UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14C
(RULE 14c-101)
SCHEDULE 14C INFORMATION
Information Statement Pursuant to Section 14(c)
Of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. )
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| [ ] | Preliminary information statement. |
| [ ] | Confidential, for use of the Commission only (as permitted by Rule 14c-5(d)(2)). |
| [X] | Definitive information statement. |
Six Circles Trust
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
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| [ ] | Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the form or schedule and the date of its filing. |
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SIX CIRCLES TRUST
Six Circles Multi-Strategy Fund
383 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10179
Collect (212) 464-2070
August 8, 2025
Dear Shareholder,
The attached information statement contains important information about a new sub-advisory arrangement for the Six Circles Multi-Strategy Fund (the Fund), a series of the Six Circles Trust (the Trust).
On June 17, 2025, J.P. Morgan Private Investments Inc. (the Adviser), the Funds investment adviser, entered into an Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (the Sub-Advisory Agreement) with Capital Fund Management S.A. (CFM), pursuant to which CFM has been engaged by the Adviser, with the approval of the Trusts Board of Trustees, to serve as a sub-adviser to the Fund.
After careful consideration at a meeting held on June 17, 2025, the Trusts Board of Trustees approved the Sub-Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and CFM and determined that the terms and conditions of the Sub-Advisory Agreement are fair to, and in the best interests of, the Fund and its shareholders. Specifically, CFM has been engaged by the Adviser to serve as a sub-adviser to the Fund.
As a matter of regulatory compliance, we are sending you this information statement. Please read this information statement carefully. It describes the current management structure of the Fund and the Trust, the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement, factors considered by the Trusts Board of Trustees in approving the Sub-Advisory Agreement, and other related information.
The information statement is for your information only. You are not required to take any action. WE ARE NOT ASKING YOU FOR A PROXY AND YOU ARE REQUESTED NOT TO SEND US A PROXY.
The information statement is being mailed on or about August 8, 2025.
Should you have any questions or need additional information, please call the Fund collect at 1-212-464-2070.
Sincerely,
Gregory McNeil
President, Six Circles Trust
August 8, 2025
SIX CIRCLES TRUST
Six Circles Multi-Strategy Fund
383 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10179
Collect (212) 464-2070
INFORMATION STATEMENT
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of this Information Statement.
This information statement is available at
http://www.sixcirclesfunds.com.
This information statement is being furnished to shareholders of the Six Circles Multi-Strategy Fund (the Fund), a series of Six Circles Trust (the Trust), a Delaware statutory trust, in lieu of a proxy statement, pursuant to the terms of an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) on which the Trust and its investment adviser may rely. J.P. Morgan Private Investments Inc. (the Adviser or JPMPI) is the Funds investment adviser.
Under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), shareholder approval is generally required to enter into or materially amend sub-advisory agreements. The exemptive order permits the Adviser to enter into and materially amend sub-advisory agreements for the Fund, subject to approval of the Trusts Board of Trustees (the Board), without also obtaining shareholder approval. This information statement is being furnished to notify you that the Adviser has entered into a new sub-advisory agreement for the Fund.
On June 17, 2025, the Adviser entered into an Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (the Sub-Advisory Agreement) with Capital Fund Management S.A. (CFM). Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, CFM will serve as a sub-adviser to the Fund.
The Sub-Advisory Agreement was approved by the members of the Board (each, a Trustee), including a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the agreement or interested persons, as defined in the 1940 Act, of any such parties (the Independent Trustees) at a meeting held on June 17, 2025. After careful consideration, the Board determined that entering into the Sub-Advisory Agreement was in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders and approved the Sub-Advisory Agreement. The Sub-Advisory Agreement is substantially similar to the existing sub-advisory agreements between the Adviser and the Funds current sub-advisers. For more information about the Sub-Advisory Agreement and related matters, please review this information statement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and CFM attached to it as Annex A.
Please read this information statement carefully, as it contains important information.
THIS DOCUMENT IS FOR YOUR INFORMATION ONLY. WE ARE NOT ASKING YOU FOR A PROXY AND YOU ARE REQUESTED NOT TO SEND US A PROXY. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO TAKE ANY ACTION.
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THE ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The Trust has retained the Adviser to act as investment adviser to the Six Circles Multi-Strategy Fund (the Fund) pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Six Circles Trust (the Trust) dated June 22, 2018, as amended to add the Fund as a series, as of June 18, 2024 (the Advisory Agreement). Under the Advisory Agreement, subject to the general supervision of the Board, the Adviser is responsible for managing the investment operations of the Fund and the composition of the holdings of the Fund. Except as delegated to one or more sub-advisers (each, a Sub-Adviser and, together, the Sub-Advisers), as discussed below, the Adviser is responsible for managing the purchase, retention and disposition of the Funds investments.
As compensation for the services rendered, the Fund has agreed to pay the Adviser a management fee of 1.25% as a percentage of average daily net assets. The Adviser has contractually agreed through at least April 30, 2026, to waive any of its management fees that exceed the aggregate management fees the Adviser is contractually required to pay the Funds Sub-Advisers (the Management Fee Waiver). Thereafter, the Management Fee Waiver will continue for subsequent one-year terms unless terminated in accordance with its terms. Additionally, the Adviser has contractually agreed through at least April 30, 2026, to reimburse Fund expenses in excess of certain thresholds.
During the prior fiscal year, the aggregate amount of investment advisory fees paid by the Fund to the Adviser was $1,998,000 before fee waivers and $0 after fee waivers.
The Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund in connection with the performance of the agreement, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence on the part of the Adviser in the performance of its duties, or from reckless disregard by it of its duties and obligations thereunder, or a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of compensation for services.
The investment advisory services that the Adviser provides to the Fund are not exclusive under the terms of the Advisory Agreement. The Adviser is free to and does render similar investment advisory services to others. The Adviser serves as investment adviser to other pooled investment vehicles. The accounts which are managed or advised by the Adviser have varying investment objectives, and the Adviser invests assets of such accounts in investments substantially similar to, or the same as, those which constitute the principal investments of the Fund. Such accounts are supervised by employees of the Adviser who may also be acting in similar capacities for the Fund.
The Advisory Agreement continues in effect for successive periods of twelve months if approved at least annually in conformity with the requirements of the 1940 Act. The Advisory Agreement may be terminated with respect to the Fund at any time by vote of a majority of the Trustees or by vote of a majority of the shareholders of the Fund on 60 days written notice to the Adviser or by the Adviser at any time on 90 days written notice to the Trust. The Advisory Agreement will automatically and immediately terminate in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
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The Advisory Agreement was most recently approved by the Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, on June 17, 2025, with respect to all series of the Trust.
The Adviser is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The Adviser is located at 383 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10179. The Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of JPMorgan Chase Holdings LLC, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of JPMorgan Chase & Co.
INVESTMENT PROCESS
In accordance with its responsibilities under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser seeks to achieve the Funds investment objective by allocating the Funds assets primarily among multiple Sub-Advisers retained by the Adviser. The Adviser may adjust allocations to the Sub-Advisers or make recommendations to the Board with respect to the hiring, termination or replacement of a Sub-Adviser. As such, the identity of the Funds Sub-Advisers, the investment strategies they pursue and the portion of the Fund allocated to them, may change over time.
Each Sub-Adviser is responsible for deciding which securities to purchase and sell for its respective portion of the Fund and for placing orders on behalf of the Fund for such transactions. However, the Adviser reserves the right to instruct the Sub-Advisers as needed on certain Fund transactions and manage a portion of the Funds portfolio directly, including, without limitation, for portfolio hedging, to temporarily adjust the Funds overall market exposure or to temporarily manage assets as a result of a Sub-Advisers resignation or removal.
The Adviser serves as the manager of managers for the Fund and has responsibility for providing the overall management of the Fund, subject to the oversight of the Board. In this capacity, the Adviser: (i) evaluates, selects, and recommends Sub-Advisers to be hired or replaced, subject to Board approval; (ii) monitors and evaluates the Sub-Advisers investment programs and results; (iii) allocates and reallocates the Funds assets among the Sub-Advisers; and (iv) reviews the Funds compliance with its investment objectives, strategies, policies and restrictions. Pursuant to the exemptive order, shareholder approval is not required to hire, terminate or replace Sub-Advisers except in the case of certain affiliates of the Adviser.
Sub-Adviser selection includes qualitative and quantitative analysis, with strong emphasis placed on non-quantitative factors, within a framework that reviews the Sub-Advisers people, process, philosophy and performance. In selecting Sub-Advisers, the Adviser will consider a variety of factors and attributes related to such Sub-Advisers, including, but not limited to:
| | a well-defined and articulated investment process combined with a demonstrable and sustainable investment performance; |
| | specialized expertise and an appropriate level of experience; |
| | flexibility to adapt to a changing market environment; |
| | a strong focus on risk management; |
| | appropriate levels of staffing, organizational depth and continuity of management and investment professionals; |
| | a thorough understanding of the business aspects of managing the relevant investment strategies; |
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| | solid administrative capabilities and strong internal controls; |
| | historical returns and volatility; |
| | correlation of a Sub-Advisers returns to broader markets and other Sub-Advisers; |
| | statistical peer analysis; and |
| | exposure, liquidity and drawdown (change in the value of a portfolio from its high to low point) analysis. |
THE SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS
Summary of Current Sub-Advisory Agreements
In addition to CFM, the following firms currently serve as Sub-Advisers to the Fund pursuant to Investment Sub-Advisory Agreements (the Existing Sub-Advisory Agreements) between the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser: AHL Partners LLP (AHL), Pacific Investment Management Co. (PIMCO), T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (T. Rowe Price), Dynamic Beta Investments LLC (DBi), and BlackRock Investment Management, LLC (BlackRock). The AHL, PIMCO, T. Rowe Price and DBi sub-advisory agreements were initially approved by the Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, on June 18, 2024, and became effective on September 18, 2024. The amended BlackRock sub-advisory agreement adding the Multi-Strategy Fund was approved on March 11, 2025 and became effective on April 1, 2025. The AHL, PIMCO, T. Rowe Price and DBi sub-advisory agreements were approved by the initial shareholder of the Fund on June 18, 2024.
AHL, PIMCO, T. Rowe Price, DBi, and BlackRock are each independent of the Adviser.
Each Sub-Adviser is responsible for the day-to-day investment decisions of its portion of the Fund, subject to the investment policies, restrictions and guidelines of the Fund and the supervision of the Board and the Adviser.
Each Existing Sub-Advisory Agreement will continue in effect for an initial period of two years from the date of its execution, unless terminated sooner. Each Existing Sub-Advisory Agreement may be renewed from year to year thereafter, so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by a vote of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the applicable Funds outstanding voting securities, provided that in either event the continuance also is approved by a majority of the Board who are not interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act). Each Existing Sub-Advisory Agreement may be terminated without penalty at any time by: (i) the Adviser upon 61 days written notice; (ii) the Board upon 60 days written notice; (iii) vote of the holders of a majority of the Funds shares; (iv) by the applicable Sub-Adviser upon 60 days written notice; or (v) upon termination of the Advisory Agreement. Each Existing Sub-Advisory Agreement will also terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
Under the terms of the Existing Sub-Advisory Agreements, the Sub-Advisers are not liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the applicable Fund or the Adviser in connection with the matters to which the Existing Sub-Advisory Agreements relate (and in one case, for acting in accordance with specific directions or instructions from the
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Adviser), except a loss resulting from the applicable Sub-Advisers willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence on its part in the performance of the applicable Sub-Advisers duties under the applicable Existing Sub-Advisory Agreement, or from reckless disregard by the applicable Sub-Adviser of its obligations and duties under the applicable Existing Sub-Advisory Agreement or from its material breach of the applicable Existing Sub-Advisory Agreement. In addition, under the Existing Sub-Advisory Agreements, the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers have agreed to indemnify each other in certain circumstances.
The Sub-Advisers are each paid monthly by the Adviser a fee equal to a percentage of the daily net assets of the Fund allocated to each Sub-Adviser, respectively.
During the prior fiscal year, the Adviser paid the following aggregate fees to the Sub-Advisers:
$768,00 or 0.48% *
The Trust expects that differences in investment returns among the portions of the Fund managed by different Sub-Advisers will cause the actual percentage of the Funds assets managed by each Sub-Adviser to vary over time. The Adviser may reallocate assets from one Sub-Adviser to another when deemed in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders.
Sub-Advisory Agreement with CFM
As noted above, the Adviser has engaged CFM as a Sub-Adviser to the Fund, pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement. A copy of the Sub-Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and CFM is attached hereto as Annex A. CFM is independent of the Adviser and will discharge its responsibilities subject to the policies of the Trustees and the supervision of the Adviser. CFM is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and was founded in 1991. CFM is located at 23, rue de lUniversite 75007 Paris, France. As of April 30, 2025, CFM had assets under management of approximately $18.2 billion.
Specifically, CFM will use both its own proprietary and external research and securities selection process to manage its allocated portion of the Funds assets. CFM, like the current Sub-Advisers, will be responsible for deciding which securities to purchase and sell for its respective portion of the Fund and for placing orders for the Funds transactions. However, the Adviser reserves the right to instruct CFM as needed on certain Fund transactions and manage a portion of the Funds portfolio directly, including, without limitation, for portfolio hedging, to temporarily adjust the Funds overall market exposure or to temporarily manage assets as a result of CFMs resignation or removal. The following is a summary of CFMs investment approach:
With respect to its allocated portion of the Fund, CFM will seek to achieve long-term capital appreciation through returns that aim to be uncorrelated with traditional asset classes. CFM will follow the quantitative CFM Cumulus trading program which includes futures multi-strategy, equity statistical arbitrage, and relative value components. The program may take long and short exposures through a variety of financial instruments including securities, foreign exchange, futures, forwards and
| * | Represents the aggregate sub-advisory fees paid by the Adviser as a percentage of the Funds average daily net assets. |
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other derivatives on bonds, shares, rates, currencies, commodities, credit and indices, as well as derivatives on all the foregoing. The trading of the program is generally conducted using electronic means based on a number of proprietary systematic trading models. The program employs a systematic investment process which seeks to generate, weigh and aggregate signals based on such components to build a diversified investment portfolio. The program includes an integrated risk management system which seeks to monitor the risk of the portfolio on an ongoing basis. The risk of the individual trading strategies is adjusted on the basis of volatility forecasts in order to target a stable portfolio risk over the medium-term. The program seeks to be diversified within the asset classes traded. The program is exposed to the financial markets on a global basis focusing on markets that provide sufficient liquidity and supporting infrastructure. Trading may be extended to new markets when liquidity and market infrastructure allow. The program is statistical and systematic in nature. The system is fed with historical price and econometric time series data. A range of systems are employed which can be both technical and market specific in nature. Trade execution is generally electronic in all asset classes and is based upon execution models that seek to take advantage of short-term market information.
The Sub-Advisory Agreement will continue in effect for an initial period of two years from the date of its execution, unless terminated sooner. It may be renewed from year to year thereafter, so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by a vote of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Funds outstanding voting securities, provided that in either event the continuance also is approved by a majority of the Board who are not interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Sub-Advisory Agreement provides that it is terminable at any time (including during the initial two year term), without penalty by: (i) the Adviser upon 61 days written notice; (ii) the Board upon 60 days written notice; (iii) vote of the holders of a majority of the Funds shares; (iv) by CFM upon 60 days written notice; or (v) upon termination of the Advisory Agreement. The Sub-Advisory Agreement also will terminate automatically in the event of its Assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act). Under the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement, CFM will not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund or the Adviser in connection with the matters to which the Sub-Advisory Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from CFMs willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence on its part in the performance of its duties under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, or from reckless disregard by it of its obligations and duties under the Sub-Advisory Agreement or from its material breach of the Sub-Advisory Agreement. In addition, under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Adviser and CFM have agreed to indemnify each other in certain circumstances.
CFM will be paid monthly by the Adviser a fee equal to a percentage of the average daily net assets of the Fund allocated to CFM. The fees paid to CFM under the Sub-Advisory Agreement are not paid by the Fund but are paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fees the Adviser receives from the Fund. There is no change in the gross advisory fee payable by the Fund as a result of the addition of CFM as a Sub-Adviser to the Fund.
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The investment advisory services that CFM provides to the Fund are not exclusive under the terms of the Amended Sub-Advisory Agreement. CFM is free to and does render similar investment advisory services to others. For more information about the Sub-Advisory Agreement, please review the sub-advisory agreement between the Adviser and CFM attached to this information statement as Annex A.
Portfolio Managers at CFM
The table below lists the individuals who currently serve as portfolio managers for the portion of the Funds assets allocated to CFM.
| SUB-ADVISER |
PORTFOLIO MANAGER(S) |
EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE | ||
| CFM | Marc Potters | Marc Potters is the Chief Investment Officer of CFM, having joined the firm in 1995 originally as a researcher in quantitative finance. He oversees the investment process of all CFM funds. Mr. Potters also supervises the research team together with Jean Philippe, with a particular focus on developing concrete applications in financial forecasting, portfolio construction, risk control and execution. Mr. Potters maintains strong links with academia and is an expert in Random Matrix Theory. He taught at UCLA and Sorbonne University and he continues to publish papers in statistical finance and co-authored the Theory of Financial Risk and Derivative Pricing with Jean Philippe. Mr. Potters obtained his PhD in physics from Princeton University. | ||
| Yves Lemperiere | Yves Lemperiere is the Head of Predictor Research for CFM, having joined the firm in 2003. He works alongside Raphael Benichou and is in charge of setting out the signal research for all the CFM strategies. Mr. Lemperiere originally joined CFM to conduct research on execution algorithms. After focusing on price impact modelling and | |||
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| SUB-ADVISER |
PORTFOLIO MANAGER(S) |
EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE | ||
| slippage analysis for two years, he turned to Alpha strategies, primarily on futures, and then in other asset classes, including stocks and options. Mr. Lemperiere holds a PhD in cosmology and an MSc in physics from Cambridge University. He also has a Masters in Maths from the Université Pierre et Marie Curie in Paris and a Masters in Engineering from École Centrale Paris. | ||||
| Raphael Benichou | Raphael Benichou is the Head of Portfolio Research, having joined CFM as a researcher in 2012. He works alongside Mr. Lempérière and is in charge of portfolio construction research and execution research for all the CFM strategies. Before starting his current role, Mr. Benichou was a portfolio manager for the Discus program and his research at CFM focused on portfolio optimization for Directional strategies, and alpha and trading costs for Intraday strategies. Prior to CFM, Mr. Benichou held a Post Doctoral position in theoretical physics at Vrije Universiteit, Brussels, and he holds a PhD in theoretical physics from Ecole Normale Supérieure Paris. | |||
CFM does not currently act as an adviser and/or a sub-adviser to other registered investment companies whose investment objectives are similar to the Funds.
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Principal Executive Officers and Directors of CFM
The business address of Capital Fund Management S.A. is 23, rue de lUniversite 75007 Paris, France.
The Directors and Principal Executive Officers of CFM are as follows:
| Name | Position with Sub-Adviser and Principal Occupation |
Address | ||
|
Jean-Philippe Bouchaud |
Chairman and Chief Scientist | 23 rue de lUniversite, 75007 Paris, France | ||
| Marc Potters |
Chief Investment Officer | 23 rue de lUniversite, 75007 Paris, France | ||
| Laurent Laloux |
Chief Product Officer | 23 rue de lUniversite, 75007 Paris, France | ||
| Jacques Sauliere |
Chief Executive Officer | 23 rue de lUniversite, 75007 Paris, France | ||
| Philippe Jordan |
President - CFMI | 23 rue de lUniversite, 75007 Paris, France |
Board Review and Approval of the Amended Sub-Advisory Agreement
The Sub-Advisory Agreement was approved by the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, at a meeting on June 17, 2025 (the Meeting). The Board believes that the terms and conditions of the Sub-Advisory Agreement are fair to, and in the best interests of, the Fund and its shareholders.
Materials Requested Prior to the Meeting. Prior to the Meeting, Ropes & Gray LLP (Ropes & Gray or Independent Legal Counsel), counsel to the Independent Trustees, had prepared letters on behalf of the Independent Trustees requesting information from the Adviser and CFM in connection with a proposed new Sub-Advisory Agreement (the Sub-Advisory Agreement) between the Adviser and CFM with respect to the Six Circles Multi-Strategy Fund (the Fund) series of the Trust. Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, CFM would serve as sub-adviser to a new sleeve of the Funds portfolio managed in accordance with CFMs multi-strategy absolute return investment program known as Cumulus (the CFM Sleeve). It was noted that the Sub-Advisory Agreement would have an initial term of two years.
The requests were designed to address the requirement under Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act that the Trustees request and evaluate, and that the Adviser and CFM furnish, such information as may be reasonably necessary to evaluate the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement. The Adviser and CFM responded to the information requests and provided memoranda and related materials and exhibits for consideration by the Trustees, which were provided to the Trustees in advance of the Meeting and included in the Meeting Materials (together, the 15(c) Materials). As applicable, certain of the 15(c) Materials were provided by the Adviser in connection with the Boards contemporaneous 2025 annual review and approval of the continuance of the advisory agreement between the Adviser and the Trust (the Advisory Agreement) and other sub-advisory agreements for the Fund and other series of the Trust, which also took place at the Meeting.
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Set forth below is a summary of the material factors evaluated by the Trustees that formed the basis for the Boards approval of the Sub-Advisory Agreement relating to the Fund and the CFM Sleeve. The Trustees conclusions as to the approval of the Sub-Advisory Agreement were based on a comprehensive consideration of all information provided to the Trustees. In deciding whether to approve the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Trustees did not identify any single factor or particular information that, in isolation, was controlling. Some of the factors that figured particularly in the Trustees deliberations are described below, although individual Trustees may have evaluated the information presented differently from one another, attributing different weights to various factors.
Materials Reviewed. In considering the Sub-Advisory Agreement for approval, the Trustees reviewed the 15(c) Materials and related exhibits and other information which included, among other items, the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement, comparative fee and expense information, comparative performance information, fee schedules and composite performance information with respect to the J.P. Morgan managed accounts and related strategies that may invest in the Fund, descriptions of various portfolio management and other services and functions to be performed by the Adviser and CFM for the CFM Sleeve of the Fund, information regarding the Advisers and CFMs compliance policies and procedures applicable to the Fund and the CFM Sleeve, balance sheet and/or other financial information regarding JPMPI and CFM, information regarding estimated profitability to JPMPI from its relationship with the Fund taking into account the CFM Sleeve, information regarding potential economies of scale, and information regarding potential ancillary or fall out benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates or CFM and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund and the CFM Sleeve. The Trustees also reviewed a memorandum prepared by Independent Legal Counsel regarding the responsibilities of the Trustees in considering the approval of advisory and sub-advisory agreements under applicable law.
Review Process. Following receipt and review of the 15(c) Materials, the Independent Trustees and Ropes & Gray held a video call, during which the 15(c) Materials and the related Sub-Advisory Agreement were considered and discussed. The Trustees also received presentations from representatives of the Adviser and CFM regarding the CFM Sleeve and the Sub-Advisory Agreement at the Meeting, during which management representatives responded to questions and any outstanding follow-up requests regarding the 15(c) Materials. As part of the review process, the Independent Trustees discussed the Sub-Advisory Agreement during executive sessions held with Independent Legal Counsel at which no representatives of management were present.
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services. The Trustees considered the depth and quality of the investment management process of CFM to be used for the CFM Sleeve of the Fund, including the experience and capabilities of CFMs senior management, investment and other personnel, and the overall financial strength and stability of CFM. The Trustees reviewed the nature and quality of CFMs investment management, trading, risk management, compliance capabilities and resources, research capabilities, and the experience and capabilities of its portfolio management personnel who would be responsible for the CFM Sleeve of the Fund. The Trustees also considered and approved the compliance program and code of ethics of CFM based on the review and input from the Funds Chief Compliance Officer. The Board
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noted the certificates received from CFM regarding its compliance program and code of ethics, which represented that CFM has compliance policies and procedures in place that are reasonably designed to prevent violations of the U.S. federal securities laws and that CFM has adopted a code of ethics that includes provisions reasonably necessary to prevent access persons from engaging in certain specified conduct and violating the code of ethics.
Investment Performance. The CFM Sleeve had no performance history to be reviewed by the Trustees. In considering the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Trustees did, however, consider performance information regarding relevant funds and/or client accounts managed by CFM that have comparable investment objectives, strategies and risks to those of the CFM Sleeve. In doing so, the Trustees considered that CFMs Cumulus strategy to be used for the CFM Sleeve began live trading as of January 1, 2025 and thus had a relatively short actual performance history. The Trustees also considered hypothetical performance of the Cumulous strategy provided by CFM for the period January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2024, taking into account that this information represented back-tested returns based on CFMs internal models and were not based on actual trading results.
The Trustees also considered information provided with the 15(c) Materials by the Adviser with respect to its diligence and selection process of CFM as a proposed sub-adviser to the Fund for the CFM Sleeve.
Fees and Total Expenses. In considering the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Trustees took into account that the contractual advisory fee rate payable to the Adviser with respect to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement of 1.25% of the Funds average daily net assets is higher than the contractual advisory fee rates of other series of the Trust, taking into account that the Fund has complex investment strategies and correspondingly higher sub-advisory fee rates than that of the other series of the Trust. They also took into account JPMPIs indication at the time of the Boards initial approval of the Advisory Agreement for the Fund in June 2024, that the Fund would look to add more complex and potentially higher cost investment strategies and possible additional sub-advisers, such as the CFM Sleeve and CFM, over the course of the Funds initial year of operations and thereafter.
Additionally, the Trustees considered comparative fee and expense information relating to the Fund provided in connection with the Boards approval of the Advisory Agreement and other sub-advisory agreements for the Fund at the Meeting. In doing so, the Trustees took into account a number of factors, including the type and complexity of the services to be provided to the Fund and the CFM Sleeve, the estimated cost of providing such services, the impact on potential returns from different levels of fees, the competitive marketplace for financial products, and the attractiveness of potential returns to investors in the Fund. The Trustees considered, as further noted below, that JPMPI has agreed to waive any advisory fees that exceed the aggregate sub-advisory fees JPMPI is contractually required to pay to the Funds sub-advisers, such that the level of actual management fees payable by the Fund to JPMPI will vary over time based on the blended rate of the differing sub-advisory fee rates payable to the sub-advisers and how the Funds assets are allocated from time to time for investment among the sub-advisers. Taking this and other information into account, the Trustees noted that the Funds estimated actual management fees and total expenses (net of waivers), assuming and taking into account the addition of the CFM Sleeve, would continue to be significantly below
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the average and median fees and expenses of peer funds in both the Broadridge peer group and peer universe provided in connection with the Boards approval of the Advisory Agreement at the Meeting.
The Trustees considered various other information regarding the proposed sub-advisory fee rate to be paid to CFM under the Sub-Advisory Agreement with respect to the CFM Sleeve and found the proposed rate to be reasonable, taking into account the complexity of investment program and strategies to be used for the CFM Sleeve, among other information. In this regard, the Trustees noted that the Adviser, and not the Fund, will pay CFM for its services to the Fund out of the advisory fees the Adviser receives from the Fund under the Advisory Agreement. The Trustees also took into account that the Adviser has contractually agreed to (i) reimburse expenses to the Fund to the extent its total expense ratio exceeds 1.45% of the Funds average daily net assets and (ii) waive any advisory fees that exceed the aggregate sub-advisory fees the Adviser is contractually required to pay to the sub-advisers to the Fund (such that the Adviser does not retain any advisory fees it receives from the Fund), and that these arrangements would remain in place and continue to apply following approval of the Sub-Advisory Agreement and the addition of the CFM Sleeve. In addition, the Trustees reviewed the fee rates charged by CFM to funds or accounts with comparable investment objectives and strategies as those of the CFM Sleeve identified by CFM, noting the Advisers views regarding the limitations of fee comparisons to other funds and separately managed accounts that are not registered under the 1940 Act and/or are not publicly offered, in light of the differences in the types and scope of services provided to the Fund compared to those provided to such other funds and accounts. Additionally, the Trustees noted the most-favored nations fee provision to be observed by CFM included in the Sub-Advisory Agreement, which will help to ensure that sub-advisory fee rates paid to CFM with respect to the Fund are no higher than the rates CFM charges to similar clients.
Adviser Costs, Level of Profits and Economies of Scale. The Trustees considered the estimated profits to be realized by the Adviser with respect to the CFM Sleeve of the Fund based on profitability information included in the 15(c) Materials and related materials discussed during the Meeting. Among other information, the Trustees considered the Funds operating expenses and the estimated cost to the Adviser of providing services to the Fund. They also considered the impact of the expense limitation agreement and fee waiver agreement observed by the Adviser with respect to the Fund on its estimated profitability and that such arrangements would apply to the CFM Sleeve. The Trustees took into account that JPMPIs estimates indicate that it has been unprofitable to date with respect to the Fund and will continue to be unprofitable for at least the upcoming year following the addition of the CFM Sleeve. The Trustees also took into account that, although JPMPI has not realized direct profits with respect to the Fund, J.P. Morgan and its affiliates could be profitable with respect to the managed accounts that invest in the Fund and the Trustees received related information and input from JPMPI in this regard.
The Trustees also took into account that the Adviser does not retain any of the advisory fees it receives from the Fund and has to date been unprofitable with respect to its management of the Fund itself, and that this is expected to continue following the addition of the CFM Sleeve. The Trustee noted, however, that the Adviser and its affiliates receive fees for managing the
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J.P. Morgan managed accounts that invest in the Fund. In this regard, the Trustees discussed with management possible approaches to estimating any imputed profitability to the Adviser or J.P. Morgan from their operation of the Fund taking into account the managed account fees they receive that are attributable to assets invested in the Fund and related expenses, and reviewed related information provided by the Adviser. In this regard, the Trustees took into account the Advisers representation that J.P. Morgan would continue to receive the same level of fees from its managed accounts whether the accounts invested in the Fund or in other funds and/or individual securities.
The Trustees further noted that the advisory fee rates paid by the Fund to the Adviser do not have breakpoints, but due to the Funds fee waiver arrangements, JPMPI does not retain any portion of the advisory fees paid by the Fund and also observes expense limitation arrangements for the Fund, which may allow the Fund to benefit from economies of scale. The Trustees also took into account that the sub-advisory fee rate to be paid to CFM under the Sub-Advisory Agreement includes breakpoints at certain asset levels.
Ancillary Benefits. The Trustees also considered whether the Adviser and/or CFM or any of their affiliates may receive other ancillary or fall out benefits as a result of their relationships with the Fund and the CFM Sleeve. The Trustees considered that the Fund (including with the addition of the CFM Sleeve) benefits the Adviser and its affiliates by enhancing the current discretionary product offerings to J.P. Morgan Private Bank, J.P. Morgan Securities and Chase Wealth Management clients. The Trustees considered that the Fund and the CFM Sleeve serves to expand JPMPIs CIO investment opportunities, expand their capacity to invest, and reduce unintended portfolio dispersion. The Trustees also considered that, apart from the Adviser, which does not retain any fees under the Advisory Agreement for managing the Fund, the Fund does not engage any JPMPI affiliates as Fund service providers. The Trustees noted that the Fund utilizes unaffiliated/third-party service providers for administration, custody, audit and other services. In this regard, the Trustees took into account the Advisers representation that no JPMPI affiliate directly profits financially from the Fund itself.
The Trustees also considered that the Adviser and/or its affiliates do receive portfolio management fees (PMFs) outside of the Fund based on funds held in the Advisers discretionary client accounts, including with respect to assets attributable to shares of the Fund held in such accounts. The Trustees took into account, however, the Advisers representation that it or its affiliates would receive these PMFs independent of whether the discretionary accounts allocated investments to the Fund or allocated the same assets to a third-party fund or other investments.
The Trustees additionally considered that CFM is not affiliated with any of the Funds service providers, and therefore does not benefit from those contractual relationships. The Trustees also considered the proprietary nature of the Fund and whether any benefits result to the Adviser by placing assets of J.P. Morgan managed account clients into the Fund. In addition, the Trustees considered whether the Adviser or its affiliates benefit from the Funds portfolio trading practices, noting that while the Adviser is affiliated with broker-dealers, no broker-dealer affiliate ordinarily executes portfolio transactions on behalf of the Fund.
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Conclusions. After reviewing and considering these and other factors described herein, the Trustees concluded, in their reasonable business judgment, within the context of their overall conclusions regarding the Sub-Advisory Agreement and based on information provided and related representations made by the Adviser and CFM, that they were satisfied that the fees payable to CFM under the Sub-Advisory Agreement with respect to the CFM Sleeve of the Fund represent reasonable compensation in light of the nature, extent and quality of services to be provided by CFM and that based on the information provided and taking into account the various assumptions made, the estimated profitability of the Adviser with respect to the CFM Sleeve (if any) did not appear to be excessive. Based on their evaluation of factors that they deemed to be material, including, but not limited to, those factors described above, the Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, unanimously concluded that the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement are fair and reasonable to the Fund, and approved the Proposed Agreement.
BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT OWNERSHIP
As of December 31, 2024, the Trustees and officers as a group owned less than 1% of the shares of the Fund. As of December 31, 2024, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC was the record owner on behalf of its customers of 100% of the Fund.
AFFILIATED BROKERAGE
The Fund did not pay any brokerage commissions to affiliated brokers during the most recently completed fiscal year.
SERVICE PROVIDERS
The Trusts distributor is Foreside Fund Services, LLC (Foreside). Foreside is located at Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, Maine 04101. The Trusts administrator, fund accounting agent and custodian is Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (BBH). BBH is located at 140 Broadway, New York, New York 10005. The Trusts transfer agent is SS&C GIDS, Inc. (formerly DST Asset Management Solutions, Inc.) (SS&C). SS&C is located at 30 Braintree Hill Office Park, Suite 400, Braintree, MA 02184.
OTHER MATTERS
The Trust will furnish, without charge, a copy of its most recent annual report and any recent semi-annual report to any shareholder upon request by writing to Six Circles Funds c/o J.P. Morgan Private Investments Inc., 383 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10179, or by calling collect 1-212-464-2070.
If you have elected to receive one information statement for all accounts maintained by members of your household, the Trust undertakes to deliver promptly upon written or oral request a separate copy of the information statement for a separate account if a separate copy is requested.
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The Trust does not hold regularly scheduled meetings of the shareholders of the Fund. Any shareholder proposal for a shareholder meeting must be presented to the Trust within a reasonable time before proxy materials for such meeting are sent to shareholders.
NO ACTION REQUIRED
This information statement is provided to you solely for informational purposes. No shareholder vote is being taken with respect to the matters described. You are not being asked to provide a proxy.
J.P. Morgan is committed to making our products and services accessible to meet the financial services needs of all our clients. If you are a person with a disability and need additional support accessing this material, please contact your J.P. Morgan team or email us at accessibility.support@jpmorgan.com for assistance.
15
ANNEXA
INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
between
J. P. MORGAN PRIVATE INVESTMENTS INC.
and
CAPITAL FUND MANAGEMENT S.A.
This INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Agreement), effective as of the June 17, 2025 between J.P. Morgan Private Investments Inc. (the Adviser), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and Capital Fund Management S.A. (Subadviser), a corporation (société anonyme) organized and existing under the laws of France.
WHEREAS, the Adviser has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement dated June 22, 2018, as amended as of September 18, 2024 (the Advisory Agreement) with Six Circles Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the Trust), which is engaged in business as an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (1940 Act); and
WHEREAS, the Trust is and will continue to be a series trust having one or more investment funds, each with its own assets, investment objectives, policies and restrictions (each a Fund and collectively, the Funds); and
WHEREAS, the Subadviser is engaged principally in the business of rendering investment advisory services and is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, (the Advisers Act); and
WHEREAS, the Adviser represents that the Advisory Agreement permits the Adviser to delegate certain of its duties under the Advisory Agreement to other investment advisers subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act; and
WHEREAS, the Adviser desires to retain the Subadviser, in connection with the Fund(s) listed on Appendix A, in the provision of a continuous investment program for that portion of the assets of the Fund which the Adviser may from time to time allocate to the Subadviser in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (the Subadviser Assets) and the Subadviser is willing to furnish such services (the Investment Program) in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual promises herein set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Appointment.
The Adviser hereby retains the Subadviser to act as investment adviser for and to manage on a discretionary basis the Subadviser Assets for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. The Subadviser accepts such appointment and agrees to render the services herein set forth, for the compensation herein provided. The Subadviser acknowledges and agrees that (i) the Adviser makes no commitment to allocate any maximum or minimum portion of the Funds assets to the Subadviser as
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the Subadviser Assets, (ii) at any time, upon written notice to the Subadviser, the Adviser may allocate all, none or any portion of the Funds assets to the Subadviser, (iii) may reallocate any portion or all of the Subadviser Assets (a) to any other subadviser unaffiliated with the Adviser upon written notice to the Subadviser or (b) to itself or a subadviser affiliated with the Adviser upon 61 days written notice to the Subadviser (or such shorter period as may be agreed by the Subadviser after receipt of such notice) and (iv) subject to written notice to the Subadviser, and, as applicable, the written notice set forth in clause (iii)(b) of this paragraph 1, the Adviser retains authority to immediately assume direct responsibility for any function delegated to the Subadviser under this Agreement.
The Subadviser shall act as the sole and exclusive trading adviser retained by the Adviser with respect to the Subadviser Assets.
The Subadviser will manage the Subadviser Assets in accordance with the Funds registration statement, the investment guidelines and all applicable laws.
2. Duties of the Subadviser
A. Investment Subadvisory Services. Subject to the supervision of the Trusts Board of Trustees (the Board) and the Adviser, the Subadviser shall manage the investments of the Subadviser Assets in accordance with (i) the Funds investment objective, policies, and restrictions as provided in the Trusts Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, as currently in effect and as amended or supplemented from time to time (hereinafter referred to as the Prospectus), (ii) the portfolio guidelines (including the list of securities and other financial instruments permitted to be traded) agreed from time to time in writing by the Adviser and the Subadviser (the Guidelines), (iii) except as specifically set forth in the Guidelines, the requirements applicable to registered investment companies under applicable laws (including the 1940 Act) and (iv) such other limitations and instructions as the Adviser may institute in writing (including via electronic communication) and provide to Subadviser within a reasonable time prior to implementation For the avoidance of doubt, the Subadviser agrees that it will manage the Subadviser Assets in accordance with the investment limitations and other restrictions under the 1940 Act as if the Subadviser Assets constituted a separate investment company registered under the 1940 Act. The Subadviser further agrees to manage the investments of the Subadviser Assets in accordance with Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), as if the Subadviser Assets constituted a separate investment company registered under the 1940 Act, except as otherwise specifically set forth in the Guidelines. Without limiting the preceding obligations of the Subadviser, if the Adviser notifies the Subadviser that the Adviser has determined, in its sole discretion, that the Subadviser Assets are not in compliance with any of the Trusts Declaration of Trust, By-Laws, Prospectus, Guidelines, the 1940 Act or the Code, the Subadviser will immediately take action to bring the Subadviser Assets back into compliance taking into account the best interest of the Funds shareholders; provided, however, the Subadvisers commencement of such action shall not, in and of itself, constitute an admission by the Subadviser that the Subadviser Assets are not in compliance with the Trusts Declaration of Trust, By-Laws, Prospectus, Guidelines, the 1940 Act or the Code.
The Subadviser shall (a) make investment decisions for the Subadviser Assets and select securities and other financial instruments for purchase or sale with respect to the Subadviser assets; (b) place purchase and sale orders for portfolio transactions for the Subadviser Assets; and (c) employ professional portfolio managers and investment analysts whose duties include, without limitation, providing research services with respect to the Subadviser Assets. In providing these services, the
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Subadviser will conduct a program of investment, evaluation and, if appropriate, sale and reinvestment of the Subadviser Assets, including the amount to be held uninvested as cash or in cash equivalents selected by the Subadviser.
The Adviser shall promptly make available to or furnish the Subadviser with copies of the Trusts Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, Declaration of Trust, Bylaws, Advisory Agreement, the Guidelines and any other limitations, instructions or guidelines instituted by the Adviser with regards to the Subadviser Assets, and any amendments thereto in advance of such amendments taking effect. Upon notification by the Adviser of such amendments, the Subadviser shall immediately commence action if necessary to bring the Subadviser Assets into compliance taking into account the best interest of the Funds shareholders; provided, for the avoidance of doubt, that the Subadviser shall not be responsible for compliance with any such amendments prior to the time at which such written notification is received by Subadviser or made publicly available and the Subadviser has been notified of such public disclosure, and provided further that the parties shall discuss in good faith in case of technical or market constraints that may impede the Subadviser to implement such amendments, instructions, guidelines and/or directions (including Other Instructions) within the timeframe requested by the Adviser.
The Subadviser shall have authority to instruct the Funds custodian (the Custodian) to: (i) pay cash for eligible securities and other property delivered to the Custodian for the Subadviser Assets, (ii) deliver or accept delivery of, upon receipt of payment or payment upon receipt of, securities, commodities or other property underlying any futures or options contracts, and other property purchased or sold in the Subadviser Assets, and (iii) deposit margin or collateral which shall include the transfer of money, securities or other eligible property to the extent necessary to meet the obligations of the Subadviser Assets with respect to any investments made pursuant to the Prospectus.
Subject to Section 2D (Brokerage) below, the Subadviser is authorized with respect to the Subadviser Assets to enter into agreements and execute any documents (e.g., any derivatives documentation such as exchange traded and over-the-counter, as applicable) and take any other actions required to make investments pursuant to the Prospectus, which shall include any market and/or industry standard documentation and the standard representations contained therein.
The Adviser acknowledges and agrees that the appointment of the Subadviser as subadviser of the Subadviser Assets shall in no way discharge or relieve the Board and the Adviser from their general liabilities and obligations to the shareholders of the Fund.
B. Subadviser Undertakings. In all matters relating to the performance of this Agreement, the Subadviser shall act in conformity with (a) the Trusts Prospectus, Agreement and Declaration of Trust, Bylaws, written policies and procedures of the Fund adopted by the Board, (b) the Guidelines, (c) any other written limitations instituted by the Adviser and agreed to by the Subadviser with regard to the Subadviser Assets, and (d) any written instructions and directions of the Board or the Adviser (so long as (x) such instructions and directions do not cause the Subadviser to violate applicable law or regulation and (y) the Subadviser is provided a reasonable period of time to comply with such instructions and directions). The Subadviser hereby agrees to:
| (i) | regularly report to the Board and the Adviser (in such form and frequency as the Adviser and Subadviser mutually agree) with respect to the implementation of the Investment Program, compliance of the Subadviser Assets with the Prospectus, the Guidelines, the |
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| 1940 Act and the Code, and other topics as may reasonably be requested by the Board or the Adviser, including attending Board meetings, as reasonably requested, to present such reports to the Board; |
| (ii) | make themselves available, upon reasonable request by the Adviser, the Trusts pricing agent and/or valuation committee, taking into account the time sensitive nature of the matter, to provide a commercially reasonable level of support and consult with the Adviser, the Trusts pricing agent or valuation committee regarding the valuation of any of the Subadviser Assets for which the Adviser, the Trusts pricing agent or valuation committee seeks assistance from the Subadviser or identifies for review by the Subadviser including in the event a fair value determination is necessary because of the Subadviser Assets are not registered for public sale, not traded on any securities market, or otherwise in case of exceptional market conditions or a halt or suspension in trading of specific securities or instruments. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Adviser acknowledges that (a) the Subadvisers valuation policies may differ from the valuation policies of the Trusts pricing agent and valuation committee and (b) therefore, the valuations made by the Fund with respect to the Subadviser Assets may differ from the valuations made by or on behalf of the Subadviser for other accounts that the Subadviser manages; |
| (iii) | in connection with any securities or other investments purchased, sold, retained or borrowed for the Subadviser Assets, arrange for the transmission to the Custodian on a daily basis such confirmation, trade tickets, and other documents and information, including, but not limited to, CUSIP, Sedol, or other numbers that identify the securities or other instruments to be purchased, sold, retained or borrowed on behalf of the Fund, as may be reasonably necessary to enable the Custodian to perform its custodial, administrative, and recordkeeping responsibilities with respect to the Fund. Communication by the Subadviser via electronic means is acceptable to the Adviser, the Custodian or the administrator. (the Administrator); |
| (iv) | with respect to securities or other instruments of the Subadviser Assets to be settled through the Custodian, arrange for the transmission of the confirmation of such trades to the Custodian by the end of the day upon which such transaction occurs. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties acknowledge that the Subadviser is not a custodian of the Funds assets and that it will not take possession or custody of such assets; |
| (v) | confirm all trades made on behalf of the Subadviser Assets with each executing broker and counterparty daily to facilitate accurate trade settlement and verify open positions (including cash, if any). The Subadviser shall notify the Custodian, on behalf of the Fund, promptly (ideally within one business day) upon becoming aware of any trade which the Subadviser believes was not executed in accordance with its instructions. The Fund or its designee may also conduct a reconciliation of trades as reported from executing brokers and counterparties and the Subadviser shall reasonably cooperate with the Fund or such designee in order to effect such reconciliation, including without limitation by arranging for reasonable access by the Fund or such designee to the files and websites of the executing brokers and counterparties to the extent such access is available; |
| (vi) | promptly review each holdings reconciliation report relating to the Subadviser Assets that it receives from the Custodian and accounting agent and/or the Adviser, as appropriate, and |
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| shall use commercially reasonable efforts to resolve all open reconciliation items, including trade breaks, contained in such report promptly (ideally, if reasonably practicable, within one business day) after the time as of which the Subadviser receives such report. Further, the Subadviser shall notify the Adviser and the Fund of any errors or discrepancies, including, without limitation, trade breaks, in the holdings reconciliation reports which have not been resolved promptly (ideally, if reasonably practicable, within one business day) after the time as of which the Subadviser becomes aware of any such errors or discrepancies; |
| (vii) | use commercially reasonable efforts to prepare and cause to be filed in a timely manner Form 13F and Schedules 13D or 13G, if required, with respect to securities held in the Subadviser Assets, without regard for any other assets held by the Trust or the Fund, unless specifically informed otherwise by the Adviser (it being understood that unless notified otherwise in writing, the Subadviser shall consider such securities as being subject to its sole investment discretion for purposes of Form 13F). The Subadviser agrees that it shall not acquire on behalf of the Fund any equity securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (1934 Act) with the purpose or effect, at the time of such acquisition, of changing or influencing control of the issuer of the securities or in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having such purpose or effect, including any transaction subject to Rule 13d-3(b) promulgated under the 1934 Act; |
| (viii) | provide, subject to any obligations or undertakings reasonably necessary to maintain the confidentiality provision in Section 8 of this Agreement, such historical performance, fee and expense information about the accounts and investment funds the Subadviser manages that have investment objectives, policies, and strategies substantially similar to those employed by the Subadviser in managing the Subadviser Assets as may be reasonably necessary to allow the Trust, the Board or their agents to fulfill their duties under applicable laws, including, without limitation, Section 15 of the 1940 Act, and to permit the Adviser to satisfy its oversight responsibilities or to satisfy any request by applicable federal or state regulatory authorities. Such information may be provided in the form of a composite of accounts or on an anonymous basis, provided the Adviser hereby agrees to not use such information for marketing purposes other than as may be agreed between the parties; |
| (ix) | reasonably identify, process and track all class actions for any security held within the Fund managed by the Subadviser during its management, provided that, with the prior written approval of the Adviser, the Subadviser shall be permitted to use a third party service provider that is subject to confidentiality obligations to perform such functions; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, upon written notice to the Subadviser, the Subadviser shall cease to perform the functions set forth in this Section 2B(ix) and shall instruct any such third party service provider to cease performing such functions, and to the extent it chooses to participate in or to consent to any class action with respect to any securities that are included in the Subadviser Assets, to promptly notify the Fund and the Adviser; |
| (x) | provide reasonable assistance to the Adviser with respect to the annual audit of the Funds financial statements, as related to the Subadviser Assets, including, but not limited to: (a) providing broker contacts as needed for obtaining trade confirmations; (b) providing copies of term loans and swap agreements, within a reasonable time upon request by the Adviser; (c) providing reasonable assistance in obtaining trade confirmations in the event the Fund or |
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| the Funds independent registered public accounting firm is unable to obtain such confirmations directly from the brokers and (d) provide reasonable assistance in valuing investments that are not readily ascertainable in the event the Fund or the Funds independent registered public accounting firm is unable to obtain such market quotations through independent means; and |
| (xi) | upon request, provide timely input to and collaborate with the Adviser and the Fund (a) in determining appropriate liquidity classifications for the Subadviser Assets, for purposes of compliance with Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, in accordance with the parameters of the Funds liquidity program, (b) in providing data and information in connection with the preparation of the Funds shareholder reports (e.g. Form N-CSRs), census reporting forms (e.g. Form N-CEN) and portfolio holdings reporting forms (e.g. Form N-PORT) or the financial reports contained therein, and (c) in providing such information to the Fund regarding derivatives as may be requested in connection with the Funds compliance with Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act. |
C. Expenses. The Subadviser will bear all of its expenses, including, without limitation, Subadvisers insurance premiums and deductibles, in connection with the performance of its services under this Agreement. All other expenses to be incurred in the operation of the Fund will be borne by the Trust, except to the extent specifically assumed by the Subadviser as set forth herein or otherwise. The expenses to be borne by the Trust may include, without limitation, the following: organizational costs, registration fess, taxes, interest, brokerage related fees and commissions, Trustees fees, Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) fees and state Blue Sky qualification fees and other regulatory fees, advisory fees, charges of custodians, transfer and dividend disbursing agents fees, insurance premiums and deductibles, industry association fees, outside auditing and fund-related legal expenses, costs of independent pricing services, costs of maintaining existence, costs attributable to investor services (including, without limitation, telephone and personnel expenses), costs of preparing and printing prospectuses and statements of additional information for regulatory purposes and for distribution to existing stockholders, costs of stockholders reports and meetings, and any extraordinary expenses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Subadviser shall be responsible for all costs associated with any information statements, supplements and/or other disclosure materials that are for the primary benefit of, or otherwise occur as a result of any event occurring with respect to, the Subadviser (including, but not limited to, the legal fees associated with preparation, printing, filing and mailing thereof, as well as any shareholder meeting and/or solicitation costs, if applicable).
D. Brokerage. Except as otherwise agreed with the Adviser herein or otherwise, the Subadviser will utilize counterparties for futures and options clearing, and ISDAs for over-the-counter derivatives under agreements set up by, or in the name of, the Adviser or the Fund. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the request of the Adviser and subject to the Advisers reasonable review and approval, Subadviser may negotiate and enter into such trading terms, ISDAs, control agreements, clearing agreements and other trading arrangements on behalf of the Fund as may be necessary for the Subadviser to effect transactions for Subadviser Assets with brokers, dealers and futures and options clearing, and ISDA counterparties selected by the Subadviser. The Subadviser will be responsible for managing any collateral and margin requirements associated with investments made for the Subadviser Assets and will perform in-house reconciliation procedures on such accounts and provide information regarding such reconciliations to the Adviser upon reasonable request. The Subadviser shall notify the Custodian, the relevant counterparty and the Adviser of any significant discrepancies in the collateral requirements or daily collateral management activity promptly of the Subadviser becoming aware of a
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discrepancy and shall work to resolve any discrepancies in the collateral requirements or daily collateral management activity promptly after the time as of which the Subadviser becomes aware of such discrepancy. The Subadviser will have no obligation to independently monitor or verify the impact of any executed derivatives transactions on the Funds overall counterparty risk limits. The Subadviser will have no obligation to independently take action to prevent the Funds violation of a counterparty risk limit unless as set forth in the Guidelines or as otherwise instructed to do so by the Adviser. In selecting brokers or dealers to execute transactions on behalf of the Subadviser Assets, it shall be the policy of the Subadviser to seek to obtain best execution and the Subadviser agrees to act in conformance with its best execution policies and procedures. Subadviser shall provide updates of such best execution policies and procedures to the Adviser and the Fund upon the implementation of any material changes made thereto. In assessing best execution, the Subadviser will consider factors it deems relevant, which may include, without limitation, the breadth of the market in the security, the price of the security, the financial condition and execution capability of the broker or dealer and the reasonableness of the commission, if any, for the specific transaction and on a continuing basis. In selecting brokers or dealers to execute a particular transaction, and in evaluating best execution, the Subadviser is authorized to consider the brokerage and research services (within the meaning of Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) provided to the Fund and/or other accounts over which the Subadviser exercises investment discretion. Other than upon prior written approval by the Adviser, Subadviser will not engage in any transactions with respect to the Subadviser Assets with any affiliate of the Adviser. Subadviser will provide to Adviser a written list of its affiliates and will, from time to time, update such list as necessary. Adviser has provided to Subadviser a written list of affiliated brokers and dealers of the Adviser and will, from time to time, update and deliver such list as necessary.
E. Aggregation of Orders. Subject to the Subadvisers obligations to seek to obtain best execution in selecting brokers or dealers to execute transactions on behalf of the Subadviser Assets as set forth in Section 2D (Brokerage), the Subadviser may to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, but shall be under no obligation to, aggregate orders. In such event, allocation of the orders, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by the Subadviser in a fair and equitable manner and consistent with the Subadvisers fiduciary obligations to the Fund and to its other clients and in a manner consistent with the Subadvisers allocation policies and procedures. The Adviser acknowledges and agrees that, due to the restriction on using brokers and dealers affiliated with the Adviser, orders for the Subadviser Assets will not be aggregated with the orders for any other client account of the Subadviser that is executed with a broker or dealer affiliated with the Adviser, which may result in differences in the timing and price at which such trades are executed on behalf of the Fund and any such other account(s). Such limitations will be considered when assessing best execution by the Subadviser. Subadviser shall provide updates of its policies and procedures concerning allocations of orders to the Adviser and the Fund upon the implementation of any material changes made thereto. The Adviser recognizes that, in some cases, the Subadvisers allocation procedure may limit the size of the position that may be acquired or sold for the Subadviser Assets.
F. Books and Records. The Subadviser shall maintain separate detailed records as are required by applicable laws and regulations applicable to the Subadviser, including, without limitation, Rule 31a-3 under the 1940 Act, of all matters hereunder pertaining to the Subadviser Assets (the Funds Records), including, without limitation, brokerage and other records of all securities transactions. In compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 under the 1940 Act, the Subadviser hereby agrees that the Funds Records are the property of the Trust and further agrees to provide promptly to the Trust copies of any of such records upon the Funds or the Advisers request, provided,
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however, that Subadviser may retain copies of any such records. The Subadviser further agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act the records relating to its activities hereunder required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act and to preserve the records relating to its activities hereunder required by Rule 204-2 under the Advisers Act for the period specified in said Rule. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Subadviser has no responsibility for the maintenance of the records of the Fund, except for those related to the Subadviser Assets that are required to be maintained by the Subadviser under applicable requirements of the 1940 Act.
G. Subadviser Compliance Responsibilities. The Subadviser and the Adviser acknowledge that the Subadviser is not the compliance agent for the Fund, and does not have access to all of the Trusts books and records necessary to perform certain compliance testing. However, to the extent that the Subadviser has agreed to perform the services specified in this Agreement, the Subadviser shall perform (i) compliance monitoring designed to ensure compliance as set forth in Section 2A and (ii) periodic compliance testing with respect to the Subadviser Assets as it deems appropriate, based upon information in its possession or upon information and reasonable written instructions received from the Adviser or the Trusts Administrator. The Adviser or the Administrator shall promptly provide the Subadviser with complete and accurate copies of the Trusts Declaration of Trust, By-Laws, current Prospectus, the Guidelines and any written policies or procedures adopted by the Board and currently in effect applicable to the Subadviser Assets, and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide the Subadviser with any amendments or revisions thereto in advance of such adoptions, amendments or revisions taking effect. The Subadviser shall supply such reports or other documentation as reasonably requested from time to time by the Adviser to evidence Subadvisers compliance with such Prospectus, Guidelines, policies or procedures.
The Subadviser shall not be responsible for the preparation of the Funds regulatory filings or shareholder reports.
H. Proxy Voting. The Subadviser shall use its good faith judgment in a manner which it reasonably believes best serves the interests of the Funds shareholders to vote or abstain from voting all proxies solicited by or with respect to the issuers of any voting securities in the Subadviser Assets. Subject to SEC guidance, the Subadviser may use recommendations from a third party in order to make voting decisions and may use a third party service provider to perform the voting or to perform any other administrative obligations of the Subadviser described under this Section H (a Third Party Proxy Voting Service Provider). The Custodian shall cause to be forwarded to the Subadviser or Third Party Proxy Voting Service Provider all proxy solicitation materials that the Fund or its representatives may receive. The Subadviser agrees that it has adopted written proxy voting procedures that comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act and the Advisers Act. The Subadviser further agrees that it will provide the Board as the Board may reasonably request, with a written report of the proxies voted during the most recent 12-month period or such other period as the Board may designate, in a format reasonably requested by the Board. Upon reasonable request, Subadviser shall provide the Adviser or the Administrator with all proxy voting records relating to the Subadviser Assets, including but not limited to those required by Form N-PX. The Subadviser will also provide an annual certification, in a form reasonably acceptable to Adviser, attesting to the accuracy and completeness of such proxy voting records. For the avoidance of doubt, the Subadviser has sole and full discretion to vote (or not to vote) any securities constituting the Subadviser Assets and the Adviser or the Trust will not, directly or indirectly, attempt to influence the Subadvisers voting decisions.
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I. Use of Names. The Subadviser shall not use the name, logo, insignia, or other identifying mark of the Trust, the Fund or the Adviser or any of their affiliates or any derivative or logo or trade or service mark thereof, or disclose information related to the business of the Adviser or any of its affiliates in material relating to the Subadviser in any manner not approved in writing prior thereto by the Adviser; provided, however, that during the term of this Agreement, the Subadviser may use the Advisers, the Funds or the Trusts name and that of their affiliates in materials which merely refer in accurate terms to the appointment of the Subadviser hereunder or which are required by the SEC, a state securities commission, law, regulation, court order or other similar request or demand or as otherwise permitted pursuant to this Agreement. For so long as the Fund remains in existence and the Subadviser is providing the services set forth herein, the Adviser and the Fund shall have a royalty-free license to use the name of the Subadviser, including any short-form of such name, or any combination or derivation thereof, limited for the purpose of identifying the Subadviser as a subadviser to the Fund. The Subadviser acknowledges and agrees that the Adviser, the Fund and the Funds distributor will use such names in communications about the Fund to current and prospective investors in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, together with other general information regarding the Subadviser and its affiliates, including, without limitation, a general description of the investment program of the Subadviser with respect to the Subadviser Assets. The Adviser and the Fund shall cease to use the name of the Subadviser in any newly printed materials, including newly created materials in electronic form (except as may be reasonably necessary to comply with applicable law or as required in connection with the Trusts standard reporting) promptly upon termination of this Agreement. Other than materials which contain only the name or appointment of the Subadviser or language that is identical to previously-approved language from the current Fund Prospectus or Statement of Additional Information, all sales and other marketing and communications materials referring to or containing information regarding the Subadviser shall be subject to the review and approval of the Subadviser, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, and the Subadviser agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to review all such material promptly, but no later than ten days of their receipt thereof.
J. Other Subadvisers. With respect to any Fund, (i) without the prior written consent of the Adviser, the Subadviser will not consult with any other subadviser to that Fund (including, in the case of an offering of securities subject to Section 10(f) of the 1940 Act, any subadviser that is a principal underwriter or an affiliated person of a principal underwriter of such offering) concerning transactions for that Fund in securities or other assets, except, in the case of transactions involving securities of persons engaged in securities-related businesses, for purposes of complying with the conditions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of Rule 12d3-l under the 1940 Act; and (ii) the Subadviser is responsible only for providing advice and the other services set forth herein with respect to the Subadviser Assets. Pursuant to Rule 17a-10 of the 1940 Act, the Adviser agrees that it will include a provision substantially similar to this Section 2J in each other subadvisory agreement relating to the Fund.
K. Portfolio Holdings. The Subadviser will not disclose, in any manner whatsoever, any list of securities held by the Fund or a list of Subadviser Assets, other than (i) in accordance with the Funds portfolio holdings disclosure policy, (ii) to third party service providers that reasonably require such information to perform services with respect to the Subadviser Assets so long as such third party service providers are subject to confidentiality restrictions and covenants, (iii) as otherwise directed in writing by the Adviser or (iv) as required by applicable law, regulation, court order or other similar request or demand (including in connection with Section 15 of the 1940 Act); provided that the Subadviser shall notify the Adviser of the disclosure. The foregoing shall not prohibit the Subadvisers disclosure of portfolio securities and instruments held by any of its other client accounts or investment funds which pursue similar strategies to the Fund.
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L. Business Continuity. The Subadviser has established and will keep in effect a disaster recovery preparedness plan that sets forth procedures for recovery of critical business functions at minimum operating levels and is designed so that it can be implemented within a 24-hour time period. The Subadviser shall notify the Adviser, as soon as practicable by telephone, electronic mail or such other method of prompt communication as may be available under the circumstances, of the occurrence of any event requiring the Subadviser to implement any procedures under such plan.
M. Cybersecurity. The Subadviser has established and will keep in effect policies and procedures reasonably designed to detect and prevent cybersecurity breaches, including without limitation, malware, viruses, and other unauthorized access to information and information systems maintained by the Subadviser. The Subadviser shall notify the Adviser, by telephone, electronic mail or such other method of prompt communication as may be available under the circumstances, as soon as reasonably practicable upon becoming aware of the occurrence or threat of any event that results in, or increases the risk of, any unauthorized access to or modification of, loss or misuse of, or impairment of the integrity or availability of, any such information or information systems maintained by the Subadviser that may affect the Subadvisers ability to perform its duties under this Agreement.
N. Subadviser Rights to Performance Record. Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary herein, the Subadviser shall retain a right to use the investment performance and track record of the Subadviser Assets (including in marketing) to the extent permitted by law, provided that the name of the Fund and the Trust is not specifically identified without the prior written approval of the Trust. Further, for the avoidance of doubt, the Subadviser shall be entitled to retain and use records of each of its transactions and other records pertaining to the Subadviser Assets and the Fund as are necessary to support any such uses of the investment performance and track record.
O. Subadviser Trade Errors and Breaches. The Subadviser shall notify the Adviser as promptly as reasonably practicable upon detection of any trade error or any breach of Guidelines or breach of other applicable limitations or requirements (a Breach) in connection with its management of the Subadviser Assets and in no event shall notice be delivered later than one business day after the time as of which the Subadviser becomes aware of any such trade error or Breach, and the Subadviser shall commence action to correct any trade error or Breach immediately upon detection of any trade error in connection with its management of the Subadviser Assets. In the event of a trade error or Breach, as soon as reasonably practicable following the aforementioned notice, the Subadviser shall provide a memorandum to the Adviser describing the trade error or Breach and the action, if any, to be taken to prevent future occurrences of such trade error or Breach or, alternatively, a statement that the Subadviser has reviewed its existing controls, found them reasonably designed to prevent additional trade errors or Breaches in the future and has determined that no further action is required. Notwithstanding the Subadvisers assessment of its internal controls or any other provision of this Agreement including Sections 4 and 5, all trade errors or Breaches impacting the Fund must be remediated by the Subadviser to the satisfaction of the Adviser, which, for the avoidance of doubt, may include reimbursement from the Subadviser to the Fund of all costs, losses and expenses incurred due to the trade error or Breach, if any. In addition, the Subadviser shall provide the Adviser and the Trust, or their agents, with reasonable access to all documents and information within its possession or control related to any trade error or Breach, its analysis and correction.
3. Compensation of Subadviser. The Adviser will pay the Subadviser, with respect to each Fund on Appendix A attached hereto, the compensation specified in Appendix A. Further, the Subadviser agrees to the representations regarding the fee structure specified in Appendix A. In the case of
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termination of this Agreement with respect to the Fund during any calendar month, the fee with respect to the Subadviser Assets accrued to, but excluding, the date of termination (as of the open of business) shall be paid promptly following such termination.
4. Standard of Care. The Subadviser shall exercise its best judgment in rendering its services described in this Agreement. Except as may otherwise be required by the 1940 Act or the rules thereunder or other applicable law, or as otherwise provided in Section 2.0 above and Section 5 below, the Subadviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund or the Adviser in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from Subadvisers willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence on its part in the performance of its duties hereunder, or from reckless disregard by it of its obligations and duties under this Agreement or from its material breach of this Agreement. It is acknowledged and agreed that any trade error that results in a gain to the Fund shall inure to the benefit of the Fund.
5. Indemnification.
A. The Adviser shall indemnify the Subadviser and the Subadvisers affiliates, agents, controlling persons, directors, partners, officers, employees and shareholders (collectively, the Subadviser Indemnified Parties) against, and hold such Subadviser Indemnified Parties harmless from, any costs, expense, claim, loss, liability, judgment, fine, settlement or damage (including reasonable legal and other expenses) (collectively, Losses) arising out of any claim, demands, actions, suits or proceedings (civil, criminal, administrative or investigative) asserted or threatened to be asserted by any third party (collectively, Proceedings) in so far as such Loss (or actions with respect thereto) arises out of or is based upon (i) any material misstatement or omission of a material fact in the Funds Prospectus, registration statement, proxy materials or reports filed with the SEC, unless and to the extent such material misstatement or omission was made in reliance upon, and is consistent with, information furnished in writing to the Adviser by any Subadviser Indemnified Party for use therein or (ii) the Advisers willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties hereunder or the Advisers reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement or the Advisers material breach of this Agreement.
B. The Subadviser shall indemnify the Trust, the Adviser and each of their respective affiliates, agents, controlling persons, directors, members of the Board, partners, officers, employees and shareholders (the Adviser Indemnified Parties) against, and hold them harmless from, any and all Losses arising out of any Proceedings in so far as such Loss (or actions with respect thereto) arises out of or is based upon (i) any material misstatement or omission of a material fact in information regarding the Subadviser furnished in writing to the Adviser by the Subadviser for use in the Funds Prospectus, registration statement, proxy materials or reports filed with the SEC; (ii) the failure of the Subadviser to execute, or cause to be executed, portfolio investment transactions according to the requirements of applicable law, including the 1940 Act, the Code, the Prospectus and the Guidelines; (iii) any material breach by the Subadviser of this Agreement including, without limitation, any representation or warranty contained herein (and other written instructions given by the Board or the Adviser to the Subadviser in accordance with this Agreement); or (iv) the Subadvisers willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of its duties hereunder or the Subadvisers reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.
6. Non-Exclusivity. The services of the Subadviser to the Adviser with respect to the Subadviser Assets are not to be deemed to be exclusive, and the Subadviser and its affiliates shall be free to render
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any investment advisory or any other services to others whether similar or dissimilar in nature to the services hereunder (including other investment companies) and to engage in any other activities. It is understood and agreed that the directors, officers, and employees of the Subadviser are not prohibited from engaging in any other business activity or from rendering services to any other person, or from serving as partners, officers, directors, trustees, or employees of any other firm or corporation, including other investment companies.
The Adviser acknowledges that the Subadviser now acts and from time to time hereafter may act as investment adviser or sub-investment adviser to one or more private funds, investment companies and fiduciary or other managed accounts (collectively, the accounts), and the Adviser has no objection to the Subadviser so acting. The Adviser acknowledges that while the Subadviser Assets and other accounts may invest in the same type of securities, the Subadviser may give advice or exercise investment responsibility and take such other action with respect to such other accounts which may differ from advice given or the timing or nature of action taken with respect to the Subadviser Assets; provided, however, that any such advice is consistent with the Subadvisers fiduciary duties and obligations to the Subadviser Assets.
In addition, it is understood that the persons employed by the Subadviser to assist in the performance of the Subadvisers duties hereunder will not devote their full time to such services and nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit or restrict the Subadvisers right or the right of any of the Subadvisers affiliates to engage in and devote time and attention to other businesses or to render services of whatever kind or nature.
The Subadviser shall, for all purposes hereof, be an independent contractor and, except as expressly provided hereunder, the Subadviser shall have no authority to act for or represent the Fund or the Adviser in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Fund or the Adviser.
7. Maintenance of Insurance. During the term of the Agreement and for a period of one year after the termination hereof, Subadviser will be covered by errors and omissions insurance, fidelity bond coverage and commercial general liability insurance coverage maintained by the Subadviser or any of its affiliates each in a commercially reasonable amount based upon the amount of assets managed by the Subadviser and industry standards. Subadviser shall upon reasonable request provide to the Adviser any information it may reasonably require concerning the amount of or scope of the insurance and shall promptly notify the Adviser if the issuer or the amount of the foregoing policies shall change.
8. Confidentiality. Each party to this Agreement shall keep confidential any nonpublic information concerning the other party and will not use or disclose such information for any purpose other than (i) to a limited number of employees, attorneys, accountants, affiliates, advisers, brokers and other service providers (collectively, Representatives) for which such disclosure is necessary for the performance of its responsibilities and duties hereunder and which Representatives are under similar confidentiality obligations to the disclosing party as are set forth herein. Nonpublic information shall not include information a party to this Agreement can clearly establish was (a) known to such party prior to disclosure to such party by the other party or its representatives and not otherwise subject to a separate confidentiality obligation (b) rightfully acquired by the party from third parties whom the party reasonably believes after due inquiry are not under an obligation of confidentiality to the other party to this Agreement; (c) placed in public domain without fault of the party or its affiliates; or (d) independently developed by the party without reference or reliance upon the nonpublic information. Neither party shall use the information provided by the other party to trade for their own account or,
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without the other partys written consent, for the account of any other person (other than the Fund). Nothing in this Section 8 will be deemed to prevent a party from disclosing information concerning the other party to the extent required to comply with any applicable law, regulation or regulatory filing or in response to a request from a duly constituted regulatory or judicial authority.
9. Term of Agreement. This Agreement shall become effective as of the date of its execution and shall continue in effect for a period of two years from the date of execution. Thereafter, this Agreement shall continue automatically for successive annual periods, provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the Board or (ii) a vote of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Funds outstanding voting securities, provided that in either event the continuance also is approved by a majority of the Board who are not interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any party to this Agreement, by vote cast at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. This Agreement is terminable at any time (including during the initial two year term), without penalty, (i) on 61 days written notice by the Adviser, or (ii) on 60 days written notice by the Board, by vote of holders of a majority of the Funds shares or by the Subadviser, and will terminate five business days after the Subadviser receives written notice of the termination of the Advisory Agreement between the Trust and the Adviser. This Agreement also will terminate automatically in the event of its Assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
Termination of this Agreement shall not affect the rights or obligations of the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser under Section 5 of this Agreement.
10. Representations of Subadviser. The Subadviser represents, warrants, and agrees on each day during the term of this Agreement as follows:
A. The Subadviser: (i) is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act and will continue to be so registered for so long as this Agreement remains in effect; (ii) meets, and will continue to meet for so long as this Agreement remains in effect, any other applicable federal or state requirements, or the applicable requirements of any regulatory or industry self-regulatory organization, necessary to be met in order to perform the services contemplated by this Agreement; (iii) has all necessary federal and state governmental, regulatory and commodity exchange licenses and approvals required to conduct its business as contemplated hereby; (iv) is and will continue to be operated in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations; (v) has in effect all filings and registrations with federal and state governmental and regulatory agencies required to conduct its business and to act as described herein or required to perform its obligations hereunder (including, by way of example only but without limitation, to the extent required, registration with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the CFTC) as a commodity trading advisor under the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended (the CEA) and membership with the National Futures Association (the NFA)), and the performance of such obligations will not materially violate or result in a material breach of any provision of the Subadvisers certificate of formation or operating agreement; (vi) has the authority to enter into and perform the services contemplated by this Agreement; (vii) will promptly notify the Adviser of the occurrence of any event that would disqualify the Subadviser from serving as an investment adviser of an investment company pursuant to Section 9(a) of the 1940 Act or otherwise; and (viii) will manage the Subadviser Assets in a manner consistent with the Subadvisers code of ethics (the Code of Ethics) and its compliance policies and procedures.
B. The Subadviser has adopted a written Code of Ethics complying with the requirements of Rule 17j-l under the 1940 Act and, if it has not already done so, will provide the Adviser and the Trust
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with a copy of such code of ethics. On a quarterly basis upon written request of the Adviser, the Subadviser will comply with the reporting requirements of Rule 17j-l, which may include (i) certifying to the Adviser that the Subadviser and its Access Persons have complied with the Subadvisers Code of Ethics with respect to the Subadviser Assets and (ii) identifying any material violations of the Subadvisers Code of Ethics which have occurred with respect to the Subadviser Assets. Upon the reasonable request of the Adviser, the Subadviser shall permit the Adviser, its employees or its agents to examine the reports required to be made by the Subadviser pursuant to Rule 17j-1.
C. The Subadviser has adopted and implemented written policies and procedures, as required by Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act, which are reasonably designed to prevent violations of the federal securities laws by the Subadviser, its employees, officers and agents. Upon reasonable request, the Subadviser shall provide the Adviser with access to the records relating to such policies and procedures as they relate to the Subadviser Assets. The Subadviser will also provide, at the reasonable request of the Adviser, periodic certifications, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Adviser, attesting to such written policies and procedures. In addition, on an annual basis, the Subadviser will provide the Adviser with a summary of their annual review of its policies and procedures as required by Rule 206(4)-7 of the Advisers Act.
D. The Subadviser has provided the Adviser and the Trust with a copy of its Form ADV Part 2 as most recently filed with the SEC and hereafter will provide a copy of its annual amendment to the Adviser. The Adviser acknowledges receipt of the Subadvisers Form ADV more than 48 hours prior to the execution of this Agreement.
E. The written information provided by the Subadviser to the Adviser, the Fund and/or the Trust for use in (i) the Funds Prospectus, registration statement or proxy materials (the Offering Materials) and/or (ii) advertisements or sales literature or in communications with the Board, governmental or self-regulatory authorities or reports filed with the SEC (only when considered together with the other information included in the Offering Materials) does not, as of the date hereof, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading in any material respect.
F. The execution and delivery of this Agreement, the incurrence of the obligations herein set forth and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein will not constitute a breach of, or default under, any instrument by which the Subadviser is bound or any order, rule, statue or regulation applicable to the Subadviser of any court or any governmental body or administrative agency having jurisdiction over the Subadviser, including, without limitation the 1940 Act or the Advisers Act.
G. The Subadviser is not, to the best of its knowledge, in default of any material obligation to which it is bound or agreement to which it is a party, nor is the Subadviser in violation of any statute, regulation, law, order, writ, injunction, judgment or decree to which it is subject, which default or violation would materially adversely affect the business or financial condition of the Subadviser or are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Subadvisers ability to carry out its obligations to the Fund under this Agreement.
H. Other than as may have been disclosed in writing to the Adviser, there is not pending, or to the best of the Subadvisers knowledge threatened, any action, suit or proceeding before or by any court or other governmental body to which the Subadviser is a party, or to which any of the assets of
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the Subadviser are subject, which would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Subadvisers ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement. Other than as may have been disclosed in writing to the Adviser, to the best of the Subadvisers knowledge, the Subadviser has not received any notice of an investigation or warning letter from any regulatory organization, including, without limitation, the SEC, the NFA or the CFTC regarding material non-compliance by the Subadviser with any rule, regulation or statute, which notice or letter is reasonably expected to result in a material adverse effect on the Subadvisers ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement.
I. This Agreement has been duly and validly authorized, executed and delivered by the Subadviser and constitutes a legal, valid and binding agreement of the Subadviser enforceable in accordance with its terms except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency laws and principles and doctrines of equity.
J. The Subadviser is an entity duly organized and validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization and in good standing in each other jurisdiction in which the nature or conduct of its business requires such qualification and the failure to be duly qualified would materially affect the Subadvisers ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement. The Subadviser has full power and authority to perform its obligations under this Agreement and it has the requisite power and authority to own property, perform its obligations and conduct its business.
K. Except as otherwise agreed by the Adviser, the Subadviser will manage the investments of the Subadviser Assets in accordance with CFTC Rule 4.12(c)(3) with respect to the Fund and CFTC Rule 4.7 with respect to the Cayman Sub-Fund.
L. The Subadviser has policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, including without limitation, economic sanctions programs (Sanctions), such as those administered or promulgated by the U.S. Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control, the European Union, and the United Nations Security Council; and neither the execution or delivery of this Agreement by the Subadviser nor any action taken in its performance of its obligations hereunder shall cause the Trust or the Adviser to be in violation of Sanctions; and neither the execution or delivery of this Agreement by the Subadviser nor its performance of its obligations hereunder shall conflict with, violate, breach or constitute a default under any term or provision of its constituent or governing documents or any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, instrument, agreement or other document to which the Subadviser is a party or by which it is bound or to which any of its assets are subject or any applicable statute, law, rule, regulation, order or other legal requirement applicable to the Subadviser or any of its assets.
If at any time, any event shall occur which would make any of the foregoing representations and warranties of the Subadviser no longer true and accurate in any material respect, the Subadviser shall notify the Adviser as soon as is reasonably practicable, except as prohibited by applicable law.
11. Representations of Adviser. The Adviser represents, warrants, and agrees, as of the date hereof, as follows:
A. The Adviser: (i) is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act and will continue to be so registered for so long as this Agreement remains in effect; (ii) has all governmental, regulatory, self-regulatory and exchange licenses, registrations, memberships and approvals required to act as investment adviser to the Fund and it will maintain any such required licenses, registrations, memberships and approvals; (iii) has the authority to enter into and perform the services contemplated
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by this Agreement; and (iv) will promptly notify the Subadviser of the occurrence of any event that would disqualify the Adviser from serving as an investment adviser of an investment company pursuant to Section 9(a) of the 1940 Act or otherwise.
B. The Trust is registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act and shall maintain such registration in good standing throughout the term of this Agreement.
C. The Adviser is an entity duly organized and validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization and in good standing in each other jurisdiction in which the nature or conduct of its business requires such qualification and the failure to be duly qualified would materially affect the Advisers ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement. The Adviser has full power and authority to perform its obligations under this Agreement and it has the requisite power and authority to own property, perform its obligations and conduct its business.
D. The execution and delivery of this Agreement, the incurrence of the obligations herein set forth and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein will not constitute a breach of, or default under, any instrument or agreement by which the Adviser is bound or any order, rule, statue or regulation applicable to the Adviser of any court or any governmental body or administrative agency having jurisdiction over the Adviser including, without limitation the 1940 Act or the Advisers Act.
E. This Agreement has been duly and validly authorized, executed and delivered by the Adviser and constitutes a legal, valid and binding agreement of the Adviser enforceable in accordance with its terms. This Agreement has been duly approved by the Trust and the Board in accordance with all applicable requirements of the 1940 Act.
F. To its knowledge the Adviser is not in default of any material obligation to the Fund to which it is bound or agreement to which it is a party, nor is the Adviser in violation of any statute, regulation, law, order, writ, injunction, judgment or decree to which it is subject, which default or violation would materially adversely affect the business or financial condition of the Adviser or its ability to provide services to the Trust or are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Advisers ability to carry out its obligations to the Trust or under this Agreement.
G. The assets of the Fund do not constitute (i) plan assets for the purposes of Title I of the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA); or (ii) a plan within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
H. The Fund is a qualified eligible person (QEP) as defined in Commodity Futures Trading Commission Rule 4.7 (CFTC Rule 4.7), and hereby consents to be treated as an exempt account under CFTC Rule 4.7.
I. Other than as may have been disclosed in writing to the Subadviser, there is not pending, or to the best of the Advisers knowledge threatened, any action, suit or proceeding before or by any court or other governmental body, in relation to the Fund, to which the Adviser is a party, or to which any of the assets of the Adviser are subject, which would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Advisers ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement. Other than as may have been disclosed in writing to the Subadviser, the Adviser has not received any notice of an investigation or warning letter in relation to the Fund from any regulatory organization, including, without limitation, the SEC, the NFA or the CFTC regarding material non-compliance by the Adviser with any rule, regulation or statute, which notice or letter is reasonably expected to result in a material adverse effect on the Advisers ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement.
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J. The assets deposited in accounts allocated to the Subadviser Assets may be utilized to satisfy each margin call relating to any derivative transaction entered into by the Subadviser on behalf of the Fund, subject at all times, to terms of the applicable collateral agreement;
K. The Adviser and the Fund are subject to anti-money laundering policies and procedures designed to promote compliance by the Adviser and the Fund with the laws applicable to the Adviser and the Six Circles Funds.
L. The Fund is an eligible contract participant as defined in Section 1a(18) of the CEA for all purposes, including engaging in over-the-counter foreign exchange transactions;
If at any time, any event shall occur which would make any of the foregoing representations and warranties of the Adviser no longer true and accurate in any material respect, the Adviser shall notify the Subadviser as soon as is reasonably practicable, except as prohibited by applicable law.
12. Provision of Certain Information by Subadviser.
A. The Subadviser will promptly notify the Adviser, as permitted by applicable law, (1) in the event the SEC, CFTC, NFA or other US or non-US governmental or self-regulatory authority has (i) censured the Subadviser, or any of its affiliates; (ii) placed limitations upon its (or any affiliates) activities, functions or operations which may reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Subadvisers ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement; (iii) suspended or revoked its (or any affiliates) registration, if any, as an investment adviser; or (iv) has commenced proceedings or a formal investigation that may reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Subadvisers ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement; (2) upon having a reasonable basis for believing that the Subadviser Assets, assuming the Subadviser Assets constituted a separate investment company registered under the 1940 Act, have ceased to qualify or might reasonably be expected to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code, except as otherwise provided for in the Guidelines; or (3) there occurs any (a) conviction, settlement or plea of guilty or no contest by the Subadviser or any of its affiliates, or any principal or officer of the Subadviser (the Relevant Persons) regarding any felony, securities law-related misdemeanor or any criminal misdemeanor involving theft or fraud, (b) settlement with or final determination by any regulatory authority involving a material violation of a securities law or regulation on the part of any Relevant Person; (c) formal allegation by any US or non-US governmental or self-regulatory body (including, but not to, limited to Wells Notices) of fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, insider trading, market manipulation or abuse, or breach of regulation with reference to, any Relevant Persons or the initiation of any such Proceeding (as defined in the general instructions to Form ADV) against any Relevant Persons; (d) disciplinary information that Subadviser is obligated to disclose to its clients under Item 11 of Form ADV Part 1A or Item 9 of Form ADV Part 2A; (e) material breach of this Agreement of which the Subadviser is aware; or (f) any other event which could, in the reasonable determination of the Subadviser, have a material adverse effect on the Subadvisers ability to carry out its obligations to the Fund under this Agreement.
B. The Subadviser further agrees to notify the Adviser promptly of any material fact respecting or relating to the Subadviser known to the Subadviser not to be contained in the Prospectus and required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or of any statement contained therein that becomes untrue in any material respect. As reasonably requested by the Trust on behalf of the Trusts officers and in accordance with the scope of Subadvisers obligations
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and responsibilities contained in this Agreement, Subadviser will provide reasonable assistance to the Trust in connection with the Trusts compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder, and Rule 38(a) 1 of the 1940 Act. Such assistance shall include, but not be limited to, (i) providing such reports and certifications as the Chief Compliance Officer of the Fund may reasonably request pursuant to Rules 17j-1 and 38a-1 under the 1940 Act and Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act; (ii) reasonably facilitating and cooperating with third-party audits arranged by the Trust to evaluate the effectiveness of its compliance controls; (iii) providing the Trusts chief compliance officer with direct reasonable access to its chief compliance officer; (iv) providing the Trusts chief compliance officer with such periodic reports as may be reasonably requested to allow the Trusts chief compliance officer to address in his or her annual written report to the Board pursuant to Rule 38a-l the operation of the policies and procedures of the Subadviser as they relate to the Subadviser Assets; and (v) providing special reports in the event of material compliance matters, as defined by Rule 38a-1(e)(2), relating to the Subadviser Assets, as soon as is reasonably practicable and permitted by applicable law. Further, Subadviser is aware that: (a) the Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Treasury/Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) of the Trust (collectively, Certifying Officers) currently are required to certify the Trusts periodic reports on Form N-CSR pursuant to Rule 30a-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; and (b) the Certifying Officers must rely upon certain matters of fact generated by Subadviser of which they do not have firsthand knowledge. Consequently, Subadviser will provide the Adviser, the Trust or the Board with such information and assurances (including any sub-certifications) as the Adviser, the Trust or the Board may reasonably request from time to time in order to assist the Trust in its preparation of periodic reports on Form N-CSR.
13. Provision of Certain Information by the Adviser. The Adviser shall timely furnish the Subadviser with such additional information as may be reasonably necessary for, and reasonably requested by, the Subadviser to perform its responsibilities pursuant to this Agreement. The Adviser will also promptly notify the Subadviser, as permitted by applicable law: (1) in the event that the SEC, CFTC, NFA or other US or non-US governmental or self-regulatory authority has (i) censured the Adviser or the Trust; (ii) placed limitations upon either of their activities, functions, or operations which may reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Advisers ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement or have a material adverse effect on the Trust; (iii) suspended or revoked the Advisers registration as an investment adviser; or (iv) has commenced proceedings or an investigation that may reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Advisers ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement; or (2) upon having a reasonable basis for believing that the Fund has ceased to qualify or might reasonably be expected to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code.
14. Amendment of Agreement. No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged, or terminated orally, but only by an instrument in writing signed by both parties.
15. Miscellaneous.
A. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof, and with the 1940 Act. To the extent that the applicable laws of the State of New York conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control.
B. Notification of Changes. The Subadviser will notify the Adviser of any assignment or actual change in control or management of the Subadviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(4) and
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Rule 2a-6 under the 1940 Act, and Section 202(a)(1) and Rule 202(a)(1)-1 under the Advisers Act, including, as applicable, any change of its general partners or 25% shareholders or 25% limited partners, in each case prior to or promptly after such change. In addition, the Subadviser will notify the Adviser of any changes in the key personnel of the Subadviser involved in the management and oversight of the Subadviser Assets, including portfolio managers and senior management or any performing a similar role with respect to the Subadviser Assets,.
C. Captions. The Captions contained in 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.
D. Entire Agreement. This Agreement represents the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto and shall supersede any prior agreements between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof.
E. Definitions. Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in 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, releases or orders of the SEC validly issued pursuant to the Act. As used in this Agreement, the terms majority of the outstanding voting securities, affiliated person, interested person, assignment, broker, investment adviser, net assets, sale, sell, and security shall have the same meaning as such terms have in the 1940 Act, subject to such exemptions as may be granted by the SEC by any rule, release or order. Where the effect of a requirement of the federal securities laws reflected in any provision of this Agreement is made less restrictive by a rule, release, or order of the SEC, whether of special or general application, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, release, or order.
F. Notices. Any notice herein required is to be in writing and is deemed to have been given to Subadviser or Adviser upon receipt of the same at their respective addresses set forth below. All written notices required or permitted to be given under this Agreement will be delivered by personal service, by postage mail return receipt requested, by email or similar means of delivery that provide evidence of receipt.
All notices to Adviser shall be sent to: J.P. Morgan Private Investments Inc., 390 Madison Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10017-2513, Attention: Gregory McNeil; email: gregory.r.mcneil@jpmorgan.com, with copies to Six_Circles_Sub-Advisers@jpmorgan.com.
All notices to Subadviser shall be sent to: Capital Fund Management S.A., 23 rue de lUniversité, 75007, Paris, France, Attn: Legal Department; email: regulatory@cfm.com and legal@cfm.com.
G. Third-Party Beneficiary. The Fund is an intended third-party beneficiary under this Agreement and is entitled to enforce this Agreement as if it were a party thereto.
H. Survival. Sections 2B(ix), 2B(x), 2F, 21, 2K, 2N, 4, 5, 7 (for a period of 1 year), 8, 15A and 15G shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
I. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid, void or unenforceable, in whole or in part, by a court decision, statute, rule or similar authority, the other provisions shall remain unaffected and shall continue in full force and effect.
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PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM THE COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION IN CONNECTION WITH ACCOUNTS OF QUALIFIED ELIGIBLE PERSONS, THIS AGREEMENT IS NOT REQUIRED TO BE, AND HAS NOT BEEN, FILED WITH THE COMMISSION. THE COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION DOES NOT PASS UPON THE MERITS OF PARTICIPATING IN A TRADING PROGRAM OR UPON THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF COMMODITY TRADING ADVISOR DISCLOSURE. CONSEQUENTLY, THE COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION HAS NOT REVIEWED OR APPROVED THIS TRADING PROGRAM OR THIS AGREMEENT.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed by their duly authorized signatories as of the date and year first above written.
| J.P. MORGAN PRIVATE INVESTMENTS INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ Gregory McNeil | |
| Name: Gregory McNeil Title: Managing Director | ||
| CAPITAL FUND MANAGEMENT S.A. | ||
| By: | /s/ Jacques Saulière | |
| Name: Jacques Saulière Title: CEO | ||
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