrant and the Huntington National Bank, on behalf of the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Core Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 on Form N-14/A on September 18, 2015.)
     
 
 

 

(g)(4)   Amendment dated March 6, 2023 to Custody Agreement between the Registrant and the Huntington National Bank dated October 1, 2015 on behalf of the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund and Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 on January 29, 2024.)
     
(g)(5)   Custody Agreement between the Registrant and the Huntington National Bank, on behalf of the Canterbury Portfolio Thermostat Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 on April 11, 2016.)
     
(g)(6)   [Reserved]
     
(g)(7)   Amended Appendix B to the Custody Agreement between the Registrant and the Huntington National Bank, on behalf of the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund and the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 40 on December 20, 2017.)
     
(g)(8)   Custody Agreement between the Registrant and the Huntington National Bank, on behalf of the Reynders, McVeigh Core Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 on December 10, 2018.)
     
(g)(9)   Custody Agreement between the Registrant and the Huntington National Bank, on behalf of the Alta Quality Growth Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 on December 19, 2018.)
     
(g)(10)   Amendment to Appendix B of the Custody Agreement dated December 18, 2018 between the Registrant and the Huntington National Bank on behalf of Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 on December 19, 2018.)
     
(g)(11)   Amendment to Appendix D - Fee Schedule of the Custody Agreement dated December 18, 2018 between the Registrant and the Huntington National Bank on behalf of Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 on December 19, 2018.)
     
(g)(12)   Custody Agreement between the Registrant and the Huntington National Bank, on behalf of the Guardian Dividend Growth Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 on April 16, 2019.)
     
(g)(13)   [Reserved]
     
(g)(14)   Amendment to Appendix A and Appendix B dated December 12, 2019 of the Custody Agreement dated December 18, 2018 between the Registrant and the Huntington National Bank, on behalf of the Guardian Fundamental Global Equity Fund and the Alta Quality Growth Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 on December 16, 2019.)
     
 
 

 

(g)(15)   [Reserved]
     
(g)(16)   Amendment to Custody Agreement between the Registrant and The Huntington National Bank on behalf of the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, and the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 on January 29, 2021.)
     
(g)(17)   Custodian and Transfer Agent Agreement between the Registrant and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co on behalf of the Clockwise Capital Innovation ETF and the Fairlead Tactical Sector ETF –  (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 121 on December 22, 2021.)
     
(g)(18)   Amendment to Custodian and Transfer Agent Agreement between the Registrant and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co on behalf of the Clockwise Capital Innovation ETF and the Fairlead Tactical Sector ETF – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 127 on May 31, 2022).
     
(g)(19)   Amendment to Custodian and Transfer Agent Agreement between the Registrant and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co on behalf of the Hull Tactical US ETF – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 134 on May 17, 2023.)
     
(g)(20)   Special Custody and Pledge Agreement between the Registrant on behalf of the Hull Tactical US ETF, Interactive Brokers LLC and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 134 on May 17, 2023.)
     
(g)(21)   Amendment to Custodian and Transfer Agent Agreement between the Registrant and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co on behalf of the Nightview Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 158 on May 31, 2024.)
     
(g)(22)   Form of Amendment to Custodian and Transfer Agent Agreement between the Registrant and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. on behalf of the Sterling Capital Enhanced Core Bond ETF dated January, 2025 – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 on March 7, 2025.)
     
(g)(23)   Special Custody and Pledge Agreement between the Registrant on behalf of the Hull Tactical US ETF, Marex Capital Markets Inc. and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. dated November 20, 2024 – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 164 on December 27, 2024.)
     
(h)(1)   Expense Limitation Agreement dated October 19, 2023 between the Registrant and Oak Harvest Investment Services, LLC with respect to the Oak Harvest Long/Short Hedged Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 on December 15, 2023.)
     
 
 

 

(h)(2)   Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Guardian Capital LP with respect to the Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund dated January 31, 2024 – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 148 filed on January 26, 2024.)
     
(h)(3)   Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Guardian Capital LP with respect to the Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund dated January 31, 2026 – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 175 filed on January 27, 2026.)
     
(h)(4)   Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. dated January 28, 2026 with respect to the FullerThaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, FullerThaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, FullerThaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, FullerThaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, FullerThaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, FullerThaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund and FullerThaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 176 filed on January 28, 2026.)
     
(h)(5)   Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. dated January 29, 2024 with respect to the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund and Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 on January 29, 2024.)
     
(h)(6)   Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. with respect to Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund and Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Equity Fund dated January 28, 2025 – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 166 on January 28, 2025.)  
     
(h)(7)   Fund Servicing Agreement between the Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC dated [], 2026 – to be filed by amendment.
     
(h)(8)   Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Reynders, McVeigh Capital Management, LLC with respect to the Reynders, McVeigh Core Equity Fund effective May 31, 2025 – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 169 on May 28, 2025).
     
(h)(9)   Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Oak Harvest Investment Services, LLC with respect to the Oak Harvest Long/Short Hedged Equity Fund dated December 11, 2024, and effective December 30, 2024 – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 164 on December 27, 2024.)
     
(h)(10)   Special Custody and Pledge Agreement among the Registrant on behalf of the Oak Harvest Long/Short Hedged Equity Fund, Pershing, LLC, Oak Harvest Investment Services, LLC and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. dated December 21, 2023 – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 164 on December 27, 2024.)
     
 
 

 

 (h)(11)   Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Guardian Capital LP with respect to the Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund dated January 31, 2025 – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 165 filed on January 28, 2025).
     
(h)(12)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(13)   Master Services Agreement between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 on December 22, 2016.)
     
(h)(14)   Agreement to Waive Advisory Fee between the Registrant and Canterbury Investment Management, LLC dated October 1, 2024 on behalf of the Canterbury Portfolio Thermostat Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 173 on August 27, 2025.)
     
(h)(15)   Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Oak Harvest Investment Services, LLC with respect to the Oak Harvest Long/Short Hedged Equity Fund dated December 31, 2025 – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 174 on December 23, 2025.)
     
(h)(16)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(17)   Amended and Restated Administrative Services Plan on behalf of the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 on January 30, 2017.)
     
(h)(18)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(19)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(20)   First Amendment dated October 1, 2017 to the Master Services Agreement dated December 21, 2016 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC on behalf of the Hedeker Strategic Appreciation Fund and the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 40 on December 20, 2017.)
     
(h)(21)   Letter Agreement dated November 9, 2017 between the Registrant, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC and Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. to the Master Services Agreement dated December 21, 2016 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC on behalf of the Fuller & Thaler Funds – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 40 on December 20, 2017.)
     
(h)(22)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(23)   Amended and Restated Administrative Services Plan dated December 20, 2017 on behalf of the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund and the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 40 on December 20, 2017.)
     
(h)(24)   [Reserved]
     
 
 

 

(h)(25)   Second Amendment dated December 14, 2017 to the Master Services Agreement dated December 21, 2016 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, on behalf of the Hedeker Strategic Appreciation Fund, the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund and the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 40 on December 20, 2017.)
     
(h)(26)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(27)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(28)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(29)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(30)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(31)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(32)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(33)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(34)   Administrative Services Plan dated December 10, 2018 on behalf of the Reynders McVeigh Core Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 on December 10, 2018.)
     
(h)(35)   Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Reynders, McVeigh Capital Management, LLC with respect to the Reynders, McVeigh Core Equity Fund effective May 31, 2023 – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 136 on May 31, 2023).
     
 (h)(36)   Amendment dated December 10, 2018 to the Master Services Agreement dated December 21, 2016 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, on behalf of the Reynders, McVeigh Core Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 on December 10, 2018.)
     
(h)(37)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(38)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(39)   Amendment dated December 18, 2018 to the Master Services Agreement dated December 21, 2016 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, on behalf of the Alta Quality Growth Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 on December 19, 2018.)
     
(h)(40)   [Reserved]
     
 
 

 

(h)(41)   Amended and Restated Administrative Services Plan dated December 18, 2018 on behalf of the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 on December 19, 2018.)
     
(h)(42)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(43)   Amendment dated December 19, 2018 to the Master Services Agreement dated December 21, 2016 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, on behalf of the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 on December 19, 2018.)
     
(h)(44)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(45)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(46)   [Reserved]
     
 (h)(47)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(48)   Amendment dated March 14, 2019 to the Master Services Agreement dated December 21, 2016 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, on behalf of the Guardian Dividend Growth Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 on April 16, 2019.)
     
(h)(49)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(50)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(51)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(52)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(53)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(54)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(55)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(56)   Amendment dated December 12, 2019 to the Master Services Agreement dated December 21, 2016 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, on behalf of the Guardian Fundamental Global Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 on December 16, 2019.)
     
(h)(57)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(58)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(59)   [Reserved]
 
 

 

     
(h)(60)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(61)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(62)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(63)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(64)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(65)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(66)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(67)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(68)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(69)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(70)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(71)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(72)   Participating Fund Agreement (form of) between the Registrant and ReFlow Fund, LLC on behalf of the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, and Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 94 on January 28, 2020.)
     
(h)(73)   Participating Fund Agreement between the Registrant and ReFlow Fund, LLC dated February 6, 2020, as amended January 4, 2024, on behalf of the FullerThaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, FullerThaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, FullerThaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, FullerThaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, FullerThaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund, FullerThaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund and FullerThaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 151 filed on February 27, 2024.)
     
(h)(74)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(75)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(76)   Fourteenth Amendment dated January 1, 2020 to the Master Services Agreement dated December 21, 2016 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 on August 28, 2020.)
     
(h)(77)   [Reserved]
 
 

 

     
(h)(78)   Sixteenth Amendment dated January 1, 2020 to the Master Services Agreement dated December 21, 2016 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC on behalf of the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, and Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 on August 28, 2020.)
     
(h)(79)   Seventeenth Amendment dated January 1, 2020 to the Master Services Agreement dated December 21, 2016 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC on behalf of the Reynders, McVeigh Core Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 on August 28, 2020.)
     
(h)(80)   Eighteenth Amendment dated January 1, 2020 to the Master Services Agreement dated December 21, 2016 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC on behalf of the Alta Quality Growth Fund and Guardian Fundamental Global Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 on August 28, 2020.)
     
(h)(81)   Nineteenth Amendment dated January 1, 2020 to the Master Services Agreement dated December 21, 2016 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC on behalf of the Guardian Dividend Growth Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 on August 28, 2020.)
     
(h)(82)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(83)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(84)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(85)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(86)   Twenty-first Amendment dated October 1, 2020 to the Master Services Agreement dated December 21, 2016 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC on behalf of the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, and Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 on January 29, 2021.)
     
(h)(87)   Expense Limitation Agreement effective January 31, 2021 between the Registrant and Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. with respect to the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, and Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 on January 29, 2021.)
     
 
 

 

(h)(88)   Securities Lending Agency Agreement between the Registrant and BMO Harris Bank, N.A. on behalf of the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, and Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 on May 28, 2021.)
     
(h)(89)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(90)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(91)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(92)   Twenty-second Amendment dated March 18, 2021 to the Master Services Agreement dated December 21, 2016 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC on behalf of the Canterbury Portfolio Thermostat Fund and the Preserver Alternative Opportunities Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 on May 28, 2021.)
     
(h)(93)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(94)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(95)   Consulting Agreement for compliance services dated December 8, 2021 between the Registrant and Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC, on behalf of the Clockwise Capital Innovation ETF and the Fairlead Tactical Sector ETF – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 121 on December 22, 2021.)
     
(h)(96)   ETF Master Services Agreement dated December 8, 2021 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, on behalf of the Clockwise Capital Innovation ETF and the Fairlead Tactical Sector ETF –  (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 121 on December 22, 2021.)
     
(h)(97)   Form of Authorized Participant Agreement between the Registrant, Northern Lights Distributors, LLC and a participant – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 121 on December 22, 2021.)
     
(h)(98)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(99)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(100)   [Reserved]
     
(h)(101)   Twenty-third Amendment dated December 18, 2021 to the Master Services Agreement dated December 21, 2016 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC on behalf of the Alta Quality Growth Fund, Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund and Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 123 on January 28, 2022.)
     
(h)(102)   Assignment of Securities Lending Agency Agreement among the Registrant, BMO Harris Bank N.A. and Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. – (Exhibit incorporated by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 124 on January 28, 2022.)
     
 
 

 

(h)(103)   Expense Limitation Agreement dated January 28, 2022 between the Registrant and Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. with respect to the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, and Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 124 on January 28, 2022.)
     
(h)(104)   Fund Accounting Fee Letter and Fund Administration Fee Letter dated March 8, 2022 to the ETF Master Services Agreement dated December 8, 2021 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, on behalf of the Fairlead Tactical Sector ETF – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 on March 8, 2022.)
     
(h)(105)   Amended Schedule A to the ETF Master Services Agreement dated December 8, 2021 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, and Fund Accounting Fee Letter and Fund Administration Fee Letter on behalf of the Nightview Fund – (Exhibit incorporated hereby by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 158 on May 31, 2024.)
     
(h)(106)   IntraFi Deposit Placement Agreement and Custodial Agreement between the Registrant and TriState Capital Bank dated October 31, 2023, on behalf of the FullerThaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, FullerThaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, FullerThaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, FullerThaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, FullerThaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund, FullerThaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund and FullerThaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 151 filed on February 27, 2024.)
     
(h)(107)   Amended Schedule A dated December 11, 2024 to the ETF Master Services Agreement dated December 8, 2021 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC and Fund Accounting Fee Letter and Fund Administration Fee Letter on behalf of the Sterling Capital Enhanced Core Bond ETF – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 filed on March 7, 2025.)
     
(h)(108)   Amended Schedule A dated [], 2026 to the ETF Master Services Agreement dated December 8, 2021 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC and Fund Accounting Fee Letter and Fund Administration Fee Letter on behalf of the MRP SynthEquity® Nasdaq 100 ETF – to be filed by amendment.
     
(h)(109)   Amended and Restated Consulting Agreement for compliance services dated September 14, 2022 between the Registrant and Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 129 on December 29, 2022).
     
(h)(110)   Expense Limitation Agreement dated December 8, 2022 and effective January 31, 2023 between the Registrant and Alta Capital Management, LLC on behalf of the Alta Quality Growth Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 131 on January 27, 2023).
     
(h)(111)   [Reserved]
     
 
 

 

(h)(112)   Expense Limitation Agreement dated January 31, 2023 between the Registrant and Guardian Capital LP on behalf of the Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 131 on January 27, 2023).
     
(h)(113)   Amended and Restated Administrative Services Plan dated January 25, 2023 on behalf of the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund and Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 132 on January 30, 2023).
     
(h)(114)   Expense Limitation Agreement dated January 27, 2023 between the Registrant and Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. with respect to the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund and Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 132 on January 30, 2023).
     
(h)(115)   Manager Shareholder Services Agreement dated March 7, 2023 between the Trust and Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. with respect to the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund and Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 135 on May 30, 2023.)
     
(h)(116)   Amended Schedule A to the ETF Master Services Agreement dated December 8, 2021 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, and Fund Accounting Fee Letter and Fund Administration Fee Letter on behalf of the Hull Tactical US ETF – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 134 on May 17, 2023.)
     
(h)(117)   Derivatives Risk Management Program Support Services Addendum to the ETF Master Services Agreement between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC dated December 8, 2021 on behalf of the Hull Tactical US ETF – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 134 on May 17, 2023.)
     
(h)(118)   Amendment No. 1 dated March 6, 2023 to the Amended and Restated Consulting Agreement between the Registrant and Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC dated September 14, 2022 – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 134 on May 17, 2023.)
     
(h)(119)   Amendment No. 2 to the Amended and Restated Compliance Consulting Agreement between the Registrant and Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC dated September 12, 2023 – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 on December 15, 2023.)
     
 
 

 

(h)(120)   Amended Schedule A-1 dated October 19, 2023 to the Amended and Restated Consulting Agreement between the Registrant and Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC dated December 8, 2021 on behalf of the Oak Harvest Long/Short Hedged Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 on December 15, 2023.)
     
(h)(121)   Amendment No. 24 dated July 1, 2023 to the Master Services Agreement dated December 21, 2016 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC on behalf of the Reynders, McVeigh Core Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 on October 2, 2023.)
     
(h)(122)   Amendment No. 25 dated July 1, 2023 to the Master Services Agreement dated December 21, 2016 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC on behalf of the Alta Quality Growth Fund, Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund and Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 on October 2, 2023.)
     
(h)(123)   Amendment No. 26 dated July 1, 2023 to the Master Services Agreement dated December 21, 2016 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC on behalf of the Canterbury Portfolio Thermostat Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 on October 2, 2023.)
     
(h)(124)   Amendment No. 27 dated September 1, 2023 to the Master Services Agreement dated December 21, 2016 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 on October 2, 2023.)
     
(h)(125)   Amendment No. 28 dated October 2, 2023 to the Master Services Agreement dated December 21, 2016 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC on behalf of the Alta Quality Growth Fund, Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund and Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 on December 15, 2023.)
     
(h)(126)   Amendment No. 29 dated October 1, 2023 to the Master Services Agreement dated December 21, 2016 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC on behalf of the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund and Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 on October 2, 2023.)
     
(h)(127)   Amendment No. 30 dated October 1, 2023 to the Master Services Agreement dated December 21, 2016 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC on behalf of the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund and Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 on October 2, 2023.)
 
 

 

     
(h)(128)   Amendment No. 31 dated October 19, 2023 to the Master Services Agreement dated December 21, 2016 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC on behalf of the Oak Harvest Long/Short Hedged Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 on December 15, 2023.)
     
(h)(129)   Derivatives Risk Management Program Support Services Addendum with Amended Schedule A dated October 19, 2023 to the Master Services Agreement dated December 21, 2016 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC on behalf of the Oak Harvest Long/Short Hedged Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 on December 15, 2023.)
     
(h)(130)   Tailored Shareholder Report Services Addendum dated February 27, 2024 to the Master Services Agreement between Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC and the Registrant dated December 21, 2016 – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 156 filed on May 30, 2024.)
     
(h)(131)   Tailored Shareholder Report Services Addendum dated February 27, 2024 to the ETF Master Services Agreement between Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC and the Registrant dated December 8, 2021 – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 156 on May 30, 2024.)
     
(h)(132)   Amendment No. 32 dated February 9, 2024 to the Master Services Agreement dated December 21, 2016 between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC on behalf of the FullerThaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, FullerThaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, Fuller Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, FullerThaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, FullerThaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, FullerThaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund and FullerThaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 156 on May 30, 2024.)
     
(h)(133)   Amendment No. 3 to Amended and Restated Consulting Agreement between the Registrant and Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC dated December 11, 2024 – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 164 on December 27, 2024.)
     
(h)(134)   Amendment to Amended and Restated Consulting Agreement between the Registrant and Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC dated [], 2026 – to be filed by amendment.
     
(i)(1)   Opinion and Consent of Counsel by Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer & Nelson, P.A. (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 on Form N-1A/A on December 12, 2013.)
     
(i)(2)   Opinion and Consent of Counsel by Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer & Nelson, P.A. – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 on May 20, 2015.)
     
(i)(3)   Opinion of Keating, Muething & Klekamp PLL as to the legality of the securities registered with regard to the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Core Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 9 on October 13, 2015.)
     
 
 

 

(i)(4)   Opinion of Keating, Muething & Klekamp PLL as to the legality of the securities registered with regard to the Preserver Alternative Opportunities Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 on November 9, 2015.)
     
(i)(5)   Opinion of counsel as to the legality of the securities registered with regard to the Canterbury Portfolio Thermostat Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 on April 11, 2016.)
     
(i)(6)   Opinion of counsel as to the legality of the securities registered with regard to the MRP SynthEquity® Nasdaq 100 ETF – to be filed by amendment.
     
(i)(7)   Opinion of counsel as to the legality of the securities registered with regard to the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund and the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 40 on December 20, 2017.)
     
(i)(8)   Opinion of counsel as to the legality of the securities registered with regard to the Reynders, McVeigh Core Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 on December 10, 2018.)
     
(i)(9)   [Reserved]
     
(i)(10)   Opinion of counsel as to the legality of the securities registered with regard to the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 on December 19, 2018.)
     
(i)(11)   Opinion of counsel as to the legality of the securities registered with regard to the Guardian Dividend Growth Fund - (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 on April 16, 2019.)
     
(i)(12)   [Reserved]
     
(i)(13)   [Reserved]
     
(i)(14)   Opinion of counsel as to the legality of the securities registered with regard to the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 on January 29, 2021.)
     
(i)(15)   [Reserved]
     
(i)(16)   Opinion of counsel as to the legality of the securities registered with regard to the Fairlead Tactical Sector ETF –  (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 on March 8, 2022.)
     
 
 

 

(i)(17)   Opinion of counsel as to the legality of the securities registered with regard to the Hull Tactical US ETF – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 134 on May 17, 2023.)
     
(i)(18)   Opinion of counsel as to the legality of the securities registered with regard to the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 139 on August 14, 2023.)
     
(i)(19)   Opinion of counsel as to the legality of the securities registered with regard to the Oak Harvest Long/Short Hedged Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 on December 15, 2023.)
     
(i)(20)   Opinion of counsel as to the legality of the securities registered with regard to the Nightview Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 159 filed on June 14, 2024.)
     
(i)(21)   Opinion of counsel as to the legality of the securities registered with regard to the Sterling Capital Enhanced Core Bond ETF – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 filed on March 7, 2025.)
     
(j)(1)   Not applicable.
     
(k)   Omitted Financial Statements – not applicable.
     
(l)   Subscription Agreement (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 on Form N-1A/A on December 12, 2013.)
     
(m)(1)   Distribution and Services Plan dated December 10, 2024 on behalf of the Sterling Capital Enhanced Core Bond ETF – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 filed on March 7, 2025.)
     
(m)(2)   [Reserved]
     
(m)(3)   Rule 12b-1 Plan for A Shares of Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Core Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 on Form N-14/A on September 18, 2015.)
     
(m)(4)   [Reserved]
     
(m)(5)   [Reserved]
     
(m)(6)   [Reserved]
     
(m)(7)   Amended and Restated Rule 12b-1 Plan for A Shares of Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Core Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 on January 27, 2016.)
     
(m)(8)   [Reserved]
     
 
 

 

(m)(9)   Rule 12b-1 Plan for Investor Shares of Canterbury Portfolio Thermostat Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 on April 11, 2016.)
     
(m)(10)   Restated Rule 12b-1 Plan for Investor Shares of Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 on January 30, 2017.)
     
(m)(11)   Restated Rule 12b-1 Plan dated December 20, 2017 for Investor Shares of the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund and the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 40 on December 20, 2017.)
     
(m)(12)   Restated Rule 12b-1 Plan dated December 18, 2018 for A Shares, C Shares and Investor Shares of the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 on December 19, 2018.)
     
(m)(13)   Restated Rule 12b-1 Plan dated December 9, 2020 for A Shares, C Shares and Investor Shares of the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, and Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 on January 29, 2021.)
     
(m)(14)   Distribution and Service Plan dated March 7, 2023 on behalf of the Hull Tactical US ETF – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 134 on May 17, 2023.)
     
(m)(15)   Restated Plan of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 dated December 9, 2020, as amended December 8, 2022 for A Shares, C Shares and Investor Shares of the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, and Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund and for A Shares and C Shares of the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 on January 29, 2024.)
     
(n)(1)   [Reserved]
     
(n)(2)   [Reserved]
     
(n)(3)   Rule 18f-3 Plan for Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Core Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 on Form N-14/A on September 18, 2015.)
     
(n)(4)   [Reserved]
     
 
 

 

(n)(5)   Rule 18f-3 Plan for Canterbury Portfolio Thermostat Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 on April 11, 2016.)
     
(n)(6)   Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Plan for Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 on January 30, 2017.)
     
(n)(7)   Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Plan dated December 20, 2017 for the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund and the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 40 on December 20, 2017.)
     
(n)(8)   Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Plan dated December 18, 2018 for the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 on December 19, 2018.)
     
(n)(9)   Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Plan dated October 2, 2023 for the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund and Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Equity Fund – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 on January 29, 2024.)
     
(o)   Reserved.

 

(p)(1)   Code of Ethics for the Registrant (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 on Form N-1A/A on December 12, 2013.)
     
(p)(2)   Code of Ethics of Nightview Capital LLC – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 171 on May 30, 2025).
     
(p)(3)   Code of Ethics of Oak Harvest Investment Services, LLC – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 164 on December 27, 2024.)
     
(p)(4)   Code of Ethics of Sterling Capital Management LLC – (Exhibit incorporated herein by referenced as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 162 on December 20, 2024.)
     
(p)(5)   Code of Ethics of Canterbury Investment Management, LLC – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 138 on June 29, 2023)
     
(p)(6)   Code of Ethics of Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, Northern Lights Distributors, LLC and Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC – (Exhibit incorporated hereby by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 on September 26, 2023).
     
(p)(7)   Code of Ethics of Reynders, McVeigh Capital Management, LLC – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 169 on May 28, 2025).
 
 

 

     
(p)(8)   Code of Ethics of Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc. – to be filed by amendment.
     
(p)(9)   Code of Ethics of Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 166 on January 28, 2025.)
     
(p)(10)   [Reserved]
     
(p)(11)   [Reserved]
     
(p)(12)   Code of Ethics of Guardian Capital LP – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 115 on August 27, 2021).
     
(p)(13)   [Reserved]
     
(p)(14)   [Reserved]
     
(p)(15)   [Reserved]
     
(p)(16)   [Reserved]
     
(p)(17)   [Reserved]
     
(p)(18)   [Reserved]
     
(p)(19)   [Reserved]
     
(p)(20)   [Reserved]
     
(p)(22)   Code of Ethics of Cary Street Partners Asset Management LLC – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 170 on May 29, 2025).
     
(p)(23)   Code of Ethics of Fairlead Strategies, LLC –  (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 157 on May 30, 2024.)
     
(p)(24)   Code of Ethics of HTAA, LLC – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 151 filed on February 27, 2024.)
     
(q)(1)   Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures for the Registrant (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 on Form N-1A/A on December 12, 2013.)
     
(q)(2)   Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures of Nightview Capital, LLC – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 159 filed on June 14, 2024.)
     
(q)(3)   Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures of Oak Harvest Investment Services, LLC – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 164 on December 27, 2024.)
     
 
 

 

(q)(4)   Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures of Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 176 filed on January 28, 2026.)
     
(q)(5)   Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures of Sterling Capital Management LLC – (Exhibit incorporated herein by referenced as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 162 on December 20, 2024.)
     
(q)(6)   Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures of Canterbury Investment Management, LLC – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 114 on August 27, 2021.)
     
(q)(7)   Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures of Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc. – to be filed by amendment.
     
(q)(8)   Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures of Reynders, McVeigh Capital Management, LLC – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 169 on May 28, 2025).
     
(q)(9)   [Reserved]
     
(q)(10)   Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures of Guardian Capital LP – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 131 on January 27, 2023).
     
(q)(11)   [Reserved]
     
(q)(12)   [Reserved]
     
(q)(13)   [Reserved]
     
(q)(14)   [Reserved]
     
(q)(15)   [Reserved]
     
(q)(16)   [Reserved]
     
(q)(18)   Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures of Cary Street Partners Asset Management LLC –  (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 170 on May 29, 2025).
     
(q)(19)   [Reserved]
     
(q)(20)   [Reserved]
     
(q)(21)   Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures of HTAA, LLC – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 151 filed on February 27, 2024.)
     
(r)(1)   Powers of Attorney for Walter B. Grimm, Mary M. Morrow and R. Jeffrey Young (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 on Form N-1A/A on December 12, 2013.)
     
 
 

 

(r)(2)   Powers of Attorney for Walter B. Grimm, Mary M. Morrow and R. Jeffrey Young – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 on August 26, 2016.)
     
(r)(3)   Powers of Attorney for Robert G. Dorsey, Walter B. Grimm and Mary Madick Morrow – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 35 on August 25, 2017.)
     
(r)(4)   Powers of Attorney for Robert G. Dorsey, Walter B. Grimm, Mary Madick Morrow, John C. Davis, Lori Kaiser and Janet S. Meeks – (Exhibit incorporated herein by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 51 on August 27, 2018.)
     
(r)(5)   Powers of Attorney for David James, Walter B. Grimm, Mary Madick Morrow, John C. Davis, Lori Kaiser and Janet S. Meeks – (Exhibit incorporated by reference as filed to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 111 on March 29, 2021.)

 

Item 29. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with the Funds

 

No person is directly or indirectly controlled by or under common control with the Registrant.

 

Item 30. Indemnification

 

  (k) Article VI, Section 6.4 of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Registrant, an Ohio business trust, provides that:

 

Indemnification of Trustees, Officers, etc. Subject to and except as otherwise provided in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the 1940 Act, the Trust shall indemnify each of its Trustees and officers (including persons who serve at the Trust’s request as directors, officers or trustees of another organization in which the Trust has any interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise (hereinafter referred to as a “Covered Person”) against all liabilities, including but not limited to amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromise or as fines and penalties, and expenses, including reasonable accountants’ and counsel fees, incurred by any Covered Person in connection with the defense or disposition of any action, suit or other proceeding, whether civil or criminal, before any court or administrative or legislative body, in which such Covered Person may be or may have been involved as a party or otherwise or with which such person may be or may have been threatened, while in office or thereafter, by reason of being or having been such a Trustee or officer, director or trustee, and except that no Covered Person shall be indemnified against any liability to the Trust or its Shareholders to which such Covered 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 such Covered Person’s office.

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities may be permitted pursuant to Section 17 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 for Trustees, Officers, and controlling persons of the Registrant by the Registrant pursuant to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust or otherwise, the Registrant is aware of the position of the Securities and Exchange Commission as set forth in Investment Company Act Release No. IC-11330. Therefore, the Registrant undertakes that in addition to complying with the applicable provisions of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust or otherwise, in the absence of a final decision on the merits by a court or other body before which the proceeding was brought, that an indemnification payment will not be made unless in the absence of such a decision, a reasonable determination based upon factual review has been made (i) by a majority vote of a quorum of non-party Trustees who are not interested persons of the Registrant or (ii) by independent legal counsel in a written opinion that the indemnitee was not liable for an act of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of duties. The Registrant

 
 

further undertakes that advancement of expenses incurred in the defense of a proceeding (upon undertaking for repayment unless it is ultimately determined that indemnification is appropriate) against an officer, trustee, or controlling person of the Registrant will not be made absent the fulfillment of at least one of the following conditions: (i) the indemnitee provides security for his undertaking; (ii) the Registrant is insured against losses arising by reason of any lawful advances; or (iii) a majority of a quorum of disinterested non-party trustees or independent legal counsel in a written opinion makes a factual determination that there is reason to believe the indemnitee will be entitled to indemnification.

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”) may be permitted to Trustees, officers, and controlling persons of the Registrant by the Registrant pursuant to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust or otherwise, the Registrant is aware that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and, therefore, is unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by trustees, officers, or controlling persons of the Registrant in connection with the successful defense of any act, suit, or proceeding) is asserted by such trustees, officers, or controlling persons in connection with the shares being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issues.

 

(b) Section 7 of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and each Adviser, on behalf of each series in the Trust, provides that:

 

The Adviser shall indemnify the Trust, each Fund and the Trust’s officers, directors, employees, affiliates and agents (each, a “Trust Indemnitee”) for, and shall defend and hold each Trust Indemnitee harmless from, all losses, costs, damages and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) (collectively, the “Losses”) incurred by the Trust Indemnitee and arising from or in connection with the performance of this Agreement or a Subadvisory Agreement and resulting from the Adviser’s bad faith, willful misfeasance, or negligence in the performance of its duties under this Agreement or a Subadvisory Agreement, the Adviser’s reckless disregard of its duties or obligations under this Agreement or a Subadvisory Agreement, or the breach of its fiduciary duty to the Trust under federal securities laws or state laws; provided, however, no such indemnification shall be required to the extent that the Losses result from the Trust’s bad faith, willful misfeasance, or negligence in the performance of its duties under this Agreement or the Trust’s reckless disregard of its duties or obligations under this Agreement.

 

The Trust shall indemnify the Adviser, its officers, directors, employees, affiliates and agents (each, an “Adviser Indemnitee”) for, and shall defend and hold each Adviser Indemnitee harmless from all Losses incurred by the Adviser Indemnitee and arising from or in connection with the performance of its duties under this Agreement; provided, however, no such indemnification shall be required to the extent that the Losses result from the Adviser’s bad faith, willful misfeasance, or negligence in the performance of its duties under this Agreement or a Subadvisory Agreement, the Adviser’s reckless disregard of its duties or obligations under this Agreement or a Subadvisory Agreement, or the Adviser’s breach of its fiduciary duty under federal securities laws and state law.

 

Upon the assertion of a claim for which a party may be required to indemnify an Trust Indemnitee or an Adviser Indemnity (each, an “Indemnitee”), the Indemnitee must promptly notify the indemnifying party of such assertion, and shall keep the indemnifying party advised with respect to all developments concerning such claim. The indemnifying party shall have the option to participate with the Indemnitee in the defense of such claim or to defend against said claim in its own name or in the name of the Indemnitee. The Indemnitee shall in no case confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the

 
 

indemnifying party may be required to indemnify it except with the indemnifying party’s prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed; notwithstanding Sections 7(a) and 7(b) hereof, in the event the Indemnitee has not secured such consent from the indemnifying party, the indemnifying party shall have no obligation to indemnify the Indemnitee.

 

Sections 4.3 through 4.5 of the Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC provide that:

 

Trust Indemnification. The Trust will indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Distributor, its several officers and directors, and any person who controls the Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, from and against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which any of them may become subject under the 1933 Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions or proceedings in respect thereof) arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, the Prospectuses or in any application or other document executed by or on behalf of the Trust, or arise out of, or are based upon, information furnished by or on behalf of the Trust filed in any state in order to qualify the Shares under the securities or blue sky laws thereof (“Blue Sky Application”), or arise out of, or are based upon, the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and will reimburse the Distributor, its several officers and directors, and any person who controls the Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by any of them in investigating, defending or preparing to defend any such action, proceeding or claim; provided, however, that the Trust shall not be liable in any case to the extent that such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of, or is based upon, any untrue statement, alleged untrue statement, or omission or alleged omission made in the Registration Statement, the Prospectuses, any Blue Sky Application or any application or other document executed by or on behalf of the Trust in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Trust by, or on behalf of, and with respect to, the Distributor specifically for inclusion therein. In no event shall anything contained herein be so construed as to protect the Distributor against any liability to the Funds or their shareholders to which the Distributor would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties under this Agreement or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

 

The Trust shall not indemnify any person pursuant to this Section 4.3 unless the court or other body before which the proceeding was brought has rendered a final decision on the merits that such person was not liable by reason of his willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of his duties, or his reckless disregard of obligations and duties, under this Agreement (“disabling conduct”) or, in the absence of such a decision, a reasonable determination (based upon a review of the facts) that such person was not liable by reason of disabling conduct has been made by the vote of a majority of Trustees who are neither “interested persons” of the Trust (as defined in the 1940 Act) nor parties to the proceeding, or in a written opinion by an independent legal counsel retained by the Trust.

 

The Trust shall advance attorneys’ fees and other expenses incurred by any person in defending any claim, demand, action or suit which is the subject of a claim for indemnification pursuant to this Section 4.3, so long as such person shall: (i) undertake to repay all such advances unless it is ultimately determined that he is entitled to indemnification hereunder; and (ii) provide security for such undertaking, or the Trust shall be insured against losses arising by reason of any lawful advances, or a majority of a quorum of disinterested non-party Trustees of the Trust (or an independent legal counsel in a written opinion) shall determine based on a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry) that there is reason to believe that such person ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification hereunder.

 

 
 

Distributor’s Indemnification. The Distributor will indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Trust, the Trust’s several officers and Trustees and any person who controls the Trust within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, from and against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which any of them may become subject under the 1933 Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities (or actions or proceedings in respect hereof) arise out of, or are based upon, any breach of its representations and warranties in Section 4.2 hereof, or the willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties under this Agreement or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement, or which arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, the Prospectuses, any Blue Sky Application or any application or other document executed by or on behalf of the Trust, or the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, which statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Trust or any of its several officers and Trustees by, or on behalf of, and with respect to, the Distributor specifically for inclusion therein, and will reimburse the Trust, the Trust’s several officers and Trustees, and any person who controls the Trust within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by any of them in investigating, defending or preparing to defend any such action, proceeding or claim.

 

General Indemnity Provisions. No indemnifying party shall be liable under its indemnity agreement contained in Section 4.3 or 4.4 hereof with respect to any claim made against such indemnifying party unless the indemnified party shall have notified the indemnifying party in writing within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon the indemnified party (or after the indemnified party shall have received notice of such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify the indemnifying party of any such claim shall not relieve it from any liability which it may otherwise have to the indemnified party. The indemnifying party will be entitled to participate at its own expense in the defense or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any such liability, and if the indemnifying party elects to assume the defense, such defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by it and reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party. In the event the indemnifying party elects to assume the defense of any such suit and retain such counsel, the indemnified party shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by the indemnified party.

 

(d) Sections 11.3 through 11.5 of the Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC provide that:

 

Each party (the “Indemnifying Party”) agrees to indemnify, defend, and protect the other party, including its trustees or directors, officers, employees, and other agents (collectively, the “Indemnitees”), and shall hold the Indemnitees harmless from and against any actions, suits, claims, losses, damages, liabilities, and reasonable costs, charges, expenses (including attorney fees and investigation expenses) (collectively, “Losses”) arising directly or indirectly out of (1) the Indemnifying Party’s failure to exercise the standard of care set forth above unless such Losses were caused in part by the Indemnitees own willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence; (2) any violation of Applicable Law by the Indemnifying Party or its affiliated persons or agents relating to this Agreement and the activities thereunder; and (3) any material breach by the Indemnifying Party or its affiliated persons or agents of this Agreement.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, the Trust, a Fund, or the Advisor shall indemnify Distributor for Distributor’s Losses arising from circumstances under Section 11.2.A.

Upon the assertion of a claim for which either party may be required to indemnify the other, the party seeking indemnification shall promptly notify the other party of such assertion, and shall keep the other party advised with respect to all developments concerning such claim. The party who may be required to indemnify shall have the option to participate with the party seeking indemnification in the defense of such

 
 

claim or to defend against said claim in its own name or in the name of the other party. The party seeking indemnification shall in no case confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the other party may be required to indemnify it except with the other party’s prior written consent.

 

Dealer Agreement Indemnification. Distributor acknowledges and agrees that certain dealers require that Distributor enter into dealer agreements (the “Non-Standard Dealer Agreements”) that contain certain representations, undertakings, and indemnification that are not included in the Distributor’s standard dealer agreement (the “Standard Dealer Agreement”).

 

To the extent that Distributor is requested or required by the Trust to enter into any Non-Standard Dealer Agreement, the Trust shall indemnify, defend and hold the Distributor Indemnitees free and harmless from and against any and all Losses that any Distributor Indemnitee may incur arising out of or relating to (a) the Distributor’s actions or failures to act pursuant to any Non-Standard Dealer Agreement; (b) any representations made by the Distributor in any Non-Standard Dealer Agreement to the extent that the Distributor is not required to make such representations in the Standard Dealer Agreement; or (c) any indemnification provided by the Distributor under a Non-Standard Dealer Agreement to the extent that such indemnification is beyond the indemnification the Distributor provides to intermediaries in the Standard Dealer Agreement. In no event shall anything contained herein be so construed as to protect the Distributor Indemnitees against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders to which the Distributor Indemnitees would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of Distributor’s obligations or duties under the Non-Standard Dealer Agreement or by reason of Distributor’s reckless disregard of its obligations or duties under the Non-Standard Dealer Agreement.

 The provisions of this Section 11 shall survive termination of this Agreement.

 

Sections 6 and 7 of the ETF Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and Northern Lights Distributors, LLC provide that:

 

Indemnification of Distributor

 

(a)                The Trust agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Distributor and each of its managers and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act against any loss, liability, claim, damages or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending any alleged loss, liability, claim, damages, or expense and reasonable counsel fees and disbursements incurred in connection therewith), arising by reason of any person acquiring any Shares or Creation Units, based upon (i) the ground that the registration statement, prospectus, shareholder reports or other information filed or made public by the Trust (as from time to time amended) included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated or necessary in order to make the statements made not misleading, (ii) the Trust’s failure to maintain an effective registration statement and prospectus with respect to Shares of the Fund that are the subject of the claim or demand, (iii) the Trust’s failure to properly register Fund Shares under applicable state laws, (iv) instructions given by the Trust, the Trust’s failure to perform its duties hereunder or any inaccuracy of its representations, (v) any claim brought under Section 11 of the 1933 Act, or (vi) all actions taken by Distributor hereunder resulting from Distributor’s reliance on instructions received from an officer, agent or approved service provider of the Trust.

 

(b)                In no case (i) is the indemnity of the Trust to be deemed to protect the Distributor or any other person against any liability to which the Distributor or such person otherwise would be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of duties or by reason of reckless disregard of obligations and duties under this Agreement (“Disqualifying Conduct”) by such party, or (ii) is the Trust to be liable to the Distributor under the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 6 with respect to any claim made against the Distributor or any person indemnified unless the Distributor or

 
 

other person shall have notified the Trust in writing of the claim within a reasonable time after the summons or other first written notification giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon the Distributor or such other person (or after the Distributor or the person shall have received notice of service on any designated agent). However, failure to notify the Trust of any claim shall not relieve the Trust from any liability which it may have to the Distributor or any person against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph.

 

(c)                The Trust shall be entitled to participate at its own expense in the defense or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any claims subject to this indemnity provision. If the Trust elects to assume the defense of any such claim, the defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by the Trust and satisfactory to the indemnified defendants in the suit whose approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. In the event that the Trust elects to assume the defense of any suit and retain counsel, the indemnified defendants shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by them. If the Trust does not elect to assume the defense of a suit, it will reimburse the indemnified defendants for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by the indemnified defendants.

 

(d)                The Trust agrees to notify the Distributor promptly of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it or any of its officers or Trustees in connection with the issuance or sale of Shares or Creation Units.

 

Indemnification of Trust

 

(a)                The Distributor covenants and agrees that it will indemnify and hold harmless the Trust and each of its Trustees and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Trust within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, against any loss, liability, damages, claim or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending any alleged loss, liability, damages, claim or expense and reasonable counsel fees and disbursements incurred in connection therewith) arising out of or based upon any Disqualifying Conduct by Distributor in connection with the offering and sale of any Shares.

 

(b)                In no case (i) is the indemnity of the Distributor in favor of the Trust or any other person indemnified to be deemed to protect the Trust or any other person against any liability to which the Trust or such other person would otherwise be subject by reason of Disqualifying Conduct by such party, or (ii) is the Distributor to be liable under its indemnity agreement contained in this Section 7 with respect to any claim made against the Trust or any person indemnified unless the Trust or person, as the case may be, shall have notified the Distributor in writing of the claim within a reasonable time after the summons or other first written notification giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon the Trust or upon any person (or after the Trust or such person shall have received notice of service on any designated agent). However, failure to notify the Distributor of any claim shall not relieve the Distributor from any liability which it may have to the Trust or any person against whom the action is brought otherwise than on account of its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph.

 

(c)                The Distributor shall be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce the claim subject to this indemnity provision, but if the Distributor elects to assume the defense, the defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by the Distributor and satisfactory to the indemnified defendants whose approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. In the event that the Distributor elects to assume the defense of any suit and retain counsel, the defendants in the suit shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by them. If the Distributor does not elect to assume the defense of any suit, it will reimburse the indemnified defendants in the suit for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them.

 

 
 

(d)                The Distributor agrees to notify the Trust promptly of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it or any of its officers in connection with the sale of Shares or Creation Units.

 

Item 31. Business and other Connections of the Investment Advisers

 

Each Adviser to the Registrant is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The current Uniform Application for Investment Adviser Registration (“Form ADV”) filed with the SEC by each Adviser is incorporated by reference in response to this item. A list of each Adviser’s File No. and CRD No. is below. The current Form ADV may be accessed through the SEC’s website at https://www.adviserinfo.sec.gov/.

 

Adviser File No. CRD No.
Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. 801-43915 107033
Canterbury Investment Management, LLC 801-61876 125680
Reynders, McVeigh Capital Management, LLC 801-64812 137342
Guardian Capital LP 801-56081 105078
Cary Street Partners Asset Management LLC 801-110994 289178
Fairlead Strategies, LLC 801-122857 297384
HTAA, LLC 801-79752 171391
Worm Capital, LLC d/b/a Nightview Capital, LLC 801-108127 284183
Oak Harvest Investment Services, LLC 801-116667 173293
Sterling Capital Management LLC 801-64257 135405
Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc. 801-80124 141422

 

Item 32. Principal Underwriter

 

(a) Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC and Northern Lights Distributor, LLC each serve as a principal underwriter of the Registrant.

 

Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, OH 45246 acts as the principal underwriter for the following other open-end investment companies:

 

 
 

 

Axxes Private Markets Fund

Axxes Opportunistic Credit Fund

Beacon Pointe Multi-Alternative Fund

Booster Income Opportunities Fund

Bruce Fund, Inc.

CM Advisors Family of Funds

Caldwell Orkin Funds, Inc.

Cantor Select Portfolios Trust

Cantor Fitzgerald Infrastructure Fund

Capitol Series Trust

CAZ Strategic Opportunities Fund

Centaur Mutual Funds Trust

Lind Capital Partners Municipal Credit Income Fund

MidBridge Private Markets Fund

MSS Series Trust

New Age Alpha Funds Trust

New Age Alpha Variable Funds Trust

Oak Associates Funds

OneAscent Capital Opportunities Fund

OneFund Trust

Papp Investment Trust

Peachtree Alternative Strategies Fund

Plumb Funds

Prospect Enhanced Yield Fund

 
 

Chesapeake Investment Trust

Commonwealth International Series Trust

Conestoga Funds

Connors Funds

Dynamic Alternatives Fund

Eubel Brady & Suttman Mutual Fund Trust

Exchange Place Advisors Trust

Fairway Private Equity & Venture Capital Opportunities Fund

Fairway Private Markets Fund

Flat Rock Enhanced Income Fund

Flat Rock Core Income Fund

Flat Rock Opportunity Fund

HC Capital Trust

Hussman Investment Trust

James Advantage Funds

Johnson Mutual Funds

Private Debt & Income Fund

RM Opportunity Trust

Schwartz Investment Trust

Segall Bryant & Hamill Trust

The Cutler Trust

The Investment House Funds

Williamsburg Investment Trust

Ultimus Managers Trust

Unified Series Trust

Valued Advisers Trust

VELA Funds

Volumetric Fund

Waycross Independent Trust

XD Fund Trust

Yorktown Funds 

83 Investment Group Income Fund

 

Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022, also acts as the principal underwriter for the following other open-end investment companies: Atlas U.S. Tactical Income Fund, Inc., Atlas U.S. Government Money Market Fund, Inc., Boyar Value Fund Inc., Copeland Trust, DGI Investment Trust, Grandeur Peak Global Trust, Humankind Benefit Corporation, Miller Investment Trust, Mutual Fund and Variable Insurance Trust, Mutual Fund Series Trust, North Country Funds, Northern Lights Fund Trust, Northern Lights Fund Trust II, Northern Lights Fund Trust III, Northern Lights Fund Trust IV, Northern Lights Variable Trust, OCM Mutual Fund, CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund, Princeton Everest Fund, Segall Bryant & Hamill Trust (ETF), US Treasury Fund, The Saratoga Advantage Trust, Texas Capital Funds Trust, THOR Financial Technologies Trust, Tributary Funds, Inc., Two Roads Shared Trust, Zacks Trust, Ultimus Manager’s Trust (ETF), Capitol Series Trust (ETF), Valued Advisers Trust (ETF), and Unified Series Trust (ETF).

 

(b) The following list sets forth the directors and executive officers of Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC.

 

Name Position with Distributor Position with Registrant
Kevin Guerette President None
Stephen L. Preston Vice President, Financial Operations Principal, Chief Compliance Officer and Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer None
Douglas K. Jones Vice President None
Melvin Van Cleave Chief Information Security Officer None

The address of all of the above-named persons is 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246.

 

The following list sets forth the directors and executive officers of Northern Lights Distributors, LLC.

 

 
 

 

Name Position with Distributor Position with Registrant
Kevin Guerette President None
Stephen L. Preston Treasurer, FINOP, Chief Compliance Officer and Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer None
David James Manager None
Melvin Van Cleave Chief Information Security Officer None
Bill Strait Secretary, General Counsel and Manager None

 

(c) Not applicable

 

Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records

 

(1) Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC maintains all records required to be maintained by the Registrant under Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the rules (“Records”) which relate to the administration, fund accounting, and transfer agency services it provides to the Registrant. Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC is located at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, OH 45246.

 

(2) The Huntington National Bank maintains all Records relating to the custodial services it provides to the Registrant. The Huntington National Bank is located at 41 S. High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215.

 

(3) Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. maintains all Records relating to the advisory services it provides to the Registrant. Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. is located at 411 Borel Avenue, Suite 300, San Mateo, CA 94402.

  

(4) Canterbury Investment Management, LLC, maintains all Records relating to the advisory services it provides to the Registrant. Canterbury Investment Management, LLC is located at 23 East Cedar Street, Zionsville, Indiana 46077.

 

(5) Reynders, McVeigh Capital Management, LLC, maintains all Records relating to the advisory services it provides to the Registrant. Reynders, McVeigh Capital Management, LLC is located at 121 High Street, 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02110.

 

(6) Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC maintains all Records relating to the distribution services it provides to the Registrant. Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC is located at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, OH 45246.

 

(7) Guardian Capital LP maintains all Records relating to the advisory services it provides to the Registrant. Guardian Capital LP is located at Commerce Court West, 199 Bay Street, Suite 2700, P.O. Box 201, Toronto, Ontario M5L 1E8.

 

   
 (8) Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., 50 Post Office Square, Boston, MA  02110, maintains records relating to the custodial and transfer agent services it provides to the Registrant.
   
(9) Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100, Elkhorn, NE  68022, maintains records relating to the distribution services it provides to the Registrant.
   
 
 

 

(10) Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC, 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100, Elkhorn, NE  68022, maintains records relating to the compliance services it provides to the Registrant.
   
(11) Cary Street Partners Asset Management LLC, 901 East Byrd Street, Suite 1001, Richmond, VA 23219, maintains records relating to the advisory services it provides to the Registrant.
   
(12) Fairlead Strategies LLC, 19 East Elm Street, 2nd Floor, Greenwich, CT 06830, maintains records relating to the subadvisory services it provides to the Registrant.
   
(13) HTAA, LLC, 141 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 1650, Chicago, IL  60604, maintains records relating to the advisory services it provides to the Registrant.
   
(14) Worm Capital, LLC, d/b/a/ Nightview Capital, LLC, 7500 Rialto Blvd. Building 1, Suite 250, Austin, TX 78735, maintains records relating to the advisory services it provides to the Registrant.
   
(15) Oak Harvest Investment Services, LLC, 920 Memorial City Way, Suite 150, Houston, TX 77024, maintains records relating to the advisory services it provides to the Registrant.
   
(16) Sterling Capital Management LLC, 4350 Congress Street, Suite 1000, Charlotte, NC  28209, maintains records relating to the advisory services it provides to the Registrant.
   
(17) Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc., 5230 Carroll Canyon Road, Suite 224, San Diego, CA 92121, maintains records relating to the advisory services it provides to the Registrant.

 

Item 34. Management Services

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 35. Undertakings

 

Not applicable.

 
 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (File No. 333-191495) and the Investment Company Act of 1940 (File No. 811-22895), the Registrant, Capitol Series Trust, has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 178 to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the City of Cincinnati and State of Ohio, on the 17th day of April, 2026.

 

  Capitol Series Trust  
  (Registrant)  
     
  /s/ Tiffany R. Franklin  
  Tiffany R. Franklin  
  Secretary  

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 178 to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the 17th day of April, 2026:

 

Signature   Title  
       
*   Trustee and Chair  
Walter B. Grimm      
       
*   Trustee  
Mary Madick      
       
*   Trustee  
Lori Kaiser      
       
*   Trustee  
Janet S. Meeks      
       
       
/s/ Matthew J. Miller   President and Chief Executive Officer  
Matthew J. Miller      
       
/s/ Zachary P. Richmond   Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer  
Zachary P. Richmond      
       
/s/ Tiffany R. Franklin      
* By: Tiffany R. Franklin      
Power of Attorney      

 

 
 

 

Exhibits

(a)(25)   Amendment to Appendix B to Trust Instrument dated March 10, 2026, as filed with the State of Ohio