EX-99 32 f3564d32.htm SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT - MARTIN CURRIE-EMERGING MARKETS EQUITY

Execution 

  

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST 

AST Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio
 

SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT 

  

Agreement made as of this 12th day March, 2020 between PGIM Investments LLC (PGIM Investments), a New York limited liability company and AST Investment Services, Inc. (ASTIS), a Maryland corporation (together, the Co-Managers), and Martin Currie Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York (Martin Currie or the Subadviser). 

  

WHEREAS, the Co-Managers have entered into a Management Agreement (the Management Agreement) dated May 1, 2003, with Advanced Series Trust (formerly American Skandia Trust), a Massachusetts business trust (the Trust) and a diversified, open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), pursuant to which PGIM Investments and ASTIS act as Co-Managers of the Trust; and
 

WHEREAS, the Co-Managers, acting pursuant to the Management Agreement, desire to retain the Subadviser to provide investment advisory services to the Trust and one or more of its series as specified in Schedule A hereto (individually and collectively, with the Trust, referred to herein as the Trust) and to manage such portion of the Trust as the Co-Managers shall from time to time direct, and the Subadviser is willing to render such investment advisory services; and
 

NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows: 

1. (a) Subject to the supervision of the Co-Managers and the Board of Trustees of the Trust, the Subadviser shall manage such portion of the Trust's portfolio as is delegated to the Subadviser by the Co-Managers, including the purchase, retention and disposition thereof, in accordance with the Trust's investment objectives, policies and restrictions as stated in its then current prospectus and statement of additional information (such prospectus and statement of additional information as currently in effect and as amended or supplemented from time to time, being herein called the "Prospectus"), and subject to the following understandings:  


(i) The Subadviser shall provide supervision of such portion of the Trust’s investments as the Co-Managers shall direct, and shall determine from time to time what investments and securities will be purchased, retained, sold or loaned by the Trust, and what portion of the assets will be invested or held uninvested as cash.   

  

(ii) In the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement, the Subadviser shall act in conformity with the copies of the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Trust, the By-laws of the Trust, and  the Prospectus of the Trust, as provided to it by the Co-Managers (the Trust Documents), and with the instructions and directions of the Co-Managers and of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, shall co-operate with the Co-Managers' (or their designees') personnel responsible for monitoring the Trust's compliance and will conform to, and comply with, the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Commodity Exchange Act of 1936, as amended (the CEA) and all other applicable federal and state laws and regulations. In connection therewith, the Subadviser shall, among other things, prepare and file such reports as are, or may in the future be, required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission). The Co-Managers shall provide the Subadviser timely with copies of any updated Trust Documents.
 

(iii) The Subadviser shall determine the securities, futures contracts and other instruments to be purchased or sold by such portion of the Trust’s portfolio, as applicable, and may place orders with or through such persons, brokers, dealers or futures commission merchants, including any person or entity affiliated with the Subadviser (collectively, Brokers), to carry out the policy with respect to brokerage as set forth in the Trust's Prospectus or as the Board of Trustees may direct in writing from time to time. In providing the Trust with investment supervision, it is recognized that the Subadviser will give primary consideration to securing the most favorable price and efficient execution. Within the framework of this policy, the Subadviser may consider the financial responsibility, research and investment information and other services provided by Brokers who may effect or be a party to any such transaction or other transactions to which the Subadviser's other clients may be a party. The Subadviser shall have discretion to effect investment transactions for the Trust through Brokers (including, to the extent legally permissible, Brokers affiliated with the Subadviser) qualified to obtain best execution of such transactions who provide brokerage and/or research services, as such services are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 1934 Act), and to cause the Trust to pay any such Brokers an amount of commission for effecting a portfolio transaction in excess of the amount of commission another Broker would have charged for effecting that transaction, if the brokerage or research services provided by such Broker, viewed in light of either that particular investment transaction or the overall responsibilities of the Subadviser with respect to the Trust and other accounts as to which it may exercise investment discretion (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(35) of the 1934 Act), are reasonable in relation to the amount of commission. On occasions when the Subadviser deems the purchase or sale of a security, futures contract or other instrument to be in the best interest of the Trust as well as other clients of the Subadviser, the Subadviser, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, may, but shall be under no obligation to, aggregate the securities, futures contracts or other instruments to be sold or purchased. In such event, allocation of the securities, futures contracts or other instruments so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by the Subadviser in the manner the Subadviser considers to be the most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Trust and to such other clients.  Furthermore, the Subadviser warrants that it complies with the best execution and transaction reporting requirements under the rules and guidance contained in the FCA’s Handbook (as amended from time to time) (the “FCA Rules”). Without prejudice to the foregoing, the Subadviser warrants that it will comply with the execution policy set out online at https://mcauth.martincurrie.com/~/media/corporate/documents/martin-currie-execution-policy.pdf or such other web address as shall be made available to the Co-Managers (the “Execution Policy”). The Co-Managers hereby consent to the Execution Policy and the execution of orders by the Subadviser outside a Trading Venue (as defined in the FCA Rules) from time to time. Where the Subadviser places reliance on their executing brokers, confirmation that they comply with the best execution and transaction reporting requirements imposed by the FCA Rules (or equivalent requirements imposed by MiFID II (meaning the recast Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (2014/65/EU) and Regulation (600/2014/EU) as well as any delegated acts under Level 2 and any updates, amendments or revisions thereto) if they are based in the European Economic Area) will be sought from their terms of business. 

  

(iv) The Subadviser shall maintain all books and records with respect to the Trust's portfolio transactions effected by it as required by Rule 31a-l under the 1940 Act, and shall render to the Trust's Board of Trustees such periodic and special reports as the Trustees may reasonably request. The Subadviser shall make reasonably available its employees and officers for consultation with any of the Trustees or officers or employees of the Trust with respect to any matter discussed herein, including, without limitation, to assist in the valuation of the Trust's securities. 

  

(v) The Subadviser or an affiliate shall provide the Trust's custodian on each business day with information relating to all transactions concerning the portion of the Trust’s assets it manages, and shall provide the Co-Managers with such information upon request of the Co-Managers. 

  

(vi) The investment management services provided by the Subadviser hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive, and the Subadviser shall be free to render similar services to others. Conversely, the Subadviser and Co-Managers understand and agree that if the Co-Managers manage the Trust in a "manager-of-managers" style, the Co-Managers will, among other things, (i) continually evaluate the performance of the Subadviser through quantitative and qualitative analysis and consultations with the Subadviser, (ii) periodically make recommendations to the Trust's Board as to whether the contract with the Subadviser should be renewed, modified, or terminated, and (iii) periodically report to the Trust's Board regarding the results of its evaluation and monitoring functions. The Subadviser recognizes that its services may be terminated or modified pursuant to this process.  

  

(vii) The Subadviser acknowledges that the Co-Managers and the Trust intend to rely on Rule 17a-l0, Rule l0f-3, Rule 12d3-1 and Rule 17e-l under the 1940 Act, and the Subadviser hereby agrees that it shall not consult with any other subadviser to the Trust with respect to transactions in securities for the Trust's portfolio or any other transactions of Trust assets.
 

(viii) The Subadviser represents and warrants that it is also authorized and regulated by the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority and that, without prejudice to the foregoing generality, the Subadviser is duly authorized to carry out its duties under this Agreement. The FCA’s address is 25 The North Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HS. The Subadviser undertakes to use its best endeavors at all times to maintain its status as an authorized person for the purposes of the United Kingdom’s Financial Services and Markets Act or any successor legislation. 

  

(ix) For the purposes of the FCA Rules and based on information obtained in respect of the Co-Managers, the Subadviser has categorized the Co-Managers as Professional Clients (as defined in the FCA Rules) for all services. The Subadviser will notify the Co-Managers in writing if there is any change to this position. The Co-Managers agree to their classification as Professional Clients for the purposes of this Agreement and the FCA Rules; provided, however, that the Subadviser will, at all times, provide the Co-Managers all protections required under the statutory and regulatory regimes to which the Subadviser and the arrangements contemplated under this Agreement are subject.  . The Co-Managers has the right under the FCA Rules to request categorization as a Retail Client (as defined in the FCA Rules). Retail Clients benefit from a higher level of protection than that afforded to Professional Clients.  

  

(b) The Subadviser shall authorize and permit any of its directors, officers and employees who may be elected as Trustees or officers of the Trust to serve in the capacities in which they are elected. Services to be furnished by the Subadviser under this Agreement may be furnished through the medium of any of such directors, officers or employees. 

  

(c) The Subadviser shall keep the Trust's books and records required to be maintained by the Subadviser pursuant to paragraph 1(a) hereof and shall timely furnish to the Co-Managers all information relating to the Subadviser's services hereunder needed by the Co-Managers to keep the other books and records of the Trust required by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act or any successor regulation. The Subadviser agrees that all records which it maintains for the Trust are the property of the Trust, and the Subadviser will tender promptly to the Trust any of such records upon the Trust's request, provided, however, that the Subadviser may retain a copy of such records. The Subadviser further agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 of the Commission under the 1940 Act or any successor regulation any such records as are required to be maintained by it pursuant to paragraph 1(a) hereof. 

  

(d) The Subadviser is, to the extent required by applicable law, a commodity trading advisor duly registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the CFTC) and is a member in good standing of the National Futures Association (the NFA). The Subadviser shall maintain such registration and membership in good standing during the term of this Agreement. Further, the Subadviser agrees to notify the Co-Managers promptly upon (i) a statutory disqualification of the Subadviser under Sections 8a(2) or 8a(3) of the CEA, (ii) a suspension, revocation or limitation of the Subadviser’s commodity trading advisor registration or NFA membership, or (iii) the institution of an action or proceeding that could lead to a statutory disqualification under the CEA or an investigation by any governmental agency or self-regulatory organization of which the Subadviser is subject or has been advised it is a target. 

  

(e) In connection with its duties under this Agreement, the Subadviser agrees to maintain adequate compliance procedures to ensure its compliance with the 1940 Act, the CEA, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and other applicable state and federal regulations, and applicable rules of any self-regulatory organization. 

  

(f) The Subadviser shall maintain a written code of ethics (the Code of Ethics) that it reasonably believes complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act and Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act, a copy of which shall be provided to the Co-Managers and the Trust, and shall institute procedures reasonably necessary to prevent any Access Person (as defined in Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act and Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act) from violating its Code of Ethics. The Subadviser shall follow such Code of Ethics in performing its services under this Agreement. Further, the Subadviser represents that it maintains adequate compliance procedures to ensure its compliance with the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act, and other applicable federal and state laws and regulations. In particular, the Subadviser represents that it has policies and procedures regarding the detection and prevention of the misuse of material, nonpublic information by the Subadviser and its employees as required by the applicable federal securities laws. 

  

(g)  The Subadviser shall furnish to the Co-Managers copies of all records prepared in connection with (i) the performance of this Agreement and (ii) the maintenance of compliance procedures pursuant to paragraph 1(d) hereof as the Co-Managers may reasonably request. 

  

(h) The Subadviser shall be responsible for the voting of all shareholder proxies with respect to the investments and securities held in the Trust’s portfolio, subject to such reasonable reporting and other requirements as shall be established by the Co-Managers. 

  

(i) The valuation committee of the Trust and the Co-Managers shall have primary responsibility for valuation of the Trust’s assets. Upon reasonable request from the Co-Managers, the Subadviser (through a qualified person) will assist the valuation committee of the Trust or the Co-Managers in valuing investments of the Trust as may be required from time to time, including being reasonably available to consult with the valuation committee of the Trust and the Co-Managers and making available information of which the Subadviser has knowledge related to the investments being valued provided; however, that the valuation committee of the Trust and the Co-Managers shall retain primary responsibility for valuation of the Trust’s assets.  In addition, the Subadviser will use its reasonable efforts to promptly notify the Co-Managers in the event that the Subadviser becomes aware that the Trust is carrying a security in the assets in the portion of the Trust managed by the Subadviser at a value that the Subadviser believes does not fairly represent the price that could be obtained for the security in a current market transaction. 

  

2. The Co-Managers shall continue to have responsibility for all services to be provided to the Trust pursuant to the Management Agreement and, as more particularly discussed above, shall oversee and review the Subadviser’s performance of its duties under this Agreement. The Co-Managers shall provide (or cause the Trust’s custodian to provide) timely information to the Subadviser regarding such matters as the composition of assets in the portion of the Trust managed by the Subadviser, cash requirements and cash available for investment in such portion of the Trust, and all other information as may be reasonably necessary for the Subadviser to perform its duties hereunder (including any excerpts of minutes of meetings of the Board of Trustees of the Trust that affect the duties of the Subadviser). 

  

3.  For the services provided pursuant to this Agreement, the Co-Managers shall pay the Subadviser as full compensation therefor, a fee equal to the percentage of the Trust's average daily net assets of the portion of the Trust by the Subadviser, as described in the attached Schedule A. Liability for payment of compensation by the Co-Managers to the Subadviser under this Agreement is contingent upon the Co-Managers' receipt of payment from the Trust for management services described under the Management Agreement between the Fund and the Co-Managers. Expense caps or fee waivers for the Trust that may be agreed to by the Co-Managers, but not agreed to by the Subadvisers, shall not cause a reduction in the amount of the payment to the Subadviser by the Co-Managers.  

  

4.  (a) The Subadviser acknowledges that, in the course of its engagement by the Co-Managers, the Subadviser may receive or have access to confidential and proprietary information of the Co-Managers or third parties with whom the Co-Managers conducts business.  Such information is collectively referred to as “Confidential Information.”  Confidential Information includes the Co-Managers’ business and other proprietary information, written or oral. 

  

(b)  The Subadviser certifies that (i) its treatment of Confidential Information is in compliance with applicable laws and regulations with respect to privacy and data security (including, but not limited to Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (“GDPR”), and/or any corresponding or replacement UK legislation or equivalent to the GDPR), and (ii) it has implemented and currently maintains an effective written information security program (“Information Security Program”) including administrative, technical, and physical safeguards and other security measures necessary to (a) ensure the security and confidentiality of Confidential Information; (b) protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of Confidential Information; and (c) protect against unauthorized access to, destruction, modification, disclosure or use of Confidential Information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to the Co-Managers, or to any person who may be identified by Confidential Information.  The Subadviser shall immediately notify the Co-Managers if the Subadviser is in material breach of this Section.  At the Manager’s request, the Subadviser agrees to certify in writing to the Manager, its compliance with the terms of this Section. 

  

(c)  The Subadviser shall notify the Co-Managers or its agents of its designated primary security manager.  The security manager will be responsible for managing and coordinating the performance of the Subadviser’s obligations set forth in its Information Security Program and this Agreement. 

  

(d)  The Subadviser shall review and, as appropriate, revise its Information Security Program at least annually or whenever there is a material change in the Subadviser’s business practices that may reasonably affect the security, confidentiality or integrity of Confidential Information.  During the course of providing the services, the Subadviser may not alter or modify its Information Security Program in such a way that will weaken or compromise the security, confidentiality, or integrity of Confidential Information. 

  

(e)  The Subadviser shall maintain appropriate access controls, including, but not limited to, limiting access to Confidential Information to the minimum number of the Subadviser’s Employees who require such access in order to provide the services to the Co-Managers. The Subadviser may use, store, transfer or otherwise process information about the Trust, the Co-Managers or their employees, agents or representatives for the purpose of fulfilling the Subadviser's obligations under this Agreement, to comply with record keeping obligations, and as reasonably necessary for management of the client relationship.   

  

(f)  The Subadviser shall conduct periodic risk assessments to identify and assess reasonably foreseeable internal and external risks to the security, confidentiality, and integrity of Confidential Information; and evaluate and improve, where necessary, the effectiveness of its information security controls.  Such assessments will also consider the Subadviser’s compliance with its Information Security Program and the laws applicable to the Subadviser. 

  

(g)  The Subadviser shall conduct regular penetration and vulnerability testing of its information technology infrastructure and networks.  If any testing detects any anomalies, intrusions, or vulnerabilities in any information technology systems processing, storing or transmitting any of the Fund’s and/or Co-Managers’ Confidential Information, the Subadviser shall promptly report those findings to the Co-Managers. 

  

(h)  The Subadviser shall notify the Co-Managers, promptly and without unreasonable delay, but in no event more than 48 hours of learning of any unauthorized access or disclosure, unauthorized, unlawful or accidental loss, misuse, destruction, acquisition of, or damage to Confidential Information may have occurred or is under investigation (a “Security Incident”). Thereafter, the Subadviser shall: (i) promptly furnish to the Co-Managers full details of the Security Incident; (ii) assist and cooperate with the Co-Managers and the Co-Managers’ designated representatives in the Co-Managers’ investigation of the Subadviser, Employees or third parties related to the Security Incident.  The Subadviser will provide the Co-Managers with physical access to the facilities and operations affected, facilitate the Co-Managers’ interviews with Employees and others involved in the matter, and make available to the Co-Managers all relevant records, logs, files, and data; (iii) cooperate with the Co-Managers in any litigation or other formal action against third parties deemed necessary by the Co-Managers to protect the Co-Managers’ rights; and  (iv) take appropriate action to prevent a recurrence of any Security Incident. 

  

(i) Upon the Co-Managers’ reasonable request at any time during the term of the Agreement, the Subadviser shall promptly provide the Co-Managers with information related to the Subadviser’s information security safeguards and practices.  

  

(j)  For the purpose of auditing the Subadviser’s compliance with this Section, the Subadviser shall provide to the Co-Managers, on reasonable notice: (a) access to the Subadviser’s information processing premises and records; (b) reasonable assistance and cooperation of the Subadviser’s relevant staff; and (c) reasonable facilities at the Subadviser’s premises.   

  

5. The Subadviser will not engage any third party to provide services to the portion of the Trust's portfolio as delegated to the Subadviser by the Co-Managers without the express written consent of the Co-Managers excepts as follows: 

  

(a)

The Subadviser may delegate certain functions relating to proxy voting to ISS plc (or any equivalent replacement provider in the future);  

  

(b)

The Subadviser may delegate certain operational middle and front office functions to State Street Bank (and its group companies) and Fidessa respectively (and to any equivalent replacement providers in the future); and 

  

(c)     The Subadviser may engage one or more affiliates within the Legg Mason group including, but not limited to, Legg Mason Asset Management Singapore Pte. Limited, to perform non-advisory services for the Portfolio.   

  

To the extent that the Subadviser receives approval from the Co-Managers to engage a third-party service provider, the Subadviser assumes all responsibility for any action or inaction of the service provider as it related to the Trust's portfolio as delegated to the Subadviser by the Co-Managers.  In addition, the Subadviser shall fully indemnify, hold harmless, and defend the Co-Managers and its directors, officers, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against all claims, demands, actions, suits, damages, liabilities, losses, settlements, judgments, costs, and expenses (including but not limited to reasonable attorney’s fees and costs) which arise out of or relate to the provision of services provided by any such service provider. 

  

6.  The Subadviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or for any loss suffered by the Trust or the Co-Managers in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the Subadviser's part in the performance of its duties or from its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to waive any rights the Co-Managers or the Trust may have against the Subadviser under federal or state securities laws. The Co-Managers shall indemnify the Subadviser, its affiliated persons, its officers, directors and employees, for any liability and expenses, including attorneys' fees, which may be sustained as a result of the Co-Managers' willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, reckless disregard of its duties hereunder or violation of applicable law, including, without limitation, the 1940 Act and federal and state securities laws. The Subadviser shall indemnify the Co-Managers, their affiliated persons, their officers, directors and employees, for any liability and expenses, including attorneys' fees, which may be sustained as a result of the Subadviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its duties hereunder or violation of applicable law, including, without limitation, the 1940 Act and federal and state securities laws. 

  

7. This Agreement shall continue in effect for a period of more than two years from the date hereof only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in conformity with the requirements of the 1940 Act; provided, however, that this Agreement may be terminated by the Trust at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by the Board of Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund, or by the Co-Managers or by the Subadviser at any time, without the payment of any penalty, on not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days' written notice to the other party. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) or upon the termination of the Management Agreement. The Subadviser agrees that it will promptly notify the Trust and the Co-Managers of the occurrence of any event that would result in the assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, a change of control (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Subadviser. 

  

To the extent that the Co-Managers delegate to the Subadviser management of all or a portion of a portfolio of the Trust previously managed by a different subadviser or the Co-Managers, the Subadviser agrees that its duties and obligations under this Agreement with respect to that delegated portfolio or portion thereof shall commence as of the date the Co-Managers begin the transition process to allocate management responsibility to the Subadviser. 

  

Any notice or other communication required to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, (1) to the Co-Managers at 655 Broad Street, 17th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102, Attention: Secretary (for PGIM Investments) and One Corporate Drive, Shelton, Connecticut, 06484, Attention: Secretary (for ASTIS); (2) to the Trust at 655 Broad Street, 17th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102, Attention: Secretary; or (3) to the Subadviser at Saltire Court, 20 Castle Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2ES, United Kingdom, Attention: Mel Bucher.  

  

8. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the right of the Subadviser's directors, officers or employees who may also be a Trustee, officer or employee of the Trust to engage in any other business or to devote his or her time and attention in part to the management or other aspects of any business, whether of a similar or a dissimilar nature, nor limit or restrict the Subadviser's right to engage in any other business or to render services of any kind to any other corporation, firm, individual or association. 

  

9. During the term of this Agreement, the Co-Managers agree to furnish the Subadviser at its principal office all prospectuses, proxy statements, and reports to shareholders which refer to the Subadviser in any way, prior to use thereof and not to use material if the Subadviser reasonably objects in writing five business days (or such other time as may be mutually agreed) after receipt thereof.  During the term of this Agreement, the Co-Managers also agree to furnish the Subadviser, upon request, representative samples of marketing and sales literature or other material prepared for distribution to shareholders of the Trust or the public, which make reference to the Subadviser. The Co-Managers further agree to prospectively make reasonable changes to such materials upon the Subadviser 's written request, and to implement those changes in the next regularly scheduled production of those materials or as soon as reasonably practical. All such prospectuses, proxy statements, replies to shareholders, marketing and sales literature or other material prepared for distribution to shareholders of the Trust or the public which make reference to the Subadviser may be furnished to the Subadviser hereunder by electronic mail, first-class or overnight mail, facsimile transmission equipment or hand delivery. 

  

10. This Agreement may be amended by mutual consent, but the consent of the Trust must be obtained in conformity with the requirements of the 1940 Act.
 

11. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York.
 

12. Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940 Act, shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the 1940 Act and to interpretations thereof, if any, by the United States courts or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules, regulations or orders of the Commission issued pursuant to the 1940 Act. In addition, where the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act, reflected in any provision of this Agreement, is related by rules, regulation or order of the Commission, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order. 

  

13. This Agreement, including Schedule A hereto, embodies the entire agreement and understanding between the parties hereto, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter hereof.  Should any part of this Agreement be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement should not be affected thereby.  This Agreement shall be binding on and inure to the benefits of the parties hereto and their respective successors. 

  

  

 

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


 

PGIM INVESTMENTS LLC 

  

By: /s/ Timothy S. Cronin 

Name: Timothy S. Cronin 

Title: Senior Vice President 

  

  

AST INVESTMENT SERVICES, INC. 

  

By: /s/ Timothy S. Cronin 

Name: Timothy S. Cronin 

Title: President 

  

MARTIN CURRIE INC. 

  

By: /s/ Euan Wilson 

Name: Euan Wilson 

Title: Director 

  

  

SCHEDULE A 

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST 

  

  

As compensation for services provided by Martin Currie Inc. (Martin Currie or the Subadviser), PGIM Investments LLC and AST Investment Services, Inc. will pay Martin Currie an advisory fee on the net assets managed by the Subadviser that is equal, on an annualized basis, to the following: 

  

  


Portfolio Name 

  

Contractual Subadvisory Fee Rate 

  

AST Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio 

  

  

0.50% of average daily net assets to $150 million; 

0.40% of average daily net assets from $150 million to $300 million;  

0.35% of average daily net assets from $300 million to $450 million;  

0.30% of average daily net assets over $450 million. 

  

  

* In the event Martin Currie invests Portfolio assets in other pooled investment vehicles it manages or subadvises, Martin Currie will waive its subadvisory fee for the Portfolio in an amount equal to the acquired fund fee paid to Martin Currie with respect to the Portfolio assets invested in such acquired fund.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the subadvisory fee waivers will not exceed 100% of the subadvisory fee.  

  

  

  

  

Dated as of: March 12, 2020