EX-99.(H)(2) 9 e2ndvotefunds_ex99h2.htm EXHIBIT 99.(H)(2)

 

Exhibit 99.(h)(2)

 

ETF FUND ACCOUNTING SERVICING AGREEMENT

 

THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of the last day written on the signature page by and between 2ND VOTE FUNDS, a Delaware statutory trust, (the “Trust”), and U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC d/b/a U.S. BANK GLOBAL FUND SERVICES, a Wisconsin limited liability company (“USBGFS”).

 

WHEREAS, the Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company, and is authorized to issue shares of beneficial interest in separate series, with each such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of securities and other assets; and

 

WHEREAS, USBGFS is, among other things, in the business of providing mutual fund accounting services to investment companies; and

 

WHEREAS, the Trust desires to retain USBGFS to provide accounting services to each series of the Trust listed on Exhibit A hereto (as amended from time to time) (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”).

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants herein contained, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, do hereby agree as follows:

 

1.Appointment of USBGFS as Fund Accountant

 

The Trust hereby appoints USBGFS as fund accountant of the Trust on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and USBGFS hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to perform the services and duties set forth in this Agreement. The services and duties of USBGFS shall be confined to those matters expressly set forth herein, and no implied duties are assumed by or may be asserted against USBGFS hereunder.

 

2.Services and Duties of USBGFS

 

USBGFS shall provide the following accounting services to the Trust with respect to each Fund:

 

A.Portfolio Accounting Services:

 

(1)Maintain portfolio records on a trade date+1 basis using security trade information communicated from the Fund’s investment adviser.

 

(2)For each valuation date, obtain prices from a pricing source approved by the board of trustees of the Trust (the “Board of Trustees”) and apply those prices to the portfolio positions. For those securities where market quotations are not readily available, the Board of Trustees shall approve, in good faith, procedures for determining the fair value for such securities.

 

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(3)Identify interest and dividend accrual balances as of each valuation date and calculate gross earnings on investments for each accounting period.

 

(4)Determine gain/loss on security sales and identify them as short-term or long-term; account for periodic distributions of gains or losses to shareholders and maintain undistributed gain or loss balances as of each valuation date.

 

(5)On a daily basis, reconcile portfolio holdings and cash of the Fund with the Fund’s custodian and/or prime brokerage account(s).

 

(6)Transmit a copy of the portfolio valuation to the Fund’s investment adviser daily.

 

(7)Review the impact of current day’s activity on a per share basis, and review changes in market value.

 

B.Expense Accrual and Payment Services:

 

(1)For each valuation date, monitor the expense accrual amounts as directed by the Fund as to methodology, rate or dollar amount.

 

(2)Process and record payments for Fund expenses.

 

(3)Account for Fund expenditures and maintain expense accrual balances at the level of accounting detail, as agreed upon by USBGFS and the Trust.

 

(4)Provide expense accrual and payment reporting.

  

C.Fund Valuation and Financial Reporting Services:

 

(1)Account for Fund share purchases, sales, exchanges, transfers, dividend reinvestments, and other Fund share activity as reported by the Fund’s transfer agent on a timely basis.

 

(2)Apply equalization accounting as directed by the Fund.

 

(3)Determine net investment income (earnings) for the Fund as of each valuation date. Account for periodic distributions of earnings to shareholders and maintain undistributed net investment income balances as of each valuation date.

 

(4)Maintain a general ledger and other accounts, books, and financial records for the Fund.

 

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(5)Determine the net asset value of the Fund according to the accounting policies and procedures set forth in the Fund's current prospectus.

 

(6)Calculate per share net asset value, per share net earnings, and other per share amounts reflective of Fund operations at such time as required by the nature and characteristics of the Fund.

 

(7)Communicate to the Fund, at an agreed upon time, the per share net asset value for each valuation date.

 

(8)Prepare monthly reconciliations of sub-ledger reports to month-end ledger balances.

 

D.Tax Accounting Services:

 

(1)Maintain accounting records for the investment portfolio of the Fund to support the tax reporting required for “regulated investment companies” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

 

(2)Maintain tax lot detail for the Fund’s investment portfolio.

 

(3)Calculate taxable gain/loss on security sales using the tax lot relief method designated by the Fund.

 

(4)Provide the necessary financial information to calculate the taxable components of income and capital gains distributions to support tax reporting to the shareholders.

 

E.Compliance Control Services:

 

(1)Support reporting to regulatory bodies and financial statement preparation by making the Fund's accounting records available to the Trust, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and the independent accountants.

 

(2)Maintain accounting records for the Fund as required by the 1940 Act and regulations provided thereunder.

 

(3)Perform its duties hereunder in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and provide any sub-certifications reasonably requested by the Trust in connection with any certification required of the Trust pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “SOX Act”) or any rules or regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder, provided the same shall not be deemed to change USBGFS’ standard of care as set forth herein.

 

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(4)In order to assist the Trust in satisfying the requirements of Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act (the “Rule”), USBGFS will provide the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer with reasonable access to USBGFS’ fund records relating the services provided by it under this Agreement, and will provide quarterly compliance reports and related certifications regarding any Material Compliance Matter (as defined in the Rule) involving USBGFS that affect or could affect the Trust.

 

(5)Cooperate with the Trust’s independent accountants and take all reasonable action in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement to ensure that the necessary information is made available to such accountants for the expression of their opinion on the Fund’s financial statements without any qualification as to the scope of their examination.

 

3.License of Data; Warranty; Termination of Rights

 

A.The valuation information and evaluations being provided to the Trust by USBGFS pursuant hereto (collectively, the “Data”) are being licensed, not sold, to the Trust. The Trust has a limited license to use the Data only for purposes necessary to valuing the Trust’s assets and reporting to regulatory bodies (the “License”). The Trust does not have any license nor right to use the Data for purposes beyond the intentions of this Agreement including, but not limited to, resale to other users or use to create any type of historical database. The License is non-transferable and not sub-licensable. The Trust’s right to use the Data cannot be passed to or shared with any other entity.

 

The Trust acknowledges the proprietary rights that USBGFS and its suppliers have in the Data.

 

B.THE TRUST HEREBY ACCEPTS THE DATA AS IS, WHERE IS, WITH NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE OR ANY OTHER MATTER.

 

C.USBGFS may stop supplying some or all Data to the Trust if USBGFS’ suppliers terminate any agreement to provide Data to USBGFS. Also, USBGFS may stop supplying some or all Data to the Trust if USBGFS reasonably believes that the Trust is using the Data in violation of the License, or breaching its duties of confidentiality provided for hereunder, or if any of USBGFS’ suppliers demand that the Data be withheld from the Trust. Fund. USBGFS will provide notice to the Trust of any termination of provision of Data as soon as reasonably possible.

 

4.Pricing of Securities

 

A.For each valuation date, USBGFS shall obtain prices from a pricing source approved by the Board of Trustees and apply those prices to the portfolio positions of the Fund. For those securities where market quotations are not readily available, the Board of Trustees shall approve, in good faith, procedures for determining the fair value for such securities.

 

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If the Trust desires to provide a price that varies from the price provided by the pricing source, the Trust shall promptly notify and supply USBGFS with the price of any such security on each valuation date. All pricing changes made by the Trust will be in writing and must specifically identify the securities to be changed by CUSIP, name of security, new price or rate to be applied, and, if applicable, the time period for which the new price(s) is/are effective.

 

B.In the event that the Trust at any time receives Data containing evaluations, rather than market quotations, for certain securities or certain other data related to such securities, the following provisions will apply: (i) evaluated securities are typically complicated financial instruments. There are many methodologies (including computer-based analytical modeling and individual security evaluations) available to generate approximations of the market value of such securities, and there is significant professional disagreement about which method is best. No evaluation method, including those used by USBGFS and its suppliers, may consistently generate approximations that correspond to actual “traded” prices of the securities; (ii) methodologies used to provide the pricing portion of certain Data may rely on evaluations; however, the Trust acknowledges that there may be errors or defects in the software, databases, or methodologies generating the evaluations that may cause resultant evaluations to be inappropriate for use in certain applications; and (iii) the Trust assumes all responsibility for edit checking, external verification of evaluations, and ultimately the appropriateness of using Data containing evaluations, regardless of any efforts made by USBGFS and its suppliers in this respect.

 

C.USBGFS shall not have any obligation to verify the accuracy or appropriateness of any prices, evaluations, market quotations, or other data or pricing related inputs received from the Trust, the Fund, any of their affiliates, or any third party source. Notwithstanding anything else in this Agreement to the contrary, USBGFS and its affiliates shall not be responsible or liable for any mistakes, errors, or mispricing, or any losses related thereto, resulting from any inaccurate, inappropriate, or fraudulent prices, evaluations, market quotations, or other data or pricing related inputs received from the Trust, the Fund, any of their affiliates, or any third party source.

 

5.Changes in Accounting Procedures

 

Any resolution passed by the Board of Trustees that affects accounting practices and procedures under this Agreement shall be effective upon written notice to USBGFS.

 

6.Changes in Equipment, Systems, Etc.

 

USBGFS reserves the right to make changes from time to time, as it deems advisable, relating to its systems, programs, rules, operating schedules and equipment, so long as such changes do not adversely affect the services provided to the Trust under this Agreement.

 

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7.Compensation

 

USBGFS shall be compensated for providing the services set forth in this Agreement in accordance with the fee schedule set forth on Exhibit A hereto (as amended from time to time). USBGFS shall also be reimbursed for such miscellaneous expenses (set forth in Exhibit B as are reasonably incurred by USBGFS in performing its duties hereunder. The Trust shall pay all such fees and reimbursable expenses within 30 calendar days following receipt of the billing notice, except for any fee or expense subject to a good faith dispute. The Trust shall notify USBGFS in writing within 30 calendar days following receipt of each invoice if the Trust is disputing any amounts in good faith. The Trust shall pay such disputed amounts within 10 calendar days of the day on which the parties agree to the amount to be paid. With the exception of any fee or expense the Trust is disputing in good faith as set forth above, unpaid invoices shall accrue a finance charge of 1½% per month after the due date. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, amounts owed by the Trust to USBGFS shall only be paid out of the assets and property of the Fund involved.

 

8.Representations and Warranties

 

A.The Trust hereby represents and warrants to USBGFS, which representations and warranties shall be deemed to be continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, that:

 

(1)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;

 

(2)This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Trust in accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Trust, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties;

 

(3)It is conducting its business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal, and has obtained all regulatory approvals necessary to carry on its business as now conducted; there is no statute, rule, regulation, order or judgment binding on it and no provision of its charter, bylaws or any contract binding it or affecting its property which would prohibit its execution or performance of this Agreement;

 

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(4)A registration statement under the 1940 Act and, if applicable, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, will be made effective prior to the effective date of this Agreement and will remain effective during the term of this Agreement, and appropriate state securities law filings will be made prior to the effective date of this Agreement and will continue to be made during the term of this Agreement as necessary to enable the Trust to make a continuous public offering of its shares; and

 

(5)All records of the Trust provided to USBGFS by the Trust or by a prior service provider of the Trust are accurate and complete and USBGFS is entitled to rely on all such records in the form provided.

 

B.USBGFS hereby represents and warrants to the Trust, which representations and warranties shall be deemed to be continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, that:

 

(1)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;

 

(2)This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by USBGFS in accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of USBGFS, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties; and

 

(3)It is conducting its business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal, and has obtained all regulatory approvals necessary to carry on its business as now conducted; there is no statute, rule, regulation, order or judgment binding on it and no provision of its charter, bylaws or any contract binding it or affecting its property which would prohibit its execution or performance of this Agreement.

 

9.Standard of Care; Indemnification; Limitation of Liability

 

A.USBGFS shall exercise reasonable care in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. Neither USBGFS nor any of its affiliates or suppliers shall be liable for any error of judgment; mistake of law; fraud or misconduct by the Trust, any Fund, the adviser or any other service provider to the Trust or a Fund, or any employee of the foregoing; or for any loss suffered by the Trust, a Fund, or any third party in connection with USBGFS’ duties under this Agreement, including losses resulting from mechanical breakdowns or the failure of communication or power supplies beyond USBGFS’ reasonable control, except a loss arising out of or relating to USBGFS’ refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement (other than where such compliance would violate applicable law) or from its bad faith, negligence, or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if USBGFS has exercised reasonable care in the performance of its duties under this Agreement, the Trust shall indemnify and hold harmless USBGFS and its affiliates and suppliers from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, expenses, and liabilities of any and every nature (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) that USBGFS or its affiliates and suppliers may sustain or incur or that may be asserted against USBGFS or its affiliates and suppliers by any person arising out of or related to (X) any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in performing the services hereunder (i) in accordance with the foregoing standards, or (ii) in reliance upon any written or oral instruction provided to USBGFS by any duly authorized officer of the Trust, as approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust, or (Y) the Data, or any information, service, report, analysis or publication derived therefrom, except for any and all claims, demands, losses, expenses, and liabilities arising out of or relating to USBGFS’ refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement (other than where such compliance would violate applicable law) or from its bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. This indemnity shall be a continuing obligation of the Trust, its successors and assigns, notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement. As used in this paragraph, the term “USBGFS” shall include USBGFS’ directors, officers and employees.

 

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The Trust acknowledges that the Data is intended for use as an aid to institutional investors, registered brokers or professionals of similar sophistication in making informed judgments concerning securities. The Trust accepts responsibility for, and acknowledges it exercises its own independent judgment in, its selection of the Data, its selection of the use or intended use of such, and any results obtained. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to be a waiver of any rights existing under applicable law for the protection of investors. The provisions in this section shall not have any affect upon the services USBFS is required to provide or the standard of care and liability USBFS has set forth in Section 9 of this Agreement.

 

USBGFS shall indemnify and hold the Trust harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, expenses, and liabilities of any and every nature (including reasonable attorneys' fees) that the Trust may sustain or incur or that may be asserted against the Trust by any person arising out of any action taken or omitted to be taken by USBGFS as a result of USBGFS’ refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement, or from USBGFS’ bad faith, negligence, or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. This indemnity shall be a continuing obligation of USBGFS, its successors and assigns, notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement. As used in this paragraph, the term “Trust” shall include the Trust’s trustees, officers and employees.

 

In the event of a mechanical breakdown or failure of communication or power supplies beyond its reasonable control, USBGFS shall take all reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions for any period that such interruption continues. USBGFS will make every reasonable effort to restore any lost or damaged data and correct any errors resulting from such a breakdown at the expense of USBGFS. USBGFS agrees that it shall, at all times, have reasonable business continuity and disaster contingency plans with appropriate parties, making reasonable provision for emergency use of electrical data processing equipment to the extent appropriate equipment is available. Representatives of the Trust shall be entitled to inspect USBGFS’ premises and operating capabilities at any time during regular business hours of USBGFS, upon reasonable notice to USBGFS. Moreover, USBGFS shall provide the Trust, at such times as the Trust may reasonably require, copies of reports rendered by independent accountants on the internal controls and procedures of USBGFS relating to the services provided by USBGFS under this Agreement.

 

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Notwithstanding the above, USBGFS reserves the right to reprocess and correct administrative errors at its own expense.

 

In no case shall either party be liable to the other for (i) any special, indirect or consequential damages, loss of profits or goodwill (even if advised of the possibility of such); (ii) any delay by reason of circumstances beyond its control, including acts of civil or military authority, national emergencies, labor difficulties, fire, mechanical breakdown, flood or catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riots, or failure beyond its control of transportation or power supply; or (iii) any claim that arose more than one year prior to the institution of suit therefor.

 

B.In order that the indemnification provisions contained in this section shall apply, it is understood that if in any case the indemnitor may be asked to indemnify or hold the indemnitee harmless, the indemnitor shall be fully and promptly advised of all pertinent facts concerning the situation in question, and it is further understood that the indemnitee will use all reasonable care to notify the indemnitor promptly concerning any situation that presents or appears likely to present the probability of a claim for indemnification. The indemnitor shall have the option to defend the indemnitee against any claim that may be the subject of this indemnification. In the event that the indemnitor so elects, it will so notify the indemnitee and thereupon the indemnitor shall take over complete defense of the claim, and the indemnitee shall in such situation initiate no further legal or other expenses for which it shall seek indemnification under this section. The indemnitee shall in no case confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the indemnitor will be asked to indemnify the indemnitee except with the indemnitor’s prior written consent.

 

C.The indemnity and defense provisions set forth in this Section 9 shall indefinitely survive the termination and/or assignment of this Agreement.

 

D.If USBGFS is acting in another capacity for the Trust pursuant to a separate agreement, nothing herein shall be deemed to relieve USBGFS of any of its obligations in such other capacity.

 

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E.The Trust is a series company, and each Fund is a separate and distinct series of the Company. As such, the debts, liabilities, obligations and expenses incurred, contracted for or otherwise existing as a result of this Agreement with respect to the Company shall be enforceable against the assets of each Fund separately, and not against the assets of the Company generally or the assets of any other Fund or portfolio or series of the Company.

 

10.Notification of Error

 

The Trust will notify USBGFS of any discrepancy between USBGFS and the Trust, including, but not limited to, failing to account for a security position in the Fund’s portfolio, upon the later to occur of: (i) three business days after receipt of any reports rendered by USBGFS to the Trust; (ii) three business days after discovery of any error or omission not covered in the balancing or control procedure; or (iii) three business days after receiving notice from any shareholder regarding any such discrepancy.

 

11.Data Necessary to Perform Services

 

The Trust or its agent shall furnish to USBGFS the data necessary to perform the services described herein at such times and in such form as mutually agreed upon.

 

12.Proprietary and Confidential Information

 

A.USBGFS agrees on behalf of itself and its directors, officers, and employees to treat confidentially and as proprietary information of the Trust, all records and other information relative to the Trust and prior, present, or potential shareholders of the Trust (and clients of said shareholders), and not to use such records and information for any purpose other than the performance of its responsibilities and duties hereunder, except (i) after prior notification to and approval in writing by the Trust, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld and may not be withheld where USBGFS may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply, (ii) when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities, or (iii) when so requested by the Trust. Records and other information which have become known to the public through no wrongful act of USBGFS or any of its employees, agents or representatives, and information that was already in the possession of USBGFS prior to receipt thereof from the Trust or its agents or service providers, shall not be subject to this paragraph.

 

Further, USBGFS will adhere to the privacy policies adopted by the Trust pursuant to Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, as may be modified from time to time. In this regard, USBGFS shall have in place and maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards reasonably designed to protect the security, confidentiality and integrity of, and to prevent unauthorized access to or use of, records and information relating to the Trust and its shareholders.

 

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B.The Trust agrees on behalf of itself and its trustees, officers, and employees to treat confidentially and as proprietary information of USBGFS, all non-public information relative to USBGFS (including, without limitation, the Data and information regarding USBGFS’ pricing, products, services, customers, suppliers, financial statements, processes, know-how, trade secrets, market opportunities, past, present or future research, development or business plans, affairs, operations, systems, computer software in source code and object code form, documentation, techniques, procedures, designs, drawings, specifications, schematics, processes and/or intellectual property), and not to use such information for any purpose other than in connection with the services provided under this Agreement, except (i) after prior notification to and approval in writing by USBGFS, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld and may not be withheld where the Trust may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply, (ii) when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities, or (iii) when so requested by the USBGFS. Information which has become known to the public through no wrongful act of the Trust or any of its employees, agents or representatives, and information that was already in the possession of the Trust prior to receipt thereof from USBGFS, shall not be subject to this paragraph.

 

C.Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) the Trust shall be permitted to disclose the identity of USBGFS as a service provider, redacted copies of this Agreement, and such other information as may be required in the Trust’s registration or offering documents, or as may otherwise be required by applicable law, rule, or regulation, and (ii) USBGFS shall be permitted to include the name of the Trust in lists of representative clients in due diligence questionnaires, RFP responses, presentations, and other marketing and promotional purposes.

 

13.Records

 

USBGFS shall keep records relating to the services to be performed hereunder in the form and manner, and for such period, as it may deem advisable and is agreeable to the Trust, but not inconsistent with the rules and regulations of appropriate government authorities, in particular, Section 31 of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. USBGFS agrees that all such records prepared or maintained by USBGFS relating to the services to be performed by USBGFS hereunder are the property of the Trust and will be preserved, maintained, and made available in accordance with such applicable sections and rules of the 1940 Act and will be promptly surrendered to the Trust or its designee on and in accordance with its request, provided, however, that USBGFS may retain such copies of such records in such form as may be required to comply with any applicable law, rule, regulation, or order of any governmental, regulatory, or judicial authority of competent jurisdiction. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Trust acknowledges and agrees that if the Trust elects to use an FTP or other electronic transmission method to communicate trade instructions to USBGFS the Trust shall be responsible for maintaining the Trust’s records as they relate to the Trust’s review and approval of individuals authorized to place trading instructions as described in Rule 31a-1(b)(10) promulgated under the 1940 Act.

 

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14.Compliance with Laws

 

A.The Trust has and retains primary responsibility for all compliance matters relating to the Funds, including but not limited to compliance with the 1940 Act, the Code, the SOX Act, the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 and the policies and limitations of the Fund relating to its portfolio investments as set forth in its current prospectus and statement of additional information (or similar disclosure documents) included in its registration statement on Form N-2 filed with the SEC. USBGFS’ services hereunder shall not relieve the Trust of its responsibilities for assuring such compliance or the Board of Trustee’s oversight responsibility with respect thereto.

 

15.Term of Agreement; Amendment

 

A.This Agreement shall become effective as of the last date written on the signature page and will continue in effect for a period of three (3) years. Following the initial term, this Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one (1) year terms unless either party provides written notice at least 90 days prior to the end of the then current term that it will not be renewing the Agreement.

 

B.Subject to Section 16, this Agreement may be terminated by either party (in whole or with respect to one or more Funds) upon giving 90 days’ prior written notice to the other party or such shorter notice period as is mutually agreed upon by the parties.

 

C.USBGFS may terminate this Agreement immediately (in whole or with respect to one or more Funds) if the continued service of such Funds or the Trust would cause USBGFS or any of its affiliates to be in violation of any applicable law, rule, regulation, or order of any governmental, regulatory or judicial authority of competent jurisdiction, or if the Funds or the Trust (or any affiliate thereof) commits any act, or becomes involved in any situation or occurrence, tending to bring itself into public disrepute, contempt, scandal, or ridicule, or such that the continued association with the Funds or the Trust would reflect unfavorably upon USBGFS’ reputation, provided that in such event USBGFS shall, to the extent it is legally permitted and able to do so, provide reasonable assistance to transition such Funds or the Trust to a successor service provider.

 

D.This Agreement may be terminated by any party upon the breach of the other party of any material term of this Agreement if such breach is not cured within 15 days of notice of such breach to the breaching party.

 

E.This Agreement may not be amended or modified in any manner except by written agreement executed by USBGFS and the Trust, and authorized or approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees.

 

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16.Early Termination

 

In the absence of any material breach of this Agreement, should the Trust elect to terminate this Agreement (in whole or with respect to one or more Funds) prior to the end of the then current term, the Trust agrees to pay the following fees with respect to each Fund subject to the termination:

 

a.all monthly fees through the remaining term of the Agreement, including the repayment of any negotiated discounts (provided that no such fees shall be paid with respect to any Fund following the liquidation of such Fund);
b.all fees associated with converting services to successor service provider;
c.all fees associated with any record retention and/or tax reporting obligations that may not be eliminated due to the conversion to a successor service provider;
d.all miscellaneous costs associated with a. to c. above.

 

Provided however, that this Section 16 shall not apply to a termination with respect to a Fund that is (i) liquidated; (ii) merged into, or subject to an asset acquisition by, another registered investment company;

 

17.Duties in the Event of Termination

 

In the event that, in connection with termination, a successor to any of USBGFS’ duties or responsibilities hereunder is designated by the Trust by written notice to USBGFS, USBGFS will promptly, upon such termination and at the expense of the Trust, transfer to such successor all relevant books, records, correspondence and other data established or maintained by USBGFS under this Agreement in a form reasonably acceptable to the Trust (if such form differs from the form in which USBGFS has maintained the same, the Trust shall pay any expenses associated with transferring the data to such form), and will cooperate in the transfer of such duties and responsibilities, including provision for assistance from USBGFS’ personnel in the establishment of books, records and other data by such successor. If no such successor is designated, then such books, records and other data shall be returned to the Trust. The Trust shall also pay any fees associated with record retention and/or tax reporting obligations that USBGFS is obligated under applicable law, regulation, or rule to continue following the termination.

 

18.Assignment

 

This Agreement shall extend to and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not be assignable by the Trust without the written consent of USBGFS, or by USBGFS without the written consent of the Trust accompanied by the authorization or approval of the Trust’s Board of Trustees.

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19.Governing Law

 

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Wisconsin, without regard to conflicts of law principles. To the extent that the applicable laws of the State of Wisconsin, or any of the provisions herein, conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control, and nothing herein shall be construed in a manner inconsistent with the 1940 Act or any rule or order of the SEC thereunder.

 

20.No Agency Relationship

 

Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize or empower either party to act as agent for the other party to this Agreement, or to conduct business in the name, or for the account, of the other party to this Agreement.

 

21.Services Not Exclusive

 

Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict USBGFS from providing services to other parties that are similar or identical to some or all of the services provided hereunder.

 

22.Invalidity

 

Any provision of this Agreement which may be determined by competent authority to be prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. In such case, the parties shall in good faith modify or substitute such provision consistent with the original intent of the parties.

 

23.Notices

 

Any notice required or permitted to be given by either party to the other shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given on the date delivered personally or by courier service, or three days after sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or on the date sent and confirmed received by facsimile transmission to the other party’s address set forth below:

 

Notice to USBGFS shall be sent to:

 

U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, LLC

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Attn: President

 

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and notice to the Trust shall be sent to:

 

2nd Vote Funds

P.O Box 2916

Hendersonville,  TN 37077

 

24.No Third Party Rights

 

Nothing expressed or referred to in this Agreement will be construed to give any third party (including, without limitation, shareholders of any Fund) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or with respect to this Agreement.

 

25.Multiple Originals

 

This Agreement may be executed on two or more counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

 

SIGNATURES ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE


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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by a duly authorized officer on one or more counterparts as of the last date written below.

 

2ND VOTE FUNDS   U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC
             
By: /s/ Daniel Grant   By: /s/ Anita Zagrodnik
             
Name: Daniel Grant   Name: Anita Zagrodnik
             
Title: President   Title: Senior Vice President
             
Date:     Date: 11/3/2020 | 11:15:45 AM CST

 

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Exhibit A to the Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement

 

Separate Series of 2nd Vote Funds 

 

Name of Series

 

2ndVote  Founding Freedoms ETF
2ndVote  Society Defended ETF
2ndVote  Life Neutral Plus ETF

  

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Exhibit B to the Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement

 

Base Fee for Accounting, Administration, and Transfer Agent

 

The following reflects the greater of the basis point fee or annual minimum1 where 2nd Vote Value Investments (“Adviser”) acts as investment adviser to the fund(s) in 2nd Vote Value Investments Trust (the “Trust”, final name TBD)

 

Annual Minimum per Fund2     Basis Points on Trust AUM2  
Funds 1-3 $40,000     First $500m 5 bps  
Funds 4-7 $35,000     Next $500m 4 bps  
Funds 8+ $30,000     Next $2b 3 bps  
        Balance 2 bps  

 

Step in Fees for Accounting, Administration, and Transfer Agent annual minimum per fund: Year 1 only

 

Q1 Year 1 25% of annual minimum Q2 Year 1 50% of annual minimum Q3 Year 1 150% of annual minimum Q4 Year 1 175% of annual minimum
Month 1 $833.33 Month 4 $1,666.67 Month 7 $5,000.00 Month 10 $5,833.33
Month 2 $833.33 Month 5 $1,666.67 Month 8 $5,000.00 Month 11 $5,833.33
Month 3 $833.33 Month 6 $1,666.67 Month 9 $5,000.00 Month 12 $5,833.33

 

1 Each fund, regardless of asset size, will have fees allocated to it equal to the per fund minimum. Should the complex level basis point fee calculation exceed the complex level minimum fee level calculation, the fees in excess of the minimum will be allocated to each fund based on the percent on AUM.

 

Once a Fund is operational, should this service agreement with U.S. Bank be terminated prior to the end of the initial two year period, Adviser will be responsible for the balance of the minimum fees for the remainder of the service agreement’s 12-month period beginning with the Fund’s launch or any anniversary of launch. To avoid doubt, if “the Adviser” launched a Fund on March 1, 2020 and terminated the relationship on June 30, 2021, Adviser would owe U.S. Bank up to 50% of $48,000 ($45,000 admin/acct/ta + $3,000 Custody).

 

Additional services not included above shall be mutually agreed upon at the time of the service being added. In addition to the fees described above, additional fees may be charged to the extent that changes to applicable laws, rules or regulations require additional work or expenses related to services provided (e.g., compliance with new liquidity risk management and reporting requirements).

 

2 Subject to annual CPI increase – All Urban Consumers – U.S. City Average.

Fees are calculated pro rata and billed monthly

 

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Accounting, Administration, Transfer Agent & Account Services

(in addition to the Base Fee)

 

Pricing Services

 

For daily pricing of each securities (estimated 252 pricing days annually)

$0.08 Domestic Equities, Options, ADRs, Foreign Equities, Futures, Forwards, Currency Rates, Mutual Funds, ETFs, Total Return Swaps
$0.50 Domestic Corporates, Domestic Convertibles, Domestic Governments, Domestic Agencies, Mortgage Backed, Municipal Bonds
$0.80 CMOs, Money Market Instruments, Foreign Corporates, Foreign Convertibles, Foreign Governments, Foreign Agencies, Asset Backed, High Yield
$0.90 Interest Rate Swaps, Foreign Currency Swaps
$1.00 Bank Loans
$1.50 Swaptions, Intraday money market funds pricing, up to 3 times per day
$3.00 Credit Default Swaps
$500 per Month Manual Security Pricing (>25 per day)

 

NOTE: Prices are based on using U.S. Bank primary pricing service which may vary by security type and are subject to change. Use of alternative and/or additional sources may result in additional fees. Pricing vendors may designate certain securities as hard to value or as a non-standard security type, such as CLOs and CDOs, which may result in additional fees. All schedules subject to change depending upon the use of unique security type requiring special pricing or accounting arrangements.

 

Corporate Action Services

 

Fee for IDC data used to monitor corporate actions

$2.00 per Foreign Equity Security per Month
$1.00 per Domestic Equity Security per Month
$2.00 per CMOs, Asset Backed, Mortgage Backed Security per Month

 

Third Party Administrative Data Charges (descriptive data for analytics, reporting and compliance)

 

$1 per security per month for fund administrative

 

SEC Modernization Requirements

 

Form N-PORT $12,000 per year, per Fund
Form N-CEN $250 per year, per Fund

 

Chief Compliance Officer Support Fee

 

CCO support annual fee $1,500 per service selected for each U.S. Bank service (administration, accounting, transfer agent, distributor, custodian) NOTE: this fee is per Trust not per Fund

 

Chief Compliance Officer Support Fee includes the following services:

Access to the CCO Portal including business line Critical Procedures, Compliance Controls, Testing of Controls, Annual U.S. Bank Global Fund Services CCO Review, SOC/ SSAE audits of business lines
Quarterly 38a-1 certifications to the CCO regarding any changes to critical policies, procedures and controls and compliance events as required under Rule 38a-1 of the Investment Company Act
Quarterly CCO teleconferences and other periodic events and webinars
CCO forums held periodically throughout the year in major cities
Annual client conference which includes CCO roundtable discussions

 

NOTE: the CCO Support team does NOT serve as the Fund CCO

 

Additional services not included above shall be mutually agreed upon at the time of the service being added. In addition to the fees described above, additional fees may be charged to the extent that changes to applicable laws, rules or regulations require additional work or expenses related to services provided (e.g., compliance with new liquidity risk management and reporting requirements).

 

Fees are calculated pro rata and billed monthly

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Supplemental Services for Fund Accounting, Fund Administration & Portfolio Compliance (provided by U.S. Bank upon client need and/or request)

 

Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC) 

U.S. Bank Fee Schedule plus $15,000

 

C- Corp Administrative Services

1940 Act C-Corp – U.S. Bank Fee Schedule plus $15,000
1933 Act C-Corp – U.S. Bank Fee Schedule plus $25,000

 

Core Tax Services

M-1 book-to-tax adjustments at fiscal and excise year-end, prepare tax footnotes in conjunction with fiscal year-end audit, Prepare Form 1120-RIC federal income tax return and relevant schedules, Prepare Form 8613 and relevant schedules, Prepare Form 1099-MISC Forms, Prepare Annual TDF FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Reporting) filing, Prepare state returns (Limited to two) and Capital Gain Dividend Estimates (Limited to two).

 

Optional Tax Services

The Base Fee includes the following core tax services: M-1 book-to-tax adjustments at fiscal and excise year-end, prepare tax footnotes in conjunction with fiscal year-end audit, Prepare Form 1120-RIC federal income tax return and relevant schedules, Prepare Form 8613 and relevant schedules, Prepare Form 1099-MISC Forms, Prepare Annual TDF FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Reporting) filing, Prepare state returns (Limited to two) and Capital Gain Dividend Estimates (Limited to two). Additional services excluded from the Base Fee are:

Prepare book-to-tax adjustments & Form 5471 for Controlled Foreign Corporations (CFCs) – $5,000 per year
Additional Capital Gain Dividend Estimates – (First two included in core services) – $1,000 per additional estimate
State tax returns - (First two included in core services) – $1,500 per additional return

 

Tax Reporting – C-Corporations

Federal Tax Returns

Prepare corporate Book to tax calculation, average cost analysis and cost basis role forwards, and federal income tax returns for investment fund (Federal returns & 1099 Breakout Analysis) – $25,000
Prepare Federal and State extensions (If Applicable) – Included in the return fees
Prepare provision estimates – $2,000 Per estimate

State Tax Returns

Prepare state income tax returns for funds and blocker entities – $1,500 per state return
Sign state income tax returns – $2,000 per state return
Assist in filing state income tax returns – Included with preparation of returns
State tax notice consultative support and resolution – $1,000 per fund

Miscellaneous Expenses

All other miscellaneous fees and expenses, including but not limited to the following, will be separately billed as incurred: Portfolio Composition File (PCF) management services, SWIFT processing, customized reporting, third-party data provider costs (including GICS, MSCI, Lipper, etc.), postage, stationary, programming, special reports, proxies, insurance, EDGAR/XBRL filing, retention of records, federal and state regulatory filing fees, expenses related to and including travel to and from Board of Trustee meetings, third party auditing and legal expenses, wash sales reporting (GainsKeeper), tax e-filing, PFIC monitoring, conversion expenses (if necessary), and travel related costs.

Fees are calculated pro rata and billed monthly

 

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