Exhibit (j)(3)

EX-99.(J)(3) 2 d625259dex99j3.htm EXHIBIT (J)(3) Exhibit (j)(3)

CUSTODY AGREEMENT

by and between

EACH FUND LISTED ON ANNEX A

and

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON

TABLE OF CONTENTS


		PAGE
SECTION 1 – CUSTODY ACCOUNTS; INSTRUCTIONS			1
1.1	Definitions		1
1.2	Establishment of Account		3
1.3	Representations and Warranties		3
1.4	Distributions		5
1.5	Authorized Instructions		5
1.6	Authentication		6
1.7	On-Line Systems		6

SECTION 2 – CUSTODY SERVICES			6
2.1	Holding Securities		6
2.2	Depositories		8
2.3	Agents		8
2.4	Custodian Actions without Direction		8
2.5	Custodian Actions with Direction		9
2.6	Foreign Exchange Transactions		9

SECTION 3 – CORPORATE ACTIONS			9
3.1	Custodian Notification		9
3.2	Direction		10
3.3	Voting Rights		10
3.4	Partial Redemptions, Payments, Etc.		10

SECTION 4 – SETTLEMENT OF TRADES			10
4.1	Payments		10
4.2	Contractual Settlement and Income		10
4.3	Trade Settlement		10

SECTION 5 – DEPOSITS AND ADVANCES			11
5.1	Deposits		11
5.2	Sweep and Float		11
5.3	Overdrafts and Indebtedness		11
5.4	Securing Repayment		11
5.5	Setoff		12

SECTION 6 – SALE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES			12
6.1	Sale of Shares		12
6.2	Redemption of Shares		12
6.3	Check Redemptions		12

SECTION 7 – PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS			12
7.1	Determination to Pay		12
7.2	Payment		12

SECTION 8 – TAXES, REPORTS, RECORDS AND OTHER MATTERS			13
8.1	Tax Obligations		13


8.2	Pricing and Other Data	13
8.3	Statements and Reports	13
8.4	Review of Reports	14
8.5	Books and Records	14
8.6	Required Disclosure	14
8.7	Sanctions	15

SECTION 9 – PROVISIONS REGARDING CUSTODIAN		15
9.1	Standard of Care	15
9.2	Limitation of Duties and Liability	15
9.3	Losses	16
9.4	Gains	16
9.5	Centralized Functions	16
9.6	Force Majeure	17
9.7	Fees	17
9.8	Indemnification	17

SECTION 10 – AMENDMENT; TERMINATION; ASSIGNMENT		17
10.1	Amendment	17
10.2	Termination	17
10.3	Successors and Assigns	18

SECTION 11 – ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS		18
11.1	Non-Custody Assets	18
11.2	Appropriate Action	18
11.3	Governing Law	18
11.4	USA PATRIOT Act	18
11.5	Non-Fiduciary Status	19
11.6	Notice	19
11.7	Entire Agreement	19
11.8	Necessary Parties	19
11.9	Execution in Counterparts	19
11.10	Execution in Counterparts	19

CUSTODY AGREEMENT

CUSTODY AGREEMENT, dated as of the latest date set forth on the signature page hereto, between each management investment company listed on Annex A (each, a “Fund”) and THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, a bank organized under the laws of the state of New York (the “Custodian”).

SECTION 1 – CUSTODY ACCOUNTS; INSTRUCTIONS

1.1 Definitions. Whenever used in this Agreement, the following words shall have the meanings set forth below:

“40 Act” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.3.

“Account” or “Accounts” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.2.

“Authorized Instructions” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.5.

“Authorized Person” shall mean any Person authorized by a Fund to give Oral Instructions or Instructions with respect to one or more Accounts of the Fund or with respect to foreign exchange, derivative investments or information and transactional web based services provided by the Custodian or a BNY Mellon Affiliate with respect to the Fund. Authorized Persons, their signatures and the extent of their authority shall be provided by a Certificate. The Custodian may conclusively rely on the authority of an Authorized Person until it receives Written Instructions to the contrary.

“BNY Mellon Affiliate” shall mean any direct or indirect subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation.

“BNY Mellon Group” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.5.

“Book-Entry System” shall mean the United States Federal Reserve/Treasury book-entry system for receiving and delivering securities, its successors and nominees.

“Centralized Functions” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.5.

“Certificate” shall mean any notice, instruction or other instrument in writing, authorized or required by this Agreement to be given to the Custodian, which is actually received by the Custodian by letter or facsimile transmission and signed on behalf of a Fund by an Authorized Person or a person reasonably believed by the Custodian to be an Authorized Person.

“Country Risk Event” shall mean (a) issues relating to the financial infrastructure of a country, (b) issues relating to a country’s prevailing custody and settlement practices, (c) nationalization, expropriation or other governmental actions, (d) issues relating to a country’s regulation of the banking or securities industry, (e) currency controls, restrictions, devaluations, redenominations or fluctuations or (f) market conditions which materially affect the orderly execution of securities transactions or materially affect the value of securities.

ASP/GSP Custody

“Data Providers” shall mean pricing vendors, analytics providers, brokers, dealers, investment managers, Authorized Persons, Subcustodians, Depositories and any other Person providing Market Data to the Custodian.

“Data Terms Website” shall mean http://bnymellon.com/products/assetservicing/vendoragreement.pdf or any successor website the address of which is provided by the Custodian to the Funds.

“Depository” shall include (a) the Book-Entry System, (b) the Depository Trust Company, (c) any other clearing agency or securities depository registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission identified to a Fund from time to time and (d) the respective successors and nominees of the foregoing.

“Economic Sanctions Compliance Program” shall mean those programs, policies, procedures and measures designed to ensure compliance with, and prevent violations of, Sanctions.

“Foreign Depository” shall mean (a) Euroclear, (b) Clearstream Banking, societe anonyme, (c) each Eligible Securities Depository as defined in Rule 17f-7 under the ’40 Act identified to a Fund from time to time and (d) the respective successors and nominees of the foregoing.

“Instructions” shall mean Written Instructions, S.W.I.F.T., on-line communications or other method or system, each as specified by the Custodian as available for use in connection with the services hereunder.

“Losses” shall mean, collectively, losses, costs, expenses, damages, liabilities and claims.

“Market Data” shall mean pricing or other data related to Securities and other assets. Market Data includes but is not limited to security identifiers, valuations, bond ratings, classification data and other data received from investment managers and others.

“Non-Custody Assets” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.1.

“Operational Losses” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.

“Oral Instructions” shall mean instructions expressed in spoken words received by the Custodian. Where the Custodian provides recorded lines for this purpose, such instructions must be given using such lines.

“Person” or “Persons” shall mean any entity or individual.

“Replacement Subcustodian” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.

“Required Care” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.

“Sanctions” shall mean all economic sanctions, laws, rules, regulations, executive orders and requirements administered by any governmental authority of the U.S. (including the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control), and the European Union (including any national jurisdiction or member state thereof), in addition to any other applicable authority with jurisdiction over a Fund.

“Securities” shall include, without limitation, any common stock and other equity securities, depository receipts, limited partnership and limited liability company interests, bonds, debentures and other debt securities, notes or other obligations, and any instruments representing rights to receive, purchase or subscribe for the same, or representing any other rights or interests therein (whether represented by a certificate or held in a Depository, a Foreign Depository or with a Subcustodian or on the books of the issuer) that are acceptable to the Custodian.

“Series” shall mean the various portfolios, if any, of a Fund listed on Annex A hereto, and if none are listed references to Series shall be references to the Fund.

“Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.1.

“Subcustodian” shall mean a bank or other financial institution (other than a Foreign Depository) located outside the United States which is utilized by the Custodian or by a BNY Mellon Affiliate in connection with the purchase, sale or custody of Securities or cash hereunder and is identified to a Fund from time to time, and their respective successors and assigns.

“Tax Obligations” shall mean taxes, withholding, certification and reporting requirements, claims for exemptions or refund, interest, penalties, additions to tax and other related expenses.

“Written Instructions” shall mean written communications, including a Certificate, received by the Custodian by overnight delivery, postal services or facsimile transmission.

1.2 Establishment of Account. (a) Each Fund hereby appoints the Custodian as the custodian of all Securities and cash at any time delivered to the Custodian to be held under this Agreement. The Custodian hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to establish and maintain one or more accounts for each Series in which the Custodian will hold Securities and cash as provided herein. Such accounts (each, an “Account,” and collectively, the “Accounts”) shall be in the name of the applicable Fund. This Agreement shall constitute a separate agreement between the Custodian and each separate Fund, as if each Fund had executed a separate document with the Custodian with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement, and no Fund shall have any liability under this Agreement for the obligations of any other Fund.

(b) The Custodian may from time to time establish on its books and records such sub-accounts within each Account as a Fund and the Custodian may agree upon (each a “Special Account”), and the Custodian shall reflect therein such assets as the Fund may specify in Instructions.

(c) The Custodian may from time to time establish pursuant to a written agreement with and for the benefit of a broker, dealer, future commission merchant or other third party identified in Instructions such accounts on such terms and conditions as a Fund and the Custodian shall agree, and the Custodian shall transfer to such account such Securities and cash as the Fund may specify in Instructions.

1.3 Representations and Warranties. (A) Each Fund hereby represents and warrants, which representations and warranties shall be continuing and shall be deemed to be reaffirmed on each date that any assets of the Fund are custodied hereunder, that:

(a) It is duly organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, with full power to carry on its business as now conducted, to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder;

(b) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Fund, has been approved by a resolution of its board and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Fund, enforceable in accordance with its terms (except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws, or by equitable principles relating to or limiting creditors’ rights generally), and there is no statute, regulation, rule, order or judgment binding on it, and no provision of its charter or by-laws, nor of any mortgage, indenture, credit agreement or other contract binding on it or affecting its property, which would prohibit its execution or performance of this Agreement;

(c) It is conducting its business in substantial compliance with all applicable laws and requirements, both state and federal, with which pursuant to the terms of such law or requirement it is required to comply, and it has obtained all regulatory licenses, approvals and consents necessary to carry on its business as now conducted;

(d) It will not use the services provided by the Custodian hereunder in any manner that is, or will result in, a violation of any law, rule or regulation applicable to the Fund;

(e) Its board or its foreign custody manager, as defined in Rule 17f-5 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “‘40 Act”), has determined that use of each Subcustodian (including any Replacement Subcustodian) which the Custodian is authorized to utilize in accordance with this Agreement satisfies the applicable requirements of the ‘40 Act and Rule 17f-5 thereunder;

(f) The Fund or its investment adviser has determined that the custody arrangements of each Foreign Depository provide reasonable safeguards against the custody risks associated with maintaining assets with such Foreign Depository within the meaning of Rule 17f-7 under the ‘40 Act;

(g) It is fully informed of the protections and risks associated with various methods of transmitting Instructions and Oral Instructions to the Custodian, shall safeguard and treat with extreme care any user and authorization codes, passwords and/or authentication keys, understands that there may be more secure methods of transmitting or delivering the same than the methods selected by it, agrees that the security procedures (if any) to be followed in connection therewith provide a commercially reasonable degree of protection in light of its particular needs and circumstances and acknowledges and agrees that Instructions need not be reviewed by the Custodian, may conclusively be presumed by the Custodian without inquiry to have been given by person(s) duly authorized and may be acted upon as given;

(h) It shall manage its borrowings, including, without limitation, any advance or overdraft (including any day-light overdraft) in its Accounts, so that the aggregate of its total borrowings for each Series does not exceed the amount such Series is permitted to borrow under the ‘40 Act;

(i) Its transmission or giving of, and the Custodian acting upon and in reliance on, Instructions or Oral Instructions pursuant to this Agreement shall at all times comply with the ‘40 Act;

(j) It shall impose and maintain restrictions on the destinations to which cash may be disbursed by Instructions to ensure that each disbursement is for a proper purpose; and

(k) It has the right to make the pledge and grant the security interest and security entitlement to the Custodian contained in Section 5 hereof, free of any right of redemption or prior claim of any other person or entity, such pledge and such grants shall have a first priority subject to no setoffs, counterclaims or other liens or grants prior to or on a parity therewith (except as set forth in the second sentence of Section 5.4), and it shall take such additional steps as the Custodian may require to assure such priority.

(B) The Custodian hereby represents and warrants, which representations and warranties shall be continuing and shall be deemed to be reaffirmed on each date that any assets are custodied hereunder, that:

(b) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Custodian, and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Custodian, enforceable in accordance with its terms (except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws, or by equitable principles relating to or limiting creditors’ rights generally), and there is no statute, regulation, rule, order or judgment binding on it, and no provision of its charter or by-laws, nor of any mortgage, indenture, credit agreement or other contract binding on it or affecting its property, which would prohibit its execution or performance of this Agreement; and

1.4 Distributions. The Custodian shall make distributions or transfers out of an Account solely pursuant to Instructions or as otherwise contemplated in this Agreement. In making payments to service providers pursuant to Instructions, each Fund acknowledges that the Custodian is acting in an administrative or in a ministerial capacity, and not as the payor, for tax information reporting and withholding purposes.

1.5 Authorized Instructions. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely upon any Oral Instructions or Instructions actually received by the Custodian and reasonably believed by the Custodian to be from an Authorized Person (“Authorized Instructions”). Notwithstanding any other provision included in this Agreement, Written Instructions relating to the disbursement of cash of a Fund other than in connection with the purchase, sale or settlement of Securities, shall be in the

form of a Certificate. Each Fund agrees that an Authorized Person shall forward to the Custodian Instructions confirming Oral Instructions by the close of business of the same day that such Oral Instructions are given to the Custodian. Each Fund agrees that the fact Instructions confirming Oral Instructions are not received or that contrary Instructions are received by the Custodian shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of transactions authorized by such Oral Instructions and effected by the Custodian.

1.6 Authentication. If the Custodian receives Instructions that reasonably appear on their face to have been transmitted by an Authorized Person via (i) facsimile or other electronic method that is not secure or (ii) secure electronic transmission containing applicable authorization codes, passwords or authentication keys, each Fund understands and agrees that the Custodian cannot determine the identity of the actual sender of such Instructions and that the Custodian acting in good faith shall be entitled to conclusively presume that such Instructions have been sent by an Authorized Person. Each Fund shall be responsible for ensuring that only its Authorized Persons transmit Instructions to the Custodian and that all of the Fund’s Authorized Persons safeguard and treat with extreme care applicable user and authorization codes, passwords and authentication keys.

1.7 On-Line Systems. If an Authorized Person elects to transmit Instructions through an on-line communication system offered by the Custodian, the use thereof shall be subject to any terms and conditions contained in a separate written agreement. If a Fund or an Authorized Person elects, with the Custodian’s prior consent, to transmit Instructions through an on-line communications service owned or operated by a third party, the Fund agrees that the Custodian shall not be responsible or liable for the reliability or availability of any such service.

SECTION 2 – CUSTODY SERVICES

2.1 Holding Securities. (a) Subject to the terms hereof, each Fund hereby authorizes the Custodian to hold any Securities in registered form in the name of the Custodian or one of its nominees. The Custodian shall be responsible for the safekeeping of the Securities and cash received by it from time to time for a Fund’s account on the terms set forth herein and shall not release or otherwise transfer such Securities or cash except as contemplated herein or in accordance with a Fund’s instructions. Securities held for a Fund hereunder shall be segregated on the Custodian’s books and records from the Custodian’s own property. The Custodian shall be entitled to utilize, subject to subsection (d) of this Section 2.1, Subcustodians, Depositories, and subject to subsection (e) of this Section 2.1, Foreign Depositories in connection with its performance hereunder. Securities and cash held through a Subcustodian shall be held subject to the terms and conditions of the Custodian’s or a BNY Mellon Affiliate’s agreements with such Subcustodian. Securities and cash deposited by the Custodian in a Depository or Foreign Depository will be held subject to the rules, terms and conditions of such entity. Subcustodians may be authorized to hold Securities in Depositories or Foreign Depositories in which such Subcustodian participates. Unless otherwise required by local law or practice or a particular subcustodian agreement, Securities deposited with Subcustodians, Depositories or Foreign Depositories will be held in a commingled account in the name of the Custodian or a BNY Mellon Affiliate for the applicable Series, provided that to the extent reasonably possible in accordance with industry standards it is made apparent that the relevant Securities or other assets deposited therein do not belong to the Custodian or the Subcustodian. The Custodian shall identify on its books and records the Securities and cash

belonging to a Fund, whether held directly or indirectly through Subcustodians, Depositories or Foreign Depositories. The Custodian shall, directly or indirectly through Subcustodians, Depositories or Foreign Depositories, endeavor, to the extent feasible, to hold Securities in the country or other jurisdiction in which the principal trading market for such Securities is located, where such Securities are to be presented for cancellation and/or payment and/or registration or where such Securities are acquired. The Custodian at any time may cease utilizing any Subcustodian and/or may replace a Subcustodian with a different Subcustodian (a “Replacement Subcustodian”). In the event the Custodian selects a Replacement Subcustodian, the Custodian shall not utilize such Replacement Subcustodian until after the applicable Fund’s board or foreign custody manager has determined that utilization of such Replacement Subcustodian satisfies the requirements of the ‘40 Act and Rule 17f-5 thereunder.

(b) The Custodian shall exercise reasonable care in the selection and retention, monitoring and continued use of a Subcustodian in light of prevailing rules, terms, practices and procedures in the relevant market (“Required Care”). The Custodian shall be liable for repayment to a Fund of cash credited to an Account and cash credited to the Fund’s or the Custodian’s cash account at a Subcustodian that the Custodian is not able to recover from the Subcustodian (other than to the extent relating to a Country Risk Event). With respect to any Losses incurred by a Fund as a result of an act or the failure to act by any Subcustodian (“Operational Losses”), the Custodian shall be liable for: (i) Operational Losses with respect to Securities or cash held by the Custodian with or through a BNY Mellon Affiliate to the extent the Custodian would be liable under this Agreement if the applicable act or failure to act was that of the Custodian; and (ii) Operational Losses with respect to Securities or cash held by the Custodian with or through a Subcustodian (other than a BNY Mellon Affiliate) to the extent that such Operational Losses were directly caused by failure on the part of the Custodian to exercise Required Care; provided that in no event shall the Custodian have any liability for Operational Losses to the extent relating to a Country Risk Event. With respect to all other Operational Losses not covered by clauses (i) and (ii) (including the proviso) above, the Custodian shall take appropriate action to recover such Operational Losses from the applicable Subcustodian and the Custodian’s sole liability shall be limited to amounts recovered from such Subcustodian (exclusive of costs and expenses incurred by the Custodian); with respect to such Operational Losses, to the extent the applicable Series has not been made whole within a reasonable period of time, at such Series’ election and to the extent practicable under the circumstances and allowable under applicable law and not prohibited by the agreement between the Custodian and the Subcustodian such Series shall be subrogated to the rights of the Custodian against the Subcustodian.

(c) Unless the Custodian has received Instructions to the contrary, the Custodian shall hold Securities indirectly through a Subcustodian only if (i) the Securities are not subject to any right, charge, security interest, lien or claim of any kind in favor of such Subcustodian or its creditors or operators, including a receiver or trustee in bankruptcy or similar authority, except for a claim of payment for the safe custody or administration of Securities on behalf of the applicable Fund by such Subcustodian and (ii) beneficial ownership of the Securities is freely transferable without the payment of money or value other than for safe custody or administration.

(d) With respect to each Depository, the Custodian (i) shall exercise due care in accordance with reasonable commercial standards in discharging its duties as a securities intermediary to obtain and thereafter maintain Securities or financial assets deposited or held in such Depository and (ii) will provide, promptly upon request by a Fund, such reports as are available concerning the internal accounting controls and financial strength of the Custodian.

(e) With respect to each Foreign Depository, the Custodian shall exercise reasonable care, prudence and diligence (i) to provide the Funds with an analysis of the custody risks associated with maintaining assets with the Foreign Depository and (ii) to monitor such custody risks on a continuing basis and promptly notify the Funds of any material change in such risks. Each Fund acknowledges and agrees that such analysis and monitoring shall be made on the basis of, and limited by, information gathered from Subcustodians or through publicly available information otherwise obtained by the Custodian, and shall not include any evaluation of Country Risk Events.

2.2 Depositories. The Custodian shall have no liability whatsoever for the action or inaction of a Depository or a Foreign Depository or for any Losses resulting from the maintenance of assets with a Depository or a Foreign Depository. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the Custodian shall be liable for repayment to a Fund of cash credited to the Fund’s, the Custodian’s or a Subcustodian’s account at a Depository or a Foreign Depository that the Custodian is not able to recover from the Depository or Foreign Depository (other than to the extent relating to a Country Risk Event).

2.3 Agents. The Custodian may appoint agents, including BNY Mellon Affiliates, on such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate to perform its services hereunder. Except as otherwise provided herein, no such appointment shall discharge the Custodian from its obligations hereunder.

2.4 Custodian Actions without Direction. With respect to Securities held hereunder, the Custodian shall:

a. Receive all eligible income and other payments due to the Accounts;

b. Carry out any exchanges of Securities or other corporate actions not requiring discretionary decisions;

c. Facilitate access by a Fund or its designee to ballots or online systems to assist in the voting of proxies received by the Custodian in its capacity as custodian for eligible positions of Securities held in the Fund’s Accounts (excluding bankruptcy matters);

d. Forward promptly to a Fund or its designee information (or summaries of information) that the Custodian receives in its capacity as custodian from Depositories or Subcustodians concerning Securities in the Fund’s Accounts (excluding bankruptcy matters);

e. Forward promptly to a Fund or its designee an initial notice of bankruptcy cases relating to Securities held in the Fund’s Accounts and a notice of any required action related to such bankruptcy cases as may be received by the Custodian in its capacity as custodian. No further action or notification related to the bankruptcy case shall be required;

f. Endorse for collection checks, drafts or other negotiable instruments; and

g. Execute and deliver, solely in its custodial capacity, certificates, documents or instruments incidental to the Custodian’s performance under this Agreement.

2.5 Custodian Actions with Direction. The Custodian shall take the following actions in the administration of the Accounts only pursuant to Authorized Instructions:

a. Settle purchases and sales of Securities and process other transactions, including free receipts and deliveries to a broker, dealer, future commission merchant or other third party specified in Instructions;

b. Take actions necessary to settle transactions in connection with futures or options contracts, short-selling programs, foreign exchange or foreign exchange contracts, swaps and other derivative investments; and

c. Deliver Securities in an Account if an Authorized Person advises the Custodian that the Fund has entered into a separate securities lending agreement, provided that the Fund executes such agreements as the Custodian may require in connection with such arrangements.

2.6 Foreign Exchange Transactions. (a) For the purpose of settling Securities and foreign exchange transactions, the applicable Fund shall provide the Custodian with sufficient immediately available funds for all transactions by such time and date as conditions in the relevant market dictate. As used herein, “sufficient immediately available funds” shall mean either (i) sufficient cash denominated in United States dollars to purchase the necessary foreign currency or (ii) sufficient applicable foreign currency, to settle the transaction. The Custodian shall provide a Fund with immediately available funds each day which result from the actual settlement of all sale transactions, based upon advices received by the Custodian from Subcustodians, Depositories and Foreign Depositories. Such funds shall be in United States dollars or such other currency as a Fund may specify to the Custodian.

(b) Any foreign exchange transaction effected by the Custodian in connection with this Agreement may be entered with the Custodian or a BNY Mellon Affiliate acting as a principal or otherwise through customary channels. A Fund may issue standing Instructions with respect to foreign exchange transactions, but the Custodian may establish rules or limitations concerning any foreign exchange facility made available to the Fund.

SECTION 3 – CORPORATE ACTIONS

3.1 Custodian Notification. The Custodian shall notify a Fund or its designee of rights or discretionary corporate actions as promptly as practicable under the circumstances, provided that the Custodian in its capacity as custodian has actually received notice of such right or discretionary corporate action from the relevant Subcustodian or Depository or issuer of the relevant Security. Without actual receipt of such notice by the Custodian in its capacity as custodian the Custodian shall have no liability for failing to so notify a Fund.

3.2 Direction. Whenever there are voluntary rights that may be exercised or alternate courses of action that may be taken by reason of a Fund’s ownership of Securities, the Fund or its designee shall be responsible for making any decisions relating thereto and for directing the Custodian to act. In order for the Custodian to act, it must receive Instructions using the Custodian generated form or clearly marked as instructions for the decision at the Custodian’s offices addressed as the Custodian may from time to time reasonably request, by such time as the Custodian shall reasonably advise the Fund or its designee. If the Custodian does not receive such Instructions by such deadline, the Custodian shall not be liable for failure to take any action relating to or to exercise any rights conferred by such Securities.

3.3 Voting Rights. All voting rights with respect to Securities, however registered, shall be exercised by the applicable Fund or its designee. The Custodian will make available to a Fund proxy voting services upon the request of, and for the jurisdictions selected by, the Fund in accordance with terms and conditions to be mutually agreed upon by the Custodian and the Fund.

3.4 Partial Redemptions, Payments, Etc. The Custodian shall promptly advise the applicable Fund or its designee upon its notification in its capacity as custodian of a partial redemption, partial payment or other action with respect to a Security affecting fewer than all such Securities held within an Account. If the Custodian or any Subcustodian, Depository or Foreign Depository holds any Securities affected by one of the events described, the Custodian, Subcustodian, Depository or Foreign Depository may in good faith select the Securities to participate in such partial redemption, partial payment or other action in any non-discriminatory manner that it customarily uses to make such selection.

SECTION 4 – SETTLEMENT OF TRADES

4.1 Payments. Promptly after each purchase or sale of Securities by a Fund, an Authorized Person shall deliver to the Custodian Instructions specifying all information necessary for the Custodian to settle such purchase or sale. For the purpose of settling purchases of Securities, a Fund shall provide the Custodian with sufficient immediately available funds for all such transactions by such time and date as conditions in the relevant market dictate.

4.2 Contractual Settlement and Income. The Custodian may, as a matter of bookkeeping convenience, credit an Account with the proceeds from the sale, redemption or other disposition of Securities or interest, dividends or other distributions payable on Securities prior to its actual receipt of final payment therefor. All such credits shall be conditional until the Custodian’s actual receipt of final payment and may be reversed by the Custodian to the extent that final payment is not received. Payment with respect to a transaction will not be “final” until the Custodian shall have received immediately available funds that under applicable local law, rule and practice are irreversible and not subject to any security interest, levy or other encumbrance, and that are specifically applicable to such transaction.

4.3 Trade Settlement. Transactions will be settled using practices customary in the jurisdiction or market where the transaction occurs. Each Fund understands that when the Custodian is instructed to deliver Securities against payment, delivery of such Securities and receipt of payment therefor may not be completed simultaneously. Each Fund assumes full responsibility for all risks involved in connection with the Custodian’s delivery of Securities pursuant to Authorized Instructions in accordance with local market practice.

SECTION 5 – DEPOSITS AND ADVANCES

5.1 Deposits. The Custodian may hold cash in Accounts or may arrange to have cash held by a BNY Mellon Affiliate or Subcustodian, or with a Depository or Foreign Depository. Where cash is on deposit with the Custodian, a Subcustodian or a BNY Mellon Affiliate, it will be subject to the terms of this Agreement and such deposit terms and conditions as may be issued by the Custodian or a BNY Mellon Affiliate or Subcustodian, to the extent applicable, from time to time, including rates of interest and deposit account access.

5.2 Sweep and Float. Cash may be swept as directed by a Fund or its investment adviser to investment vehicles offered by the Custodian or to other investment vehicles. Cash may be uninvested when it is received or reconciled to an Account after the deadline to be swept into a target vehicle, or when held for short periods of time related to transaction settlements. Each Fund acknowledges that, as part of the Custodian’s compensation, the Custodian will earn interest on cash balances held by the Custodian, including disbursement balances and balances arising from purchase and sale transactions, as provided in the Custodian’s indirect compensation disclosures.

5.3 Overdrafts and Indebtedness. The Custodian may, in its sole discretion, advance funds in any currency hereunder. If an overdraft occurs in an Account (including, without limitation, overdrafts incurred in connection with the settlement of securities transactions, funds transfers or foreign exchange transactions) or if a Fund is for any other reason indebted to the Custodian (not to include indemnification payments contemplated under Section 9.8), the Fund agrees to repay the Custodian on demand or upon becoming aware of the amount of the advance, overdraft or indebtedness, plus accrued interest at a rate then charged by the Custodian to its institutional custody clients in the relevant currency.

5.4 Securing Repayment. In order to secure repayment of a Fund’s obligations to the Custodian (with respect to a particular Series), the Fund hereby pledges and grants to the Custodian and agrees the Custodian shall have to the maximum extent permitted by law, a continuing first lien and security interest in, and right of setoff against, all of the Fund’s right, title and interest in and to all Accounts relating to such Series and the Securities, cash and other property now or hereafter held in such Accounts (including proceeds thereof). Each Fund represents, warrants and covenants that it owns the Securities in its Accounts free and clear of all liens, claims and security interests, and that the first lien and security interest granted herein shall be subject to no setoffs, counterclaims or other liens prior to or on a parity with it in favor of any other party (other than specific liens granted preferred status by statute or as otherwise agreed in writing among the Custodian, the Fund and any relevant third party). Each Fund shall take any additional steps required to assure the Custodian of such priority security interest, including notifying third parties or obtaining their consent. The Custodian shall be entitled to collect from the Accounts sufficient cash for reimbursement, and if such cash is insufficient, to sell the Securities in the Accounts to the extent necessary to obtain such reimbursement. In this regard, the Custodian shall be entitled to all the rights and remedies of a pledgee and secured creditor under applicable laws, rules and regulations as then in effect.

5.5 Setoff. The Custodian has the right to debit any cash in a Series’ Accounts for any amount payable by the Series in connection with any and all obligations of the Series to the Custodian under this Agreement. In addition to the rights of the Custodian under applicable law and other agreements, at any time when a Series shall not have honored any and all of its obligations to the Custodian with respect to this Agreement, the Custodian shall have the right without notice to the Series to retain or set-off against such obligations of the Series any cash the Custodian or a BNY Mellon Affiliate may directly or indirectly hold for the Series, and any obligations (whether or not matured) that the Custodian or a BNY Mellon Affiliate may have to the Series in any currency. Any such asset of, or obligation to, a Series may be transferred to the Custodian and any BNY Mellon Affiliate in order to effect the above rights.

SECTION 6 – SALE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES

6.1 Sale of Shares. Whenever a Fund shall sell any shares issued by the Fund (“Shares”) it shall deliver to the Custodian Instructions specifying the amount of cash and/or Securities to be received by the Custodian for the sale of such Shares and specifically allocated to an Account for such Series. Upon receipt of such cash, the Custodian shall credit such cash to an Account in the name of the Series for which such cash was received.

6.2 Redemption of Shares. Except as provided hereinafter, whenever a Fund desires the Custodian to make payment out of the cash held by the Custodian hereunder in connection with a redemption of any Shares, it shall furnish to the Custodian Instructions specifying the total amount to be paid for such Shares. The Custodian shall make payment of such total amount to the transfer agent specified in such Instructions out of the cash held in an Account of the appropriate Series.

6.3 Check Redemptions. Notwithstanding the above provisions regarding the redemption of any Shares, whenever any Shares are redeemed pursuant to any check redemption privilege which may from time to time be offered by a Fund, the Custodian, unless otherwise instructed by Instructions, shall, upon presentment of such check, charge the amount thereof against the cash held in the Account of the Series of the Shares being redeemed, provided, that if the Fund or its agent timely advises the Custodian that such check is not to be honored, the Custodian shall return such check unpaid.

SECTION 7 – PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

7.1 Determination to Pay. Whenever a Fund shall determine to pay a dividend or distribution on Shares it shall furnish to the Custodian Instructions setting forth with respect to the Series specified therein the date of the declaration of such dividend or distribution, the total amount payable and the payment date.

7.2 Payment. Upon the payment date specified in such Instructions, the Custodian shall pay out of the cash held for the account of such Series the total amount payable to the dividend agent of the Fund specified therein.

SECTION 8 – TAXES, REPORTS, RECORDS AND OTHER MATTERS

8.1 Tax Obligations. Each Fund shall be liable for all taxes, assessments, duties and other governmental charges, including interest and penalties, with respect to any cash and Securities held on behalf of the Fund and any transaction related thereto. To the extent that the Custodian has received relevant and necessary information with respect to an Account, the Custodian shall perform the following services with respect to Tax Obligations:

a. The Custodian shall, upon receipt of sufficient information, file claims for exemptions or refunds with respect to withheld foreign (non-United States) taxes in instances in which such claims are appropriate;

b. The Custodian shall withhold appropriate amounts, as required by United States tax laws, with respect to amounts received on behalf of nonresident aliens upon receipt of Instructions; and

c. The Custodian shall provide to the applicable Fund such information received by the Custodian (in its capacity as custodian) that could, in the Custodian’s reasonable belief, assist the Fund or its designee in the submission of any reports or returns with respect to Tax Obligations. An Authorized Person shall inform the Custodian in writing as to which party or parties shall receive information from the Custodian.

8.2 Pricing and Other Data. In providing Market Data related to the Accounts in connection with this Agreement, the Custodian is authorized to use Data Providers. The Custodian may follow Authorized Instructions in providing pricing or other Market Data, even if such instructions direct the Custodian to override its usual procedures and Market Data sources. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely without inquiry on all Market Data (and all Authorized Instructions related to Market Data) provided to it, and the Custodian shall not be liable for any Losses incurred as a result of errors or omissions with respect to any Market Data utilized by the Custodian or a Fund hereunder. Each Fund acknowledges that certain pricing or valuation information may be based on calculated amounts rather than actual market transactions and may not reflect actual market values, and that the variance between such calculated amounts and actual market values may be material. The Custodian shall not be required to inquire into the pricing of any Securities or other assets even though the Custodian may receive different prices for the same Securities or assets. Market Data may be the intellectual property of the Data Providers, which may impose additional terms and conditions upon a Fund’s use of the Market Data. The additional terms and conditions can be found in the Data Terms Website. Each Fund agrees to those terms as they are posted in the Data Terms Website from time to time. Certain Data Providers may not permit a Fund’s directed price to be used. Performance measurement and analytic services may use different data sources than those used by the Custodian to provide Market Data for an Account, with the result that different prices and other Market Data may apply.

8.3 Statements and Reports. The Custodian shall make available to each Fund a monthly report of all transfers to or from the Fund’s Accounts and a statement of all holdings in the Fund’s Accounts as of the last business day of each month. A Fund may elect to receive certain information electronically through the Internet to an email address specified by it for such purpose;

electing to use the Internet for this purpose, the Fund acknowledges that such transmissions may not be encrypted and therefore in such case would not be secure; the Fund further acknowledges that there are other risks inherent in communicating through the Internet such as the possibility of virus contamination and disruptions in service, and agrees that the Custodian shall not be responsible for any Losses suffered or incurred by the Fund or any person claiming by or through the Fund as a result of the use of such methods.

8.4 Review of Reports. If, within ninety (90) days after the Custodian makes available to a Fund a statement with respect to the Fund’s Accounts, the Fund has not given the Custodian written notice of any exception or objection thereto, the statement, absent manifest error, shall be deemed to have been approved.

8.5 Books and Records. The books and records pertaining to a Fund which are in possession of the Custodian shall be the property of the Fund. Such books and records shall be prepared and maintained as required by the ‘40 Act and the rules thereunder, and the Fund, or its authorized representatives, shall have access to such books and records during the Custodian’s normal business hours. Upon the reasonable request of a Fund, copies of the aforementioned books and records shall be provided by the Custodian to the Fund or its authorized representative; upon the reasonable request of the Fund, the Custodian shall provide in hard copy or on computer disc any records included in any such delivery which are maintained by the Custodian on a computer disc, or are similarly maintained.

8.6 Required Disclosure. With respect to Securities issued in the United States, the Shareholder Communications Act of 1985 (the “Act”) requires the Custodian to disclose to issuers, upon their request, the name, address and securities position of the Custodian’s clients who are “beneficial owners” (as defined in the Act) of the issuer’s Securities, unless the beneficial owner objects to such disclosure. The Act defines a “beneficial owner” as any person who has or shares the power to vote a security (pursuant to an agreement or otherwise) or who directs the voting of a security. Each Fund represents that it is the beneficial owner of the Securities. As beneficial owner each Fund has designated below whether it objects to the disclosure of its name, address and securities position to any United States issuer that requests such information pursuant to the Act for the specific purpose of direct communications between such issuer and the Fund.

With respect to Securities issued outside the United States, the Custodian shall disclose information required by law, regulation, rules of a stock exchange or organizational documents of an issuer. The Custodian is also authorized to supply any information regarding the Accounts that is required or requested by governmental or regulatory authorities or by any law, regulation or rules now or hereafter in effect. Each Fund agrees to supply the Custodian with any required information if it is not otherwise reasonably available to the Custodian.

Pursuant to this Section 8.6, as Beneficial Owner:

☒ The Fund OBJECTS to disclosure

☐ The Fund DOES NOT OBJECT to disclosure

8.7 Sanctions.

(a) Throughout the term of this Agreement, each Fund (i) shall maintain, and comply with, an Economic Sanctions Compliance Program which includes measures to accomplish effective and timely scanning of all relevant data with respect to its clients and with respect to incoming or outgoing assets or transactions; (ii) shall take all steps legally required to ensure that neither the Fund nor any of its affiliates, directors, officers, employees or clients (to the extent such clients are covered by this Agreement) is an individual or entity that is, or is owned or controlled by an individual or entity that is: (A) the target of Sanctions, or (B) located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is, or whose government is, the target of Sanctions; and (iii) shall not, directly or indirectly, use its Accounts in any manner that would result in a violation of Sanctions.

(b) Each Fund will promptly provide to the Custodian such information as the Custodian reasonably requests in connection with the matters referenced in this Section 8.7, including information regarding its Accounts, the assets held or to be held in its Accounts, the source thereof, and the identity of any individual or entity having or claiming an interest therein. The Custodian may decline to act or provide services in respect of any Account, and take such other actions as it, in its reasonable discretion, deems necessary or advisable, in connection with the matters referenced in this Section 8.7. If the Custodian declines to act or provide services as provided in the preceding sentence, except as otherwise prohibited by applicable law or official request, the Custodian will inform the applicable Fund as soon as reasonably practicable.

SECTION 9 – PROVISIONS REGARDING THE CUSTODIAN

9.1 Standard of Care. In performing its duties under this Agreement, the Custodian shall exercise the standard of care and diligence that a professional custodian would observe in these affairs.

9.2 Limitation of Duties and Liability. Notwithstanding anything contained elsewhere in this Agreement, the Custodian’s liability hereunder is limited as follows:

a. The duties of the Custodian shall only be those specifically undertaken pursuant to this Agreement and shall be subject to such other limits on liability as are set out herein;

b. The Custodian shall not be liable for any Losses that are not a direct result of the Custodian’s negligence or willful misconduct;

c. The Custodian shall not be responsible for the title, validity or genuineness of any Securities or evidence of title thereto received by it or delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement or for Securities held hereunder being freely transferable or deliverable without encumbrance in any relevant market;

d. The Custodian shall not be responsible for the failure to receive payment of, or the late payment of, income or other payments due to an Account;

e. The Custodian shall have no duty to take any action to collect any amount payable on Securities in default or if payment is refused after due demand and presentment;

f. The Custodian may obtain the advice of counsel and shall be fully protected with respect to anything done or omitted by it in good faith in conformity with such advice;

g. The Custodian shall have no duty or responsibility to inquire into, make recommendations, supervise or determine the suitability of any transactions affecting any Account and shall have no liability with respect to any Fund’s or any Authorized Person’s decision to invest in Securities or to hold cash in any currency;

h. The Custodian shall have no responsibility if the rules or procedures imposed by Depositories or Foreign Depositories, exchange controls, asset freezes or other laws, rules, regulations or orders at any time prohibit or impose burdens or costs on the transfer of Securities or cash to, by or for the account of a Fund; and

i. The Custodian shall have no liability for any Losses arising from the insolvency of any Person, including but not limited to a Subcustodian, Depository, Foreign Depository, broker, bank or counterparty to the settlement of a transaction or a foreign exchange transaction, except as provided in Section 2.1(b) and Section 2.2.

9.3 Losses. Under no circumstances shall the Custodian or a Fund be liable to the other or any third party for indirect, consequential or special damages, or lost profits or loss of business, arising in connection with this Agreement, even if it has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

9.4 Gains. Where an error or omission has occurred under this Agreement, the Custodian may take such remedial action as it considers appropriate under the circumstances and, provided that the applicable Fund is put in the same or equivalent position as it would have been in if the error or omission had not occurred, any favorable consequences of the Custodian’s remedial action shall be solely for the account of the Custodian, without any duty to report to the Fund any loss assumed or benefit received by it as a result of taking such action.

9.5 Centralized Functions. The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation is a global financial organization that provides services to clients through its affiliates and subsidiaries in multiple jurisdictions (the “BNY Mellon Group”). The BNY Mellon Group may centralize functions including audit, accounting, risk, legal, compliance, sales, administration, product communication, relationship management, storage, compilation and analysis of customer-related data, and other functions (the “Centralized Functions”) in one or more affiliates, subsidiaries and third-party service providers. Solely in connection with the Centralized Functions, (i) each Fund consents to the disclosure of and authorizes the Custodian to disclose information regarding the Fund and its Accounts (“Customer-Related Data”) to the BNY Mellon Group and to its third-party service providers who are subject to confidentiality obligations with respect to such information and (ii) the Custodian may store the names and business contact information of each Fund’s employees and representatives on the systems or in the records of the BNY Mellon Group or its service providers. The BNY Mellon Group may aggregate Customer-Related Data with other data collected and/or calculated by the BNY Mellon Group, and notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary the BNY Mellon Group will own all such aggregated data, provided that the BNY Mellon Group shall not distribute the aggregated data in a format that identifies Customer-Related Data with a Fund. Each Fund confirms that it is authorized to consent to the foregoing and that the disclosure and storage of information in connection with the Centralized Functions does not violate any relevant data protection legislation.

9.6 Force Majeure. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Custodian shall not be responsible or liable for any failure to perform under this Agreement or for any Losses to any Account resulting from any event beyond the reasonable control of the Custodian.

9.7 Fees. Each Fund shall pay to the Custodian the fees and charges as may be specifically agreed upon from time to time and such other fees and charges at the Custodian’s standard rates for any additional services as may be applicable. Each Fund shall also reimburse the Custodian for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses that are a normal incident of the services provided hereunder.

9.8 Indemnification. Each Fund shall indemnify and hold harmless the Custodian from and against all Losses, including reasonable counsel fees and expenses in third party suits and in a successful defense of claims asserted by the Fund, relating to or arising out of the performance of the Custodian’s obligations under this Agreement, except to the extent resulting from the Custodian’s negligence or willful misconduct. This provision shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

SECTION 10 – AMENDMENT; TERMINATION; ASSIGNMENT

10.1 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended only by written agreement signed by the applicable parties.

10.2 Termination. A Fund or the Custodian may terminate this Agreement with respect to the Fund by giving to the other party a notice in writing specifying the date of such termination, which shall be not less than ninety (90) days after the date of such notice. Upon termination hereof, the applicable Fund shall pay to the Custodian such compensation as is due to the Custodian, and shall likewise reimburse the Custodian for other amounts payable or reimbursable to the Custodian hereunder. The Custodian shall follow such reasonable Instructions concerning the transfer of custody of records, Securities and other items as a Fund shall give; provided that (a) the Custodian shall have no liability for shipping and insurance costs associated therewith and (b) full payment shall have been made to the Custodian of its compensation, costs, expenses and other amounts to which it is entitled hereunder. If any Securities or cash remain in any Account after termination and the Custodian having carried out its obligations to transfer such items, the Custodian may deliver to the applicable Fund such Securities and cash. Provisions authorizing the disclosure of information shall survive termination of this Agreement. Except as otherwise provided herein, all obligations of the Custodian or the Fund to the other hereunder shall cease upon termination of this Agreement with respect to the Fund.

10.3 Successors and Assigns. Neither a Fund nor the Custodian may assign this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other, except that the Custodian may assign this Agreement to any BNY Mellon Affiliate with a credit rating the same or better than the Custodian on the date hereof without the need for such consent. Any entity that shall by merger, consolidation, purchase or otherwise succeed to substantially all the institutional custody business of the Custodian shall, upon such succession and without any appointment or other action by any Fund, be and become successor custodian hereunder. The Custodian agrees to provide notice of such successor custodian to the Funds. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, each Fund and the Custodian and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

SECTION 11 – ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

11.1 Non-Custody Assets. As an accommodation to a Fund, the Custodian may provide consolidated recordkeeping services pursuant to which the Custodian reflects on statements securities and other assets not held by, or in the custodial network of, the Custodian (“Non-Custody Assets”). Non-Custody Assets shall be designated on the Custodian’s books as “shares not held” or by other similar characterization. Each Fund acknowledges and agrees that it shall have no security entitlement against the Custodian with respect to Non-Custody Assets, that the Custodian shall rely, without independent verification, on information provided by the Fund, its designee or the entity having custody regarding Non-Custody Assets (including but not limited to positions and market valuations), and that the Custodian shall have no responsibility whatsoever with respect to Non- Custody Assets or the accuracy of any information maintained on the Custodian’s books or set forth on account statements concerning Non-Custody Assets.

11.2 Appropriate Action. The Custodian is hereby authorized and empowered, in its good faith, reasonable discretion, to take any action with respect to an Account that is necessary or appropriate in carrying out the purposes of this Agreement.

11.3 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the substantive laws of the state of New York without regard to its conflicts of law provisions. The parties consent to the jurisdiction of a state or federal court situated in New York City, New York in connection with any dispute hereunder. Each Fund and the Custodian each for itself irrevocably waives any objection it may now or hereafter have to venue in such court and any claim that a proceeding brought in such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. The parties hereby expressly waive, to the full extent permitted by applicable law, any right to trial by jury with respect to any judicial proceeding arising from or related to this Agreement. The parties agree that the establishment and maintenance of the Accounts, and all interests, duties and obligations with respect thereto, shall be governed by the laws of the state of New York.

11.4 USA PATRIOT Act. Each Fund hereby acknowledges that the Custodian is subject to federal laws, including the Customer Identification Program (“CIP”) requirements under the USA PATRIOT Act and its implementing regulations, pursuant to which the Custodian must obtain, verify and record information that allows the Custodian to identify the Fund. Accordingly, prior to opening an Account hereunder, the Custodian will ask the applicable Fund to provide certain information including, but not limited to, the Fund’s name, physical address, tax identification number and other information that will help the Custodian to identify and verify the Fund’s identity, such as organizational documents, certificate of good standing, license to do business or other pertinent identifying information. Each Fund agrees that the Custodian cannot open an Account hereunder unless and until the Custodian verifies the applicable Fund’s identity in accordance with the Custodian’s CIP.

11.5 Non-Fiduciary Status. Each Fund hereby acknowledges and agrees that the Custodian is not a fiduciary by virtue of accepting and carrying out its obligations under this Agreement and has not accepted any fiduciary duties, responsibilities or liabilities with respect to its services hereunder.

11.6 Notices. Notices shall be in writing and shall be addressed to the Custodian or a Fund at the address set forth on the signature page or such other address as the Custodian or a Fund may designate in writing to the other. All notices shall be effective upon receipt.

11.7 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and any related fee agreement constitute the entire agreement with respect to the matters dealt with herein, and supersede all previous agreements, whether oral or written, and documents with respect to such matters.

11.8 Necessary Parties. All of the understandings, agreements, representations and warranties contained herein are solely for the benefit of the Funds and the Custodian, and there are no other parties who are intended to be benefited by this Agreement.

11.9 Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and said counterparts when taken together shall constitute but one and the same instrument and may be sufficiently evidenced by one set of counterparts.

11.10 Captions. The captions of this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the latest date set forth below.


Authorized Signer of:		Authorized Officer of:

EACH FUND LISTED ON ANNEX A		THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON

By:	/s/ Frank Waterhouse	By:	/s/ Robert C. Jordan
Name:	Frank Waterhouse	Name:	Robert C. Jordan
Title:	Treasurer	Title:	Managing Director
Date:	9/25/18	Date:	10/3/18

Address for Notice:		Address for Notice:

NexPoint Advisors, L.P.		The Bank of New York Mellon
300 Crescent Court, Suite 700		c/o BNY Mellon Asset Servicing
Dallas, Texas 75201		135 Santilli Highway I
		Everett, MA 02149


Attention: R-Operation		Attention: Mary F. Mitchell

ANNEX A

FUNDS

NexPoint Real Estate Strategies Fund

NexPoint Healthcare Opportunities Fund

NexPoint Latin American Opportunities Fund

NexPoint Discount Strategies Fund

NexPoint Energy and Materials Opportunities Fund

NexPoint Strategic Income Fund

NexPoint Event-Driven Fund