As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 10, 2023
Securities Act File No. 333-262271
Investment Company Act File No. 811-23776
U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-2
Registration Statement Under the Securities Act of 1933
Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 | ||
Post-Effective Amendment No. |
and/or
Registration Statement Under the Investment Company Act of 1940
Amendment No. 2 |
HARTFORD SCHRODERS PRIVATE OPPORTUNITIES FUND
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in Charter)
690 Lee Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: (610) 386-4068
Thomas R. Phillips, Esquire
Hartford Funds Management Company, LLC
690 Lee Road
Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087
(Name and address of agent for service)
COPY TO:
John V. O’Hanlon, Esquire
Dechert LLP
One International Place, 40th Floor
100 Oliver Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110-2605
Approximate Date of Commencement of Proposed
Public Offering:
As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
¨ | Check box if the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans. |
x | Check box if any securities being registered on this Form will be offered on a delayed or continuous basis in reliance on Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”), other than securities offered in connection with a dividend reinvestment plan. |
¨ | Check box if this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction A.2 or a post-effective amendment thereto. |
¨ | Check box if this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction B or a post-effective amendment thereto that will become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act. |
¨ | Check box if this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction B to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act. |
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
x | when declared effective pursuant to Section 8(c). |
¨ | immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 486. |
¨ | on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 486. |
¨ | 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 486. |
¨ | on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 486. |
If appropriate, check the following box:
¨ | This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment. |
¨ | This Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, and the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering is: ______. |
¨ | This Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, and the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering is: ______. |
¨ | This Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, and the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering is: ______. |
Check each box that appropriately characterizes the Registrant:
x | Registered Closed-End Fund (closed-end company that is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“Investment Company Act”)). |
¨ | Business Development Company (closed-end company that intends or has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act). |
¨ | Interval Fund (Registered Closed-End Fund or a Business Development Company that makes periodic repurchase offers under Rule 23c-3 under the Investment Company Act). |
¨ | A.2 Qualified (qualified to register securities pursuant to General Instruction A.2 of this Form). |
¨ | Well-Known Seasoned Issuer (as defined by Rule 405 under the Securities Act). |
¨ | Emerging Growth Company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”). |
¨ | If an Emerging Growth Company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of Securities Act. |
x | New Registrant (registered or regulated under the Investment Company Act for less than 12 calendar months preceding this filing). |
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such dates as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
Preliminary Prospectus
Dated February 10, 2023
Subject to Completion
The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
PROSPECTUS
[Date], 2023
Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund
CLASS A SHARES (XHFAX), CLASS I SHARES (XHFIX) AND CLASS SDR SHARES (XHFSX) OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
The Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”) is a newly organized Delaware statutory trust that is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company.
Investment Objective and Principal Investment Strategies. The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a wide range of private equity investments worldwide. The Fund will invest primarily in the equity interests of companies that are not listed on stock exchanges (private equity) and that are seeking to actively build, grow, transform or innovate. Under normal circumstances, the Fund intends to invest at least 80% of its assets in private investments of any type. The Fund’s private investments will include co-investments and direct investments in operating companies through the acquisition of equity or equity-like securities or special purpose vehicles that acquire the securities of privately-owned companies and primary offerings and secondary acquisitions of private equity assets or interests in alternative investment funds that pursue private equity strategies. The Fund may also invest in shares of private money market funds.
Unlisted Closed-End Fund. An investment in the Fund is subject to, among others, the following risks:
· | There is not expected to be any secondary trading market in the Shares (as defined herein). |
· | Shareholders should not expect to be able to sell their Shares regardless of how the Fund performs. An investment in the Fund is considered illiquid. |
· | Unlike many closed-end funds, the Shares are not listed on any securities exchange. To provide shareholders with limited liquidity, the Fund intends to conduct repurchases of Shares in each quarter beginning the calendar quarter ending March 31, 2024. The Fund intends to offer to repurchase Shares from shareholders in each quarter in an amount up to 5% of the Fund’s net asset value as of the prior calendar quarter end. The Fund’s Board of Trustees has complete discretion to determine whether the Fund will engage in any share repurchase, and if so, the terms of such repurchase. No assurances can be given that the Fund will engage in a share repurchase in any given quarter and, in any case, repurchases will not begin until fifth full calendar quarter after the Fund has commenced operations. See “Summary of Terms – Share Repurchases by the Fund.” |
· | The amount of distributions that the Fund may pay, if any, is uncertain. |
· | The Fund’s distributions may be funded from unlimited amounts of offering proceeds or borrowings, which may constitute a return of capital and reduce the amount of capital available to the Fund for investment. Any capital returned to shareholders through distributions will be distributed after payment of fees and expenses. |
· | A return of capital to shareholders is a return of a portion of their original investment in the Fund, thereby reducing the tax basis of their investment. As a result of such reduction in tax basis, shareholders may be subject to tax in connection with the sale of Fund Shares, even if such Shares are sold at a loss relative to the shareholder’s original investment. |
Investing in Shares involves a high degree of risk. See “Types of Investments and Related Risks” beginning on page [xx] of this Prospectus.
The date of this Prospectus is [xx], 2023.
Per
Class A | Per
Class I | Per
Class SDR | Total(2) | |||||
Public Offering Price | $ At current NAV, plus sales charge | $ At current NAV | $ At current NAV | Up
to $200,000,000 | ||||
Sales Charge (Load)(1) | Up to 3.50% | None | None | N/A | ||||
Proceeds to the Fund (Before Expenses)(2) | $ Amount invested at current NAV | $ Amount invested at current NAV | $ Amount invested at current NAV | Up
to $200,000,000 |
(1) | The minimum initial investment for Class A and Class I Shares of the Fund is $25,000, and the minimum subsequent investment for Class A and Class I Shares of the Fund is $10,000. The minimum initial investment for Class SDR Shares of the Fund is $5,000,000, while subsequent investments may be made in any amount. These minimums may be waived for certain investors. Class A Shares are subject to a sales charge of up to 3.50%. Class I Shares and Class SDR Shares of the Fund are not subject to sales charges. The table assumes the maximum sales charge is imposed on Class A Shares. |
(2) | Assumes all Shares currently registered are sold in the continuous offering. Hartford Funds Management Company, LLC will also bear certain ongoing offering costs associated with the Fund’s continuous offering of Shares. |
Investment Adviser and Sub-Advisers. The investment adviser to the Fund is Hartford Funds Management Company, LLC (the “Adviser” or “HFMC”), an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). The Adviser oversees the management of the Fund’s activities and supervises the activities of the investment sub-advisers. The Fund’s sub-adviser is Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“SIMNA” or the “Sub-Adviser”). The Fund’s sub-sub-adviser is Schroders Capital Management (US) Inc. (“Schroders Capital” and, collectively with SIMNA, the “Sub-Advisers”). Each Sub-Adviser is an investment adviser registered under the Advisers Act. The Sub-Advisers are responsible for the daily investment activities for the Fund.
Securities Offered. The Fund is offering on a subscription basis up to 20,000,000 Shares. For Class A Shares, the maximum sales charge is 3.50% of the amount invested. Class I Shares and Class SDR Shares are not subject to sales charges. The minimum initial investment for Class A and Class I Shares of the Fund is $25,000, and the minimum subsequent investment for Class A and Class I Shares of the Fund is $10,000. The minimum initial investment for Class SDR Shares is $5,000,000, and there is no minimum subsequent investment. The Fund reserves the right at its sole discretion to waive the investment minimums with respect to certain employees, officers or Trustees of the Fund, the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers or their affiliates who qualify as accredited investors. Shares are being offered through Hartford Funds Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) at an offering price equal to the Fund’s then current NAV per Share plus any applicable sales charge.
Risk Factors and Restrictions on Transfer. Investing in Shares involves a high degree of risk. See “Types of Investments and Related Risks.” Shares will not be listed on any national securities exchange. Shares are subject to restrictions on transferability, and liquidity will be provided by the Fund only through repurchase offers, which may be made from time to time by the Fund as determined by the Fund’s Board of Trustees in its sole discretion. See “Repurchases and Transfers of Shares.”
Eligible Investors. Shares are being sold only to investors that represent that they are “accredited investors” within the meaning of Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”). The minimum initial and additional investments set forth above may be waived or reduced by the Fund with respect to certain individual investors or classes of investors (specifically, with respect to employees, officers or Trustees of the Fund, the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers or their affiliates). The Distributor and/or any Selling Agent, as defined herein, may impose additional eligibility requirements for investors who purchase Shares through the Distributor or such Selling Agent. Investors may only purchase Class I Shares through the Distributor or through a registered investment adviser (a “RIA”) that has entered into an arrangement with the Distributor for such RIA to offer Class I Shares in conjunction with a “wrap” fee, asset allocation or other managed asset program sponsored by such RIA. The Distributor and/or any such RIA may also impose additional eligibility requirements for investors who purchase Class I Shares from the Distributor through such RIA.
This Prospectus provides the information that a prospective investor should know about the Fund before investing. Investors are advised to read this Prospectus carefully and to retain it for future reference. Additional information about the Fund, including a statement of additional information, dated [Insert Date], 2023 (the “Statement of Additional Information” or “SAI”), has been filed with the SEC and is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this Prospectus. The Statement of Additional Information and, when available, the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports and other information filed with the SEC, can be obtained upon request and without charge by writing to the Fund at Hartford Funds, P.O. Box 219572, Kansas City, MO 64121-9572, by calling (888) 843-7824 or by visiting the Fund’s website at www.hartfordfunds.com. In addition, the contact information provided above may be used to request additional information about the Fund and to make shareholder inquiries. The Statement of Additional Information, other material incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and other information about the Fund is also available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The address of the SEC’s website is provided solely for the information of prospective investors and is not intended to be an active link.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this Prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Shares are not deposits or obligations of, and are not guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or other insured depository institution, and Shares are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or any other government agency.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
This is only a summary and does not contain all of the information that a prospective investor should consider before investing in the Fund. Before investing, a prospective investor in the Fund should carefully read the more detailed information appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information.
THE FUND |
The Fund is a newly organized Delaware statutory trust that is registered under the 1940 Act as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company.
The Fund offers three separate classes of shares of beneficial interest (“Shares”) designated as Class A (“Class A Shares”), Class I (“Class I Shares”) and Class SDR (“Class SDR Shares”) to Eligible Investors (as defined herein).
Class A Shares, Class I Shares and Class SDR Shares are subject to different fees and expenses. The Fund may offer additional classes of Shares in the future. |
THE ADVISER and Sub-AdviserS | Hartford Funds Management Company, LLC (“HFMC” or the “Adviser”) serves as the Fund’s investment adviser. Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“SIMNA”) serves as the Fund’s sub-adviser and Schroders Capital Management (US) Inc. (“Schroders Capital” and, collectively with SIMNA, the “Sub-Advisers”) serves as the Fund’s sub-sub-adviser. Each of HFMC, SIMNA and Schroders Capital is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). |
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE | The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation. |
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES |
The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a wide range of private equity investments worldwide. The Fund will invest primarily in the equity interests of companies that are not listed on stock exchanges (private equity) and that are seeking to actively build, grow, transform or innovate. Under normal circumstances, the Fund intends to invest at least 80% of its assets in private investments of any type. The Fund’s private investments will include co-investments and direct investments in operating companies through the acquisition of equity or equity-like securities or special purpose vehicles that acquire the securities of privately-owned companies (“Direct Investments”) and primary offerings and secondary acquisitions of private equity assets or interests in alternative investment funds that pursue private equity strategies (“Investment Funds” and, together with Direct Investments, “Investment Interests”). The Fund may also invest in shares of private money market funds.
The Fund aims to provide broad exposure by allocating the Fund’s assets on an opportunistic basis across private equity strategies, regions, sectors and industries. The Fund will generally focus on Investment Interests that provide exposure to companies considered to be small to medium-sized enterprises that have an enterprise value between $50 million to $1 billion. Private equity strategies in which the Fund will invest (the “Strategies”) are linked to the financial purpose of the underlying interests. These Strategies may include a management or leveraged buyout of a mature company (Buyout); providing expansion capital to companies in their development stage (Growth Capital); providing capital to finance innovation for companies early in their commercial development (Venture Capital); and providing financing to companies that are undergoing a special situation such as restructuring (Special Situations). In selecting investments for the Fund, the Sub-Advisers will integrate financially material environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) characteristics (when available for an issuer) into their investment process. The Sub-Advisers will evaluate the impact and risk around issues such as climate change, environmental performance, labor standards and corporate governance, which they view as important in their assessment of an investment’s risk and potential for profitability. The Fund will generally not invest in companies that are |
1
significantly involved in certain industries, product lines or services, including but not limited to, tobacco, weapons, tar sands and thermal coal.
The Fund may access investment opportunities within the Strategies through Direct Investments or primary and secondary investments in Investment Funds. Direct Investments relate to holdings in unlisted equities of companies, whether by directly acquiring the securities of an operating company or by investing through a special purpose vehicle that acquires the securities of an operating company, typically as co-investments alongside a private equity manager that is sponsoring the investment transaction. Secondary investments entail acquiring an interest in one or more assets of a private equity fund or another investor’s existing interest in a private equity investment through a negotiated transaction in which the private equity manager managing the investment remains the same (“Secondary Investment”). Primary fund investments entail investing in Investment Funds during their initial fundraising (“Primary Investment”) which Investment Funds in turn invest in privately held companies or make private investments in public companies, potentially to take them private.
In addition, the Fund may invest in money market instruments and hold cash. Under normal circumstances, the Fund expects to invest up to 20% of its assets in such investments. During the period of the Fund’s initial ramp up in portfolio construction, in connection with the implementation of changes in asset allocation, in periods when the Fund receives large cash inflows, or for temporary or defensive purposes, the Fund’s cash balance may exceed 20% of the Fund’s assets until new investments can be made to deploy cash resources. |
PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION | The Fund’s portfolio will consist primarily of various types of private equity investments. Private equity generally refers to privately negotiated investments made in non-public companies. Private equity firms typically seek to invest in quality companies at attractive valuations and use strategic and operational expertise to enhance value and improve portfolio company performance. Buyout funds seek to acquire private and public companies, as well as divisions of companies, and reposition them for sale at a multiple of invested equity by enhancing the value of the portfolio company.
The Fund’s actively managed private equity investments will provide a range of exposures that may differ by private equity strategy, region, investment type, sector and underlying company exposure. The Fund will focus on small to medium-sized companies.
The Fund will pursue a private equity investment strategy that will seek to build a global portfolio of primarily small and medium-sized companies through buyout, growth capital, venture capital and special situation private equity investment strategies. The Fund will seek to invest across a broad range of sectors, including healthcare, information technology, consumer discretionary and consumer staples, business services and industrials. The Fund’s Investment Interests will generally consist of either Direct Investments or Investment Funds. Direct Investments relate to holdings in unlisted equities of companies, whether by directly acquiring the securities of an operating company or by investing through a special purpose vehicle that acquires the securities of an operating company, typically as co-investments alongside a private equity manager that is sponsoring the investment transaction. Secondary Investments entail acquiring an interest in one or more assets of a private equity fund or another investor’s existing interest in a private equity investment through a negotiated transaction in which the private equity manager managing the investment remains the same. Primary fund investments entail investing in Investment Funds during their initial fundraising which Investment Funds in turn invest in privately held companies or make private investments in public companies, potentially to take them private. |
2
Target Investment Strategies - The Fund will seek to invest capital in buyout, growth capital, venture capital and special situation type private equity strategies.
Buyout - A buyout investment is an equity investment in a company that facilitates a change in control of the company’s ownership. The private equity firm sponsoring the transaction is investing equity capital to acquire a controlling interest in or effective control of the target company. By acquiring a controlling interest, the private equity investor is in a better position to influence the company’s strategic direction. The focus on small and medium-sized buyouts opportunities gives the Fund a distinction from other closed-end funds with limited liquidity, which tend to have a bias toward larger transaction sizes, where correlation to the public markets historically has tended to be higher. The Sub-Advisers’ global private equity practice seeks to invest alongside private equity managers that specialize in specific sectors and / or approaches to enhance company value. The Sub-Advisers believe this strategy offers superior return potential compared to large buyouts and/or investing alongside private equity managers with a less focused approach to enhancing company value for the following reasons:
· Specialist managers targeting small to medium-sized private companies are often preferred buyers for private companies due to deep expertise and ability to generate value through operational improvements.
· Small and medium buyout managers source the majority of investment opportunities from families and entrepreneurs, which typically show a preference for smooth ownership transition rather than large auction processes. This can benefit managers in the form of reduced competition for deals and favorable entry valuations.
Growth Capital – A growth capital investment is an equity investment in a company seeking to raise capital primarily to fund the company’s growth initiatives. Growth capital is an important and sizable private equity strategy globally and is particularly attractive if capital can be invested into quality growth companies with strong management at moderate entry prices. This requires proprietary deal sourcing and strong private equity investor value-add and thus tends to be specifically accessible through sector specialists. In a growth capital financing, the private equity investor acquires a meaningful and influential ownership position but typically not a majority interest in the company. The companies typically targeted in a growth capital financing are experiencing rapid revenue growth, have a proven business model, operational scale, and the potential to generate attractive net profitability and operating cash flows if the company de-emphasized its high investment to rapidly grow the business.
Venture Capital – A venture capital investment is an equity investment in a company seeking to raise capital primarily to fund the company’s research and development, market development and revenue growth initiatives. In a venture capital investment, the private equity investor acquires a meaningful and influential ownership position but typically not a majority interest in the company. The companies typically targeted for a venture capital investment are earlier in the development of their business models and are pursuing large market opportunities through the creation of innovative technologies and/or business models that have the potential to disrupt an established industry or deliver a novel solution to a specific market need.
Special Situations – A special situations investment is a private equity investment that may arise opportunistically to provide a company with capital that has equity or equity-like characteristics. The capital is typically being raised by the issuer to address a financial need outside the common private equity uses of a change in control or growth financing. A common type of special situations investment may |
3
occur when a company is faced with financial distress and new equity capital is required to satisfy the demands of the issuer’s lenders.
Target Investment Types - Over the long term and under normal conditions, the Sub-Advisers expect to allocate the majority of the Fund’s assets to Direct Investments and Secondary Investments, and expect to allocate no more than 20% of the Fund’s assets to Primary Investments.
Direct Investments. The Fund’s Direct Investments will typically be in the form of co-investments, which involve the Fund acquiring an interest in a single operating company alongside an investment by a private equity firm or other entity and are generally structured such that the co-investors are passive.
The market for Direct Investments may be limited, and the Direct Investments to which the Fund wishes to allocate its assets may not be available at any given time. Direct Investments may be heavily negotiated and may incur additional transaction costs for the Fund. Direct Investments are more concentrated than Primary Investments and Secondary Investments of an investor’s interest in an Investment Fund, which usually hold multiple operating companies. There is a potential risk that third party investment managers providing Direct Investments may choose not to make the most attractive co-investments available to the Fund and may instead reserve such opportunities for larger client relationships or their own accounts.
Secondary Investments. Secondary Investments, or “secondaries,” refer to investments in which one investor acquires another investor’s existing interest in a private equity investment through a negotiated transaction in which the private equity manager managing the investment remains the same. In making Secondary Investments, the buyer acquires exposure to one or more existing assets of a private equity fund by either acquiring an interest in a fund created to hold the acquired assets or by acquiring the interests of an existing limited partner of the private equity fund and agreeing to take on future funding obligations in exchange for future returns and distributions. A Secondary Investment that involves acquiring an investor’s interests in a private equity fund may be acquired at a discount to an Investment Fund’s net asset value. As a result, Secondary Investments acquired at a discount may result in unrealized gains to the Fund at the time the Fund next calculates its monthly net asset value. Because Secondary Investments are generally made after an Investment Fund has deployed capital into portfolio companies, these investments are viewed as more mature and may not exhibit the initial decline in net asset value associated with Primary Investments and may reduce the impact of the J-curve associated with private equity primary fund investing. However, there can be no assurance that any or all Secondary Investments made by the Fund will exhibit this pattern of investment returns, and realization of later gains is dependent upon the performance of each Investment Fund’s portfolio companies.
The market for certain Secondary Investments may be very limited, and the strategies and Investment Funds to which the Fund wishes to allocate capital may not be available for Secondary Investment at any given time. Secondary Investments may be heavily negotiated and may incur additional transaction costs for the Fund. There is a risk that investors exiting an Investment Fund through a secondary transaction may possess superior knowledge regarding the value of their holdings and the portfolio companies of the Investment Fund and the Fund may pay more for a Secondary Investment than it would have if it were also privy to such information.
Primary Investments. Primary Investments, or “primaries,” refer to interests in newly established Investment Funds. Primary Investments are made during the Investment Fund’s fundraising period in the form of capital commitments, which are then periodically called by the fund to finance underlying investments in operating companies during a predefined period. A fund’s capital account will |
4
typically exhibit a “J-curve,” undergoing a modest decline in the early portion of its lifecycle as expenses outweigh investment gains, with the trend typically reversing in the later portion of its lifecycle as underlying investments mature and are eventually realized. There can be no assurance that any or all Primary Investments made by the Fund will exhibit this pattern of investment returns and the realization of investment gains is dependent upon the performance and disposition of each underlying investment. Primary Investments typically range in duration from ten to twelve years, while underlying investments generally range in duration from three to seven years.
Seasoned primaries are primary fund investments made after an Investment Fund has already invested a certain percentage of its capital commitments (e.g., 25%, at the time of closing). Since the Investment Fund contains investments at the time the Fund invests, the Fund is able to accelerate its capital deployment compared to a typical primary fund investment and the Sub-Advisers are able to assess the attractiveness of the investments in the Investment Fund before making a capital commitment thereby reducing the blind-pool risk associated with a typical primary fund investment that has not made any investments.
Typically, private equity fund sponsors will not launch new funds that have the same focus more frequently than every two to four years. Private equity managers pursuing multiple strategies may offer multiple primary new funds each year, but may not offer new funds within a given geography or that pursue a certain strategy in any particular year. Many new funds offered by top-tier private equity firms may be inaccessible due to high demand and, accordingly, may be unavailable for Primary Investments at any given time. As a result, having well-established relationships with fund sponsors is critically important for primary investors.
Portfolio Allocation. The Fund’s portfolio will be global and seek to capitalize on the Sub-Advisers’ global private equity investment platform, which has investment professionals located in the US, Europe and Asia. Global exposure across markets is expected to provide investors exposure to the large and broad global private equity market whereby the Fund may obtain co-investment exposure across multiple countries, economies and the unique structural economic attributes and cycles afforded through regional exposure.
It is expected that the Fund will make the majority of its investments in Direct Investments and Secondary Investments while Primary Investments will be a relatively smaller part of the Fund’s exposure. The Fund’s asset allocations may vary significantly over time.
Investment Interests generally involve capital commitments, with the unfunded component called over time. The Fund’s asset allocation ranges and commitment strategy may be adjusted periodically based on the Sub-Advisers’ analysis of the private equity market, the Fund’s existing portfolio at the relevant time, and other pertinent factors.
Small to Medium-Sized Companies – The Fund will generally focus on Investment Interests that provide exposure to companies considered to be small to medium-sized enterprises determined by using a company’s enterprise value. The Fund expects to predominately invest in companies that have an enterprise value between $50 million to $1 billion. This enterprise value size range reflects the focus of the Sub-Advisers’ global private equity investment platform.
Across the private equity industry, the number of private equity transactions with small to medium-sized companies far exceeds the number of transactions with large companies. However, the amount of capital seeking to commit to and eventually invest in large private equity investments far exceeds the amount of capital seeking to commit to and eventually invest in small and medium-sized private equity investments. |
5
The Sub-Advisers believe that the larger number of small to medium-sized companies compared to large companies presents an opportunity to identify private equity investments that may be less competitive to access and potentially offer more attractive risk and reward characteristics.
ESG Restrictions – The Fund does not generally invest directly in companies that are significantly involved in certain industries, product lines or services, including but not limited to, tobacco, pornography, weapons, predatory lending and thermal coal, as determined from time to time by the Sub-Advisers, unless the Sub-Advisers view the issuer as one which contributes to or is aligning itself with long-term ESG initiatives. In addition, the Fund does not directly invest in companies that are significantly involved in certain industries, product lines or services, such as (i) any activity considered illegal by local laws or regulations or international conventions; (ii) controversial weapons; (iii) products or practices that endanger wildlife or high conservation areas; or (iv) any other investments that, in the Sub-Advisers’ judgment, do not meet certain labor, human rights, environmental, and/or anti-corruption standards. In addition, the Fund does not directly invest in companies that the Sub-Advisers have determined are associated with discrimination or bigotry of any kind. Finally, the Fund will seek to limit exposure to investments the Sub-Advisers determine are involved in certain other industries or product lines, including but not limited to alcohol, gambling and/or coal extraction or mining. In determining whether a company is significantly involved in the industries, product lines or services listed above, the Sub-Advisers typically use revenue thresholds attributed to certain industries, product lines or services (e.g., companies that derive 10% or more of their revenues from thermal coal mining) and categorical exclusions for other industries, product lines or services (e.g., controversial weapons). These exclusionary criteria may be updated periodically by the Sub-Advisers without notice to shareholders to, among other things, add or remove certain restricted industries, product lines or services, revise the revenue thresholds and categorical exclusions applicable to such activities, or change particular industries, product lines or services from a categorical exclusion to a revenue threshold, or vice versa. In addition, the Fund will generally not invest in an Investment Fund if the Investment Fund’s current or expected underlying portfolio companies, in aggregate, violate the ESG restrictions discussed above at the time of the Fund’s commitment. When investing in Investment Funds, the Fund will also generally seek to negotiate with the Investment Fund’s general partner to “carve out” exposure to an Investment Fund’s underlying investments that violate the ESG restrictions discussed above such that the Fund would not have indirect exposure to such investments, however there can be no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in such negotiations. |
LEVERAGE | The Fund may use leverage to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. The Fund is permitted to obtain leverage using any form or combination of financial leverage instruments, including through funds borrowed from banks or other financial institutions (i.e., a credit facility), margin facilities, or the issuance of notes in an aggregate amount up to 33 1/3% of the Fund’s total assets, including any assets purchased with borrowed money, immediately after giving effect to the leverage. The Fund is also permitted to obtain leverage through the issuance of preferred shares in an aggregate amount up to 50% of the Fund’s total assets immediately after giving effect to the leverage. The Fund may also borrow money through a credit facility or other arrangements to manage timing issues associated with new and existing investments (e.g., to provide the Fund with temporary liquidity to allocate to new Investment Interests or to satisfy capital calls from existing Investment Interests in advance of the Fund’s receipt of proceeds from existing Investment Interests). The Fund may also use leverage generated by reverse repurchase agreements, dollar rolls and similar transactions. The Fund intends to enter into a credit facility following the date the Fund commences operations. |
6
The Fund’s use of leverage may not be successful, and may, at times, cause the Fund’s NAV to be more volatile than it would otherwise be.
In addition, while any senior securities remain outstanding, the Fund generally must make provisions to prohibit any distribution to the Fund’s shareholders or the repurchase of such securities or Shares unless the Fund meets the applicable asset coverage ratio at the time of the distribution or repurchase.
Investment Interests may also use leverage in their investment activities. Borrowings by Investment Interests are not subject to the asset coverage requirement discussed above. Accordingly, the Fund’s portfolio may be exposed to the risk of highly leveraged investment programs of certain Investment Interests and the volatility of the value of Shares may be great, especially during times of a “credit crunch” and/or general market turmoil, such as that experienced during late 2008 or certain periods during the current global pandemic. In general, the use of leverage by Investment Interests or the Fund may increase the volatility of the Investment Interests or the Fund. See “Types of Investments and Related Risks —Leverage Risk.” | |
MANAGEMENT FEE AND ADDITIONAL FEES |
Pursuant to the investment management agreement (the “Investment Management Agreement”), by and between the Fund and the Adviser, the Fund pays a monthly management fee to the Adviser at the annual rate, based on the Fund’s average month end net asset value, of 1.50% (a portion of which will be waived for the first twelve months following the Fund’s commencement of operations). The Adviser pays a sub-advisory fee to SIMNA out of its advisory fee and SIMNA pays the sub-sub-advisory fee to Schroders Capital out of its sub-advisory fee. A discussion of the factors that the Board of Trustees (“Board” or the “Board of Trustees”) considered in approving the Fund’s Investment Management Agreement and the sub-advisory agreements will be available in the Fund’s annual report for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023.
The Fund may also be subject to asset-based and incentive fees paid indirectly out of the Fund’s assets and, therefore, by investors in the Fund. These fees are paid by the Investment Funds to the general partners or managing members (or persons or entities performing a similar role) of the Investment Funds (See “Management Fee”). In addition, the Fund, and therefore investors in the Fund, also bears expenses incurred in implementing the Fund’s investment strategy, including any charges, allocations and fees to which the Fund is subject as an investor in the Investment Funds. |
FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES | If you invest in the Fund through an investment adviser, bank, broker-dealer, 401(k) plan, trust company or other financial intermediary, the policies and fees for transacting business may be different from those described in this Prospectus. Some financial intermediaries may charge transaction fees and may set different minimum investments or limitations on buying or selling shares. Some financial intermediaries do not charge a direct transaction fee, but instead charge a fee for services such as sub-transfer agency, accounting and/or shareholder services that the financial intermediary provides on the Fund’s behalf. This fee may be based on the number of accounts or may be a percentage of the average value of the Fund’s shareholder accounts for which the financial intermediary provides services. The Fund may pay a portion of this fee, which is intended to compensate the financial intermediary for providing the same services that would otherwise be provided by the Fund’s transfer agent (the “Transfer Agent”) or other service providers if the Shares were purchased directly from the Fund. To the extent that these fees are not paid by the Fund, the Adviser may pay a fee to financial intermediaries for such services. |
7
ADMINISTRATOR, TRANSFER AGENT, FUND ACCOUNTANT |
Hartford Funds Management Company, LLC provides administrative and accounting services to the Fund. Hartford Administrative Services Company serves as the Fund’s transfer agent. |
DISTRIBUTIONS |
The Fund intends to distribute to its shareholders as dividends all or substantially all of its net investment income and any realized net capital gains. Distributions from the Fund’s net investment income are paid annually. Distributions from capital gains are distributed annually. See “Distributions.”
The Board and the Fund reserve the right to change the distribution policy from time to time. |
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN | Unless a shareholder indicates another option on the account application, any dividends and capital gain distributions paid to the shareholder by the Fund automatically will be invested in additional Shares of the Fund. Alternatively, a shareholder may elect to have dividends and/or capital gain distributions paid in cash. See “Distributions—Dividend Reinvestment Plan.” |
BOARD OF TRUSTEES | The Board has overall responsibility for monitoring and overseeing the Fund’s management and operations. A majority of the Trustees are Independent Trustees. See “Management of the Fund.” |
PURCHASES OF SHARES
|
The Fund is offering its Shares on a continuous basis with monthly subscriptions. Class A Shares are offered at the then-current net asset value per Share as of the date on which the purchase order is accepted, plus any applicable sales load. Class I and Class SDR Shares are offered at the then-current net asset value per Share as of the date on which the purchase order is accepted. Class I and Class SDR Shares are offered without a sales load.
Shares may be purchased as of the first business day of each month based upon the Fund’s net asset value as of the last business day of the prior month as calculated within 20 business days of trade date. Each date on which Shares are delivered is referred to as a “Closing Date.” While the Fund intends to have monthly closings, the Board of Trustees reserves the right in its sole discretion to suspend monthly closings from time to time when it believes it is in the best interests of the Fund. Each prospective investor will be required to complete an investor application (the “Investor Application”) certifying that the Shares being purchased are being acquired by an Eligible Investor (defined herein). Prior to the receipt and acceptance of the Investor Application, an investor’s funds will be held in escrow.
The minimum initial investment for Class A Shares and Class I Shares of the Fund is $25,000, and the minimum subsequent investment for Class A Shares and Class I Shares of the Fund is $10,000. The minimum initial investment for Class SDR Shares of the Fund is $5,000,000 and there is no minimum subsequent investment. The Fund reserves the right to waive the above investment minimums with respect to certain employees, officers or Trustees of the Fund, the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers or their affiliates who qualify as accredited investors. |
ELIGIBLE INVESTORS | Each investor will be required to certify that the Shares are being acquired directly or indirectly for the account of an “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the 1933 Act. Shareholders who are “accredited investors” are referred to in this Prospectus as “Eligible Investors.” Existing shareholders seeking to purchase additional Shares will be required to qualify as “Eligible Investors” at the time of the additional purchase. The Distributor and/or any Selling Agent may impose additional eligibility requirements on investors who purchase Shares through the Distributor or such Selling Agent. |
8
The Distributor or any RIA who offers Class I Shares may impose additional eligibility requirements on investors who purchase Class I Shares from the Distributor through such RIA.
Each prospective shareholder must submit a completed Investor Application acceptable to the Adviser, certifying, among other things, that the shareholder is an Eligible Investor and will not transfer the Shares purchased except in the limited circumstances permitted. The Adviser may from time to time impose stricter or less stringent eligibility requirements, although neither the Adviser nor the Fund will waive the accredited investor requirement, except with respect to knowledgeable employees of the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers or the Fund or as otherwise permitted by the SEC or its Staff. If an Investor Application is not accepted by the Fund by the Closing Date, the subscription will not be accepted at such Closing Date. | |
INVESTOR SUITABILITY |
An investment in the Fund involves a considerable amount of risk. A shareholder may lose money. Before making an investment decision, a prospective investor should (i) consider the suitability of this investment with respect to the investor’s investment objectives and personal situation and (ii) consider factors such as the investor’s personal net worth, income, age, risk tolerance and liquidity needs. The Fund is an illiquid investment. Shareholders have no right to require the Fund to redeem their Shares in the Fund. See “Types of Investments and Related Risks - Non-Listed Closed-End Fund Structure Risks.” and “Other Risks Relating to the Fund – Limitations on Transfer; Shares Not Listed; No Market for Shares.”
In addition, shareholders who require minimum annual distributions from a retirement account through which they hold Shares should consider the Fund’s schedule for repurchase offers and submit repurchase requests accordingly. See “Repurchases and Transfers of Shares — Repurchases of Shares.” |
SHARE REPURCHASES BY THE FUND | The Shares have no history of public trading, nor is it intended that the Shares will be listed on a public exchange. No secondary market is expected to develop for the Fund’s Shares. To provide a limited degree of liquidity to shareholders, the Fund may from time to time offer to repurchase Shares pursuant to written tenders by shareholders. No shareholder has the right to require the Fund to redeem his, her or its Shares.
Beginning no later than the fifth full calendar quarter following the date the Fund commences operations, the Adviser intends to recommend to the Board (subject to its discretion) that the Fund offer to repurchase Shares from shareholders on a quarterly basis. Such repurchases are expected to be offered at the Fund’s net asset value per share as of March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 (each, a “Valuation Date”), as applicable. Each repurchase offer will generally commence approximately 75 days prior to the applicable Valuation Date and will remain open for a minimum of 20 business days following the commencement of the offer. It is also expected that the Adviser will recommend to the Board, subject to the Board’s discretion, that any such tender offer would be for an amount that is not more than 5% of the Fund’s net asset value. There can be no assurance that the Board will accept the Adviser’s recommendation.
There is no minimum number of Shares that must be repurchased in any repurchase offer. The Fund has no obligation to repurchase Shares at any time; any such repurchases will only be made at such times, in such amounts and on such terms as may be determined by the Board of Trustees, in its sole discretion. In determining whether the Fund should offer to repurchase Shares, the Board of Trustees will consider the recommendations of the Adviser as to the timing of such an offer, as well as a variety of operational, business and economic factors. |
9
If a repurchase offer is conducted, it will generally follow the following timeline:
· 75 days prior to the end of a calendar quarter: the Fund issues a notice of a tender offer and the tender offer commences;
· 30-35 days prior to the end of a calendar quarter: a shareholder must tender his/her/its Shares by this date (the “Notice Date”);
· a shareholder who has tendered his/her/its Shares can revoke the request to tender the Shares upon written notice to the Fund received by the Notice Date (“Expiration Date”); and
· Last business day of each calendar quarter – the date as of which the value of the tendered Shares that are accepted for repurchase shall be determined (“Valuation Date”).
If a repurchase offer is extended, the Expiration Date will be extended accordingly.
The determination of the value of Shares as of the Valuation Date is subject to adjustment based upon information received, including information from the Investment Managers of the Investment Funds, after the Valuation Date about the value of assets of the Fund as of the applicable Valuation Date.
The payment in respect of Shares accepted for repurchase (the “Payment”) is expected to be in an amount equal to 100% of the estimated value of the repurchased Shares, based on the value of the Shares as of the Valuation Date. The Payment will be made within 65 days after the Notice Date (the “Payment Date”).
The Fund reserves the right to withhold up to 5% of the estimated Payment until after the completion of the annual audit of the Fund’s financial statements, when it will be promptly paid. If this occurs, a shareholder could wait as long as approximately 14 months to receive the second payment installment. However, the Fund does not currently intend to withhold any amount of the Payment beyond the Payment Date. See “Types of Investments and Related Risks — Valuations Subject to Adjustment.”
Any repurchase of Shares from a shareholder that were held for less than one year (on a first-in, first-out basis) will be subject to an “Early Repurchase Fee” equal to 2% of the net asset value of any Shares repurchased by the Fund that were held for less than one year. If an Early Repurchase Fee is charged to a shareholder, the amount of such fee will be retained by the Fund.
If a repurchase offer is oversubscribed by shareholders who tender Shares, the Fund will repurchase a pro rata portion by value of the Shares tendered by each shareholder, extend the repurchase offer, or take any other action with respect to the repurchase offer permitted by applicable law. The Fund also has the right to repurchase all of a shareholder’s Shares at any time if the aggregate value of such shareholder’s Shares is, at the time of such compulsory repurchase, less than the minimum initial investment applicable for the Fund. In addition, the Fund has the right, subject to applicable law, to repurchase Shares of shareholders if the Fund determines that the repurchase is in the best interest of the Fund or upon the occurrence of certain events specified in the Fund’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust.
The Fund’s investments in Investment Interests are generally illiquid and the Fund will not be able to dispose of such investments except through negotiated secondary transactions with third parties, which may occur at a significant discount to NAV, |
10
may include incremental transaction expenses and may not be available at any given time. There is no assurance that third parties will engage in such secondary transactions and the Fund may require and be unable to obtain the Investment Interest’s consent to effect such transactions. The Fund may need to suspend or postpone repurchase offers if it is not able to dispose of its interests in Investment Interests in a timely manner. See “Repurchases and Transfers of Shares —Repurchases of Shares.” | |
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION | Hartford Funds Distributors, LLC, (the “Distributor” or “HFD”), 690 Lee Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, serves as the Fund’s principal underwriter and acts as the Distributor of the Fund’s Shares on a best efforts basis, subject to various conditions. The Fund’s Shares are offered for sale through the Distributor at NAV plus any applicable sales charge. The Distributor also may enter into broker-dealer selling agreements with other broker dealers (“Selling Agents”) for the sale and distribution of the Fund’s Shares. |
The Distributor is not required to sell any specific number or dollar amount of the Fund’s Shares, but will use its best efforts to solicit orders for the sale of the Shares. Shares of the Fund will not be listed on any national securities exchange and the Distributor will not act as a market maker in Fund Shares. | |
ERISA PLANS AND OTHER TAX-EXEMPT ENTITIES |
Investors subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and other tax-exempt entities, including employee benefit plans, individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”), 401(k) plans and Keogh plans, may purchase Shares. Because the Fund is registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act, the underlying assets of the Fund will not be considered to be “plan assets” of the ERISA plans investing in the Fund for purposes of ERISA’s fiduciary responsibility and prohibited transaction rules. Thus, none of the Fund, the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers will be a fiduciary within the meaning of ERISA with respect to the assets of any ERISA plan that becomes a shareholder, solely as a result of the ERISA plan’s investment in the Fund. |
UNLISTED CLOSED-END FUND STRUCTURE; LIMITED LIQUIDITY AND TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS | The Fund has been organized as a closed-end management investment company. Closed-end funds differ from open-end management investment companies (commonly known as mutual funds) in that investors in a closed-end fund do not have the right to redeem their shares on a daily basis. To meet daily redemption requests, mutual funds are subject to more stringent regulatory limitations than closed-end funds. |
A shareholder will not be able to redeem his, her or its Shares on a daily basis because the Fund is a closed-end fund. In addition, the Fund’s Shares are subject to restrictions on transferability and liquidity will be provided by the Fund only through limited repurchase offers or transfer of shares described below. An investment in the Fund is suitable only for investors who can bear the risks associated with the limited liquidity of the Shares and should be viewed as a long-term investment. | |
VALUATION | The price you pay for your Shares is based on the Fund’s NAV. The Fund’s NAV is calculated as of the close of business on the last business day of each calendar month, each date that a Share is offered, as of the date of any distribution and at such other times as the Board shall determine (each, a “Determination Date”). The Fund’s NAV is calculated by dividing the value of the Fund’s total assets (including interest and dividends accrued but not yet received) minus liabilities (including accrued expenses) by the total number of Shares outstanding. Requests to purchase Shares are processed at the NAV next calculated after the Fund receives your order in proper form plus any applicable sales charge. If the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE” or the “NYSE Close”) is closed due to inclement weather, technology problems or any other reason on a day it would normally be open for business, or the NYSE has an |
11
unscheduled early closing on a day it has opened for business, the Fund reserves the right to treat such day as a business day and accept purchase orders or repurchase requests, as applicable, until, and calculate the Fund’s NAV as of, the normally scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE for that day.
In the event the Fund holds portfolio securities that trade in foreign markets or that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the Fund does not price its shares, the NAV of the Fund’s shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or request the repurchase of shares of the Fund’s shares.
The Fund is designed to invest primarily in private equity investments of various types for which market quotations are not expected to be readily available. With respect to such investments, the Fund’s Board of Trustees has designated the Adviser as its valuation designee (the “Valuation Designee”) to determine the fair valuation of such investments pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act. The Valuation Designee determines the fair value of the security or other instrument under policies and procedures established by and under the supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Fund (“Valuation Procedures”). The Valuation Designee has delegated the day-to-day responsibility for implementing the Valuation Procedures to the Valuation Committee. The Valuation Committee will consider all available relevant factors in determining an investment’s fair value. The Valuation Designee reports fair value matters to the Audit Committee of the Fund’s Board of Trustees. Market quotations are considered not readily available where there is an absence of current or reliable market-based data (e.g., trade information or broker quotes), including where events occur after the close of the relevant market, but prior to the NYSE Close that materially affect the values of the Fund’s portfolio holdings or assets. In addition, market quotations are considered not readily available when, due to extraordinary circumstances, the exchanges or markets on which the securities or other instruments trade, do not open for trading for the entire day and no other market quotations are available. Fair value pricing is subjective in nature and the use of fair value pricing by the Valuation Designee may cause the NAV of the Fund’s shares to differ significantly from the NAV that would have been calculated using market quotations at the close of the exchange on which a portfolio holding is primarily traded. There can be no assurance that the Fund could obtain the fair value assigned to an investment if the Fund were to sell the investment at approximately the time at which the Fund determines its NAV. See “Valuation of Private Investments Risk.”
For purposes of calculating the NAV, the Valuation Designee will value the Fund’s investments in Investment Funds and direct private equity investments at fair value as determined in good faith under Valuation Procedures. The fair value of such investments as of each Determination Date ordinarily will be the capital account value of the Fund’s interest in such investments as provided by the relevant general partner, managing member or affiliated investment adviser of the Investment Fund (the “Investment Manager”) as of or prior to the relevant Determination Date; provided that such values will be adjusted for any other relevant information available at the time the Fund values its portfolio, including capital activity and material events occurring between the reference dates of the Investment Manager’s valuations and the relevant Determination Date.
Because the Fund relies on various sources to calculate its NAV, the Fund is subject to certain operational risks associated with reliance on pricing services and other service providers and data sources. The Fund’s NAV calculation may be impacted by operational risks arising from factors such as failures in systems and technology. Such failures may result in delays in the calculation of the Fund’s NAV and/or the inability to calculate NAV over extended time periods. The Fund may be unable to recover any losses associated with such failures. |
12
The Fund may also have exposure to exchange listed equity securities (following an IPO of an underlying investment) or in fixed income securities of various types. For purposes of calculating the NAV, portfolio securities and other assets held in the Fund’s portfolio for which market quotations are readily available are valued at market value. Market value is generally determined on the basis of official close price or last reported trade price. If no trades were reported, market value is based on prices obtained from a quotation reporting system, established market makers (including evaluated prices), or independent pricing services. Pricing vendors may use matrix pricing or valuation models that utilize certain inputs and assumptions to derive values, including transaction data, credit quality information, general market conditions, news, and other factors and assumptions.
Prices of foreign equities that are principally traded on certain foreign markets will generally be adjusted daily pursuant to a fair value pricing service in order to reflect an adjustment for the factors occurring after the close of certain foreign markets but before the NYSE Close. Securities and other instruments that are primarily traded on foreign markets may trade on days that are not business days of the Fund. The value of the foreign securities or other instruments in which the Fund invests may change on days when a shareholder will not be able to purchase or request the repurchase of shares of the Fund.
Fixed income investments (other than short-term obligations) held by the Fund are normally valued at prices supplied by independent pricing services in accordance with the Valuation Procedures. Short term investments maturing in 60 days or less are generally valued at amortized cost.
Exchange-traded derivatives, such as options, futures and options on futures, are valued at the last sale price determined by the exchange where such instruments principally trade as of the close of such exchange (“Exchange Close”). If a last sale price is not available, the value will be the mean of the most recently quoted bid and ask prices as of the Exchange Close. If a mean of the bid and ask prices cannot be calculated for the day, the value will be the most recently quoted bid price as of the Exchange Close. Over-the-counter derivatives are normally valued based on prices supplied by independent pricing services in accordance with the Valuation Procedures.
Investments valued in currencies other than U.S. dollars are converted to U.S. dollars using the prevailing spot currency exchange rates obtained from independent pricing services for calculation of the NAV. As a result, the NAV of the Fund’s shares may be affected by changes in the value of currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar. The value of securities or other instruments traded in markets outside the United States or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar may be affected significantly on a day that the Exchange is closed and the market value may change on days when an investor is not able to purchase or request the repurchase of shares of the Fund.
Foreign currency contracts represent agreements to exchange currencies on specific future dates at predetermined rates. Foreign currency contracts are valued using foreign currency exchange rates and forward rates as provided by an independent pricing service on the Determination Date.
Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at the respective NAV of each open-end mutual fund on the Determination Date. Shares of investment companies listed and traded on an exchange are valued in the same manner as any exchange-listed equity security. Such open-end mutual funds and listed investment companies may use fair value pricing as disclosed in their prospectuses.
Financial instruments for which prices are not available from an independent pricing service may be valued using market quotations obtained from one or more |
13
dealers that make markets in the respective financial instrument in accordance with the Valuation Procedures. | |
SUMMARY OF TAXATION |
The Fund intends to elect to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and intends to qualify annually, as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). As a RIC, the Fund generally will not be subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any net ordinary income or capital gains that is currently distributed as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to shareholders, as applicable. To qualify and maintain its qualification as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Fund is required to meet certain specified source-of-income and asset diversification requirements, and is required to distribute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes of an amount at least equal to 90% of the sum of its net ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses each tax year to shareholders, as applicable. See “Distributions” and “Tax Matters.”
Certain of the Investment Interests in which the Fund invests may be classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, for the purpose of satisfying certain of the requirements for qualification as a RIC, the Fund will, in appropriate circumstances, be required to “look through” to the character of the income, assets and investments held by the Fund and certain of the Investment Interests. However, Investment Interests generally are not obligated to disclose the contents of their portfolios. This lack of transparency may make it difficult for the Advisers to monitor the sources of the Fund’s income and the diversification of its assets, and otherwise comply with Subchapter M of the Code, and ultimately may limit the universe of Investment Interests in which the Fund can invest. Furthermore, although the Fund expects to receive information from each Investment Manager regarding its investment performance on a regular basis, in most cases there is little or no means of independently verifying this information and certain Investment Managers may not provide this information on a timely basis.
Some of the income that the Fund may earn directly or through an Investment Interest, such as income recognized from an equity investment in an operating partnership, may not satisfy the gross income test. To manage the risk that such income might jeopardize the Fund’s tax status as a RIC resulting from a failure to satisfy the gross income test, one or more subsidiary entities treated as U.S. corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be employed to earn such income and (if applicable) hold the related investment. Such subsidiary entities generally will be required to incur entity-level income taxes on their earnings, which ultimately will reduce the return to shareholders. |
FISCAL YEAR | For accounting purposes, the Fund’s fiscal year is the 12-month period ending on March 31. |
REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS | After the end of each calendar year, a statement on Form 1099-DIV or Form 1099-B, as appropriate, identifying the sources of the distributions paid by the Fund to shareholders for tax purposes will be furnished to shareholders subject to Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) reporting. In addition, the Fund will prepare and transmit to shareholders an unaudited semi-annual and an audited annual report within 60 days after the close of the period for which the report is being made, or as otherwise required by the 1940 Act. |
RISK FACTORS |
The principal risks of investing in the Fund are summarized below. There may be circumstances that could prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective and you may lose money by investing in the Fund. You should carefully consider the Fund’s investment risks before deciding whether to invest in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit at a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other |
14
government agency. The Fund may engage in any of the investment strategies or purchase any of the investments described in this Prospectus directly, through its investment in one or more Investment Funds, or through hybrid instruments and structured investments. References to the “Fund” in this section include the Fund and/or an Investment Fund, as applicable.
The Fund should be considered a speculative investment and entails substantial risks, and a prospective investor should invest in the Fund only if it can sustain a complete loss of its investment. For a more complete discussion of the risks of investing in the Fund, see “Types of Investments and Related Risks.” Shareholders should consider carefully the following principal risks before investing in the Fund. |
· Market Risk − Market risk is the risk that one or more markets in which the Fund invests will go down in value, including the possibility that the markets will go down sharply and unpredictably. Securities of a company may decline in value due to its financial prospects and activities, including certain operational impacts, such as data breaches and cybersecurity attacks. Securities may also decline in value due to general market and economic movements and trends, including adverse changes to credit markets, or as a result of other events such as geopolitical events, natural disasters, or widespread pandemics (such as COVID-19) or other adverse public health developments.
· Private Equity Investment Risk. The Fund’s investment portfolio will consist of Investment Interests that hold securities issued primarily by privately held companies, and operating results for the portfolio companies in a specified period will be difficult to predict. Such investments involve a high degree of business and financial risk, including those relating to the current global pandemic, that can result in substantial losses.
The securities in which an Investment Manager may invest may be among the most junior in an operating company’s capital structure and, thus, subject to the greatest risk of loss. Generally, there will be no collateral to protect such investments.
An Investment Manager’s underlying investments, depending upon strategy, may be in operating companies whose capital structures are highly leveraged. Such investments involve a high degree of risk in that adverse fluctuations in the cash flow of such operating companies, or increased interest rates, may impair the ability to meet their obligations, which may accelerate and magnify declines in the value of any such investments in a down market.
Shareholders will effectively bear two layers of expenses: expenses of the Fund and indirect expenses of the Investment Interests. In addition, to the extent that the Fund invests in an Investment Interest that is itself a “fund of funds,” the Fund would effectively bear a third layer of expenses.
Fund shareholders will have no right to receive information about the Investment Interests or Investment Managers, and will have no recourse against Investment Interests or their Investment Managers.
The Fund and its Investment Interests are subject to risks associated with legal and regulatory changes applicable to the private equity industry and private equity funds. |
15
Investment Managers may invest the assets of Investment Interests in early-stage venture capital which may result in or contribute to significant losses to the Fund.
Investment Interests held by the Fund generally involve capital commitments, with the unfunded component called over time. As a result, the Fund may maintain a sizeable cash and cash equivalent position in anticipation of satisfying capital calls from Investment Interests. The overall impact on performance due to holding a portion of the Fund’s assets in cash and cash equivalents could be negative.
Secondary Investments may be acquired based on incomplete or imperfect information, which may expose the Fund to contingent liabilities, counterparty risks, reputational risks and execution risks. Additionally, the absence of a recognized “market” price means that the Fund cannot be assured that it is paying an appropriate purchase price in connection with Secondary Investments.
While the Sub-Advisers will conduct independent due diligence before executing a Direct Investment, the Fund’s ability to realize a profit on Direct Investments will be particularly reliant on the expertise of the lead investor. To the extent that the lead investor assumes control of the operating company, the Fund will be reliant not only upon the lead investor’s ability to research, analyze, negotiate and monitor such investments, but also on the lead investor’s ability to successfully oversee the operations of the operating company. The Fund’s ability to dispose of such investments is typically very limited, both by the fact that the securities are unregistered and illiquid and by contractual restrictions that may preclude the Fund from selling such investment.
· Valuation of Private Investments Risk - The Fund’s ownership interests in private investments are not publicly traded, and the Fund will use a third-party pricing service or internal pricing methodologies to provide pricing information for certain private investments. The value of investments that are not publicly traded may not be readily determinable, and the Valuation Designee will value these investments at fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to the Valuation Procedures, including to reflect significant events affecting the value of the Fund’s investments. Many of the Fund’s investments may be classified as Level 3 under Topic 820 of the U.S. Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification, as amended, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC Topic 820”). This means that the Fund’s portfolio valuations will be based on significant unobservable inputs and the Valuation Designee’s own assumptions about how market participants would price the asset or liability in question. The Fund expects that inputs into the determination of fair value of the Fund’s portfolio investments will require significant judgment or estimation. Even if observable market data are available, such information may be the result of consensus pricing information or broker quotes, which include a disclaimer that the broker would not be held to such a price in an actual transaction. The non-binding nature of consensus pricing and/or quotes accompanied by disclaimers materially reduces the reliability of such information. The valuation of the Fund’s investments in Investment Funds is ordinarily determined based upon valuations provided by the Investment Managers on a quarterly basis. Although such valuations are provided on a quarterly basis, the Fund will provide valuations, and will issue Shares, on a monthly basis. An Investment Manager may face a conflict of interest in valuing the securities, as their value may affect the Investment Manager’s compensation or its ability to raise additional funds. No assurances can be given regarding the valuation methodology or the sufficiency of systems utilized by any Investment Manager, the accuracy of the valuations provided by the Investment Managers, that the Investment Managers will comply with |
16
their own internal policies or procedures for keeping records or making valuations, or that the Investment Managers’ policies and procedures and systems will not change without notice to the Fund. As a result, an Investment Manager’s valuation of the securities may fail to match the amount ultimately realized with respect to the disposition of such securities. The types of factors that the Valuation Designee may take into account in determining the fair value of the Fund’s investments generally include, as appropriate, comparison to publicly-traded securities and private market transactions, including such factors as revenue level, profitability, operating cash flow, revenue and income growth, and leverage, the markets in which the portfolio company does business and other relevant factors. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of private securities and private companies, are inherently uncertain, may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on estimates, the Valuation Designee’s determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these investments existed. The Fund’s net asset value could be adversely affected if the Valuation Designee’s determinations regarding the fair value of the Fund’s investments were materially higher than the values that the Fund ultimately realizes upon the disposal of such investments.
· Foreign Investments Risk − Investments in foreign securities may be riskier, more volatile, and less liquid than investments in U.S. securities. Differences between the U.S. and foreign regulatory regimes and securities markets, including the less stringent investor protection, less stringent accounting, corporate governance, financial reporting and disclosure standards of some foreign markets, as well as political and economic developments in foreign countries and regions and the U.S. (including the imposition of sanctions, tariffs, or other governmental restrictions), may affect the value of the Fund’s investments in foreign securities. Changes in currency exchange rates may also adversely affect the Fund’s foreign investments.
· Small and Mid Cap Securities Risk – Investments in small and mid capitalization companies involve greater risks than investments in larger, more established companies. Many of these companies are young and have limited operating or business history. These securities may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements and may lack sufficient market liquidity, and these issuers often face greater business risks, including the risk of bankruptcy.
· Leverage Risk − Certain transactions may give rise to leverage. Leverage can increase market exposure, magnify investment risks, and cause losses to be realized more quickly. Leverage may also cause the Fund to be more volatile than if it had not been leveraged. The use of leverage may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions to satisfy its obligations or to meet margin or collateral requirements when it may not be advantageous to do so.
· Illiquid and Restricted Securities Risk - The Fund may invest without limit in illiquid securities. The Fund may also invest in restricted securities. Investments in restricted securities could have the effect of increasing the amount of the Fund’s assets invested in illiquid securities, including but not limited to if qualified institutional buyers are unwilling to purchase these securities.
Illiquid and restricted securities may be difficult to dispose of at a fair price at the times when the Fund believes it is desirable to do so. The market price of illiquid and restricted securities generally is more volatile than that of more liquid securities, which may adversely affect the price that the Fund pays for or recovers upon the sale of such securities. Illiquid and restricted securities are also more difficult to value, especially in challenging markets. The Adviser’s and/or Sub-Advisers’ judgment may play a greater role in the valuation process. Investment of the Fund’s assets in illiquid and restricted |
17
securities may restrict the Fund’s ability to take advantage of market opportunities. To dispose of an unregistered security, the Fund, where it has contractual rights to do so, may have to cause such security to be registered. A considerable period may elapse between the time the decision is made to sell the security and the time the security is registered, thereby enabling the Fund to sell it. Contractual restrictions on the resale of securities vary in length and scope and are generally the result of a negotiation between the issuer and acquirer of the securities. In either case, the Fund would bear market risks during that period. Liquidity risk may impact the Fund’s ability to meet shareholder repurchase requests and as a result, the Fund may be forced to sell securities at inopportune prices.
· Liquidity Risk − The risk that the market for a particular investment or type of investment is or becomes relatively illiquid, making it difficult for the Fund to sell that investment at an advantageous time or price. Illiquidity may be due to events relating to the issuer of the securities, market events, rising interest rates, economic conditions or investor perceptions. Illiquid securities may be difficult to value and their value may be lower than the market price of comparable liquid securities, which would negatively affect the Fund's performance.
· Active Investment Management Risk − The risk that, if the Sub-Advisers’ investment strategy does not perform as expected, the Fund could underperform its peers or lose money. The Fund’s performance depends upon the performance of the portfolio managers and selected strategies, the adherence by such Investment Managers to such selected strategies, the instruments used by such Investment Managers and the Sub-Advisers’ ability to select Investment Managers and strategies and effectively allocate Fund assets among them. The Fund is organized to provide shareholders with a multi-strategy investment program and not as an indirect way to gain access to any particular Investment Interests. There is no guarantee that the Fund’s investment objective will be achieved.
· U.S. Government Securities Risk − Treasury obligations may differ in their interest rates, maturities, times of issuance and other characteristics. Securities backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the United States are guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity. Accordingly, the current market values for these securities will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. Obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities are supported by varying degrees of credit but generally are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government will provide financial support to its agencies and authorities if it is not obligated by law to do so. In addition, the value of U.S. Government securities may be affected by changes in the credit rating of the U.S. Government. U.S. Government securities are also subject to the risk that the U.S. Treasury will be unable to meet its payment obligations. | |
· Distributions Risk- The Fund’s distributions may include a return of capital, thus reducing a shareholder’s cost basis in his or her Fund shares and reducing the amount of capital available to the Fund for investment and likely increasing the Fund’s expense ratios. A shareholder who receives a return of capital distribution may be subject to tax upon the sale of the shareholder’s shares even though the shareholder has experienced a net loss on his or her investment in the Fund. Any capital returned to shareholders through distributions will be distributed after the payment of fees and expenses. Shareholders who periodically receive payment of a distribution consisting of a return of capital may be under the impression that they are receiving net income or profits when they are not. A return of capital to shareholders is a return of a portion of their |
18
original investment in the Fund. shareholders should not assume that the source of a distribution from the Fund is net income or profit.
· Non-Diversification Risk – The Fund is non-diversified, which means it is permitted to invest a greater portion of its assets in a smaller number of issuers than a “diversified” fund. For this reason the Fund may be more exposed to the risks associated with and developments affecting an individual issuer than a fund that invests more widely. The Fund may also be subject to greater market fluctuation and price volatility than a more broadly diversified fund.
· New Fund Risk - The Fund is a newly organized, non-diversified, closed-end management investment company with limited operating history that may be subject to additional risks. As a result, the Fund’s performance may not reflect how the Fund may be expected to perform over the long term. In addition, prospective investors have a limited track record and history on which to base their investment decisions.
· Sector Risk –To the extent the Fund is exposed more heavily to a particular sector or sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, from the broader market. Because the Fund invests in Investment Interests that are linked to various sectors, including the healthcare, technology, consumer discretionary and consumer staples, business services and industrial sectors, the Fund is subject to the risks inherent in those economic sectors. Such risks may include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions or cyclical market patterns that could negatively affect supply and demand in a particular industry; competition for resources; adverse labor relations; political or world events; increased regulatory burdens; obsolescence of technologies; and increased competition or new product introductions. To the extent that the Fund focuses its investments in a particular sector, the risks associated with that particular sector will be greater.
· Valuation Risks - Investors who purchase shares of the Fund on, or whose repurchase requests are valued on, days when the Fund is holding instruments that have been fair valued may receive fewer or more shares or lower or higher repurchase proceeds than they would have received if the instruments had not been fair valued or if an alternate valuation methodology was employed. Such risks may be more pronounced in a rising interest rate environment and/or an environment of increased equity market volatility, and, to the extent the Fund holds a significant percentage of fair valued or otherwise difficult to value securities, it may be particularly susceptible to the risks associated with valuation. For additional information about valuation determinations, see “Determination of Net Asset Value” below. Portions of the Fund’s portfolio that are fair valued or difficult to value vary from time to time. The Fund’s shareholder reports (when available) contain detailed information about the Fund’s holdings that are fair valued or difficult to value, including values of such holdings as of the dates of the reports.
· Non-Listed Closed-End Fund; Liquidity Risks - The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. Closed-end funds differ from open-end management investment companies (commonly known as mutual funds) because investors in a closed-end fund do not have the right to redeem their shares on a daily basis. Unlike many closed-end funds, which typically list their shares on a securities exchange, the Fund does not currently intend to list the Shares for trading on any securities exchange, and the Fund does not expect any secondary market to develop for the Shares in the foreseeable future. Therefore, an investment in the Fund, unlike an investment in a typical closed-end fund, is not a liquid investment. The Fund is not intended to be a typical traded investment. Although the Fund expects to make quarterly |
19
offers to repurchase its outstanding Shares at NAV beginning no later than the fifth full calendar quarter following the date the Fund commences operations, the number of Shares tendered in connection with a repurchase offer may exceed the number of Shares the Fund has offered to repurchase, in which case not all of your Shares tendered in that offer will be repurchased. The Fund is not required to make a repurchase offer in any given quarter. There is no minimum number of Shares that must be repurchased in any repurchase offer, and the Board may determine not to engage in a repurchase offer in any given quarter. Hence, you may not be able to sell your Shares when or in the amount that you desire. | |
Accordingly, the Fund should be considered a speculative investment that entails substantial risks, and prospective investors should invest in the Fund only if they can sustain a complete loss of their investment.
· ESG Integration Risk. The ESG characteristics that may be evaluated as part of the Fund’s investment process are anticipated to evolve over time and one or more characteristics may not be relevant with respect to all issuers that are eligible for investment. The relevance and weightings of specific ESG characteristics to the investment process varies across asset classes, sectors and strategies. ESG characteristics are not the only factors that may be considered by the portfolio manager(s) and as a result, the companies (or issuers) in which the Fund invests may not be companies (or issuers) with favorable ESG characteristics or high ESG ratings. ESG characteristics may be evaluated differently by different portfolio manager(s) and may not carry the same meaning to all investors and portfolio manager(s). While the portfolio manager(s) believe that the integration of material ESG characteristics into the Fund’s investment process has the potential to identify financial risks and contribute to the Fund’s long-term performance, there is no guarantee that the integration of ESG characteristics will result in better performance. The analysis of ESG characteristics is subjective and investors can differ in their views of what constitutes positive or negative ESG characteristics. ESG information and data, including that provided by third parties, may be incomplete, inaccurate, or unavailable, which could adversely affect the analysis relevant to a particular investment. Further, the regulatory landscape with respect to ESG investing in the United States is still developing and future rules and regulations may require the Fund to modify or alter its investment process with respect to ESG integration.
· ESG Restrictions Risk. The Fund’s ESG restrictions will reduce the types and number of investment opportunities available to the Fund and, as a result, the Fund may underperform other funds that do not have similar restrictions. The Fund’s ESG investment restrictions may result in the Fund investing in securities or industry sectors that underperform the market as a whole, or forgoing opportunities to invest in securities that might otherwise be advantageous to buy. Because the Sub-Advisers evaluate ESG characteristics when selecting investments, the Fund’s portfolio may perform differently than funds that do not use ESG characteristics. ESG characteristics may prioritize long term rather than short term returns. In addition, there is a risk that the investments identified by the Sub-Advisers to fit within their ESG criteria do not operate as anticipated. Although the Sub-Advisers seek to identify companies that fit within their ESG criteria, investors may differ in their views of what fits within this category of investments. As a result, the Fund may invest in companies that do not reflect the beliefs and values of any particular investor. The Sub-Advisers’ exclusion of certain investments from the Fund’s investment universe may adversely affect the Fund’s relative performance at times when such investments are performing well. |
20
The following table illustrates the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Shares of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts or waivers if you invest at least $100,000 in Class A Shares of the Fund. More information about these and other discounts or waivers is available from your financial professional, in the section “Sales Charges—Class A Shares” on pages [____] of the Prospectus.
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES | CLASS A | CLASS I | Class SDR | ||
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases | 3.50% | None | None | ||
Maximum repurchase fee(1) | 2.00% | 2.00% | 2.00% | ||
Dividend reinvestment plan fees(2) | None | None | None | ||
ANNUAL FUND EXPENSES(3) (as a percentage of average net assets attributable to |
|||||
Management Fee(4) | 1.50% | 1.50% | 1.50% | ||
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | 0.70% | None | None | ||
Total Other Expenses(5) | 3.62% | 3.62% | 3.47% | ||
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses(6) | 0.41% | 0.41% | 0.41% | ||
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 6.23% | 5.53% | 5.38% | ||
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement(4)(7) | 3.97% | 3.97% | 3.97% | ||
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement(7) | 2.26% | 1.56% | 1.41% |
(1) | A 2% early repurchase fee payable to the Fund will be charged with respect to the repurchase of an investor’s Shares at any time prior to the day immediately preceding the one-year anniversary of an investor’s purchase of the Shares (on a “first in-first out” basis). An early repurchase fee payable by an investor may be waived by the Fund, in circumstances where the Board of Trustees determines that doing so is in the best interests of the Fund and in a manner as will not discriminate unfairly against any investor. The early repurchase fee will be retained by the Fund for the benefit of the remaining investors. See “Repurchases and Transfers of Shares.” |
(2) | The expenses of administering the dividend reinvestment plan are included in “Other expenses.” See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.” |
(3) | Assumes the Fund raises $100,000,000 in proceeds in the Fund’s first 12 months of operations, resulting in estimated average net assets of approximately $50,000,000. |
(4) | The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive the Fund’s management fee in the amount of 1.25% for the first twelve months following the Fund’s commencement of operations. |
(5) | Other expenses are estimated for the Fund’s current fiscal year and include accounting, legal and auditing fees of the Fund, as well as the reimbursement of the compensation of administrative personnel and fees payable to the Independent Trustees. |
(6) | Represents estimated operating fees and expenses of the Investment Interests in which the Fund invests. Some or all of the Investment Interests in which the Fund invests charge carried interests, incentive fees or allocations based on the Investment Interests’ performance. The Investment Interests in which the Fund invests generally charge a management fee of 0% to 2% annually of committed or net invested capital, and approximately 0% to 20% of net profits as a carried interest allocation. In a given period, the management fee charged by the Investment Interests may be reduced in part by amounts received by the Investment Interests’ management company for related activities, such as transaction and monitoring fees received from portfolio companies. In addition, when a portfolio company is sold and the distribution exceeds the management fee allocated to that portfolio company, the Investment Interests’ management company may refund a portion of the allocated management fees. Such refunds are generally accrued by the Investment Interests as if all portfolio companies were sold at fair values. The 0.41% shown as “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” is based on estimated amounts for the Fund’s first 12 months of operations and assumes average net assets of $50,000,000. Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses reflect operating expenses of the Investment Interests (e.g., management fees, administration fees and professional and other direct, fixed fees and expenses of the Investment Interests) after refunds, excluding any performance-based fees or allocations paid by the Investment Interests that are paid solely on the realization and/or distribution of gains, or on the sum of such gains and unrealized appreciation of assets distributed in-kind, as such fees and allocations for a particular period may be unrelated to the cost of investing in the Investment Interests. |
(7) | The Adviser has contractually agreed to reimburse expenses to limit total net operating expenses (excluding management fees, Rule 12b-1 distribution and service fees, sub-transfer agency fees payable by Hartford Administrative Services Company (“HASCO”) to the extent that such sub-transfer agency fees are a component of the transfer agency fee payable by the Fund to HASCO, acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expenses, and certain extraordinary expenses) to no more than 0.75% of the Fund’s average monthly net assets. This contractual arrangement will remain in effect at least until September 30, 2024 unless the Fund’s Board of Trustees approves its earlier termination. |
21
Example:
The following example demonstrates the projected dollar amount of total expenses that would be incurred over various periods with respect to a hypothetical investment in the Fund. In calculating the following expense amounts, the Fund has assumed its direct and indirect annual operating expenses would remain at the percentage levels set forth in the table above (except that the example incorporates the management fee waiver and expense reimbursement arrangement for only the first year).
An investor would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5.0% annual return:
Share Class | 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
Class A | $57 | $179 | $298 | $583 |
Class I | $16 | $130 | $242 | $519 |
Class SDR | $14 | $125 | $236 | $507 |
The example and the expenses in the tables above should not be considered a representation of the Fund’s future expenses, and actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown. While the example assumes a 5.0% annual return, the Fund’s performance will vary and may result in a return greater or less than 5.0%. For a more complete description of the various fees and expenses borne directly and indirectly by the Fund, see “Fund Expenses” and “Management Fee.”
Because the Fund is newly organized and its Shares have not previously been offered, the Fund does not have any financial history as of the date of this Prospectus. Additional information about the Fund’s investments will be available in the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports when they are prepared.
The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that is registered under the 1940 Act. The Fund was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on December 28, 2021 and has no operating history. The Fund filed a Certificate of Amendment to its Certificate of Trust with the State of Delaware to change its name to Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund on September 29, 2022. The principal office of the Fund is located at 690 Lee Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087.
Hartford Funds Management Company, LLC, 690 Lee Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, an investment adviser registered with the SEC under the Advisers Act, serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. The Adviser is responsible for the management of the Fund and supervises the activities of the investment sub-advisers described below. The Adviser is an indirect subsidiary of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (“The Hartford”), a Connecticut-based financial services company. As of December 31, 2022, the Adviser and its wholly owned subsidiary, Lattice Strategies LLC, had approximately $122.7 billion in discretionary assets under management.
“Manager Of Managers” Structure. The Board of Trustees and the initial shareholder of the Fund have approved the operation of the Fund in a “Manager of Managers” structure to the extent the Fund is permitted to operate in such a structure in the future by law, rule, exemptive relief from the SEC, or guidance from the SEC staff. In a Manager of Managers structure, a fund’s adviser has responsibility, subject to oversight by a fund’s board of trustees, to oversee any sub-adviser and, subject to the approval of a fund’s board of trustees, to hire and to materially amend any sub-advisory agreement with certain sub-advisers, in each case without obtaining approval from the fund’s shareholders. The Fund does not currently operate in a Manager of Managers structure.
Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. serves as the Fund’s sub-adviser and Schroders Capital Management (US) Inc. serves as the Fund’s sub-sub-adviser. SIMNA and Schroders Capital are responsible for the daily investment activities for the Fund. SIMNA (itself and its predecessors) has been an investment manager since 1962, and also serves as investment adviser to mutual funds and a broad range of institutional investors. Schroders Capital (itself and its predecessors) has been an investment manager since 2008, and also serves as investment adviser to a broad range of institutional investors. Schroders plc, the ultimate parent of SIMNA and Schroders Capital, is a global asset management company with approximately $839.9 billion under management as of September 30, 2022. Schroders plc and its affiliates (“Schroders”) have a global client base that includes major financial institutions such as banks and insurance companies, public and private pension funds, endowments and foundations, high net worth individuals, financial intermediaries and retail investors. Schroders plc has one of the largest networks of offices of any
22
dedicated asset management company with numerous portfolio managers and analysts covering the world’s investment markets. The address of SIMNA and Schroders Capital is 7 Bryant Park, New York, New York 10018.
The proceeds from the sale of Shares are invested by the Fund to pursue its investment program and strategies. Under normal market circumstances, the proceeds from the sale of Shares, net of the Fund’s fees and expenses, are invested by the Fund to pursue its investment program and objectives as soon as practicable (but not in excess of six months), consistent with market conditions and the availability of suitable investments, after receipt of such proceeds by the Fund. However, investments may be delayed up to an additional three to six months if suitable investments are unavailable at the time or for other reasons, such as market volatility and lack of liquidity in the markets of suitable investments. See “Types of Investments and Related Risks — Availability of Investment Opportunities” for a discussion of the timing of Investment Interests’ subscription activities, market conditions and other considerations relevant to the timing of the Fund’s investments generally. Until appropriate investments or other uses can be found, the Fund will invest in temporary investments, such as cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less, which the Fund expects will have returns substantially lower than the returns that the Fund anticipates earning from investments in Investment Interests and related investments.
The Fund will pay the Adviser the full amount of the Management Fee during any period prior to which any of the Fund’s assets (including any proceeds received by the Fund from the offering of Shares) are invested in Investment Interests.
There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to sell all the Shares it is offering. If the Fund sells only a portion of the Shares it is offering, the Fund may be unable to achieve its investment objective.
Private investment funds, such as private equity funds, are commingled asset pools that typically offer their securities privately, without registering such securities under the 1933 Act. Investment Funds typically offer their securities in large minimum denominations (often at least $5 million to $20 million) to a limited number of high net worth individual and institutional investors. Investment Funds are excluded from the definition of “investment company,” and hence are not registered as investment companies, under the 1940 Act. The managers or investment advisers of these funds are usually compensated through asset-based fees and incentive-based fees. Registered closed-end investment companies are typically organized as corporations, business trusts, limited partnerships or limited liability companies that generally are managed more conservatively than most private investment funds due to certain requirements imposed by the 1940 Act and, with respect to those registered closed-end investment companies that qualify as regulated investment companies (“RICs”) under the Code, Subchapter M of the Code. These registered companies often impose relatively modest minimum investment requirements and publicly offer their shares to a broader range of investors, in contrast to the higher minimum investment amounts and limited range of investors which, as set forth above, characterize the offerings of private investment funds’ securities. The advisers to registered closed-end investment companies are typically compensated through asset-based fees.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND STRATEGIES
Investment Objective
The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation. The Fund’s investment objective may be changed by the Board without approval of the shareholders of the Fund. The Fund’s prospectus will be updated prior to any change in the Fund’s investment objective.
Investment Opportunities and Strategies
The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a wide range of private equity investments worldwide. The Fund will invest primarily in the equity interests of companies that are not listed on stock exchanges (private equity) and that are seeking to actively build, grow, transform or innovate. Under normal circumstances, the Fund intends to invest at least 80% of its assets in private investments of any type. The Fund’s private investments will include co-investment and direct investments in operating companies through the acquisition of equity or equity-like securities or special purpose vehicles that acquire the securities of privately-owned companies and primary offerings and secondary acquisitions of private equity assets or interests in alternative investment funds that pursue private equity strategies. The Fund may also invest in shares of private money market funds.
The Fund aims to provide broad exposure by allocating the Fund’s assets on an opportunistic basis across private equity strategies, regions, sectors and industries. The Fund will generally focus on Investment Interests that provide exposure to companies considered to be small to medium-sized enterprises that have an enterprise value between $50 million to $1 billion. Private equity strategies in which the Fund will invest are linked to the financial purpose of the underlying interests. These Strategies may include a management or leveraged buyout of a mature company (Buyout); providing expansion capital to companies in their development stage (Growth
23
Capital); providing capital to finance innovation for companies early in their commercial development (Venture Capital); and providing financing to companies that are undergoing a special situation such as restructuring (Special Situations). In selecting investments for the Fund, the Sub-Advisers will integrate financially material environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) characteristics (when available for an issuer) into their investment process. The Sub-Advisers will evaluate the impact and risk around issues such as climate change, environmental performance, labor standards and corporate governance, which they view as important in their assessment of an investment’s risk and potential for profitability. The Fund will generally not invest in companies that are significantly involved in certain industries, product lines or services, including but not limited to, tobacco, weapons, tar sands and thermal coal, as described more fully under “Portfolio Composition – ESG Restrictions” below.
The Fund may access investment opportunities within the Strategies through Direct Investments or primary and Secondary Investments in Investment Funds. Direct Investments relate to holdings in unlisted equities of companies, whether by directly acquiring the securities of an operating company or by investing through a special purpose vehicle that acquires the securities of an operating company, typically as co-investments alongside a private equity manager that is sponsoring the investment transaction. Secondary Investments entail acquiring an interest in one or more assets of a private equity fund or another investor’s existing interest in a private equity investment through a negotiated transaction in which the private equity manager managing the investment remains the same. Primary fund investments entail investing in Investment Funds during their initial fundraising which Investment Funds in turn invest in privately held companies or make private investments in public companies, potentially to take them private. In addition, the Fund may invest in money market instruments and hold cash. Under normal circumstances, the Fund expects to invest up to 20% of its assets in such investments. During the period of the Fund’s initial ramp up in portfolio construction, in connection with the implementation of changes in asset allocation, in periods when the Fund receives large cash inflows, or for temporary or defensive purposes, the Fund’s cash balance may exceed 20% of the Fund’s assets until new investments can be made to deploy cash resources.
Some of the income that the Fund may earn directly or through an Investment Interest, such as income recognized from an equity investment in an operating partnership, may not satisfy the gross income test. To manage the risk that such income might jeopardize the Fund’s tax status as a RIC resulting from a failure to satisfy the gross income test, one or more subsidiary entities treated as U.S. corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be employed to earn such income and (if applicable) hold the related investment. Such subsidiary entities generally will be required to incur entity-level income taxes on their earnings, which ultimately will reduce the return to shareholders.
Portfolio Composition
The Fund’s portfolio will consist primarily of various types of private equity investments. Private equity generally refers to privately negotiated investments made in non-public companies. Private equity firms typically seek to invest in quality companies at attractive valuations and use strategic and operational expertise to enhance value and improve portfolio company performance. Buyout funds seek to acquire private and public companies, as well as divisions of companies, and reposition them for sale at a multiple of invested equity by enhancing the value of the portfolio company.
The Fund’s actively managed private equity investments will provide a range of exposures that may differ by private equity strategy, region, investment type, sector and underlying company exposure. The Fund will focus on small to medium-sized companies.
The Fund will pursue a private equity investment strategy that will seek to build a global portfolio of primarily small and medium-sized companies through buyout, growth capital, venture capital and special situation private equity investment strategies. The Fund will seek to invest across a broad range of sectors, including healthcare, information technology, consumer discretionary and consumer staples, business services and industrials. The Fund’s Investment Interests will generally consist of either Direct Investments or Investment Funds. Direct Investments relate to holdings in unlisted equities of companies, whether by directly acquiring the securities of an operating company or by investing through a special purpose vehicle that acquires the securities of an operating company, typically as co-investments alongside a private equity manager that is sponsoring the investment transaction. Secondary Investments entail acquiring an interest in one or more assets of a private equity fund or another investor’s existing interest in a private equity investment through a negotiated transaction in which the private equity manager managing the investment remains the same. Primary fund investments entail investing in Investment Funds during their initial fundraising which Investment Funds in turn invest in privately held companies or make private investments in public companies, potentially to take them private.
Target Investment Strategies - The Fund will seek to invest capital in buyout, growth capital, venture capital and special situation type private equity strategies.
Buyout - A buyout investment is an equity investment in a company that facilitates a change in control of the company’s ownership. The private equity firm sponsoring the transaction is investing equity capital to acquire a controlling interest in or effective control of the target company. By acquiring a controlling interest, the private equity investor is in a better position to influence the company’s strategic direction. The focus on small and medium-sized buyouts opportunities gives the Fund a distinction from other closed-end
24
funds with limited liquidity, which tend to have a bias toward larger transaction sizes, where correlation to the public markets historically has tended to be higher. The Sub-Advisers’ global private equity practice seeks to invest alongside private equity managers that specialize in specific sectors and / or approaches to enhance company value. The Sub-Advisers believe this strategy offers superior return potential compared to large buyouts and/or investing alongside private equity managers with a less focused approach to enhancing company value for the following reasons:
· | Specialist managers targeting small to medium-sized private companies are often preferred buyers for private companies due to deep expertise and ability to generate value through operational improvements. |
· | Small and medium buyout managers source the majority of investment opportunities from families and entrepreneurs, which typically show a preference for smooth ownership transition rather than large auction processes. This can benefit managers in the form of reduced competition for deals and favorable entry valuations. |
Growth Capital – A growth capital investment is an equity investment in a company seeking to raise capital primarily to fund the company’s growth initiatives. Growth capital is an important and sizable private equity strategy globally and is particularly attractive if capital can be invested into quality growth companies with strong management at moderate entry prices. This requires proprietary deal sourcing and strong private equity investor value-add and thus tends to be specifically accessible through sector specialists. In a growth capital financing, the private equity investor acquires a meaningful and influential ownership position but typically not a majority interest in the company. The companies typically targeted in a growth capital financing are experiencing rapid revenue growth, have a proven business model, operational scale, and the potential to generate attractive net profitability and operating cash flows if the company de-emphasized its high investment to rapidly grow the business.
Venture Capital – A venture capital investment is an equity investment in a company seeking to raise capital primarily to fund the company’s research and development, market development and revenue growth initiatives. In a venture capital investment, the private equity investor acquires a meaningful and influential ownership position but typically not a majority interest in the company. The companies typically targeted for a venture capital investment are earlier in the development of their business models and are pursuing large market opportunities through the creation of innovative technologies and/or business models that have the potential to disrupt an established industry or deliver a novel solution to a specific market need.
Special Situations – A special situations investment is a private equity investment that may arise opportunistically to provide a company with capital that has equity or equity-like characteristics. The capital is typically being raised by the issuer to address a financial need outside the common private equity uses of a change in control or growth financing. A common type of special situations investment may occur when a company is faced with financial distress and new equity capital is required to satisfy the demands of the issuer’s lenders.
Over the long term and under normal conditions, the Sub-Advisers expect to allocate the majority of the Fund’s assets to Direct Investments and Secondary Investments, and expect to allocate no more than 20% of the Fund’s assets to Primary Investments.
Direct Investments. The Fund’s Direct Investments will typically be in the form of co-investments, which involve the Fund acquiring an interest in a single operating company alongside an investment by a private equity firm or other entity and are generally structured such that the co-investors are passive.
The market for Direct Investments may be limited, and the Direct Investments to which the Fund wishes to allocate its assets may not be available at any given time. Direct Investments may be heavily negotiated and may incur additional transaction costs for the Fund. Direct Investments are more concentrated than Primary Investments and Secondary Investments of an investor’s interest in an Investment Fund, which usually hold multiple operating companies. There is a potential risk that third party investment managers providing Direct Investments may choose not to make the most attractive co-investments available to the Fund and may instead reserve such opportunities for larger client relationships or their own accounts.
Secondary Investments. Secondary Investments, or “secondaries,” refer to investments in which one investor acquires another investor’s existing interest in a private equity investment through a negotiated transaction in which the private equity manager managing the investment remains the same. In making Secondary Investments, the buyer acquires exposure to one or more existing assets of a private equity fund by either acquiring an interest in a fund created to hold the acquired assets or by acquiring the interests of an existing limited partner of the private equity fund and agreeing to take on future funding obligations in exchange for future returns and distributions. A Secondary Investment that involves acquiring an investor’s interests in a private equity fund may be acquired at a discount to an Investment Fund’s net asset value. As a result, Secondary Investments acquired at a discount may result in unrealized gains to the Fund at the time the Fund next calculates its monthly net asset value. Because Secondary Investments are generally made after an Investment Fund has deployed capital into portfolio companies, these investments are viewed as more mature and may not exhibit the initial decline in net asset value associated with Primary Investments and may reduce the impact of the J-curve associated with private equity primary
25
fund investing. However, there can be no assurance that any or all Secondary Investments made by the Fund will exhibit this pattern of investment returns, and realization of later gains is dependent upon the performance of each Investment Fund’s portfolio companies.
The market for certain Secondary Investments may be very limited, and the strategies and Investment Funds to which the Fund wishes to allocate capital may not be available for Secondary Investment at any given time. Secondary Investments may be heavily negotiated and may incur additional transaction costs for the Fund. There is a risk that investors exiting an Investment Fund through a secondary transaction may possess superior knowledge regarding the value of their holdings and the portfolio companies of the Investment Fund and the Fund may pay more for a Secondary Investment than it would have if it were also privy to such information.
Primary Investments. Primary Investments, or “primaries,” refer to interests in newly established Investment Funds. Primary Investments are made during the Investment Fund’s fundraising period in the form of capital commitments, which are then periodically called by the fund to finance underlying investments in operating companies during a predefined period. A fund’s capital account will typically exhibit a “J curve,” undergoing a modest decline in the early portion of its lifecycle as expenses outweigh investment gains, with the trend typically reversing in the later portion of its lifecycle as underlying investments mature and are eventually realized. There can be no assurance that any or all Primary Investments made by the Fund will exhibit this pattern of investment returns and the realization of investment gains is dependent upon the performance and disposition of each underlying investment. Primary Investments typically range in duration from ten to twelve years, while underlying investments generally range in duration from three to seven years.
Seasoned primaries are primary fund investments made after an Investment Fund has already invested a certain percentage of its capital commitments (e.g., 25%, at the time of closing). Since the Investment Fund contains investments at the time the Fund invests, the Fund is able to accelerate its capital deployment compared to a typical primary fund investment and the Sub-Advisers are able to assess the attractiveness of the investments in the Investment Fund before making a capital commitment thereby reducing the blind-pool risk associated with a typical primary fund investment that has not made any investments.
Typically, private equity fund sponsors will not launch new funds that have the same focus more frequently than every two to four years. Private equity managers pursuing multiple strategies may offer multiple primary new funds each year, but may not offer new funds within a given geography or that pursue a certain strategy in any particular year. Many new funds offered by top-tier private equity firms may be inaccessible due to high demand and, accordingly, may be unavailable for Primary Investments at any given time. As a result, having well-established relationships with fund sponsors is critically important for primary investors.
Portfolio Allocation. The Fund’s portfolio will be global and seek to capitalize on the Sub-Advisers’ global private equity investment platform, which has investment professionals located in the US, Europe and Asia. Global exposure across markets is expected to provide investors exposure to the large and broad global private equity market whereby the Fund may obtain co-investment exposure across multiple countries, economies and the unique structural economic attributes and cycles afforded through regional exposure.
It is expected that the Fund will make the majority of its investments in Direct Investments and Secondary Investments while Primary Investments will be a relatively smaller part of the Fund’s exposure. The Fund’s asset allocations may vary significantly over time.
Investment Interests generally involve capital commitments, with the unfunded component called over time. The Fund’s asset allocation ranges and commitment strategy may be adjusted periodically based on the Sub-Advisers’ analysis of the private equity market, the Fund’s existing portfolio at the relevant time, and other pertinent factors.
Small to Medium-Sized Companies – The Fund will generally focus on Investment Interests that provide exposure to companies considered to be small to medium-sized enterprises determined by using a company’s enterprise value. The Fund expects to predominately invest in companies that have an enterprise value between $50 million to $1 billion. This enterprise value size range reflects the focus of the Sub-Advisers’ global private equity investment platform.
Across the private equity industry, the number of private equity transactions with small to medium-sized companies far exceeds the number of transactions with large companies. However, the amount of capital seeking to commit to and eventually invest in large private equity investments far exceeds the amount of capital seeking to commit to and eventually invest in small and medium-sized private equity investments.
The Sub-Advisers believe that the larger number of small to medium-sized companies compared to large companies presents an opportunity to identify private equity investments that may be less competitive to access and potentially offer more attractive risk and reward characteristics.
ESG Restrictions – The Fund does not generally invest directly in companies that are significantly involved in certain industries, product lines or services, including but not limited to, tobacco, pornography, weapons, predatory lending and thermal coal, as determined from time to time by the Sub-Advisers, unless the Sub-Advisers view the issuer as one which contributes to or is aligning itself with long-term ESG initiatives. In addition, the Fund does not directly invest in companies that are significantly involved in certain industries,
26
product lines or services, such as (i) any activity considered illegal by local laws or regulations or international conventions; (ii) controversial weapons; (iii) products or practices that endanger wildlife or high conservation areas; or (iv) any other investments that, in the Sub-Advisers’ judgment, do not meet certain labor, human rights, environmental, and/or anti-corruption standards. In addition, the Fund does not directly invest in companies that the Sub-Advisers have determined are associated with discrimination or bigotry of any kind. Finally, the Fund will seek to limit exposure to investments the Sub-Advisers determine are involved in certain other industries or product lines, including but not limited to alcohol, gambling and/or coal extraction or mining. In determining whether a company is significantly involved in the industries, product lines or services listed above, the Sub-Advisers typically use revenue thresholds attributed to certain industries, product lines or services (e.g., companies that derive 10% or more of their revenues from thermal coal mining) and categorical exclusions for other industries, product lines or services (e.g., controversial weapons). These exclusionary criteria may be updated periodically by the Sub-Advisers without notice to shareholders to, among other things, add or remove certain restricted industries, product lines or services, revise the revenue thresholds and categorical exclusions applicable to such activities, or change particular industries, product lines or services from a categorical exclusion to a revenue threshold, or vice versa. In addition, the Fund will generally not invest in an Investment Fund if the Investment Fund’s current or expected underlying portfolio companies, in aggregate, violate the ESG restrictions discussed above at the time of the Fund’s commitment. When investing in Investment Funds, the Fund will also generally seek to negotiate with the Investment Fund’s general partner to “carve out” exposure to an Investment Fund’s underlying investments that violate the ESG restrictions discussed above such that the Fund would not have indirect exposure to such investments, however there can be no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in such negotiations.
Foreign Investments. The Fund may invest in Investment Interests that provide exposure to foreign issuers and borrowers, which include: (1) companies organized outside of the United States, including in emerging market countries; (2) foreign sovereign governments and their agencies, authorities, instrumentalities and political subdivisions, including foreign states, provinces or municipalities; and (3) issuers and borrowers whose economic fortunes and risks are primarily linked with markets outside the United States. These securities may be denominated, quoted in, or pay income in, U.S. dollars or in a foreign currency. The Fund is not limited in the amount of assets it may invest in such foreign investments.
Global exposure across markets is designed to provide investors exposures to the large and broad private equity market in the U.S. and internationally whereby the Fund can have exposure to investments across multiple countries, economies and access the unique structural economic attributes and cycles afforded through regional exposure.
United States – The U.S. is the most established and largest private equity market globally. Based on data sourced from Preqin Ltd, approximately $400 billion was committed on average annually from 2017-2021 to private equity funds based in the U.S. in which the private equity fund is primarily focused on either buyout, growth capital or venture capital private equity strategy. The allocation of the capital raised by private equity funds based in the U.S. from 2017 to 2021 was 60% targeting buyouts, 16% growth capital and 24% targeting venture capital. The Fund will seek to invest in the U.S. across private equity strategies.
Europe – Europe is a well-established private equity market and the European economy is roughly the same size as the U.S. economy. The European markets are divided among many small businesses, and it is crucial that investors view Europe as a collection of markets as opposed to one homogenous market. The ongoing European economic integration and the expansion of the single market concept will generate add-on acquisition and exit opportunities through active cross-border M&A markets. The Sub-Advisers’ network in Europe consists of mostly specialist managers who focus on purchasing smaller companies (often family and founder-owned businesses) with perceived significant upside potential. Europe’s inherent fragmentation is an attractive characteristic, providing geographic, as well as sector diversity and is an opportunity to deploy “buy-and-build” strategies to create incremental enterprise value. Based on data sourced from Preqin Ltd, from 2017 - 2021, private equity firms based in Europe have raised an average of $130 billion for their private equity funds. The allocation of capital for European private equity funds was 78% to buyouts and 10% to growth capital and 12% to venture capital private equity strategies. The Fund will emphasize buyout investments in Europe with some exposure to growth capital and to a lesser degree venture capital.
Asia – Asia is a fast growing and developing private equity market. Within Asia, China and India are the largest private equity markets whereby most private equity capital is focused on growth capital and venture capital private equity strategies. Based on Preqin Ltd data, over the past five years, from 2017-2021, an annual average of $200 billion was raised by private equity funds targeting Asia. The allocation of private equity raised within Asia equated to 83% in China, 2% in India, 4% in Japan and 11% for the remainder of Asia. In Asia, the Fund will focus on China and India growth capital and venture capital investments to capitalize on the region’s growth prospects with a strategy based on local business models and the growing middle class.
U.S. Government Securities. The Fund may invest in U.S. Government securities. Treasury obligations may differ in their interest rates, maturities, times of issuance and other characteristics. Securities backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the United States are guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity. Accordingly, the current market values for these securities will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. Obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities
27
are supported by varying degrees of credit but generally are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government will provide financial support to its agencies and authorities if it is not obligated by law to do so. In addition, the value of U.S. Government securities may be affected by changes in the credit rating of the U.S. Government. U.S. Government securities are also subject to the risk that the U.S. Treasury will be unable to meet its payment obligations.
Leverage
The Fund may use leverage to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. The Fund is permitted to obtain leverage using any form or combination of financial leverage instruments, including through funds borrowed from banks or other financial institutions (i.e., a credit facility), margin facilities, or the issuance of notes in an aggregate amount up to 33 1/3% of the Fund’s total assets, including any assets purchased with borrowed money, immediately after giving effect to the leverage. The Fund is also permitted to obtain leverage through the issuance of preferred shares in an aggregate amount up to 50% of the Fund’s total assets immediately after giving effect to the leverage. The Fund may also use leverage generated by reverse repurchase agreements, dollar rolls and similar transactions. The Fund intends to enter into a credit facility provided, at least initially, by an affiliate of the Sub-Advisers during the 12-month period following the date of the Prospectus. The Fund may use leverage opportunistically and may use different types, combinations or amounts of leverage over time, based on the Sub-Advisers’ views concerning market conditions and investment opportunities. The Fund’s strategies relating to its use of leverage may not be successful, and the Fund’s use of leverage will cause the Fund’s NAV to be more volatile than it would otherwise be. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will leverage its assets or, to the extent the Fund does use leverage, what percentage of its assets such leverage will represent.
In addition, while any senior securities remain outstanding, the Fund generally must make provisions to prohibit any distribution to the Fund’s shareholders or the repurchase of such securities or shares unless the Fund meets the applicable asset coverage ratio at the time of the distribution or repurchase.
Investment Interests may also use leverage in their investment activities. Borrowings by Investment Interests are not subject to the asset coverage requirement discussed above. Accordingly, the Fund’s portfolio may be exposed to the risk of highly leveraged investment programs of certain Investment Interests and the volatility of the value of Shares may be great, especially during times of a “credit crunch” and/or general market turmoil, such as that experienced during late 2008 or at times during the current global pandemic. In general, the use of leverage by Investment Interests or the Fund may increase the volatility of the Investment Interests or the Fund. See “Types of Investments and Related Risks —Leverage Risk.”
The Investment Process
The Sub-Advisers’ investment process applies a thorough and disciplined due diligence process to seek to select the most attractive and appropriate investment opportunities. This process leverages the Sub-Advisers’ global private equity experience and knowledge and the ability to gain access to attractive private equity investment opportunities. The Sub-Advisers utilize their abilities and resources to assess and benchmark operational metrics with comparable businesses and private equity managers within existing and historical investments. The Sub-Advisers also extensively reference opportunities with a significant network within the private equity world. The Sub-Advisers’ global private equity investment team was one of the first to introduce ISAE 3402 Type II process standards to a private equity firm’s investment process, ensuring that the overall process adheres to consistent and high-quality standards.
The Sub-Advisers’ global private equity investment team is segmented into two teams: (1) private equity investment professionals that are active in driving the sourcing, due diligence, execution of private equity investment opportunities and post-investment monitoring (the “Investment Team”); and (2) the Investment Committee. The Investment Committee consists of senior private equity investment professionals who are responsible for overseeing the proper and consistent execution of the investment process and deciding which investment opportunities are approved for investment, which portfolios will invest in a particular investment opportunity and the allocation of capital by each portfolio to an investment opportunity. Investment Committee members do not sponsor or play an active role in the due diligence of an investment opportunity. Each Investment Team member is part of a strategy team (e.g., Asia, Europe, Global Innovation (venture capital), Secondaries, and U.S.) and a sector team (e.g., Consumer Discretionary and Consumer Staples, Healthcare, Industrials, Business Services and Information Technology). The combination of strategy and sector teams provide for one global private equity investment organization that seeks to actively interact and share perspectives and ideas across the platform. Each private equity portfolio is assigned to one or more senior investment professionals as a portfolio manager(s) (“Portfolio Managers”). Portfolio Managers can be either an Investment Team member or an Investment Committee member. The Portfolio Managers oversee the construction of a portfolio and the ongoing developments within a portfolio post investment execution. Portfolio Managers actively interact with members of the Investment Team to assess the applicability and appropriateness of an investment opportunity for a specific portfolio.
Potential investment opportunities are vetted through rigorous due diligence that follows a well-established investment process with four core phases: sourcing, assessment, execution and monitoring. Within the four phases, the investment process is customized to address the specific aspects associated with each private equity investment type and the unique issues presented by the specific
28
investment project. ESG characteristics are considered in each stage of the investment process and help to identify issues that can potentially materially impact an asset’s risk or return profile. The Sub-Advisers consider ESG risks and opportunities using a proprietary framework and investments with strong ESG credentials and/or alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (“UN SDGs”) are viewed favorably. A serious breach of the Sub-Advisers’ ESG standards could lead the Sub-Advisers to not invest in a particular investment or to seek to divest from a particular investment. The following further elaborates on each phase of the investment process.
Sourcing – Establishing access to attractive private equity investments is an important component of building a successful private equity portfolio and requires a proactive investment sourcing capability. The Sub-Advisers leverage their global private equity platform of experienced private equity professionals, more than 25 years as a successful global institutional private equity investor, and consistent and growing private equity investment activity across Direct Investments, Secondary Investments and Primary Investments to source high quality deal flow globally. Each sourced investment opportunity is screened by a member of the Investment Team to make an initial assessment of the investment opportunity’s attractiveness and appropriateness relative to its investment risk and return and ESG considerations.
Assessment – The assessment of each investment opportunity is segmented into two phases: pre-qualification and qualification. The pre-qualification phase is the initial due diligence effort of gathering, reviewing and assessing the key investment, ESG and portfolio risk and return drivers and factors to determine an investment opportunity’s relative attractiveness and whether additional diligence resources should be committed to the investment project in order to fully diligence an investment project. The pre-qualification phase generally concludes with a presentation of the investment opportunity by the relevant Investment Team members to the Investment Committee or the decline of the investment opportunity by either the relevant Investment Team members or the Investment Committee. The Investment Committee will provide its feedback (e.g., potential issues and concerns with the investment project), which will be an added component of the ongoing diligence efforts. It is at this stage of the investment process that the Fund may be identified as an interested investor based on its criteria established by the Board, its current portfolio exposures and its availability of investable capital.
The qualification phase entails further in-depth due diligence, which typically includes reference calls, meetings with the key organizations involved in or which may provide insights into the transaction, sourcing, reviewing and assessing additional documentation relevant to the investment project, an ESG assessment of the investment, and an initial review of legal documentation. Before an investment recommendation is made to the Investment Committee, the relevant Investment Team members will present their diligence findings and analysis to members of the Investment Committee to ensure any key diligence issues have been properly addressed. At this stage, the Portfolio Managers will confirm the Fund’s interest in the prospective investment and the investment’s suitability for the Fund’s portfolio. The qualification phase concludes with an investment recommendation to the Investment Committee and the Investment Committee members voting on the investment project for investment by specific portfolios and the amount of investment to be executed upon by each portfolio. If the Investment Committee does not provide approval, the investment opportunity is declined.
Execution – Once an investment project has received Investment Committee approval, the relevant Investment Team members will complete its outstanding diligence review and work with internal and external legal resources to negotiate and finalize the legal documentation and perform the required “know your investee” and anti-money laundering regulatory diligence. An investment is considered completed or closed when the Sub-Advisers have executed the transaction documentation that commits the Fund to acquire the issuers securities for a specified amount of capital.
Monitoring – The Sub-Advisers take an active role in the monitoring of existing investments. Each investment is assigned appropriate Investment Team personnel to actively monitor the developments of an investment. Each investment is monitored for its progress relative to its return and risk expectations as outlined at the point of its investment approval. In addition, each investment is monitored for changes and developments with regards to ESG and whether the investment or associated private equity manager is adopting ESG practices that will further enhance the investment’s ESG profile. The Sub-Advisers use engagement practices with funds and portfolio companies to encourage and enforce positive ESG practices.
Exemptive Relief
To the extent permitted by law, the Fund intends to co-invest in Investment Interests with other Schroders-advised funds and clients. The 1940 Act imposes significant limits on the ability of the Fund to co-invest with other Schroders-advised funds and clients. The Advisers and the Fund have applied for an exemptive order from the SEC that would permit the Fund to co-invest alongside its affiliates in Investment Interests. However, any SEC exemptive order would be expected to contain certain conditions that limit or restrict the
29
Fund’s ability to participate in such Investment Interests. In such cases, the Fund may participate in an investment to a lesser extent or, under certain circumstances, may not participate in the investment. There is no assurance that the requested relief will be granted.
Investment Policies
The Fund will not “concentrate” its investments in a particular industry or group of industries, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder as such may be interpreted or modified from time to time by regulatory authorities having appropriate jurisdiction. This policy is fundamental and may not be changed without the vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding shares as defined in the 1940 Act. The Fund’s SAI contains a list of all of the fundamental and non-fundamental investment policies of the Fund, under the heading “Investment Objective and Policies.”
The Fund has a name that suggests a focus on a particular type of investment. In accordance with Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act, the Fund has adopted a policy that it will, under normal circumstances, invest at least 80% of its assets, which means net assets plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in investments of the type suggested by its name, as set forth in the Fund’s Investment Objective and Strategies section (“80% Policy”). This requirement is applied at the time the Fund invests its assets. If, subsequent to an investment by the Fund, this requirement is no longer met, the Fund’s future investments will be made in a manner that will bring the Fund into compliance with this requirement. In addition, in appropriate circumstances, synthetic investments may count toward the 80% minimum if they have economic characteristics similar to the other investments included in the basket. The Fund’s 80% Policy is not a “fundamental” one, which means that it may be changed without shareholder approval. The name of the Fund may be changed at any time by a vote of the Fund’s Board of Trustees. Shareholders will be given written notice at least 60 days prior to any change by the Fund of its 80% Policy covered by Rule 35d-1.
30
TYPES OF INVESTMENTS AND RELATED RISKS
Investors should carefully consider the risk factors described below before deciding on whether to make an investment in the Fund.
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund
· | Active Investment Management Risk. The risk that, if the investment decisions and strategy of the portfolio managers do not perform as expected, the Fund could underperform its peers or lose money. The Fund’s performance depends on the judgment of the portfolio managers about a variety of factors, such as markets, interest rates and/or the attractiveness, relative value, liquidity, or potential appreciation of particular investments made for the Fund’s portfolio. The portfolio managers’ investment models may not adequately take into account certain factors, may perform differently than anticipated and may result in the Fund having a lower return than if the portfolio managers used another model or investment strategy. In addition, to the extent the Fund allocates a portion of its assets to specialist portfolio managers, the styles employed by the different portfolio managers may not be complementary, which could adversely affect the Fund’s performance. |
· | Availability of Investment Opportunities. The business of identifying and structuring investments of the types contemplated by the Fund is competitive, and involves a high degree of uncertainty. The availability of investment opportunities generally is subject to market conditions as well as, in some cases, the prevailing regulatory or political climate. No assurance can be given that the Fund will be able to identify and complete attractive investments in the future or that it will be able to fully invest its subscriptions. Similarly, identification of attractive investment opportunities by Investment Funds is difficult and involves a high degree of uncertainty. Even if an attractive investment opportunity is identified by the Sub-Advisers, an Investment Interest may not be permitted to take advantage of the opportunity to the fullest extent desired. Other investment vehicles sponsored, managed or advised by the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates may seek investment opportunities similar to those the Fund may be seeking. The Sub-Advisers will allocate fairly between the Fund and such other investment vehicles any investment opportunities that may be appropriate for the Fund and such other investment vehicles. |
To the extent permitted by law, the Fund intends to co-invest in Investment Interests with other Schroders-advised funds and clients. The 1940 Act imposes significant limits on the ability of the Fund to co-invest with other Schroders-advised funds and clients. The Advisers and the Fund have applied for an exemptive order from the SEC that would permit the Fund to co-invest alongside its affiliates in Investment Interests. However, any SEC exemptive order would be expected to contain certain conditions that limit or restrict the Fund’s ability to participate in such Investment Interests. In such cases, the Fund may participate in an investment to a lesser extent or, under certain circumstances, may not participate in the investment. Ultimately, an inability to receive the desired allocation to certain Investment Interests could represent a risk to the Fund’s ability to achieve the desired investment returns. There is no assurance that the requested relief will be granted.
· | Private Equity Investments. Private equity is a common term for investments that are typically made in private or public companies through privately negotiated transactions, and generally involve equity-related finance intended to bring about some kind of change in an operating company (e.g., providing growth capital, recapitalizing a company or financing an acquisition). Private equity funds, often organized as limited partnerships, are the most common vehicles for making private equity investments, although the Fund may also co-invest directly in an operating company in conjunction with an Investment Fund. The investments held by Investment Funds and Direct Investments made by the Fund involve the same types of risks associated with an investment in any operating company. However, securities of private equity funds, as well as the underlying companies these funds invest in, tend to be more illiquid, and highly speculative. Private equity has generally been dependent on the availability of debt or equity financing to fund the acquisitions of their investments. Depending on market conditions, however, the availability of such financing may be reduced dramatically, limiting the ability of private equity funds to obtain the required financing or reducing their expected rate of return. |
The regulatory environment for private investment funds continues to evolve, and changes in the regulation of private investment funds may adversely affect the value of the Fund’s investments and the ability of the Fund to implement its investment strategy (including the use of leverage). The financial services industry generally and the activities of private investment funds and their investment advisers, in particular, have been the subject of increasing legislative and regulatory scrutiny. Such scrutiny may increase the Fund’s, the Adviser’s and/or the Sub-Advisers’ legal, compliance, administrative and other related burdens and costs as well as regulatory oversight or involvement in the Fund, the Adviser’s and/or the Sub-Advisers’ business. There can be no assurances that the Fund, the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers will not in the future be subject to regulatory review or discipline. The effects of any regulatory changes or developments on the Fund may affect the manner in which it is managed and may be substantial and adverse.
· | “J-Curve” Performance Risk. Investment Funds typically exhibit “J-curve” performance, such that an Investment Fund’s net asset value typically declines during the early portion of the Investment Fund’s lifecycle as investment-related fees and expenses accrue prior to the realization of investment gains. As the Investment Fund matures and as the Investment Fund’s assets are sold, the Sub- |
31
Advisers believe that the pattern typically reverses with increasing net asset value and distributions. There can be no assurance, however, that any or all the Investment Funds in which the Fund invests will exhibit this pattern of investment returns.
· | Market Risk. Market risk is the risk that one or more markets in which the Fund invests will go down in value, including the possibility that the markets will go down sharply and unpredictably. Securities or other investments may decline in value due to factors affecting securities markets generally or individual issuers. The value of a security or other investment may change in value due to general market conditions that are not related to a particular issuer, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the general outlook for revenues or corporate earnings, changes in interest, or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally as well as global trade policies and political unrest or uncertainties. The value of a security or other investment may also change in value due to factors that affect an individual issuer, including data breaches and cybersecurity attacks, or a particular sector or industry. During a general downturn in the securities or other markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. When markets perform well, there can be no assurance that securities or other investments held by the Fund will participate in or otherwise benefit from the advance. Any market disruptions, including those arising out of geopolitical events (including wars, military conflicts, pandemics and epidemics) or natural/environmental disasters, could also prevent the Fund from executing advantageous investment decisions in a timely manner. The adverse impact of any one or more of these events on the market value of Fund investments could be significant and cause losses. A widespread health crisis, such as a global pandemic, could cause substantial market volatility, exchange trading suspensions or restrictions and closures of securities exchanges and businesses, impact the ability to complete redemptions, and adversely impact Fund performance. The outbreak of COVID-19, a respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus, has negatively affected the worldwide economy, created supply chain disruptions and labor shortages, and impacted the financial health of individual companies and the market in significant and unforeseen ways. The future impact of COVID-19 is currently unknown. The effects to public health, business and market conditions resulting from COVID-19 pandemic have had, and may continue to have, a significant negative impact on the performance of the Fund’s investments, including exacerbating other pre-existing political, social and economic risks. |
· | Venture Capital. An Investment Fund may invest and the Fund may co-invest in venture capital. Venture capital is usually classified by investments in private companies that have a limited operating history, are attempting to develop or commercialize unproven technologies or implement novel business plans or are not otherwise developed sufficiently to be self-sustaining financially or to become public. Although these investments may offer the opportunity for significant gains, such investments involve a high degree of business and financial risk that can result in substantial losses, which risks generally are greater than the risks of investing in public companies that may be at a later stage of development. |
· | Geographic Concentration Risks. An Investment Fund may concentrate its investments in specific geographic regions. This focus may constrain the liquidity and the number of portfolio companies available for investment by an Investment Fund. In addition, the investments of such an Investment Fund will be disproportionately exposed to the risks associated with the region of concentration. |
· | Sector Concentration Risk. An Investment Fund may concentrate its investments in specific industry sectors. This focus may constrain the liquidity and the number of portfolio companies available for investment by an Investment Fund. In addition, the investments of such an Investment Fund will be disproportionately exposed to the risks associated with the industry sectors of concentration. The Fund expects to focus its investments in the information technology, healthcare, consumer discretionary and consumer staples, business services and industrials sectors. |
Healthcare Sector Risk. Many healthcare-related companies are smaller and less seasoned than companies in other sectors. Healthcare-related companies may also be strongly affected by scientific or technological developments, and their products may quickly become obsolete. The profitability of healthcare-related companies may be affected by extensive government regulation, restrictions on government reimbursement for medical expenses, rising or falling costs of medical products and services, pricing pressure, an increased emphasis on outpatient services, a limited number of products, industry innovation, changes in technologies and other market developments. Many healthcare companies are heavily dependent on patent protection and the actual or perceived safety and efficiency of their products. The expiration of patents may adversely affect the profitability of these companies. Patents have a limited duration, and, upon expiration, other companies may market substantially similar “generic” products that are typically sold at a lower price than the patented product, which can cause the original developer of the product to lose market share and/or reduce the price charged for the product, resulting in lower profits for the original developer. As a result, the expiration of patents may adversely affect the profitability of these companies.
Many healthcare companies are subject to extensive litigation based on product liability and similar claims. Further, many healthcare-related companies offer products and services that are subject to governmental regulation and may be adversely affected by changes in governmental policies or laws. Changes in governmental policies or laws may span a wide range of topics, including cost control, national health insurance, incentives for compensation in the provision of healthcare services, tax incentives and penalties related to healthcare insurance premiums, and promotion of prepaid healthcare plans. In addition, a number of legislative proposals concerning healthcare have been considered by the U.S. Congress in recent years. It is unclear what proposals will ultimately be enacted, if any, and what effect they may have on companies in the healthcare sector. Many
32
new products in the healthcare sector may be subject to regulatory approvals. The process of obtaining such approvals may be long and costly, which can result in increased development costs, delayed cost recovery and loss of competitive advantage to the extent that rival companies have developed competing products or procedures, adversely affecting the company’s revenues and profitability. In other words, delays in the regulatory approval process may diminish the opportunity for a company to profit from a new product or to bring a new product to market, which could have a material adverse effect on a company’s business.
Healthcare companies are subject to competitive forces that may make it difficult to raise prices and, in fact, may result in price discounting. Additionally, the expansion of facilities by healthcare-related providers may be subject to “determinations of need” by certain government authorities. This process not only generally increases the time and costs involved in these expansions, but also makes expansion plans uncertain, limiting the revenue and profitability growth potential of healthcare-related facilities operators and negatively affecting the prices of their securities.
Information Technology Sector Risk. The Fund’s performance may be closely tied to the performance of information technology issuers and, as a result, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, factors impacting this sector. The information technology sector includes companies engaged in internet software and services, technology hardware and storage peripherals, electronic equipment instruments and components, and semiconductors and semiconductor equipment. Information technology companies face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, which may have an adverse effect on their profit margins. Like other technology companies, information technology companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. The products of information technology companies may face obsolescence due to rapid technological developments, frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Companies in the information technology sector are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights. The loss or impairment of these rights may adversely affect the profitability of these companies.
Consumer Discretionary and Consumer Staples Sector Risk. Companies in the consumer discretionary and consumer staples sectors are subject to the risks associated with adverse changes in consumer sentiment and buying patterns, the effects of inflation and disruptions in the supply chain that negatively impact the availability of products. Companies in this sector may also be adversely affected by supply and demand for certain products and services, price fluctuations, product obsolescence and product liability claims, governmental regulation, exchange rates, world events, general economic conditions and other factors. In addition, certain companies in the consumer sectors may be cyclical and have occasional sharp price movements resulting from changes in the economy, fuel prices, labor agreements and insurance costs.
Business Services Risk. Companies in the business services sector can be significantly affected by competitive pressures, such as technological developments, fixed-rate pricing, and the ability to attract and retain skilled employees. The success of companies that provide business-related services is, in part, subject to continued demand for business services as companies and other organizations seek alternative, cost-effective means to meet their economic goals.
Industrials Sector Risk. The Fund's performance may be closely tied to the performance of industrials issuers and, as a result, may be more volatile than the performance of more broadly diversified funds. The prices of securities in the industrials sector can be volatile and can be impacted significantly by supply and demand for certain products and services, product obsolescence and product liability claims, government regulation, exchange rates, world events, general economic conditions and other factors. In addition, certain companies in the industrials sector may be cyclical and have occasional sharp price movements resulting from changes in the economy, fuel prices, labor agreements and insurance costs.
· | Foreign Investments Risk. Investments in foreign securities may be riskier than investments in U.S. securities and may also be less liquid, more volatile and more difficult to value than securities of U.S. issuers. Foreign investments may be affected by the following: |
o | changes in currency exchange rates |
o | changes in foreign or U.S. law or restrictions applicable to such investments and in exchange control regulations |
o | increased volatility |
o | substantially less volume on foreign stock markets and other securities markets |
o | higher commissions and dealer mark-ups |
o | inefficiencies in certain foreign clearance and settlement procedures that could result in an inability to execute transactions or delays in settlement |
33
o | less uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards |
o | less publicly available information about a foreign issuer or borrower |
o | less government regulation and oversight |
o | unfavorable foreign tax laws |
o | political, social, economic or diplomatic developments in a foreign country or region or the U.S. (including the imposition of sanctions, tariffs, or other governmental restrictions) |
o | differences in individual foreign economies |
o | geopolitical events (including wars, military conflicts, pandemics and epidemics) that may disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global economies and markets |
Governments in many emerging market countries participate to a significant degree in their economies and securities markets, which may impair investment and economic growth. In addition, global economies and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region.
The type and severity of sanctions and other similar measures, including counter sanctions and other retaliatory actions, that may be imposed could vary broadly in scope, and their impact is impossible to predict. These types of measures may include, but are not limited to, banning a sanctioned country from global payment systems that facilitate cross-border payments, restricting the settlement of securities transactions by certain investors, and freezing the assets of particular countries, entities, or persons. The imposition of sanctions and other similar measures could, among other things, cause a decline in the value and/or liquidity of securities issued by the sanctioned country or companies located in or economically tied to the sanctioned country, downgrades in the credit ratings of the sanctioned country or companies located in or economically tied to the sanctioned country, devaluation of the sanctioned country’s currency, and increased market volatility and disruption in the sanctioned country and throughout the world. Sanctions and other similar measures could limit or prevent the Fund from buying and selling securities (in the sanctioned country and other markets), significantly delay or prevent the settlement of securities transactions, and significantly impact the Fund’s liquidity and performance.
Certain European countries in which the Fund may invest have recently experienced significant volatility in financial markets and may continue to do so in the future. The impact of the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, commonly known as “Brexit,” and the potential departure of one or more other countries from the European Union may have significant political and financial consequences for global markets. These consequences include greater market volatility and illiquidity, currency fluctuations, deterioration in economic activity, a decrease in business confidence and an increased likelihood of a recession in such markets. Uncertainty relating to the United Kingdom’s departure may have adverse effects on asset valuations and the renegotiation of current trade agreements, as well as an increase in financial regulation in such markets. This may adversely impact Fund performance.
· | Regional/Country Focus Risk. To the extent that the Fund focuses its investments in a particular geographic region or country, the Fund may be subject to increased currency, political, social, environmental, regulatory and other risks not typically associated with investing in a larger number of regions or countries. In addition, certain foreign economies may themselves be focused in particular industries or more vulnerable to political changes than the U.S. economy, which may have a pronounced impact on the Fund’s investments. As a result, the Fund may be subject to greater price volatility and risk of loss than a fund holding more geographically diverse investments. Regional and country focus risk is heightened in emerging markets. |
The following sets forth additional information regarding risks associated with investing in certain regions/countries:
Investments in Asian Securities – Certain Asian economies have experienced high inflation, high unemployment, currency devaluations and restrictions, and over-extension of credit. Many Asian economies have experienced rapid growth and industrialization, and there is no assurance that this growth rate will be maintained. During the global recession that began in 2009, many of the export-driven Asian economies experienced the effects of the economic slowdown in the United States and Europe, and certain Asian governments implemented stimulus plans, low-rate monetary policies and currency devaluations. Economic events in any one Asian country may have a significant economic effect on the entire Asian region, as well as on major trading partners outside Asia. Any adverse event in the Asian markets may have a significant adverse effect on some or all of the economies of the countries in which the Fund invests. Many Asian countries are subject to political risk, including corruption and regional conflict with neighboring countries. In addition, many Asian countries are subject to social and labor risks associated with demands for improved political, economic and social conditions.
34
· | China Investments Risk. Investment in Chinese issuers subjects the Fund to risks specific to China. China may be subject to significant economic, political and social instability. China is an emerging market and has demonstrated significantly higher volatility from time to time in comparison to developed markets. Investments in securities of Chinese issuers, including issuers located outside of China that generate significant revenues from China, involve certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investments in the U.S. securities markets. These risks include: (i) the risk of more frequent (and potentially widespread) government interventions with respect to Chinese issuers, resulting in liquidity risk, price volatility, greater market execution risk, and valuation risk; (ii) the risk of currency fluctuations, currency non- convertibility, currency revaluations and other currency exchange rate fluctuations or blockage; (iii) the risk of intervention by the Chinese government in the Chinese securities markets, whether such intervention will continue and the impact of such intervention or its discontinuation; (iv) the risk of losses due to expropriation, nationalization, or confiscation of assets and property, the imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and on repatriation of capital invested; (v) the risk that the Chinese government may decide not to continue to support economic reform programs; (vi) the risk of limitations on the use of brokers; (vii) the risk of interest rate fluctuations and higher rates of inflation; (viii) the risk that the U.S. government or other governments may sanction Chinese issuers or otherwise prohibit U.S. persons (such as the Fund) from investing in certain Chinese issuers; and (ix) the risk of market volatility caused by any potential regional or territorial conflicts, including military conflicts, or natural or other disasters. In addition, the economy of China differs, often unfavorably, from the U.S. economy in such respects as structure, general development, government involvement, wealth distribution, rate of inflation, growth rate, interest rates, allocation of resources and capital reinvestment, among others. China has privatized, or has begun a process of privatizing, certain entities and industries. Newly privatized companies may face strong competition from government-sponsored competitors that have not been privatized. In some instances, investors in newly privatized entities have suffered losses due to the inability of the newly privatized entities to adjust quickly to a competitive environment or changing regulatory and legal standards or, in some cases, due to renationalization of such privatized entities. There is no assurance that similar losses will not recur. In addition, previously the Chinese government has from time to time taken actions that influence the prices at which certain goods may be sold, encourage companies to invest or concentrate in particular industries, induce mergers between companies in certain industries and induce private companies to publicly offer their securities to increase or continue the rate of economic growth, control the rate of inflation or otherwise regulate economic expansion. The Chinese government may do so in the future as well, potentially having a significant adverse effect on economic conditions in China. Segments of China’s private debt markets (e.g., non-investment grade debt or “junk bonds”) may at times become relatively concentrated by a limited number of large issuers in one or more industries (e.g., real estate). The default or threat of default by one or more such large issuers could have adverse consequences on other issuers in such industries or related industries. |
China has experienced security concerns, such as terrorism and strained international relations. Incidents involving China’s or the region’s security may cause uncertainty in the Chinese markets and may adversely affect the Chinese economy and the Fund’s investments. Reduction in spending on Chinese products and services, institution of tariffs or other trade barriers or a downturn in any of the economies of China’s key trading partners may have an adverse impact on the Chinese economy. These actions may trigger a significant reduction in international trade, the oversupply of certain manufactured goods, substantial price reductions of goods and possible failure of individual companies and/or large segments of China’s export industry, which could have a negative impact on the Fund’s performance. Recent developments in relations between the United States and China have heightened concerns of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries. It is unclear whether further tariffs and sanctions may be imposed or other escalating actions may be taken in the future, which could negatively impact the Fund. An outbreak of an infectious illness or public health threat, such as the coronavirus, could reduce consumer demand or economic output, result in market closures, travel restrictions or quarantines, and generally have a significant impact on the Chinese economy and other economies around the world, which in turn could adversely affect the Fund’s investments.
The U.S. government may occasionally place restrictions on investments in Chinese companies. For example, on June 3, 2021, President Biden issued an executive order prohibiting U.S. persons from purchasing or selling publicly traded securities (including publicly traded securities that are derivative of, or are designed to provide exposure to, such securities) of any Chinese company identified as a Chinese Military Industrial Complex Company (“CMIC”). The substantive requirements of this executive order were subsequently implemented by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control through formal rulemaking (“OFAC Rules”). A number of Chinese issuers have been designated under this program and more could be added. Certain implementation matters related to the scope of, and compliance with, the OFAC Rules have not yet been fully resolved, and the ultimate application and enforcement of the OFAC Rules may change. As a result, the OFAC Rules and related guidance may significantly reduce the liquidity of such securities, force the Fund to sell certain positions at inopportune times or for un-favorable prices, and restrict future investments by the Fund.
· | Illiquid and Restricted Securities Risks. The Fund may invest without limit in illiquid securities. The Fund may also invest in restricted securities. Investments in restricted securities could have the effect of increasing the amount of the Fund’s assets invested in illiquid securities including, but not limited to if qualified institutional buyers are unwilling to purchase these securities. |
35
Illiquid and restricted securities may be difficult to dispose of at a fair price at the times when the Fund believes it is desirable to do so. The market price of illiquid and restricted securities generally is more volatile than that of more liquid securities, which may adversely affect the price that the Fund pays for or recovers upon the sale of such securities. Illiquid and restricted securities are also more difficult to value, especially in challenging markets. The Adviser’s and/or Sub-Advisers’ judgment may play a greater role in the valuation process. Investment of the Fund’s assets in illiquid and restricted securities may restrict the Fund’s ability to take advantage of market opportunities. To dispose of an unregistered security, the Fund, where it has contractual rights to do so, may have to cause such security to be registered. A considerable period may elapse between the time the decision is made to sell the security and the time the security is registered, thereby enabling the Fund to sell it. Contractual restrictions on the resale of securities vary in length and scope and are generally the result of a negotiation between the issuer and acquirer of the securities. In either case, the Fund would bear market risks during that period. Liquidity risk may impact the Fund’s ability to meet shareholder repurchase requests and as a result, the Fund may be forced to sell securities at inopportune prices.
Certain instruments are not readily marketable and may be subject to restrictions on resale. Instruments may not be listed on any national securities exchange and no active trading market may exist for certain of the instruments in which the Fund will invest. Where a secondary market exists, the market for some instruments may be subject to irregular trading activity, wide bid/ask spreads and extended trade settlement periods. In addition, dealer inventories of certain securities are at historic lows in relation to market size, which indicates a potential for reduced liquidity as dealers may be less able to “make markets” for certain securities.
· | Leverage Risk. Certain transactions, including to-be-announced investments and other when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment transactions, involve a form of leverage. Transactions involving leverage provide investment exposure in an amount exceeding the initial investment. Leverage can increase market exposure, magnify investment risks, and cause losses to be realized more quickly. Certain derivatives have the potential to cause unlimited losses for the Fund, regardless of the size of the initial investment. Leverage may also cause the Fund’s NAV to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been leveraged, as relatively small market movements may result in large changes in the value of a leveraged investment. The use of leverage may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions to satisfy its obligations or to meet margin or collateral requirements when it may not be advantageous to do so. |
· | Valuation of Private Investments Risk. The Fund’s ownership interests in private investments are not publicly traded and the Fund will use a third party pricing service or internal pricing methodologies to provide pricing information for certain private investments. The value of loans, securities and other investments that are not publicly traded may not be readily determinable, and the Valuation Designee will value these investments at fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to the Valuation Procedures, including to reflect significant events affecting the value of the Fund’s investments. Many of the Fund’s investments may be classified as Level 3 under Topic 820 of the U.S. Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification, as amended, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC Topic 820”). This means that the Fund’s portfolio valuations will be based on significant unobservable inputs and the Fund’s own assumptions about how market participants would price the asset or liability in question. The Fund expects that inputs into the determination of fair value of the Fund’s portfolio investments will require significant judgment or estimation. Even if observable market data are available, such information may be the result of consensus pricing information or broker quotes, which include a disclaimer that the broker would not be held to such a price in an actual transaction. The non-binding nature of consensus pricing and/or quotes accompanied by disclaimers materially reduces the reliability of such information. The valuation of the Fund’s investments in Investment Funds is ordinarily determined based upon valuations provided by the Investment Managers on a quarterly basis. Although such valuations are provided on a quarterly basis, the Fund will provide valuations, and will issue Shares, on a monthly basis. An Investment Manager may face a conflict of interest in valuing the securities, as their value may affect the Investment Manager’s compensation or its ability to raise additional funds. No assurances can be given regarding the valuation methodology or the sufficiency of systems utilized by any Investment Manager, the accuracy of the valuations provided by the Investment Managers, that the Investment Managers will comply with their own internal policies or procedures for keeping records or making valuations, or that the Investment Managers’ policies and procedures and systems will not change without notice to the Fund. As a result, an Investment Manager’s valuation of the securities may fail to match the amount ultimately realized with respect to the disposition of such securities. The types of factors that the Valuation Designee may take into account in determining the fair value of the Fund’s investments generally include, as appropriate, comparison to publicly-traded securities and private market transactions, including such factors as revenue level, profitability, operating cash flow, revenue and income growth, and leverage. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of private securities and private companies, are inherently uncertain, may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on estimates, the Valuation Designee’s determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for its investments existed. The Fund’s net asset value could be adversely affected if the Valuation Designee’s determinations regarding the fair value of the Fund’s investments were materially higher than the values that the Fund ultimately realizes upon the disposal of such loans and securities. |
· | Valuations Subject to Adjustment. The Fund determines its month-end net asset value based upon the quarterly valuations reported by the Investment Funds, which may not reflect market or other events occurring subsequent to the quarter-end. The |
36
Valuation Designee will fair value the Fund’s holdings in Investment Funds to reflect such events, consistent with its valuation policies; however, there is no guarantee the Valuation Designee will correctly fair value such investments. Additionally, the valuations reported by Investment Funds may be subject to later adjustment or revision. For example, fiscal year-end net asset value calculations of the Investment Funds may be revised as a result of audits by their independent auditors. Other adjustments may occur from time to time. Because such adjustments or revisions, whether increasing or decreasing the net asset value of the Fund, and therefore the Fund, at the time they occur, relate to information available only at the time of the adjustment or revision, the adjustment or revision may not affect the amount of the repurchase proceeds of the Fund received by shareholders who had their Shares repurchased prior to such adjustments and received their repurchase proceeds. As a result, to the extent that such subsequently adjusted valuations from the Investment Funds or revisions to the net asset value of an Investment Fund or direct private equity investment adversely affect the Fund’s net asset value, the remaining outstanding Shares may be adversely affected by prior repurchases to the benefit of shareholders who had their Shares repurchased at a net asset value higher than the adjusted amount. Conversely, any increases in the net asset value resulting from such subsequently adjusted valuations may be entirely for the benefit of the outstanding Shares and to the detriment of shareholders who previously had their Shares repurchased at a net asset value lower than the adjusted amount. The same principles apply to the purchase of Shares. New shareholders may be affected in a similar way.
· | Indemnification of Investment Funds, Investment Managers and Others. The Fund may agree to indemnify certain of the Investment Funds and their respective managers, officers, directors, and affiliates from any liability, damage, cost, or expense arising out of, among other things, acts or omissions undertaken in connection with the management of Investment Funds. If the Fund were required to make payments (or return distributions) in respect of any such indemnity, the Fund could be materially adversely affected. Indemnification of sellers of secondaries may be required as a condition to purchasing such securities. |
· | Termination of the Fund’s Interest in an Investment Fund. An Investment Fund may, among other things, terminate the Fund’s interest in that Investment Fund (causing a forfeiture of all or a portion of such interest) if the Fund fails to satisfy any capital call by that Investment Fund or if the continued participation of the Fund in the Investment Fund would have a material adverse effect on the Investment Fund or its assets. The Fund’s over-commitment strategy may increase the risk that the Fund is unable to satisfy a capital call from an Investment Fund. |
· | General Risks of Secondary Investments. The overall performance of the Fund’s Secondary Investments will depend in large part on the acquisition price paid, which may be negotiated based on incomplete or imperfect information. Certain Secondary Investments may be purchased as a portfolio, and in such cases the Fund may not be able to carve out from such purchases those investments that the Advisers consider (for commercial, tax, legal or other reasons) less attractive. Where the Fund acquires an Investment Fund interest as a Secondary Investment, the Fund will generally not have the ability to modify or amend such Investment Fund’s constituent documents (e.g., limited partnership agreements) or otherwise negotiate the economic terms of the interests being acquired. In addition, the costs and resources required to investigate the commercial, tax and legal issues relating to Secondary Investments may be greater than those relating to Primary Investments. |
Where the Fund acquires an Investment Fund interest as a Secondary Investment, the Fund may acquire contingent liabilities associated with such interest. Specifically, where the seller has received distributions from the relevant Investment Fund and, subsequently, that Investment Fund recalls any portion of such distributions, the Fund (as the purchaser of the interest to which such distributions are attributable) may be obligated to pay an amount equivalent to such distributions to such Investment Fund. While the Fund may be able, in turn, to make a claim against the seller of the interest for any monies so paid to the Investment Fund, there can be no assurance that the Fund would have such right or prevail in any such claim.
The Fund may acquire Secondary Investments as a member of a purchasing syndicate, in which case the Fund may be exposed to additional risks including, among other things: (i) counterparty risk, (ii) reputation risk, (iii) breach of confidentiality by a syndicate member, and (iv) execution risk.
· | ESG Integration Risk. The ESG characteristics that may be evaluated as part of the Fund’s investment process are anticipated to evolve over time and one or more characteristics may not be relevant with respect to all issuers that are eligible for investment. The relevance and weightings of specific ESG characteristics to the investment process varies across asset classes, sectors and strategies. ESG characteristics are not the only factors that may be considered by the portfolio manager(s) and as a result, the companies (or issuers) in which the Fund invests may not be companies (or issuers) with favorable ESG characteristics or high ESG ratings. ESG characteristics may be evaluated differently by different portfolio manager(s) and may not carry the same meaning to all investors and portfolio manager(s). While the portfolio manager(s) believe that the integration of material ESG characteristics into the Fund’s investment process has the potential to identify financial risks and contribute to the Fund’s long-term performance, there is no guarantee that the integration of ESG characteristics will result in better performance. The analysis of ESG characteristics is subjective and investors can differ in their views of what constitutes positive or negative ESG characteristics. ESG information and data, including that provided by third parties, may be |
37
incomplete, inaccurate, or unavailable, which could adversely affect the analysis relevant to a particular investment. Further, the regulatory landscape with respect to ESG investing in the United States is still developing and future rules and regulations may require the Fund to modify or alter its investment process with respect to ESG integration.
· | ESG Restrictions Risk. The Fund’s ESG restrictions will reduce the types and number of investment opportunities available to the Fund and, as a result, the Fund may underperform other funds that do not have similar exclusions. The Fund’s ESG restrictions may result in the Fund investing in securities or industry sectors that underperform the market as a whole, or forgoing opportunities to invest in securities that might otherwise be advantageous to buy. Because the Sub-Advisers evaluate ESG characteristics when selecting investments, the Fund’s portfolio may perform differently than funds that do not use ESG characteristics. ESG characteristics may prioritize long term rather than short term returns. In addition, there is a risk that the investments identified by the Sub-Advisers to fit within their ESG criteria do not operate as anticipated. Although the Sub-Advisers seek to identify companies that fit within their ESG criteria, investors may differ in their views of what fits within this category of investments. As a result, the Fund may invest in companies that do not reflect the beliefs and values of any particular investor. The Sub-Advisers’ exclusion of certain investments from the Fund’s investment universe may adversely affect the Fund’s relative performance at times when such investments are performing well. |
· | Force Majeure Risk. Investment Funds may be affected by force majeure events (i.e., events beyond the control of the party claiming that the event has occurred, including, without limitation, acts of God, fire, flood, earthquakes, outbreaks of an infectious disease, pandemic or any other serious public health concern, war, terrorism and labor strikes). Some force majeure events may adversely affect the ability of a party (including an Investment Fund or a counterparty to the Fund or an Investment Fund) to perform its obligations until it is able to remedy the force majeure event. In addition, the cost to an Investment Fund or the Fund of repairing or replacing damaged assets resulting from such force majeure event could be considerable. Certain force majeure events (such as war or an outbreak of an infectious disease) could have a broader negative impact on the world economy and international business activity generally, or in any of the countries in which the Fund may invest specifically. Additionally, a major governmental intervention into industry, including the nationalization of an industry or the assertion of control over one or more Investment Interests or its assets, could result in a loss to the Fund, including if its investment in such Investment Fund is canceled, unwound or acquired (which could be without what the Fund considers to be adequate compensation). Any of the foregoing may therefore adversely affect the performance of the Fund and its investments. |
· | Nature of Portfolio Companies. The Investment Funds will include direct and indirect investments in various companies, ventures and businesses. This may include portfolio companies in the early phases of development, which can be highly risky due to the lack of a significant operating history, fully developed product lines, experienced management, or a proven market for their products. The Fund’s investments may also include portfolio companies that are in a state of distress or which have a poor record and which are undergoing restructuring or changes in management, and there can be no assurances that such restructuring or changes will be successful. The management of such portfolio companies may depend on one or two key individuals, and the loss of the services of any of such individuals may adversely affect the performance of such portfolio companies. |
· | Non-Diversification Risk – The Fund is non-diversified, which means it is permitted to invest a greater portion of its assets in a smaller number of issuers than a “diversified” fund. For this reason the Fund may be more exposed to the risks associated with and developments affecting an individual issuer than a fund that invests more widely, which may result in a greater risk of loss. The Fund may also be subject to greater market fluctuation and price volatility than a more broadly diversified fund. |
· | New Fund Risk. The Fund is a new fund which may result in additional risks. There can be no assurance that the Fund will grow to an economically viable size, in which case the Fund may cease operations. In such an event, investors may be required to liquidate or transfer their investments at an inopportune time. |
· | U.S. Government Securities Risk. Treasury obligations may differ in their interest rates, maturities, times of issuance and other characteristics. Securities backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the United States are guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity. Accordingly, the current market values for these securities will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. Obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities are supported by varying degrees of credit but generally are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government will provide financial support to its agencies and authorities if it is not obligated by law to do so. In addition, the value of U.S. Government securities may be affected by changes in the credit rating of the U.S. Government. U.S. Government securities are also subject to default risk, that is the risk that the U.S. Treasury will be unable to meet its payment obligations. |
The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. Government securities held by the Fund may greatly exceed their current resources, including their legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that these issuers will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future.
38
· | Valuation Risks. Investors who purchase shares of the Fund on, or whose repurchase requests are valued on, days when the Fund is holding instruments that have been fair valued may receive fewer or more shares or lower or higher repurchase proceeds than they would have received if the instruments had not been fair valued or if the Valuation Designee had employed an alternate valuation methodology. Such risks may be more pronounced in a rising interest rate environment and/or an environment of increased equity market volatility, and, to the extent the Fund holds a significant percentage of fair valued or otherwise difficult to value securities, it may be particularly susceptible to the risks associated with valuation. For additional information about valuation determinations, see “Determination of Net Asset Value” below. Portions of the Fund’s portfolio that are fair valued or difficult to value vary from time to time. The Fund’s shareholder reports (when available) contain detailed information about the Fund’s holdings that are fair valued or difficult to value, including values of such holdings as of the dates of the reports. |
· | Non-Listed Closed-End Fund Structure Risks. The Fund has been organized as a closed-end management investment company. A shareholder will not be able to redeem his, her or its Shares on a daily basis because the Fund is a closed-end fund. In addition, the Fund’s Shares are subject to restrictions on transferability and liquidity will be provided by the Fund only through limited repurchase offers or transfer of shares described below. An investment in the Fund is suitable only for investors who can bear the risks associated with the limited liquidity of the Shares and should be viewed as a long-term investment. |
In addition, because the Fund’s non-fundamental policies may be changed by a vote of the Board without the approval of shareholders, in the event of such a change, you may hold an investment with a strategy you did not anticipate, with limited means by which to dispose of your investment in a timely manner.
· | Repurchase Offers Risks. The Fund has no obligation to repurchase Shares at any time; any such repurchases will only be made at such times, in such amounts and on such terms as may be determined by the Board of Trustees, in its sole discretion. With respect to any future repurchase offer, shareholders tendering any Shares for repurchase must do so by a date specified in the notice describing the terms of the repurchase offer (the “Notice Date”). The Notice Date generally will be 75 days prior to the date as of which the Shares to be repurchased are valued by the Fund (the “Valuation Date”). Tenders will be revocable upon written notice to the Fund until the date specified in the terms of the repurchase offer (the “Expiration Date”). The Expiration Date generally will be the same as the Notice Date. Shareholders that elect to tender any Shares for repurchase will not know the price at which such Shares will be repurchased until the Fund’s net asset value as of the Valuation Date is able to be determined, which determination is expected to be able to be made only late in the month following that of the Valuation Date. It is possible that during the time period between the Notice Date and the Valuation Date, general economic and market conditions, or specific events affecting one or more underlying Investment Funds, could cause a decline in the value of Shares in the Fund. Shareholders who require minimum annual distributions from a retirement account through which they hold Shares should consider the Fund’s schedule for repurchase offers and submit repurchase requests accordingly. In addition, the Fund’s investments in Investment Interests are generally illiquid. The Fund will not be able to dispose of many such investments except through negotiated secondary transactions with third parties, which may occur at a significant discount to NAV, may include incremental transaction expenses and may not be available at any given time. There is no assurance that third parties will engage in such secondary transactions and the Fund may require and be unable to obtain the Investment Fund’s consent to effect such transactions. The Fund may need to suspend or postpone repurchase offers if it is not able to dispose of its interests in Investment Funds in a timely manner. See “Repurchases and Transfers of Shares.” |
· | Use of Cash or Money Market Investments. The Fund may participate in a cash sweep program whereby the Fund’s uninvested cash balance is used to purchase shares of affiliated or unaffiliated money market funds or cash management pooled investment vehicles at the end of each day. To the extent the Fund invests its uninvested cash through a sweep program, it is subject to the risks of the account or fund into which it is investing, including liquidity issues that may delay the Fund from accessing its cash. The Fund may also invest some or all of its assets in cash, high quality money market instruments (including, but not limited to U.S. government securities, bank obligations, commercial paper and repurchase agreements involving the foregoing securities) and shares of money market funds for temporary defensive purposes in response to adverse market, economic or political conditions. In addition, the Fund may invest some of its assets in these instruments to maintain liquidity or in response to atypical circumstances such as unusually large cash inflows or repurchases. Under such conditions, the Fund may not invest in accordance with its investment objective or principal investment strategy. As a result, there is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective and it may lose the benefit of market upswings. |
Other Risks Relating to the Fund
· | Substantial Fees and Expenses. A shareholder in the Fund that meets the eligibility conditions imposed by one or more Investment Funds, including minimum initial investment requirements that may be substantially higher than those imposed by the Fund, could potentially invest directly in primaries of such Investment Funds. By investing in the Investment Funds through the Fund, a shareholder in the Fund will bear a portion of the Management Fee and other expenses of the Fund. A shareholder in the Fund will also indirectly bear a portion of the asset-based fees, carried interests or incentive allocations (which are a share of an Investment Fund’s returns which are paid to the Investment Manager) and fees and expenses borne by the Fund as an investor in the Investment |
39
Funds. In addition, to the extent that the Fund invests in an Investment Fund that is itself a “fund of funds,” the Fund will bear a third layer of fees. Each Investment Manager receives any incentive-based allocations to which it is entitled irrespective of the performance of the other Investment Funds and the Fund generally. As a result, an Investment Fund with positive performance may receive compensation from the Fund, even if the Fund’s overall returns are negative.
· | Distributions In-Kind. The Fund generally expects to distribute to the holder of Shares that are repurchased a payment of cash in satisfaction of such repurchase. Although the Fund will have a reasonable basis to believe that it will be able to satisfy all conditions of each tender offer when it commences the tender offer, including paying cash for shares being repurchased, there can be no assurance that the Fund will have sufficient cash to pay for Shares that are being repurchased or that it will be able to liquidate Investments at favorable prices to pay for repurchased Shares at the time of the repurchase. The Fund has the right to distribute securities as payment for repurchased Shares in unusual circumstances, including if making a cash payment would result in a material adverse effect on the Fund. For example, it is possible that the Fund may receive securities from an Investment Fund that are illiquid or difficult to value. In such circumstances, the Advisers would seek to dispose of these securities in a manner that is in the best interests of the Fund, which may include a distribution in-kind to the Fund’s shareholders. In the event that the Fund makes such a distribution of securities, shareholders will bear any risks of the distributed securities and may be required to pay a brokerage commission or other costs in order to dispose of such securities. |
· | Incentive Allocation Arrangements. Each Investment Manager may receive a performance fee, carried interest or incentive allocation typically up to 20% of the net profits earned by the Investment Fund that it manages, typically subject to a preferred return. These performance incentives may create an incentive for the Investment Managers to make investments that are riskier or more speculative than those that might have been made in the absence of the performance fee, carried interest, or incentive allocation. |
· | Control Positions. Investment Funds may take control positions in companies. The exercise of control over a company imposes additional risks of liability for environmental damage, product defects, failure to supervise and other types of liability related to business operations. In addition, the act of taking a control position, or seeking to take such a position, may itself subject an Investment Fund to litigation by parties interested in blocking it from taking that position. If those liabilities were to arise, or such litigation were to be resolved adversely to the Investment Funds, the investing Investment Funds likely would suffer losses on their investments. |
· | Inadequate Return. No assurance can be given that the returns on the Fund’s investments will be commensurate with the risk of investment in the Fund. Shareholders should not commit money to the Fund unless they have the resources to sustain the loss of their entire investment in the Fund. |
· | Inside Information. From time to time, the Fund or its affiliates may come into possession of material, non-public information concerning an entity in which the Fund has invested, or proposes to invest. Possession of that information may limit the ability of the Fund to buy or sell securities of the entity. |
· | Recourse to the Fund’s Assets. The Fund’s assets, including any investments made by the Fund and any interest in the Investment Funds held by the Fund, are available to satisfy all liabilities and other obligations of the Fund. If the Fund becomes subject to a liability, parties seeking to have the liability satisfied may have recourse to the Fund’s assets generally and not be limited to any particular asset, such as the asset representing the investment giving rise to the liability. |
· | Limitations on Transfer; Shares Not Listed; No Market for Shares. The transferability of Shares is subject to certain restrictions contained in the Fund’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust and is affected by restrictions imposed under applicable securities laws. Shares are not traded on any national securities exchange or other market. No market currently exists for Shares, and the Fund contemplates that one will not develop. The Shares are, therefore, not readily marketable. Although the Adviser and the Fund expect to recommend to the Board of Trustees that the Fund offer to repurchase Shares quarterly, no assurances can be given that the Fund will do so and, in any case, repurchases will not begin until fifth full calendar quarter after the Fund has commenced operations. Consequently, Shares should only be acquired by investors able to commit their funds for an indefinite period of time. |
· | Currency Risk. The risk that the value of the Fund’s investments in foreign securities or currencies will be affected by the value of the applicable currency relative to the U.S. dollar. When the Fund sells a foreign currency or foreign currency denominated security, its value may be worth less in U.S. dollars even if the investment increases in value in its local market. U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign issuers may also be affected by currency risk, as the revenue earned by issuers of these securities may also be affected by changes in the issuer’s local currency. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as securities markets. The dollar value of foreign investments may be affected by exchange controls. The Fund may be positively or negatively affected by governmental strategies intended to make the U.S. dollar, or other currencies in which the Fund invests, stronger or weaker. Currency risk may be particularly high to the extent that the Fund invests in foreign securities or currencies that are economically tied to emerging market countries. |
40
· | Emerging Markets Risk. The risks of foreign investments are usually greater for emerging markets. Investments in emerging markets may be considered speculative. Emerging markets are riskier than more developed markets because they tend to develop unevenly and may never fully develop. They are more likely to experience hyperinflation and currency devaluations, which adversely affect returns to U.S. investors. In addition, many emerging markets have far lower trading volumes and less liquidity than developed markets. Since these markets are often small, they may be more likely to suffer sharp and frequent price changes or long-term price depression because of adverse publicity, investor perceptions or the actions of a few large investors. In addition, traditional measures of investment value used in the United States, such as price to earnings ratios, may not apply to certain small markets. Also, there may be less publicly available information about issuers in emerging markets than would be available about issuers in more developed capital markets, and such issuers may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to those to which U.S. companies are subject. Many emerging markets have histories of political instability and abrupt changes in policies. As a result, their governments are more likely to take actions that are hostile or detrimental to private enterprise or foreign investment than those of more developed countries, including expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, high rates of inflation or unfavorable diplomatic developments. In such an event, it is possible that the Fund could lose the entire value of its investments in the affected market. Some countries have pervasive corruption and crime that may hinder investments. Certain emerging markets may also face other significant internal or external risks, including the risk of war (such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine), and ethnic, religious and racial conflicts. In addition, governments in many emerging market countries participate to a significant degree in their economies and securities markets, which may impair investment and economic growth. Emerging markets may also have differing legal systems and the existence or possible imposition of exchange controls, custodial restrictions or other foreign or U.S. governmental laws or restrictions applicable to such investments. Settlements of trades in emerging markets may be subject to significant delays. The inability to make intended purchases of securities due to settlement problems could cause missed investment opportunities. Losses could also be caused by an inability to dispose of portfolio securities due to settlement problems. Sometimes, emerging markets may lack or be in the relatively early development of legal structures governing private and foreign investments and private property, and the ability of U.S. authorities (e.g., SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice) and investors (e.g., the Fund) to bring actions against bad actors may be limited. As a result of these legal structures and limitations, the Fund faces the risk of being unable to enforce its rights with respect to its investments in emerging markets, which may cause losses to the Fund. In addition to withholding taxes on investment income, some countries with emerging markets may impose differential capital gains taxes on foreign investors. |
The risks outlined above are often more pronounced in “frontier markets” in which the Fund may invest. Frontier markets are those emerging markets that are considered to be among the smallest, least mature and least liquid. These factors make investing in frontier market countries significantly riskier than investing in other countries.
· | Equity Risk. Equity securities represent an ownership interest, or the right to acquire an ownership interest, in a company. Equity securities include but are not limited to common stock, shares or interests issued by private equity issuers or investment funds, preferred stock, securities convertible into common or preferred stock and warrants or rights to acquire common stock, including options. The value of an equity security may be based on the real or perceived success or failure of the particular company’s business, any income paid to stockholders in the form of a dividend, the value of the company’s assets, general market conditions, or investor sentiment generally. Equity securities may have greater price volatility than other types of investments. These risks are generally magnified in the case of equity investments in distressed companies. |
Special Purpose Acquisition Companies Risk – The Fund may invest in special purpose acquisition companies (“SPACs”) or similar special purpose entities. SPACs are collective investment structures that pool funds in order to seek potential acquisition opportunities. SPACs and similar entities may be blank check companies with no operating history or ongoing business other than to seek a potential acquisition. Because SPACs and similar entities have no operating history or ongoing business other than seeking acquisitions, the value of their securities is particularly dependent on the ability of the entity’s management to identify and complete a profitable acquisition. Some SPACs may pursue acquisitions only within certain industries or regions, which may increase the volatility of their securities’ prices. In addition, these securities, which are typically traded in the OTC market, may be considered illiquid and/or be subject to restrictions on resale.
· | Large Shareholder Transaction Risk. The Fund may experience adverse effects when certain large shareholders purchase or request repurchases of large amounts of shares of the Fund. To the extent the Fund obtains repurchase proceeds by disposing of its interest in certain Investment Funds, the Fund will thereafter hold a larger proportion of its assets in the remaining Investment Funds, some of whose interests at times may be less liquid or illiquid. This could adversely affect the ability of the Fund to fund subsequent repurchase requests of shareholders or to conduct future repurchases at all. In addition, after giving effect to such dispositions, the remaining Investment Funds may not reflect the Advisers’ ideal judgments as to the desired portfolio composition of the Fund’s Investment Funds, in that the Fund’s performance may be tied to the performance of fewer Investment Funds and/or may not reflect the Advisers’ judgment as to the Fund’s optimal exposure to particular asset classes or investment strategies. These consequences may be particularly applicable if the Fund received requests to repurchase substantial amounts of Shares, and may have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective and the value of the Shares. In addition, |
41
substantial repurchases of Shares could result in a sizeable decrease in the Fund’s net assets, resulting in an increase in the Fund’s total annual operating expense ratio.
· | Special Tax Risks. Special tax risks are associated with an investment in the Fund. The Fund intends to satisfy the requirements each taxable year necessary to qualify as a “regulated investment company” or “RIC” under Subchapter M of the Code. As such, the Fund must satisfy, among other requirements, certain ongoing asset diversification, source-of-income and annual distribution requirements. Each of these ongoing requirements for qualification for the favorable tax treatment available to RICs requires that the Fund obtain information from the Investment Funds in which the Fund is invested. |
Some of the income that the Fund may earn directly or through an Investment Interest, such as income recognized from an equity investment in an operating partnership, may not satisfy the gross income test. To manage the risk that such income might jeopardize the Fund’s tax status as a RIC resulting from a failure to satisfy the gross income test, one or more subsidiary entities treated as U.S. corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be employed to earn such income and (if applicable) hold the related investment. Such subsidiary entities generally will be required to incur entity-level income taxes on their earnings, which ultimately will reduce the return to shareholders.
If before the end of any quarter of its taxable year, the Fund believes that it may fail any of the asset diversification requirements, the Fund may seek to take certain actions to avert such a failure. However, certain actions typically taken by RICs to avert such a failure (e.g., the disposition of assets causing the diversification discrepancy) may be difficult for the Fund to pursue because the Fund may redeem its interest in an Investment Fund only at certain times specified by the governing documents of each respective Investment Fund. While the Code ordinarily affords the Fund a 30-day period after the end of the relevant quarter in which to cure a diversification failure by disposing of non-diversified assets, the constraints on the Fund’s ability to effect a redemption from an Investment Fund referred to above may limit utilization of this cure period.
If the Fund fails to satisfy the asset diversification or other RIC requirements, it may lose its status as a RIC under the Code. In that case, all of its taxable income would be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders. In addition, all distributions (including distributions of net capital gain) to shareholders would be characterized as dividend income to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. Accordingly, disqualification as a RIC would have a material adverse effect on the value of the Fund’s Shares and the amount of the Fund’s distributions.
· | Additional Tax Considerations; Distributions to Shareholders and Potential Fund-Level Tax Liabilities. The Fund expects to distribute substantially all of its net ordinary income and net capital gains to shareholders. These distributions are respectively characterized as ordinary dividend income or long-term capital gain when distributed as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to shareholders. The Fund will inform shareholders of the amount and character of its distributions to shareholders. See “Tax Matters” below for more information. If the Fund distributes (or is deemed to have distributed) in respect of any calendar year less than an amount at least equal to the sum of 98% of its calendar year ordinary income (taking into account certain deferrals and elections), 98.2% of its capital gain net income (determined on the basis of a one-year period ended on October 31 of such calendar year, and adjusted for certain ordinary losses), plus any such amounts that were not distributed in previous calendar years, then the Fund will generally be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax with respect to the Fund’s undistributed amounts. The Fund will not be subject to this excise tax on any amount which the Fund incurred an entity-level U.S. federal income tax |
In addition, the Fund may invest in Investment Funds located outside of the U.S. or other non-U.S. portfolio company or entities which may be considered passive foreign investment companies (“PFICs”) or controlled foreign corporations (“CFCs”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, the Fund may, in a particular taxable year, be required to make ordinary income distributions in excess of the net economic income from such investments with respect to such taxable year. Furthermore, income or gain from such Investment Funds or other entities may be subject to non-U.S. withholding or other taxes. Any such withholding or other taxes would reduce the return on the Fund’s investment in such Investment Funds and thus on the shareholders’ investment in the Fund. See “Tax Matters.”
· | Operational Risks Associated with Cybersecurity. The Fund and its service providers’ use of internet, technology and information systems may expose the Fund to potential risks linked to cybersecurity breaches of those technological or information systems. Cybersecurity breaches, amongst other things, could allow an unauthorized party to gain access to proprietary information, customer data, or fund assets, or cause the Fund and/or its service providers to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. For instance, cybersecurity breaches may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, impact the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential business information, impede trading, subject the Fund to regulator fines or financial losses and/or cause reputational damage |
· | Other Investment Companies Risk. Investments in securities of other investment companies are generally subject to limitations prescribed by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) and its rules, and applicable SEC staff |
42
interpretations or applicable exemptive relief granted by the SEC. Such investments subject the Fund to the risks that apply to the other investment company, including market and selection risk, and may increase the Fund’s expenses to the extent the Fund pays fees, including investment advisory and administrative fees, charged by the other investment company. The success of the Fund’s investment in these securities is directly related, in part, to the ability of the other investment companies to meet their investment objective.
A business development company ("BDC"), which is a type of closed-end fund, typically invests in small and medium-sized U.S. companies. A BDC’s portfolio is subject to the risks inherent in investing in smaller companies, including that portfolio companies may be dependent on a small number of products or services and may be more adversely affected by poor economic or market conditions. Some BDCs invest substantially, or even exclusively, in one sector or industry group and therefore the BDC may be susceptible to adverse conditions and economic or regulatory occurrences affecting the sector or industry group, which tends to increase volatility and result in higher risk. The Small Business Credit Availability Act permits BDCs to adopt a lower asset coverage ratio, thereby enhancing their ability to use leverage. Investments in BDCs that use greater leverage may be subject to heightened risks.
The Fund will indirectly bear a pro rata share of fees and expenses incurred by any investment companies in which the Fund is invested. The Fund’s pro rata portion of the cumulative expenses charged by the investment companies is calculated as a percentage of the Fund’s average net assets. The pro rata portion of the cumulative expenses may be higher or lower depending on the allocation of the Fund’s assets among the investment companies and the actual expenses of the investment companies. Business development company expenses are similar to the expenses paid by any operating company held by the Fund. They are not direct costs paid by Fund shareholders and are not used to calculate the Fund’s net asset value. They have no impact on the costs associated with Fund operations.
· | Regulatory and Legal Risks. U.S. and non-U.S. government agencies and other regulators regularly adopt new regulations and legislatures enact new statutes that affect the investments held by the Fund, the strategies used by the Fund or the level of regulation or taxation that applies to the Fund. These statutes and regulations may impact the investment strategies, performance, costs and operations of the Fund or the taxation of its shareholders. |
The above discussions of the various risks associated with the Fund and the Shares are not, and are not intended to be, a complete enumeration or explanation of the risks involved in an investment in the Fund. Prospective investors should read this entire Prospectus and consult with their own advisors before deciding whether to invest in the Fund. In addition, as the Fund’s investment program changes or develops over time, an investment in the Fund may be subject to risk factors not described in this Prospectus.
Trustees
Pursuant to the Declaration of Trust (“Declaration of Trust”) and By-Laws (“By-Laws”), the Fund’s business and affairs are managed under the direction of the Board, which has overall responsibility for monitoring and overseeing the Fund’s management and operations. The Board currently consists of nine Trustees, eight of whom are considered Independent Trustees. The Trustees are subject to removal or replacement in accordance with Delaware law and the Declaration of Trust. The Trustees who currently comprise the Board were elected by the Fund’s sole initial shareholder. The Statement of Additional Information provides additional information about the Trustees.
Hartford Funds Management Company, LLC serves as the Fund’s investment adviser pursuant to the terms of the Investment Management Agreement and subject to the oversight of, and any policies established by, the Board. Pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement, the Adviser is responsible for the management of the Fund and supervises the activities of the investment sub-advisers. Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. and Schroders Capital Management (US) Inc. serve as the Fund’s sub-adviser and sub-sub-adviser, respectively. SIMNA and Schroders Capital perform the daily investment of the assets for the Fund.
The Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, oversees and monitors the Fund’s investment performance as well as the activities of the Adviser and Sub-Advisers. After an initial two-year term, the Board will review on an annual basis the Investment Management Agreement, the Sub-Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Sub-Advisory Agreement to determine, among other things, whether the fees payable thereunder are reasonable in light of the services provided.
Investment Personnel
The personnel of the Sub-Advisers who have primary responsibility for management of the Fund are the members of the Sub-Advisers’ global Investment Committee. The Sub-Advisers have also assigned two senior private equity investment professionals as portfolio
43
managers to manage the Fund. Each investment recommendation brought forward by the Fund’s investment team must be approved unanimously by the global Investment Committee. Specific investment decisions take into account the merits of the specific investment opportunity, as well as portfolio allocation and risk management considerations. The Investment Committee is composed of:
Rainer Ender. Global Head of Private Equity, Schroders Capital
Rainer Ender is the Global Head of Private Equity at Schroders Capital and a member of the Private Equity Investment Committee. He is also active on the advisory boards of several fund managers. Before joining Schroders in 2001, Mr. Ender was an underwriter for alternative risk transfer at Zurich Reinsurance Company. From 1997 to 2000, he was a manager in the Financial Risk Management Practice at Arthur Andersen. In addition, Mr. Ender served for several years on the Board of DTS, a regulated derivatives trader in Switzerland. He is also a CFA® charterholder.
Nils Rode. Chief Investment Officer, Schroders Capital
Nils Rode is the Chief Investment Officer of Schroders Capital. He is a member of Schroders Capital's Management Committee and a member of the Investment Committee. Before joining Schroders in 2005, Mr. Rode was a Vice President with private equity backed SkyOnline, a US-based IT and telecommunications company, where he worked in the areas of finance and strategy from 2003 to 2005. From 1995 to 2002, Mr. Rode was a management consultant with McKinsey & Company in Germany, where he was the lead manager for several strategic, organizational and operational improvement programs for private and publicly listed companies in the technology and financial services sector.
Lee Gardella. Head of Private Equity, North America, Schroders Capital
Lee Gardella is the head of Private Equity North America and leads the Schroders Capital’s Investment Risk and Monitoring efforts and is a member of the Investment Committee. Before joining Schroders Capital in 2007, Mr. Gardella was a Managing Director leading the Private Markets Group for CTC Consulting, the family office investment advisory subsidiary of US Trust Company in Stamford, Connecticut. From 1997 to 2005 he worked for the US Trust Company in the private equity and Alternative Investment Divisions making private equity direct and fund investments and leading the development of private equity, real estate and hedge fund investment products. Prior to that, Mr. Gardella was an Associate at the Edison Venture Fund and Wilshire Associates and a Treasury Analyst at National Steel Corporation. He is also a CFA® charterholder.
Tim Creed. Head of Private Equity Investments, Schroders Capital
Tim Creed is the Head of Private Equity Investments at Schroders Capital. He is a member of Schroders Capital Private Equity Management Committee and a member of the Private Equity Investment Committee. He is also on the advisory board of several leading European buyout and turnaround fund managers. Prior to joining Schroders in 2004, Mr. Creed worked as a Project Manager at Aon in London, UK, having previously spent five years at Accenture in Strategy Consulting and Operations Consulting, where he worked mostly with financial services companies across Europe. Tim started his career as a Research Chemist at Astra Zeneca, also in the UK. From 2002 to 2007, Mr. Creed held a part-time position as an Executive Public member of Network Rail in the UK.
The senior private equity professionals assigned to lead the Fund (previously defined as “portfolio managers”) are:
Ethan Vogelhut. Head of Buyout Investments Americas, Schroders Capital
Ethan is the Head of Buyout Investments Americas and leads Schroders Capital's US buyout and turnaround investment activities across primary funds, secondaries, and co-investments. Before joining Schroders Capital in 2010, Mr. Vogelhut worked on the restructuring of Vertis Communications, a private equity portfolio company of Avenue Capital. From 2008 to 2009, he was an associate at Linley Capital, a New York-based private equity firm focused on middle market buyouts. Mr. Vogelhut was also a manager of finance at Viacom, Inc. from 2004 to 2006. He completed the investment banking analyst program at Bank of America Securities in New York from 2001 to 2003 where he provided financial and advisory services to companies and financial sponsors in the retail and consumer industries.
Benjamin Alt. Head of Global Private Equity Portfolios, Head of Private Equity Consumer Investments, Schroders Capital
Benjamin Alt is head of Global Private Equity Portfolios and also heads the Private Equity Consumer Investments team. Prior to taking on his current role, Mr. Alt covered Schroders Capital private equity investment activity in Europe, as well as in the US while in secondment in New York. Before joining Schroders Capital in 2008, Mr. Alt worked in the Investment Banking division of Sal. Oppenheim in Frankfurt and Cologne, Germany.
44
Control Persons
A control person generally is a person who beneficially owns more than 25% of the voting securities of a company or has the power to exercise control over the management or policies of such company. As of the date of this Prospectus, Hartford Funds Management Company, LLC, one of its affiliates or Schroders may be deemed to be control persons of the Fund due to their beneficial ownership of more than 25% of the Fund’s outstanding Shares.
Administrator and Transfer Agent
Hartford Funds Management Company, LLC, located at 690 Lee Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, provides the Fund with administrative services pursuant to the terms of the Investment Management Agreement. HFMC also provides the Fund with accounting services pursuant to the fund accounting agreement by and between the Fund and HFMC. HFMC has delegated certain accounting and administrative service functions to State Street Bank and Trust Company. In consideration of services rendered and expenses assumed pursuant to the fund accounting agreement, the Fund pays HFMC a fee. HFMC is entitled to receive the following fee with respect to the Fund: the fund accounting fee for the Fund shall equal the sum of (i) the sub-accounting fee payable by HFMC with respect to the Fund; (ii) the fee payable for tax preparation services for the Fund; and (iii) the amount of expenses that HFMC allocates for providing the fund accounting services to the Fund; plus a target profit margin.
Hartford Administrative Services Company (“HASCO”), located at 690 Lee Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, is the transfer agent for the Fund. As transfer agent, HASCO, among other things, receives and processes purchase and repurchase orders, effects transfers of Shares, prepares and transmits payments for dividends and distributions, maintains records of account, and provides oversight of service providers and financial intermediaries providing sub-transfer agency, sub-accounting, and similar shareholder services on behalf of Fund shareholders. An Amended and Restated Transfer Agency and Service Agreement provides the terms pursuant to which HASCO provides such services to the Fund and the terms pursuant to which the Fund pays compensation to HASCO for providing such services. Pursuant to a sub-transfer agency agreement between HASCO and SS&C GIDS, Inc. (“SS&C” formerly known as DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc.), HASCO has delegated certain transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and shareholder servicing agent functions to SS&C. SS&C is located at 1055 Broadway, Kansas City, Missouri 64105. In addition to SS&C, HASCO may also designate other service providers as sub-agent to perform or provide shareholder services for the Fund, provided that such sub-agents do not provide distribution services for the Fund.
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company, located at State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, serves as custodian for the Fund.
45
The Adviser bears all of its own costs incurred in providing investment advisory services to the Fund. As described below, however, the Fund bears all other expenses incurred in the business and operation of the Fund, including amounts that the Fund pays HFMC and its affiliates, including HASCO, or to any other service provider affiliated with the Fund for certain services that HFMC and /or its affiliates or such other affiliates provide or arrange to be provided to the Fund.
Expenses borne directly by the Fund include:
· | all expenses related to its investment program, including, but not limited to, expenses borne indirectly through the Fund’s investments in the underlying Investment Funds, including any fees and expenses charged by the Investment Managers of the Investment Funds (including management fees, performance or incentive fees and redemption or withdrawal fees, however titled or structured), all costs and expenses directly related to portfolio transactions and positions for the Fund’s account such as direct and indirect expenses associated with the Fund’s investments, including its investments in Investment Funds (whether or not consummated), and enforcing the Fund’s rights in respect of such investments, transfer taxes and premiums, taxes withheld on non-U.S. dividends, fees for data and software providers, research expenses, professional fees (including, without limitation, the fees and expenses of consultants, attorneys and experts) and, if applicable, brokerage commissions, interest and commitment fees on loans and debit balances, borrowing charges on securities sold short, dividends on securities sold but not yet purchased and margin fees; |
· | any non-investment related interest expense; |
· | the cost of calculating the NAV of Shares, including the cost of any third-party pricing or valuation services; |
· | the cost of effecting sales, tender offers and repurchases of Shares; |
· | the Management Fee; |
· | professional fees relating to investments, including expenses of consultants, investment bankers, attorneys, accountants and other experts; |
· | fees and expenses relating to software tools, programs or other technology (including risk management software, fees to risk management services providers, third-party software licensing, implementation, data management and recovery services and custom development costs); |
· | research and market data (including news and quotation equipment and services, and any computer hardware and connectivity hardware (e.g., telephone and fiber optic lines) incorporated into the cost of obtaining such research and market data); |
· | all costs and charges for equipment or services used in communicating information regarding the Fund’s transactions among the Adviser and any custodian or other agent engaged by the Fund; |
· | transfer agent and custodial fees; |
· | fees and expenses associated with marketing efforts, including any distribution and service (12b-1) type fees; |
· | federal and any state registration or notification fees; |
· | federal, state and local taxes; |
· | fees and expenses of Trustees not also serving in an executive officer capacity for the Fund or the Adviser (except that the Adviser will bear the cost of any special Board meetings or any shareholder meetings convened for the primary benefit of the Adviser); |
· | its proportionate share of the Fund’s chief compliance officer’s compensation; |
· | the costs of preparing, printing and mailing reports and other communications, including tender offer correspondence or similar materials, to shareholders (except that the Adviser bears the cost of printing and distributing extra copies of the Fund’s prospectus, statement of additional information, and sales and advertising materials to prospective investors (but not to existing shareholders)); |
· | fidelity bond, Trustees and officers errors and omissions liability insurance and other insurance premiums; |
46
· | direct costs such as printing, mailing, long distance telephone and staff; |
· | legal expenses (including those expenses associated with preparing the Fund’s public filings, attending and preparing for Board meetings, as applicable, and generally serving as counsel to the Fund); |
· | external accounting expenses (including fees and disbursements and expenses related to the annual audit of the Fund and the preparation of the Fund’s tax information); |
· | any costs and expenses associated with or related to due diligence performed with respect to the Fund’s offering of its Shares, including but not limited to, costs associated with or related to due diligence activities performed by, on behalf of, or for the benefit of broker-dealers, registered investment advisors, and third-party due diligence providers; |
· | costs associated with reporting and compliance obligations under the 1940 Act and applicable federal and state securities laws, including compliance with The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; and |
· | any expenses incurred outside of the ordinary course of business, including, without limitation, costs incurred in connection with any claim, litigation, arbitration, mediation, government investigation or similar proceeding and indemnification expenses as provided for in the Fund’s organizational documents. |
Certain expenses of the Fund attributable to a particular share class (“Class Expenses”) will be allocated to the share class to which they are attributable. Class Expenses are limited to: (i) Distribution and Service Fees, as applicable; (ii) recordkeeping, custody and transfer agency and sub-transfer agency fees and expenses; (iii) printing and postage expenses related to preparing and distributing materials such as shareholder reports, prospectuses and proxies to current shareholders of a specific class; (iv) the expense of administrative personnel and services to support the shareholders of a specific class; (v) litigation or other legal expenses relating solely to one class; and (vi) Trustees’ fees incurred as a result of issues relating to one class. Certain expenses may be allocated differently if their method of imposition changes. Thus, if a Class Expense can no longer be attributed to a class, it will be charged to the Fund. Any additional Class Expenses not specifically identified above that are subsequently identified and determined to be properly allocated to one series of Shares shall not be so allocated until approved by the Board of Trustees in light of the requirements of the 1940 Act and the Code.
The Adviser will be reimbursed by the Fund for any of the above expenses that it pays on behalf of the Fund, except as otherwise provided above.
Investment Funds bear various expenses in connection with their operations similar to those incurred by the Fund.
Investment Managers generally assess asset-based fees to, and receive incentive-based fees from, the Investment Funds (or their investors), which effectively will reduce the investment returns of the Investment Funds. These expenses and fees will be in addition to those incurred by the Fund itself. As an investor in the Investment Funds, the Fund will bear its proportionate share of the expenses and fees of the Investment Funds and will also be subject to incentive fees to the Investment Managers.
Expense Limitation Arrangement
The Adviser has contractually agreed to reimburse expenses to limit total net operating expenses (excluding management fees, Rule 12b-1 distribution and service fees sub-transfer agency fees payable by Hartford Administrative Services Company (“HASCO”) to the extent that such sub-transfer agency fees are a component of the transfer agency fee payable by the Fund to HASCO, acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expenses, and certain extraordinary expenses to no more than 0.75% of the Fund’s average monthly net assets. This contractual arrangement will remain in effect at least until September 30, 2024 unless the Fund’s Board of Trustees approves its earlier termination.. The expense limitation agreement excludes certain expenses and consequently, the total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement may be higher than the amounts provided under the expense limitation arrangement.
Organization and Offering Costs
Organizational costs include, among other things, the cost of organizing as a Delaware statutory trust, including the cost of legal services and other fees pertaining to the Fund’s organization. These costs are paid by the Adviser on behalf of the Fund.
The Fund’s initial offering costs include, among other things, legal, accounting, printing and other expenses pertaining to this offering. These costs are paid by the Adviser on behalf of the Fund.
47
Pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement, and in consideration of the advisory services provided by the Adviser to the Fund, the Adviser is entitled to a Management Fee. The Management Fee is paid monthly in arrears at the annual rate of 1.50% of the average month end value of the Fund’s net assets (a portion of which will be waived for the first twelve months following the Fund’s commencement of operations). The Adviser, not the Fund, pays the sub-advisory fees to SIMNA at the annual rate of 1.00% of the average month end value of the Fund’s net assets (a portion of which will be waived for the first twelve months following the Fund’s commencement of operations). SIMNA, not the Fund or the Adviser, pays the sub-sub-advisory fees to Schroders Capital. The sub-sub-advisory fee paid by SIMNA to Schroders Capital is determined at the end of each month based on the internal Schroders Group Transfer Pricing Policy then in effect.
Approval of the Investment Management Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Investment Management Agreement, the Sub-Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Sub-Advisory Agreement will be available in the Fund’s annual report on Form N-CSR for the period ending March 31, 2023, which will be publicly filed with the SEC.
48
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The price you pay for your Shares is based on the Fund’s NAV. The NAV per share is determined for each class of the Fund’s shares as of the close of business on the last business day of each calendar month, each date that a Share is offered, as of the date of any distribution and at such other times as the Board shall determine (each, a “Determination Date”). The Fund is closed for business and does not price its shares on the following business holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and other holidays observed by the New York Stock Exchange (the “Exchange”). If the Exchange is closed due to weather or other extraordinary circumstances on a day it would typically be open for business, the Fund may treat such day as a typical business day and accept purchase and repurchase requests and calculate the Fund’s NAV in accordance with applicable law. In determining its net asset value, the Fund will value its investments as of the relevant Determination Date. The net asset value for each class of shares is determined by dividing the value of the Fund’s net assets attributable to a class of shares by the number of shares outstanding for that class. Information that becomes known to the Fund after the NAV has been calculated on a particular day will not generally be used to retroactively adjust the NAV determined earlier that day.
The Fund’s maximum offering price per Class A Shares is determined by adding the applicable maximum sales charge to the net asset value per share. Class I and Class SDR Shares are offered at net asset value without the imposition of an initial sales charge.
With respect to the Fund’s portfolio securities that do not have readily available or reliable market quotations and with respect to the Fund’s portfolio assets that are not securities, the Fund’s Board of Trustees has designated the Adviser as its valuation designee (the “Valuation Designee”) to determine the fair valuation of such portfolio assets pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act. The Valuation Designee determines the fair value of the security or other instrument under policies and procedures established by and under the supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Fund (“Valuation Procedures”). The Valuation Designee has delegated the day-to-day responsibility for implementing the Valuation Procedures to the Valuation Committee. The Valuation Committee will consider all available relevant factors in determining an investment’s fair value. The Valuation Designee reports fair value matters to the Audit Committee of the Fund’s Board of Trustees.
For purposes of calculating the NAV, the Fund will value its investments in Investment Funds and direct private equity investments at fair value as determined in good faith under the Valuation Procedures. The fair value of such investments as of each Determination Date ordinarily will be the capital account value of the Fund’s interest in such investments as provided by the relevant Investment Manager as of or prior to the relevant Determination Date; provided that such values will be adjusted for any other relevant information available at the time the Fund values its portfolio, including capital activity and material events occurring between the reference dates of the Investment Manager’s valuations and the relevant Determination Date.
A meaningful input in the Fund’s Valuation Procedures will be the valuations provided by the Investment Managers of the Investment Funds. Generally, each Investment Manager will value its investments at their market price if market quotations are readily available. In the absence of observable market prices, the Investment Manager values its investments using valuation methodologies applied on a consistent basis. For some investments little market activity may exist. Each Investment Manager’s determination of fair value is then based on the best information available in the circumstances and may incorporate management’s own assumptions and involves a significant degree of judgment, taking into consideration a combination of internal and external factors, including the appropriate risk adjustments for nonperformance and liquidity risks. Investments for which market prices are not observable include private investments in the equity of operating companies, real estate properties or certain debt positions.
The actual realized returns on unrealized investments will depend on, among other factors, future operating results, the value of the assets and market conditions at the time of disposition, any related transaction costs and the timing and manner of sale, all of which may differ from the assumptions on which the Investment Manager’s valuations are based. Neither the Fund nor the Advisers have oversight or control over the implementation of any Investment Manager’s valuation process.
In reviewing the valuations provided by Investment Managers, the Valuation Procedures require the consideration of all relevant information reasonably available at the time the Fund values its portfolio. The Advisers will consider such information, and may conclude in certain circumstances that the information provided by the Investment Manager does not represent the fair value of a particular Investment Fund or direct private equity investment. In accordance with the Valuation Procedures, the Advisers will consider whether it is appropriate, in light of all relevant circumstances, to value such interests based on the net asset value reported by the relevant Investment Manager, or whether to adjust such value to reflect a premium or discount to such net asset value. Any such decision will be made in good faith, and subject to the review and supervision of the Board.
For example, Investment Managers may value investments in portfolio companies and direct private equity investments at cost. The Valuation Procedures provide that, where cost is determined to best approximate the fair value of the particular security under
49
consideration, the Advisers may approve such valuations. In other cases, the Advisers may be aware of sales of similar securities to third parties at materially different prices, or of other circumstances indicating that cost may not approximate fair value (which could include situations where there are no sales to third parties). In such cases, the Fund’s investment will be revalued in a manner that the Advisers, in accordance with the Valuation Procedures, determine in good faith best approximates fair value. The Board will be responsible for ensuring that the Valuation Procedures are fair to the Fund and consistent with applicable regulatory guidelines.
Notwithstanding the above, Investment Managers may adopt a variety of valuation bases and provide differing levels of information concerning Investment Funds and direct private equity investments, and there will generally be no liquid markets for such investments. Consequently, there are inherent difficulties in determining the fair value that cannot be eliminated. None of the Board or the Advisers will be able to confirm independently the accuracy of valuations provided by any Investment Managers (which are generally unaudited).
To the extent the Fund holds securities or other instruments that are not investments in Investment Funds or direct private equity investments, the Fund will generally value such assets as described below. Portfolio securities and other assets held in the Fund’s portfolio for which market quotations are readily available are valued at market value. Market value is generally determined on the basis of official close price or last reported trade price. If no trades were reported, market value is based on prices obtained from a quotation reporting system, established market makers (including evaluated prices), or independent pricing services. Pricing vendors may use matrix pricing or valuation models that utilize certain inputs and assumptions to derive values, including transaction data, credit quality information, general market conditions, news, and other factors and assumptions.
If market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, the Valuation Designee will fair value the security or other instrument in good faith under the Valuation Procedures. Market quotations are considered not readily available where there is an absence of current or reliable market-based data (e.g., trade information or broker quotes), including where events occur after the close of the relevant market, but prior to the NYSE Close that materially affect the values of the Fund’s portfolio holdings or assets. In addition, market quotations are considered not readily available when, due to extraordinary circumstances, the exchanges or markets on which the securities or other instruments trade, do not open for trading for the entire day and no other market quotations are available. Fair value pricing is subjective in nature and the use of fair value pricing by the Valuation Designee may cause the NAV of the Fund’s shares to differ significantly from the NAV that would have been calculated using market quotations at the close of the exchange on which a portfolio holding is primarily traded. There can be no assurance that the Fund could obtain the fair value assigned to an investment if the Fund were to sell the investment at approximately the time at which the Fund determines its NAV.
Prices of foreign equities that are principally traded on certain foreign markets will generally be adjusted daily pursuant to a fair value pricing service in order to reflect an adjustment for the factors occurring after the close of certain foreign markets but before the NYSE Close. Securities and other instruments that are primarily traded on foreign markets may trade on days that are not business days of the Fund. The value of the foreign securities or other instruments in which the Fund invests may change on days when a shareholder will not be able to purchase or request the repurchase of shares of the Fund.
Fixed income investments (other than short-term obligations) held by the Fund are normally valued at prices supplied by independent pricing services in accordance with the Valuation Procedures. Short term investments maturing in 60 days or less are generally valued at amortized cost.
Exchange-traded derivatives, such as options, futures and options on futures, are valued at the last sale price determined by the exchange where such instruments principally trade as of the close of such exchange (“Exchange Close”). If a last sale price is not available, the value will be the mean of the most recently quoted bid and ask prices as of the Exchange Close. If a mean of the bid and ask prices cannot be calculated for the day, the value will be the most recently quoted bid price as of the Exchange Close. Over-the-counter derivatives are normally valued based on prices supplied by independent pricing services in accordance with the Valuation Procedures.
Investments valued in currencies other than U.S. dollars are converted to U.S. dollars using the prevailing spot currency exchange rates obtained from independent pricing services for calculation of the NAV. As a result, the NAV of the Fund’s shares may be affected by changes in the value of currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar. The value of securities or other instruments traded in markets outside the United States or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar may be affected significantly on a day that the Exchange is closed and the market value may change on days when an investor is not able to purchase, or request the repurchase of shares of the Fund.
Foreign currency contracts represent agreements to exchange currencies on specific future dates at predetermined rates. Foreign currency contracts are valued using foreign currency exchange rates and forward rates as provided by an independent pricing service on the Determination Date.
50
Investments in investment companies that are not listed or traded on an exchange ("Non-Traded Funds"), if any, are valued at the respective NAV of each Non-Traded Fund on the Determination Date. Shares of investment companies listed and traded on an exchange are valued in the same manner as any exchange-listed equity security. Such Non-Traded Funds and listed investment companies may use fair value pricing as disclosed in their prospectuses.
Financial instruments for which prices are not available from an independent pricing service may be valued using market quotations obtained from one or more dealers that make markets in the respective financial instrument in accordance with the Valuation Procedures.
51
The Fund’s executive officers and trustees, and the employees of the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers, serve or may serve as officers, trustees or principals of entities that operate in the same or a related line of business as the Fund, including other funds managed by the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers (“Other Managed Funds”). As a result, they may have obligations to investors in those entities, the fulfillment of which might not be in the best interests of the Fund or its shareholders. Moreover, notwithstanding the difference in principal investment objectives between the Fund and the Other Managed Funds, such other funds, including potential new pooled investment vehicles or managed accounts not yet established (whether managed or sponsored by affiliates or the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers), have, and may from time to time have, overlapping investment objectives with the Fund and, accordingly, invest in, whether principally or secondarily, asset classes similar to those targeted by the Fund. To the extent the Other Managed Funds have overlapping investment objectives, the scope of opportunities otherwise available to the Fund may be adversely affected and/or reduced. Additionally, certain employees of the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers and their management may face conflicts in their time management and commitments as well as in the allocation of investment opportunities to Other Managed Funds.
The results of the Fund’s investment activities may differ significantly from the results achieved by the Other Managed Funds. It is possible that one or more of such funds will achieve investment results that are substantially more or less favorable than the results achieved by the Fund. Moreover, it is possible that the Fund will sustain losses during periods in which one or more affiliates achieve significant profits on their trading for other accounts. The opposite result is also possible. The investment activities of one or more Adviser or Sub-Adviser affiliates for accounts under their management may also limit the investment opportunities for the Fund in certain markets.
The Adviser, the Sub-Advisers, their affiliates and clients may pursue or enforce rights with respect to an issuer in which the Fund has invested, and those activities may have an adverse effect on the Fund. As a result, prices, availability, liquidity and terms of the Fund’s investments may be negatively impacted by the activities of the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates or clients, and transactions for the Fund may be impaired or effected at prices or terms that may be less favorable than would otherwise have been the case.
Through Other Managed Funds, the Adviser and Sub-Advisers currently invest and plan to continue to invest third party capital in a wide variety of investment opportunities on a global basis. Investment opportunities that fall within common objectives or guidelines will generally be allocated among the Fund and Other Managed Funds on a basis that the Adviser and/or the Sub-Advisers determine to be “fair and reasonable” in their sole discretion, subject to (i) any applicable investment parameters, limitations and other contractual provisions of the Fund and Other Managed Funds, (ii) the Fund and Other Managed Funds having available capital with respect thereto, and (iii) legal, tax, accounting, regulatory and other considerations deemed relevant by the Adviser and/or the Sub-Advisers (including without limitation, Section 17 of the 1940 Act). As a result, in certain circumstances, a significant portion of the investment opportunities that would otherwise be available to the Fund may be allocated, in whole or in part, to Other Managed Funds. In addition, the manner in which the available capital of the Fund is determined may differ from, or subsequently change with respect to, Other Managed Funds.
The Fund, the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers have applied for exemptive relief from the SEC to permit the Fund and certain private funds advised by the Sub-Advisers or an affiliate to co-invest in certain Investment Funds and Co-Investment Opportunities. These co-investment transactions may give rise to conflicts of interest or perceived conflicts of interest among the Fund and participating funds.
The Adviser and/or the Sub-Advisers may structure an investment as a result of which one or more Other Managed Funds are offered the opportunity to participate in a separate tranche of an investment allocated to the Fund. In such circumstances, the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers would owe a fiduciary duty to the Fund and the Adviser and/or the Sub-Advisers would owe a fiduciary duty to such Other Managed Funds. As a result, the Adviser and/or Sub-Advisers may, in certain instances, face a conflict of interest in respect of the advice they give to, or the decisions made with regard to, the Fund and such Other Managed Fund (e.g., with respect to the terms of such investments, the enforcement of covenants, the terms of recapitalizations and the resolution of workouts or bankruptcies).
In addition, the Fund or its portfolio companies may engage entities that are affiliated with the Fund, the Adviser and/or the Sub-Advisers to provide services to the Fund in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder. Such engagements may inherently give rise to conflicts of interest or perceived conflicts of interest.
52
The Fund offers three classes of Shares: Class A, Class I and Class SDR. Each class of Shares is designed for specific types of investors and has its own fee structure, allowing you to choose the class that best meets your situation. The class that may be best for you depends on a number of factors, including the amount and the length of time that you expect to invest. Not all financial intermediaries make all classes of Shares available to their clients. Third parties making Fund Shares available to their clients determine which Share class(es) to make available.
Class A Shares are available through registered broker-dealers, banks, advisers and other financial institutions. Class A Shares of the Fund are purchased at net asset value, plus an initial sales charge and subject to 12b-1 fees. There is no initial sales charge on purchases of Class A Shares of $5 million or more. Class A Shares are intended for (i) all investors other than retirement plans who meet the investment minimum for Class A Shares, (ii) investors investing through omnibus accounts held by financial intermediaries that charge transaction fees and have entered into arrangements with the Fund’s distributor to offer Class A Shares and (iii) employer-sponsored retirement plans held directly at a broker-dealer (that is, outside of a retirement plan recordkeeping platform or third party administrator), subject to all applicable sales charges as described in this Prospectus. Class A Shares have a minimum initial investment requirement of $25,000 and subsequent investment minimum of $10,000 for all accounts.
Class I Shares are offered (i) through financial intermediaries who charge such clients a fee for advisory, investment, consulting or similar services; (ii) through financial intermediaries that have entered into an agreement with the Fund's distributor to offer Class I Shares through a no-load network or platform; (iii) to institutional investors, which include but are not limited to: family offices and their clients; non-profit organizations, charitable trusts, foundations and endowments; and accounts registered to bank trust departments, trust companies, registered investment advisers and investment companies; and (iv) to current or retired officers, directors and employees (and their spouse (or legal equivalent recognized under state law) and any children under 21) of the Fund, The Hartford, the Sub-Advisers to the Fund, Hartford Administrative Services Company, and their affiliates. Class I Shares are not available to qualified employee benefit plans and other retirement savings plans. Class I Shares have a minimum investment requirement of $25,000 and subsequent investment minimum of $10,000 for all accounts.
Class SDR Shares are available for purchase by eligible institutional investors, including employer sponsored retirement plans, pension plans, endowments and foundations, and eligible high net worth investors. Class SDR Shares are also available for purchase by health savings plans and health savings accounts. Class SDR Shares are also available for purchase by current or retired officers, trustees and employees (and their spouses and dependents) of Schroders and its affiliates without minimum investment amounts. The minimum initial investment in the Fund for Class SDR Shares is $5,000,000 and there is no minimum subsequent investment. Investors generally may meet the minimum initial investment amount by aggregating multiple accounts with common beneficial or related ownership within the Fund or across Class SDR Shares of the Fund and other Hartford Funds. Notwithstanding the preceding, there is no minimum initial investment for the following types of plans or accounts held through plan level or omnibus accounts on the books of the Fund: 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit-sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans, nonqualified deferred compensation plans, health savings plans and health savings accounts. With respect to Class SDR Shares, none of the Fund, the Distributor, or any affiliates of the Distributor pay any commission payments, account servicing fees, recordkeeping fees, 12b-1 fees, sub-transfer agent fees, administration fees or other asset-based or sales-based fees to any financial intermediary except for a legacy arrangement with an affiliate of SIMNA (Please see “Distribution Support Provided By SFA” for more information). In certain instances, the Adviser and/or its affiliates may make payments to financial intermediaries that are not based on assets or sales of any particular Fund or share class, or that are in connection with the maintenance of the Fund share class within the financial intermediary’s platform. For more information, please see the section entitled “Payments to Financial Intermediaries and Other Entities” below and “Additional Compensation Payments to Financial Intermediaries” in the Statement of Additional Information.
The Fund may waive or lower investment minimums for investors who invest in the Fund through an asset-based fee program made available through a financial intermediary. If your investment is aggregated into an omnibus account established by an investment adviser, broker or other financial intermediary, the account minimums apply to the omnibus account, not to your individual investment. The financial intermediary may also impose minimum requirements that are different from those set forth in this Prospectus. If you choose to purchase or request repurchases of Shares directly from the Fund, you will not incur charges on repurchases. However, if you purchase or request repurchases of Shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, you may be charged a fee by that intermediary.
Information about sales charges, including applicable waivers, breakpoints and discounts to the sales charges, is fully disclosed in this Prospectus, which is available, free of charge, on the Fund’s website at www.hartfordfunds.com.
53
Hartford Funds Distributors, LLC, located at 690 Lee Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087 (the “Distributor”), is the principal underwriter of Shares of the Fund. Shares may be purchased only through the Distributor. The Distributor acts as the distributor of Shares for the Fund on a best efforts basis, subject to various conditions, pursuant to the terms of its contract with the Fund. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any specific amount of Shares of the Fund. The Distributor will also act as agent for the Fund in connection with repurchases of Shares.
Shares of the Fund will be continuously offered through the Distributor, as the exclusive distributor. The Fund has authorized one or more intermediaries (e.g., brokers, investment advisers, etc. collectively “Intermediaries”) to receive orders on its behalf. Such Intermediaries are authorized to designate other Intermediaries to receive orders on the Fund’s behalf. The Fund will be deemed to have received an order when an authorized broker or, if applicable, a broker’s authorized designee, receives the order. The Shares are offered at NAV per share (plus any applicable sales charge) calculated as of the last business day of each month.
The Fund and the Distributor will have the sole right to accept orders to purchase Shares and reserve the right to reject any order in whole or in part.
Investors may be charged a fee if they effect transactions through a financial intermediary.
The Board of Trustees has approved the adoption by the Fund of a distribution plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act for Class A Shares. Under the Plan, Class A Shares of the Fund bear distribution and/or service fees paid to the Distributor, some of which may be paid to select broker-dealers. Total compensation under the Plan may not exceed the maximum cap imposed by FINRA with respect to asset-based sales charges. Distribution fees paid to the Distributor may be spent on any activities or expenses primarily intended to result in the sale of the Fund’s Shares. Under the Plan, the Fund pays the Distributor the entire fee, regardless of the Distributor’s expenditures. Even if the Distributor’s actual expenditures exceed the fee payable to the Distributor at any given time, the Fund will not be obligated to pay more than that fee. If the Distributor’s actual expenditures are less than the fee payable to the Distributor at any given time, the Distributor may realize a profit from the arrangement. Pursuant to the Class A Plan, the Fund may pay the Distributor a fee of up to 0.70% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares for distribution financing activities, and up to 0.25% may be used for shareholder account servicing activities. Over time, 12b-1 fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s assets on an on-going basis.
No market currently exists for the Fund’s Shares. The Fund’s Shares are not listed and the Fund does not currently intend to list its Shares for trading on any securities exchange, and the Fund does not anticipate that any secondary market will develop for its Shares. Neither the Adviser nor the Distributor intends to make a market in the Fund’s Shares.
The Distributor is not obligated to buy any of the Shares and does not intend to make a market in the Shares. The Fund has agreed to indemnify the Distributor and certain of the Distributor’s affiliates against certain liabilities, including certain liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933. To the extent consistent with applicable law, the Distributor has agreed to indemnify the Fund and each Trustee and former Trustee against certain liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933 and in connection with the services rendered to the Fund.
PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES AND OTHER ENTITIES
The Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates and the Hartford Funds make a variety of payments to broker-dealers and financial institutions (“Financial Intermediaries”) that sell the shares of the Hartford Funds, and/or Financial Intermediaries and other intermediaries that provide services (“Servicing Intermediaries”) to the Hartford Funds. These payments may vary from one product to another. For this reason, (1) if your Financial Intermediary receives greater payments with respect to the Hartford Funds than it receives with respect to other products, it may be more inclined to sell you shares of a Hartford Fund rather than another product and/or (2) if your Servicing Intermediary (which may also be your Financial Intermediary) receives greater payments with respect to the Hartford Funds, such payments may create an incentive for the Servicing Intermediary to favor the Hartford Funds rather than other fund companies or investment products for which it may receive a lower payment. You may contact your Financial Intermediary or Servicing Intermediary if you want additional information regarding any Additional Payments or Servicing Payments it receives.
PAYMENTS MADE FROM FUND ASSETS
· | Commissions and Rule 12b-1 Payments. The Distributor and/or its affiliates pay sales commissions and Rule 12b-1 fees to Financial Intermediaries out of assets that the Distributor and/or its affiliates receive from the Hartford Funds. The Fund’s SAI includes information regarding these commission and Rule 12b-1 payments by share class. |
· | Administrative Fees to Servicing Intermediaries. The Distributor and/or its affiliates make payments to Servicing Intermediaries that provide sub-accounting, administrative and/or shareholder processing services to the Hartford Funds |
54
(“Administrative Fees”). Such payments may be made out of 12b-1, administrative and/or transfer agent fees that the Distributor and/or its affiliates receive from the Hartford Funds. Depending upon the particular share class and/or contractual arrangement with a Servicing Intermediary, these payments may be calculated based on average net assets of the Hartford Funds that are serviced by the Servicing Intermediary, or on a per account basis. The Fund’s SAI includes information regarding Fund expenses and distribution arrangements. |
PAYMENTS MADE BY THE ADVISER AND/OR ITS AFFILIATES
As explained in more detail below under the sections entitled “Additional Payments to Financial Intermediaries” and “Servicing Payments to Servicing Intermediaries,” the Adviser and/or its affiliates make payments out of their own assets and not as an expense to or out of the assets of the Fund to (1) Financial Intermediaries to encourage the sale of Hartford Fund’s shares (“Additional Payments”) and/or (2) Servicing Intermediaries as additional compensation for sub-accounting, administrative and/or shareholder processing services (“Servicing Payments”).
· | Additional Payments to Financial Intermediaries. The amount of any Additional Payments made by the Adviser and/or its affiliates to a Financial Intermediary is generally based on one or more of the following criteria: (i) the average net assets of the Hartford Funds that are attributed to that Financial Intermediary; (ii) the amount of Hartford Funds shares sold through that Financial Intermediary; and (iii) the mix of equity and fixed income funds sold through or attributed to that Financial Intermediary. The annual amount of Additional Payments made to any one Financial Intermediary is normally not expected to exceed 0.13% of the average net assets of the Hartford Funds that are attributed to that Financial Intermediary. For the calendar year ended December 31, 2022, the Adviser and its affiliates incurred approximately $60.3 million in total Additional Payments to Financial Intermediaries. |
Additional Payments to Financial Intermediaries, including those listed in the Fund’s SAI, may be used for various purposes and take various forms, including but not limited to:
(1) Payments for putting the Hartford Funds on a Financial Intermediary’s list of funds available for purchase by its customers;
(2) Payments for including the Hartford Funds within a group that receives special marketing focus or placing the Hartford Funds on a “preferred list”;
(3) “Due diligence” payments for a Financial Intermediary’s examination of Hartford Funds and payments for providing extra employee training and information relating to Hartford Funds;
(4) “Marketing support fees” for providing assistance in promoting the sale of Hartford Funds shares;
(5) Sponsorships of sales contests and promotions where participants receive prizes such as travel awards, merchandise, cash or recognition;
(6) Provision by a Financial Intermediary of sales-related data to the Adviser and/or its affiliates;
(7) Provision of educational programs, including information and related support materials;
(8) Provision of computer hardware and software; and
(9) Occasional meals and entertainment, tickets to sporting events, nominal gifts and travel and lodging (subject to applicable rules and regulations).
In certain instances, the Adviser and/or its affiliates may make payments to Financial Intermediaries that are not based on assets or sales of the Fund or share class (e.g., flat fee payments for platform participation, conference sponsorship, data packages, etc.), or that are in connection with the maintenance of the Fund share class within the Financial Intermediary’s platform.
As of January 1, 2023, the Adviser and/or its affiliates have not paid or entered into ongoing contractual arrangements to pay Additional Payments to any Financial Intermediaries with respect to the Fund.
· | Servicing Payments to Servicing Intermediaries. The Adviser, HASCO and/or their affiliates pay Servicing Payments to Servicing Intermediaries. The amount of the Servicing Payments is generally based on average net assets of the Hartford Funds that are serviced by a Servicing Intermediary. With certain limited exceptions, the annual amount of Servicing Payments made to any specific Servicing Intermediary is not expected to exceed 0.25% of the average net assets of the Hartford Funds that are serviced by that Servicing Intermediary. |
For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Adviser, HASCO and/or their affiliates incurred approximately $2.6 million in total Servicing Payments and these Servicing Payments did not exceed $0.9 million for any one Servicing Intermediary.
55
As of January 1, 2023, the Adviser, HASCO and/or their affiliates have not paid or entered into ongoing contractual arrangements to pay any Servicing Payments with respect to the Fund.
· | Distribution Support Provided By SFA. Schroder Fund Advisors LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SIMNA ("SFA"), has entered into an additional compensation arrangement with HFMC, the Fund’s investment adviser. Under this arrangement, SFA has entered into a selling agreement with Hartford Funds Distributors, LLC ("HFD") pursuant to which SFA is involved in the distribution of the shares of the Fund, and SFA and HFMC have entered into an additional compensation agreement, pursuant to which HFMC pays SFA an annual fee based on a percentage of the gross spread between the management fees and sub-advisory fees with respect to Class SDR Shares of the Fund. |
56
SALES CHARGES – CLASS A SHARES
Purchase of Class A Shares
Class A Shares of the Fund are purchased at the public offering price. The public offering price is the next determined NAV per share plus a sales charge as shown in the table below. Certain persons may be entitled to purchase Class A Shares of the Fund without paying a sales charge. See “Waivers of Class A Sales Charge.” The table below also shows the portion of the sales charge that may be re-allowed to the broker-dealer or financial intermediary through whom you purchased your Class A Shares.
Sales Charge as a % of: | ||||||||||||
Amount of Investment | Public Offering Price | Net Amount Invested | Dealer Reallowance
As % of Public Offering Price | |||||||||
Less than $99,999 | 3.50 | % | 3.63 | % | 2.75 | % | ||||||
$100,000 – $249,999 | 2.50 | % | 2.56 | % | 2.00 | % | ||||||
$250,000 – $999,999 | 2.00 | % | 2.04 | % | 1.75 | % | ||||||
$1,000,000 – $4,999,999 | 1.00 | % | 1.01 | % | 0.75 | % | ||||||
$5,000,000 or more | 0.00 | % | 0.00 | % | 0.00 | % |
The following sections discuss ways to obtain discounts on purchases and waivers of sales charges on Class A Shares of the Fund.
The availability of sales charge waivers and discounts may depend on the particular financial intermediary or type of account through which you purchase or hold Fund Shares. The Fund’s sales charge waivers and discounts described in this Prospectus are available for Fund Share purchases made directly from the Fund (or the Distributor) and are generally available through financial intermediaries. Please contact your financial intermediary for information about which classes of Shares of the Fund they offer and to take advantage of the sales charge waivers and discounts described in this Prospectus.
Any “purchaser” (as defined below) may buy Class A Shares of the Fund at a reduced sales charge by aggregating the dollar amount of the new purchase and the total net amount invested of all Class A Shares of the Fund then held by the purchaser and applying the sales charge applicable to such aggregate. To obtain such discount, the purchaser must provide sufficient information at the time of purchase to permit verification that the purchase qualifies for the reduced sales charge. This sales charge reduction is subject to modification or discontinuance at any time with respect to all shares purchased thereafter. For purposes of determining the applicable sales charge discount, a “purchaser” includes an individual and, the individual’s spouse (or legal equivalent recognized under state law), provided all such purchasers are accredited investors and provide the required documentation. This right to a sales charge reduction may be amended or terminated at any time as to subsequent purchases.
Shareholder’s Responsibility With Respect to Breakpoint Discounts
To obtain any of the Class A sales charge discounts set forth above, you must inform your financial intermediary of the existence of any eligible amounts in accounts held by the investor and/or a qualified spouse (or legal equivalent recognized under state law) at the time of purchase. You must inform your financial intermediary of all Shares of the Fund held (i) in your account(s) at the financial intermediary, (ii) in your account(s) by another financial intermediary, and (iii) in any other accounts held at any financial intermediary belonging to a qualified spouse (or legal equivalent recognized under state law). IF YOU FAIL TO INFORM YOUR FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARY OR THE FUND OF ALL ELIGIBLE HOLDINGS OR PLANNED PURCHASES, YOU MAY NOT RECEIVE A SALES CHARGE DISCOUNT TO WHICH YOU WOULD OTHERWISE BE ENTITLED. The Fund will require the names and account numbers of all accounts claimed in connection with a request for a sales charge discount. You may also be required to provide verification of holdings (such as account statements and/or copies of documents that reflect the original purchase cost of your holdings) that qualify you for a sales charge reduction. As such, it is very important that you retain all records that may be needed to substantiate an original purchase price of your holdings, as the Fund, the Transfer Agent, and financial intermediaries may not maintain this information.
Waivers of Class A Sales Charge
Class A Shares of the Fund may be purchased at NAV under the following circumstances, provided that you notify the Fund in advance that the trade qualifies for this privilege. The Fund reserves the right to modify or terminate these arrangements at any time. Additional information about the sales charge reductions or waivers can be obtained from the Fund’s transfer agent.
The Class A Shares front-end sales charge may be reduced or waived for the following individuals and institutions:
57
· | selling broker dealers and their employees and sales representatives (and their family members, as defined above); provided, however, that only those employees of such broker-dealers who, as a part of their usual duties, provide services related to transactions in Fund shares shall qualify, |
· | financial representatives using Fund shares in fee-based investment products under a signed agreement with the Fund, |
· | current or retired officers, directors and employees (and their family members, as defined above under the “Shareholder’s Responsibility With Respect to Breakpoint Discounts” section) of the Fund, The Hartford, the sub-advisers to Hartford Funds, Hartford Administrative Services Company, and their affiliates. Such individuals may also purchase Class I Shares at net asset value, |
· | welfare benefit plans investing in Fund shares through group variable funding agreements issued by Hartford Life Insurance Company, |
· | college savings programs that are qualified state tuition programs under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code, |
· | investors purchasing through a financial intermediary that has entered into an agreement with the Distributor to offer shares to self-directed investment brokerage accounts that may or may not charge a transaction fee to customers, and |
· | purchases by investors maintaining a brokerage account with a registered broker-dealer that has entered into an agreement with the distributor to offer Class A Shares through a load-waived network or platform, which may or may not charge transaction fees. |
The availability of these sales load waivers may depend on the particular financial intermediary or type of account through which you purchase or hold Fund shares. Please contact your financial intermediary for more information on the intermediary’s policies and procedures applicable to such waivers. In addition, any intermediary specific sales load waivers are reproduced based on information provided by the financial intermediaries.
Dealer Commission
The Distributor may pay up to the entire amount of the sales commission to particular broker-dealers. These commission schedules may also apply to certain sales of Class A Shares made to investors that qualify under some of the categories listed under “Front-End Sales Charge Waivers for Class A Shares.” Commissions are based on cumulative investments over the life of the account with no adjustment for repurchases, transfers, or market declines.
Under certain circumstances, the Distributor may change the reallowance to dealers and may also compensate dealers out of its own assets. Dealers engaged in the sale of shares of the Fund may be deemed to be underwriters under the Securities Act of 1933. The Distributor retains the entire sales charge on any portion of a sales charge that is not re-allowed to a broker-dealer or financial intermediary.
58
The Fund will accept initial and additional purchases of Class A Shares, Class I Shares or Class SDR Shares commencing on the first day of each calendar month. The investor must submit a completed Investor Application form five business days before the last business day of the month in which the purchase is being made (the “Purchase Date”). All purchases are subject to the receipt of immediately available funds three business days prior to the Purchase Date in the full amount of the purchase (to enable the Fund to invest the proceeds in Investment Funds as of the Purchase Date). An investor who misses one or both of these deadlines will have the effectiveness of its investment in the Fund delayed until the following month.
Despite having to meet the earlier application and funding deadlines described above, the Fund does not issue the Shares purchased (and an investor does not become a shareholder with respect to such Shares) until the Purchase Date, i.e., the first business day of the relevant calendar month. Consequently, purchase proceeds do not represent capital of the Fund, and do not become assets of the Fund, until such date.
Any amounts received in advance of the initial or subsequent purchases of Shares are placed in a non-interest-bearing account with the Transfer Agent (as defined herein) prior to their investment in the Fund, in accordance with Rule 15c2-4 under the 1934 Act. The Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase of Shares in its sole discretion (including, without limitation, when it has reason to believe that a purchase of Shares would be unlawful). Unless otherwise required by applicable law, any amount received in advance of a purchase ultimately rejected by the Fund will be returned to the prospective investor.
Initial and any additional purchases of Shares of the Fund by any shareholder must be made via wire transfer of funds. Payment for each initial or subsequent additional purchases of Shares must be made in one installment.
To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. What this means to you: When you open an account, we will ask your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow us to identify you. If we are unable to verify your identity, we reserve the right to restrict additional transactions and/or liquidate your account at the next calculated net asset value after your account is closed (less any applicable sales/account charges and/or tax penalties) or take any other action required by law. The Fund has implemented an anti-money laundering compliance program, which includes designation of an anti-money laundering compliance officer.
Eligible Investors
Each investor in the Fund will be required to certify to the Fund that the Shares are being acquired for the account of an “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the 1933 Act. Investors who are “accredited investors” are referred to in this Prospectus as “Eligible Investors.” Existing shareholders who subscribe for additional Shares will be required to qualify as Eligible Investors at the time of each additional purchase. Qualifications that must be met in becoming a shareholder are set out in the application form that must be completed by each prospective investor. The Distributor and/or any Selling Agent may impose additional eligibility requirements for investors who purchase Shares through the Distributor or such Selling Agent.
The Distributor or any registered investment adviser (a “RIA”) who offers Class I Shares may impose additional eligibility requirements on investors who purchase Class I Shares from the Distributor through such RIA. See “Plan of Distribution.”
Shareholders who invest in the Fund through a financial intermediary should contact their intermediary regarding purchase procedures. All investors must complete and submit the necessary Investor Application in good order. The Fund reserves the right to reject any initial or additional investment and to suspend the offering of Shares. Purchase through a financial intermediary does not affect these eligibility requirements.
A purchase of Shares will be made at the NAV per share (plus any applicable sales charge) next determined following receipt of a purchase order in good order by the Fund, its authorized agent, its Distributor’s authorized agent, or authorized financial intermediary or the intermediary’s authorized designee if received at a time when the Fund is open to new investments. A purchase order is in “good order” if the request includes:
· | Name, date of birth, residential address, and social security number. |
· | The Fund name, share class and account number. |
· | The amount of the transaction (in dollars). |
· | Signatures of all owners exactly as registered on the account (for mail requests). |
· | Any supporting legal documentation that may be required. |
· | Accredited Investor Certification. |
59
The Fund reserves the right to cancel any purchase order it receives if the Fund believes that it is in the best interest of the Fund’s shareholders to do so.
Clients of investment advisory organizations may also be subject to investment advisory fees under their own arrangements with such organizations. Some Intermediaries may impose different or additional eligibility requirements. The Adviser has the discretion to further modify or waive their eligibility requirements.
Of critical importance, is the location of those authorized to transact on an account at the time the transaction request is placed with the Fund. In general, shareholders and authorized traders may only place trades with the Fund when physically in the U.S., a U.S. territory, stationed at a military base, or stationed at a U.S. Embassy. The location of the authorized caller may be obtained on a recorded phone call or in writing.
Investment Minimum
The minimum initial investment in Class A and Class I Shares of the Fund is $25,000, and the minimum subsequent investment in Class A and Class I Shares of the Fund is $10,000. The minimum initial investment in Class SDR Shares of the Fund is $5,000,000 and there is no minimum subsequent investment. The Adviser may, in its sole discretion, waive these minimums with respect to certain employees, officers or Trustees of the Fund, the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers or their affiliates who qualify as accredited investors. The Fund may waive or lower investment minimums for investors who invest in the Fund through an asset-based fee program made available through a financial intermediary. If your investment is aggregated into an omnibus account established by an investment adviser, broker or other financial intermediary, the account minimums apply to the omnibus account, not to your individual investment. The financial intermediary may also impose minimum requirements that are different from those set forth in this Prospectus. If you choose to purchase Shares from or effect repurchase requests directly with the Fund, you will not incur charges on such purchases and repurchases. However, if you purchase Shares or effect repurchase requests through a broker-dealer or other intermediary, you may be charged a fee by that intermediary.
Other Policies
No Share Certificates. The issuance of Shares is recorded electronically on the books of the Fund. You will receive a confirmation of, or account statement reflecting, each new transaction in your account, which will also show the total number of Shares of the Fund you own. You can rely on these statements in lieu of certificates. The Fund does not issue certificates representing Shares of the Fund.
Customer Identification Program
To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. In some cases, Federal law also requires us to verify and record information that identifies the natural persons who control and beneficially own a legal entity that opens an account. When an investor opens an account, therefore, the Fund will request names, addresses, dates of birth and other information that will allow the Fund to identify the investor and certain other natural persons associated with the account. For some legal entity accounts, the investor will be asked to provide identifying information for one natural person that controls the entity, and for each natural person that beneficially owns 25% or more of the legal entity.
The Fund also required to obtain information that identifies each authorized signer for an account by requesting name, residential address, date of birth and social security number for each authorized signer.
Federal law prohibits the Fund and other financial institutions from opening a new account on behalf of a natural person unless they receive the minimum identifying information listed above. After an account is opened, the Fund may restrict your ability to purchase additional Shares until your identity is verified. The Fund may close your account or take other appropriate action if it is unable to verify your identity within a reasonable time. The Fund and its agents will not be responsible for any loss in an investor’s account resulting from the investor’s delay in providing all required identifying information or from closing an account and repurchasing an investor’s Shares when an investor’s identity is not verified.
In addition, the Fund may be required to “freeze” your account if there appears to be suspicious activity or if account information matches information on a government list of known terrorists or other suspicious persons.
Fund Closings
The Fund may close at any time to new investments and, during such closings, only the reinvestment of dividends by existing shareholders will be permitted. The Fund may re-open to new investments and subsequently close again to new investments at any time
60
at the discretion of the Adviser. Any such opening and closing of the Fund will be disclosed to investors via a supplement to this Prospectus.
Liquidation or Reorganization
To the extent authorized by law, the Fund reserves the right to discontinue offering Shares at any time, to merge or reorganize itself or a class of Shares, or to cease operations and liquidate at any time. A liquidation may have adverse tax consequences to Shareholders. If the Fund were to liquidate, shareholders would receive a liquidating distribution in cash or in-kind equal to their proportionate interest in the Fund. A liquidating distribution would generally be a taxable event to shareholders, resulting in a gain or loss for tax purposes, depending upon a shareholder’s basis in his or her Shares of the Fund. A shareholder would not be entitled to any refund or reimbursement of expenses borne, directly or indirectly, by the shareholder (such as sales loads, account fees, or fund expenses), and a shareholder may receive an amount in liquidation less than his or her original investment.
REPURCHASES AND TRANSFERS OF SHARES
The Fund does not currently intend to list the Shares on a securities exchange and does not expect a secondary market to develop in the foreseeable future. Accordingly, shareholders should expect that they will be unable to sell their Shares for an indefinite time or at a desired price. No shareholder will have the right to require the Fund to repurchase or redeem such shareholder’s Shares or any portion thereof. Shareholders are not permitted to transfer their investment from the Fund to any other registered investment company. Because no public market exists for the Shares, and no such market is expected to develop in the foreseeable future, shareholders will not be able to liquidate their investment, other than as a result of repurchases of Shares by the Fund, as described below, or, in limited circumstances, as a result of transfers of Shares to other investors.
Repurchases of Shares
To provide a limited degree of liquidity to shareholders, the Fund may from time to time offer to repurchase Shares pursuant to written tenders by shareholders. Such repurchases are expected to be offered at the Fund’s net asset value per share as of March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 (each, a “Valuation Date”), as applicable. Each repurchase offer will generally commence approximately 75 days prior to the applicable Valuation Date and will remain open for a minimum of 20 business days following the commencement of the offer. It is also expected that the Adviser will recommend to the Board, subject to the Board’s discretion, that any such tender offer would be for an amount that is not more than 5% of the Fund’s net asset value. There can be no assurance that the Board will accept the Adviser’s recommendation.
The Fund will repurchase Shares from shareholders pursuant to written tenders on terms and conditions that the Board determines to be fair to the Fund and to all shareholders. When the Board determines that the Fund will repurchase Shares, notice will be provided to shareholders describing the terms of the offer, containing information shareholders should consider in deciding whether to participate in the repurchase opportunity and containing information on how to participate. Shareholders deciding whether to tender their Shares during the period that a repurchase offer is open may obtain the Fund’s then-current net asset value per share by contacting the Adviser during the period. If a repurchase offer is oversubscribed by shareholders who tender Shares, the Fund may repurchase a pro rata portion by value of the Shares tendered by each shareholder, extend the repurchase offer, or take any other action with respect to the repurchase offer permitted by applicable law
There is no minimum number of Shares that must be repurchased in any repurchase offer. In determining whether the Fund should offer to repurchase Shares from shareholders, the Board will consider the recommendation of the Adviser. In determining whether to accept a recommendation to conduct a repurchase offer at any such time, the Board of Trustees will consider the following factors, among others:
· | whether any shareholders have requested to tender Shares to the Fund; |
· | the liquidity of the Fund’s assets (including fees and costs associated with redeeming or otherwise withdrawing from Investment Funds); |
· | the investment plans and working capital and reserve requirements of the Fund; |
· | the relative economies of scale of the tenders with respect to the size of the Fund; |
· | the history of the Fund in repurchasing Shares; |
61
· | the availability of information as to the value of the Fund’s Shares in underlying Investment Funds; |
· | the existing conditions of the securities markets and the economy generally, as well as political, national or international developments or current affairs; |
· | any anticipated tax consequences to the Fund of any proposed repurchases of Shares; and |
· | the recommendations of the Adviser. |
If a repurchase offer is conducted, it will generally follow the following timeline:
· | 75 days prior to the end of a calendar quarter: the Fund issues a notice of a tender offer and the tender offer commences; |
· | 30-35 days prior to the end of a calendar quarter: a Shareholder must tender his/her/its Shares by this date (the “Notice Date”); |
· | a Shareholder who has tendered his/her/its Shares can revoke the request to tender the Shares upon written notice to the Fund received by the Notice Date (“Expiration Date”); and |
· | Last business day of each quarter – the date as of which the value of the tendered Shares that are accepted for repurchase shall be determined (“Valuation Date”). |
If a repurchase offer is extended, the Expiration Date will be extended accordingly.
The determination of the value of Shares as of the Valuation Date is subject to adjustment based upon information received, including information from the Investment Managers of the Investment Funds, after the Valuation Date about the value of assets of the Fund as of the applicable Valuation Date.
The payment in respect of Shares accepted for repurchase (the “Payment”) is expected to be in an amount equal to 100% of the estimated value of the repurchased Shares, based on the value of the Shares as of the Valuation Date. The Payment will be made within 65 days after the Notice Date (the “Payment Date”).
The Fund reserves the right to withhold up to 5% of the estimated Payment until after the completion of the annual audit of the Fund’s financial statements, when it will be promptly paid. If this occurs, a Shareholder could wait as long as approximately 14 months to receive the second payment installment. However, the Fund does not currently intend to withhold any amount of the Payment beyond the Payment Date. See “Types of Investments and Related Risks — Valuations Subject to Adjustment.”
Any repurchase of Shares from a shareholder which were held for less than one year (on a first-in, first-out basis) will be subject to an “Early Repurchase Fee” equal to 2% of the net asset value of any Shares repurchased by the Fund that were held for less than one year. If an Early Repurchase Fee is charged to a shareholder, the amount of such fee will be retained by the Fund. An Early Repurchase Fee payable by an Investor may be waived by the Fund, in circumstances where the Board of Trustees determines that doing so is in the best interests of the Fund and in a manner as will not discriminate unfairly against any Investor.
Repurchases will be effective after receipt and acceptance by the Fund of eligible written tenders of Shares from shareholders by the applicable repurchase offer deadline. The Fund does not impose any charges in connection with repurchases of Shares.
Shares will be repurchased by the Fund after the Management Fee has been deducted from the Fund’s assets as of the end of the month in which the repurchase occurs — that is, the accrued Management Fee for the month in which Fund shares are to be repurchased is deducted prior to effecting the relevant repurchase of Fund shares.
In light of liquidity constraints associated with the Fund’s investments in Investment Funds and the fact that the Fund may have to effect redemptions from Investment Funds in order to pay for Shares being repurchased, the Fund expects to employ the following repurchase procedures:
· | Each repurchase offer will generally commence approximately 75 days prior to the applicable Valuation Date and will remain open for a minimum of 20 business days following the commencement of the offer. A shareholder choosing to tender Shares for repurchase must do so by the Notice Date, which generally will be 30-35 days before the Valuation Date. Shares will be valued as of the Valuation Date, which is generally expected to be March 31, June 30, September 30 or December 31. |
Tenders will be revocable upon written notice to the Fund until the Notice Date (“Expiration Date”).
62
If modification of the Fund’s repurchase procedures as described above is deemed necessary to comply with regulatory requirements, the Board of Trustees will adopt revised procedures reasonably designed to provide shareholders substantially the same liquidity for Shares as would be available under the procedures described above. The Fund’s investments in Investment Funds may be subject to lengthy lock-up periods during which the Fund will not be able to dispose of such investments except through secondary transactions with third parties, which may occur at a significant discount to NAV and which may not be available at any given time. There is no assurance that third parties will engage in such secondary transactions and the Fund may require and be unable to obtain the Investment Fund’s consent to effect such transactions. The Fund may need to suspend or postpone repurchase offers if it is not able to dispose of its interests in Investment Funds in a timely manner.
Upon its acceptance of tendered Shares for repurchase, the Fund will maintain daily on its books a segregated account consisting of (1) cash, (2) liquid securities or (3) interests in Investment Funds that the Fund has requested be redeemed (or any combination of them), in an amount equal to the aggregate estimated unpaid dollar amount owed to shareholders tendering Shares.
Payment for repurchased Shares may require the Fund to liquidate portfolio holdings earlier than the Adviser and/or Sub-Advisers would otherwise have caused these holdings to be liquidated, potentially resulting in losses, and may increase the Fund’s investment related expenses as a result of higher portfolio turnover rates. The Adviser and/or Sub-Advisers intend to take measures, subject to policies as may be established by the Board, to attempt to avoid or minimize potential losses and expenses resulting from the repurchase of Shares.
A shareholder tendering for repurchase only a portion of the shareholder’s Shares will be required to maintain an account balance of at least $25,000 after giving effect to the repurchase. If a shareholder tenders an amount that would cause the shareholder’s account balance to fall below the required minimum, the Fund reserves the right to repurchase or redeem all of a shareholder’s Shares at any time if the aggregate value of such shareholder’s Shares is, at the time of such compulsory repurchase or redemption, less than the minimum initial investment applicable for the Fund. This right of the Fund to repurchase or redeem Shares compulsorily may be a factor that shareholders may wish to consider when determining the extent of any tender for purchase by the Fund.
The Fund may also repurchase and/or redeem Shares of a shareholder without consent or other action by the shareholder or other person, in accordance with the terms of its Agreement and Declaration of Trust and the 1940 Act, including Rule 23c-2 under the 1940 Act, if the Fund determines that:
· | the Shares have been transferred or have vested in any person other than by operation of law as the result of the death, bankruptcy, insolvency, adjudicated incompetence or dissolution of the shareholder or with the consent of the Fund, as described below; |
· | ownership of Shares by a shareholder or other person is likely to cause the Fund to be in violation of, require registration of any Shares under, or subject the Fund to additional registration or regulation under, the securities, commodities or other laws of the United States or any other relevant jurisdiction; |
· | continued ownership of Shares by a shareholder may be harmful or injurious to the business or reputation of the Fund, the Board, the Adviser or Sub-Advisers or any of their affiliates, or may subject the Fund or any shareholder to an undue risk of adverse tax or other fiscal or regulatory consequences; |
· | any of the representations and warranties made by a shareholder or other person in connection with the acquisition of Shares was not true when made or has ceased to be true; |
· | with respect to a shareholder subject to Special Laws or Regulations, the shareholder is likely to be subject to additional regulatory or compliance requirements under these Special Laws or Regulations by virtue of continuing to hold any Shares; or |
· | it would be in the best interests of the Fund for the Fund to repurchase the Shares. |
In the event that the Adviser, Sub-Advisers or any of their affiliates hold Shares in the capacity of a shareholder, the Shares may be tendered for repurchase in connection with any repurchase offer made by the Fund. Shareholders who require minimum annual distributions from a retirement account through which they hold Shares should consider the Fund’s schedule for repurchase offers and submit repurchase requests accordingly.
63
Transfers of Shares
Shares may be transferred only:
(1) by operation of law as a result of the death, bankruptcy, insolvency, adjudicated incompetence or dissolution of the shareholder; or
(2) under certain limited circumstances, with the written consent of the Fund, which may be withheld in its sole discretion and is expected to be granted, if at all, only under extenuating circumstances.
The Fund generally will not consent to a transfer of Shares by a shareholder unless the transfer is to a transferee who represents that it is an Eligible Investor and after a partial transfer, the value of the Shares held in the account of each of the transferee and transferor is at least $25,000. A shareholder transferring Shares may be charged reasonable expenses, including attorneys’ and accountants’ fees, incurred by the Fund in connection with the transfer. In connection with any request to transfer Shares, the Fund may require the shareholder requesting the transfer to obtain, at the shareholder’s expense, an opinion of counsel selected by the Fund as to such matters as the Fund may reasonably request.
In subscribing for Shares, a shareholder agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Fund, the Board of Trustees, the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers, each other shareholder and any of their affiliates against all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including legal or other expenses incurred in investigating or defending against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses or any judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement), joint or several, to which those persons may become subject by reason of, or arising from, any transfer made by that shareholder in violation of these provisions or any misrepresentation made by that shareholder or a substituted shareholder in connection with any such transfer.
Notice to Shareholders
The Fund will notify each shareholder of record and each beneficial owner of the Shares of a tender offer promptly upon commencement of the tender offer (“Shareholder Notification”). The Shareholder Notification will contain information shareholders should consider in deciding whether to tender Shares for repurchase. The notice also will include detailed instructions on how to tender shares for repurchase. The Shareholder Notification will also include all other information required by Rule 13e-4 under the 1934 Act.
Repurchase Price
The repurchase price of the shares will be the NAV of the share class as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE on the Valuation Date. Investors may call (888) 843-7824 to learn the NAV. The tender offer notice also will provide information concerning the NAV, such as the NAV as of a recent date or a sampling of recent NAVs of the Fund, and a toll-free number to call for information regarding the repurchase offer.
Repurchase Amounts and Payment of Proceeds
If shareholders tender for repurchase more than the repurchase offer amount for a given repurchase offer, the Fund may, but is not required to, increase the amount of Shares that are subject to the repurchase offer. If the Fund determines not to repurchase more than the repurchase offer amount, or if shareholders tender Shares in an amount exceeding the revised repurchase offer amount, the Fund will repurchase Shares on a pro rata basis. However, the Fund may accept all Shares tendered for repurchase by shareholders who own less than one hundred Shares and who tender all of their Shares, before prorating other amounts tendered.
Consequences of Repurchase Offers
The Fund is permitted to borrow up to the maximum extent permitted under the 1940 Act to meet repurchase requests.
If the Fund borrows to finance repurchases, interest on that borrowing will negatively affect shareholders who do not tender their Shares by increasing the Fund’s expenses and reducing any net investment income. There is no assurance that the Fund will be able sell a significant amount of additional Shares so as to mitigate these effects.
These and other possible risks associated with the Fund’s repurchase offers are described under “Other Risks Relating to the Fund — Repurchase Offers Risks” above. In addition, the repurchase of Shares by the Fund will be a taxable event to shareholders. For a discussion of these tax consequences, see “Tax Matters” below and “Taxation” in the Statement of Additional Information.
64
Each shareholder has the right to cast a number of votes equal to the number of Shares held by such shareholder at a meeting of shareholders called by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. Shareholders will be entitled to vote on any matter on which shareholders of a registered investment company organized as a corporation would be entitled to vote, including certain elections of a Trustee and approval of the Investment Management Agreement, in each case to the extent that voting by shareholders is required by the 1940 Act. Notwithstanding their ability to exercise their voting privileges, shareholders in their capacity as such are not entitled to participate in the management or control of the Fund’s business, and may not act for or bind the Fund.
65
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE
Shares of Beneficial Interest
The Declaration of Trust authorizes the Fund’s issuance of an unlimited number of Shares of beneficial interest of each class. There is currently no market for Shares and the Fund does not expect that a market for Shares will develop in the foreseeable future. Pursuant to the Declaration of Trust and as permitted by Delaware law, shareholders are entitled to the same limitation of personal liability extended to stockholders of private corporations organized for profit incorporated in the State of Delaware and, therefore, generally will not be personally liable for the Fund’s debts or obligations.
Share Classes
The Adviser has received exemptive relief from the SEC that permits the Fund to issue multiple classes of shares. The Fund currently offers three classes of Shares, Class A, Class I and Class SDR. In the future, the Fund may offer other classes of Shares as well. Each additional class of Shares will have certain differing characteristics, particularly in terms of the sales charges that Shareholders in that class may bear, and the distribution fees and transfer agency fees that each class may be charged.
Shares
Under the terms of the Declaration of Trust, all Shares, when consideration for Shares is received by the Fund, will be fully paid and nonassessable. Distributions may be paid to shareholders if, as and when authorized and declared by the Board. Except as otherwise provided by the Trustees, Shares will have no preemptive or other right to subscribe to any additional Shares or other securities issued by the Fund, and will be freely transferable, except where their transfer is restricted by law or contract. The Declaration of Trust provides that the Board shall have the power to repurchase or redeem Shares. In the event of the Fund’s dissolution, after the Fund pays or adequately provides for the payment of all claims and obligations of the Fund, and upon the receipt of such releases, indemnities and refunding agreements deemed necessary by the Board, each Share will be entitled to receive, according to its respective rights, a pro rata portion of the Fund’s assets available for distribution for the applicable class, subject to any preferential rights of holders of the Fund’s outstanding preferred Shares, if any. Each whole Share will be entitled to one vote as to any matter on which it is entitled to vote and each fractional Share will be entitled to a proportionate fractional vote. However, to the extent required by the 1940 Act or otherwise determined by the Board, classes of the Fund will vote separately from each other. Shareholders shall be entitled to vote on all matters on which a vote of shareholders is required by the 1940 Act, the Declaration of Trust or a resolution of the Board. There will be no cumulative voting in the election of Trustees. Under the Declaration of Trust, the Fund is not required to hold annual meetings of shareholders. The Fund only expects to hold shareholder meetings to the extent required by the 1940 Act or pursuant to special meetings called by the Board or a majority of shareholders.
Preferred Shares and Other Securities
The Declaration of Trust provides that the Board may, subject to the Fund’s investment policies and restrictions and the requirements of the 1940 Act, authorize and cause the Fund to issue securities of the Fund other than Shares (including preferred Shares, debt securities or other senior securities), by action of the Board without the approval of shareholders. The Board may determine the terms, rights, preferences, privileges, limitations and restrictions of such securities as the Board sees fit. The Fund does not intend to issue preferred Shares as of the date of this Prospectus.
Preferred Shares could be issued with rights and preferences that would adversely affect shareholders. Preferred Shares could also be used as an anti-takeover device. Every issuance of preferred Shares will be required to comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act requires, among other things, that (i) immediately after issuance of preferred Shares and before any distribution is made with respect to the Shares and before any purchase of Shares is made, the aggregate involuntary liquidation preference of such preferred Shares together with the aggregate involuntary liquidation preference or aggregate value of all other senior securities must not exceed an amount equal to 50% of the Fund’s total assets after deducting the amount of such distribution or purchase price, as the case may be; and (ii) the holders of preferred Shares, if any are issued, must be entitled as a class to elect two Trustees at all times and to elect a majority of the Trustees if distributions on such preferred Shares are in arrears by two years or more. Certain matters under the 1940 Act require the separate vote of the holders of any issued and outstanding preferred Shares.
66
The following table sets forth information about the Fund’s outstanding Shares as of December 15, 2022:
Title of Class | Amount Authorized |
Amount Held
by the Fund for its Own Account |
Amount Outstanding | |||
Class A Shares of Beneficial Interest | Unlimited | None | None | |||
Class I Shares of Beneficial Interest | Unlimited | None | None | |||
Class SDR Shares of Beneficial Interest | Unlimited | None | 10,000 |
Limitation on Liability of Trustees and Officers; Indemnification and Advance of Expenses
Pursuant to the Declaration of Trust, Trustees and officers of the Fund will not be subject in such capacity to any personal liability to the Fund or shareholders, unless the liability arises from bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard for the Trustee’s or officer’s duty.
Except as otherwise provided in the Declaration of Trust, the Fund will indemnify and hold harmless any current or former Trustee or officer of the Fund against any liabilities and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees relating to the defense of any claim, action, suit or proceeding with which such person is involved or threatened), while and with respect to acting in the capacity of a Trustee or officer of the Fund, except with respect to matters in which such person did not act in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best interest of the Fund. In accordance with the 1940 Act, the Fund will not indemnify any Trustee or officer for any liability to which such person would be subject by reason of his or her willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties of his or her position. The Fund will provide indemnification to Trustees and officers prior to a final determination regarding entitlement to indemnification as described in the Declaration of Trust.
Pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement, HFMC is not liable to the Fund or its shareholders for an error of judgment or mistake of law or for a loss suffered by the Fund in connection with the matters to which its agreements relate, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of HFMC in the performance of its duties or from its reckless disregard of the obligations and duties under the applicable agreement.
Pursuant to the investment sub-advisory agreement, SIMNA shall exercise its best judgment in rendering services under the sub-advisory agreement. SIMNA shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by HFMC or the Fund in connection with the matters to which the sub-advisory agreement relates except a loss resulting from SIMNA’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of its obligations and duties, or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties, under the sub-advisory agreement, provided, however, that nothing in the sub-advisory agreement shall be deemed to protect SIMNA against any liability to HFMC or its affiliates for, and SIMNA shall indemnify and hold harmless HFMC against claims, losses, expenses, obligations and liabilities (including reasonable attorney’s fees) resulting from: (1) SIMNA causing the Fund to be in material violation of any applicable federal or state law, rule or regulation or in violation of any investment policy set forth in the Fund’s current registration statement; (2) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the registration statement or certain other materials or the omission to state therein a material fact known to SIMNA that was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if the statement or omission was made in reliance upon information provided by SIMNA in writing for use in such materials; (3) a material breach of the investment sub-advisory agreement; or (4) any willful misfeasance, bad faith, negligence or reckless disregard on the part of SIMNA in the performance of its duties and obligations under the investment sub-advisory agreement (except to the extent that the loss results from HFMC’s or the Fund’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, negligence, or reckless disregard in the performance of their respective duties and obligations under the sub-advisory agreement or the investment management agreement).
Pursuant to the Declaration of Trust, the Fund will advance the expenses of defending any action for which indemnification is sought if the Fund receives an undertaking by the indemnitee which provides that the indemnitee will reimburse the Fund unless it is subsequently determined that the indemnitee is entitled to such indemnification.
Appointment of Trustees; Vacancies; Removal
As set forth in the Declaration of Trust, a Trustee’s term of office shall continue until his or her death, resignation or removal. Subject to the provisions of the 1940 Act, individuals may be appointed by the Trustees at any time to fill vacancies on the Board by the
67
appointment of such persons by a majority of the Trustees then in office. Each Trustee shall hold office until his or her successor shall have been appointed pursuant to the Declaration of Trust. To the extent that the 1940 Act requires that Trustees be elected by shareholders, any such Trustees will be elected by a plurality of all Shares voted at a meeting of shareholders at which a quorum is present.
The Declaration of Trust provides that any Trustee may be removed (provided that after the removal the aggregate number of Trustees is not less than the minimum required by the Declaration of Trust) (i) with or without cause, by at least two-thirds (66 2/3%) of the remaining Trustees; or (ii) with or without cause, at any meeting of shareholders, by at least two-thirds (66 2/3%) of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
Action by Shareholders
The By-Laws provide that shareholder action can be taken at a meeting of shareholders or by written consent in lieu of a meeting, provided that the consent is authorized in writing by the holders of outstanding Shares having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take that action at a meeting at which all Shares entitled to vote on that action were present and voted. Subject to the 1940 Act, the Declaration of Trust or a resolution of the Board specifying a greater or lesser vote requirement, the affirmative vote of a majority of Shares present in person or represented by proxy at a meeting and entitled to vote on the subject matter shall be the act of the shareholders with respect to any matter submitted to a vote of the shareholders.
Amendment of Declaration of Trust and By-Laws
Pursuant to the Declaration of Trust, the Board may, subject to the provisions of the 1940 Act, amend the Declaration of Trust without any vote of shareholders. Pursuant to the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, the Board has the power to amend or repeal the By-Laws or adopt new By-Laws at any time.
No Appraisal Rights
In certain extraordinary transactions, some jurisdictions provide the right to dissenting shareholders to demand and receive the fair value of their Shares, subject to certain procedures and requirements set forth in such statute. Those rights are commonly referred to as appraisal rights. The Declaration of Trust provides that Shares shall not entitle shareholders to appraisal rights.
Conflict with Applicable Laws and Regulations
The Declaration of Trust provides that if and to the extent that any provision of the Declaration of Trust conflicts with any provision of the 1940 Act, the provisions under the Code applicable to the Fund as a RIC or other applicable laws and regulations, the conflicting provision shall be deemed never to have constituted a part of the Declaration of Trust; provided, however, that such determination shall not affect any of the remaining provisions of the Declaration of Trust or affect the validity of any action taken or omitted to be taken prior to such determination.
68
The following is a general summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the Fund and an investment in the Fund. The discussion below provides general tax information related to an investment in the Fund, but does not purport to be a complete description of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Fund and does not address any state, local, non-U.S. or other tax consequences. It is based on the Code and U.S. Treasury regulations thereunder and administrative pronouncements, all as of the date of this Prospectus, any of which is subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. In addition, it does not describe all of the tax consequences that may be relevant in light of a shareholder’s particular circumstances, including (but not limited to) alternative minimum tax consequences and tax consequences applicable to shareholders subject to special tax rules, such as certain financial institutions; dealers or traders in securities who use a mark-to-market method of tax accounting; persons holding Shares as part of a hedging transaction, wash sale, conversion transaction or integrated transaction or persons entering into a constructive sale with respect to Shares; entities classified as partnerships or other pass-through entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes; insurance companies; U.S. Shareholders (as defined below) whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar; or tax-exempt entities, including “individual retirement accounts” or “Roth IRAs.” As with any taxable investment, shareholders may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax on their income (including taxable income from the Fund), depending on their individual circumstances. Unless otherwise noted, the following discussion applies only to a shareholder that holds Shares as a capital asset and is a U.S. Shareholder. A “U.S. Shareholder” generally is a beneficial owner of Shares who is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
· | an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; |
· | a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; |
· | an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or |
· | a trust if it (a) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (b) has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person. |
If a partnership (including an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds Shares, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A prospective shareholder that is a partner in a partnership holding Shares should consult his, her or its tax advisors with respect to the purchase, ownership and disposition of Shares.
The discussion set forth herein does not constitute tax advice. Tax laws are complex and often change, and shareholders should consult their tax advisors about the U.S. federal, state, local or non-U.S. tax consequences of an investment in the Fund.
Taxation of the Fund
The Fund intends to elect, to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and intends to qualify annually, as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, the Fund generally will not be subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any ordinary income or capital gains that it distributes as dividends to shareholders. To qualify as a RIC in any tax year, the Fund must, among other things, satisfy both a source of income test and asset diversification tests. The Fund will qualify as a RIC if (i) at least 90% of the Fund’s gross income for such tax year consists of dividends; interest; payments with respect to certain securities loans; gains from the sale or other disposition of shares, securities or foreign currencies; other income (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such shares, securities or currencies; and net income derived from interests in “qualified publicly-traded partnerships” (such income, “Qualifying RIC Income”); and (ii) the Fund’s holdings are diversified so that, at the end of each quarter of such tax year, (a) at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets is represented by cash and cash equivalents, securities of other RICs, U.S. government securities and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and not greater than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer and (b) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets is invested (x) in securities (other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs) of any one issuer or of two or more issuers that the Fund controls and that are engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses or (y) in the securities of one or more “qualified publicly-traded partnerships.” The Fund’s share of income derived from a partnership other than a “qualified publicly-traded partnership” will be treated as Qualifying RIC Income only to the extent that such income would have constituted Qualifying RIC Income if derived directly by the Fund. A “qualified publicly-traded partnership” is generally defined as an entity that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes if (1) interests in such entity are traded on an established securities market or are readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof and (2) less than 90% of its gross income for the relevant tax year consists of Qualifying RIC Income. The Code provides that the Treasury Department may by regulation exclude from Qualifying RIC Income foreign currency gains that are not directly related to the RIC’s principal business of investing in shares or securities (or options
69
and futures with respect to shares or securities). The Fund anticipates that, in general, its foreign currency gains will be directly related to its principal business of investing in shares and securities.
In addition, to maintain RIC tax treatment, the Fund must distribute on a timely basis with respect to each tax year dividends of an amount at least equal to 90% of the sum of its “investment company taxable income” and its net tax-exempt interest income, determined without regard to any deduction for dividends paid, to shareholders (the “90% distribution requirement”). If the Fund qualifies as a RIC and satisfies the 90% distribution requirement, the Fund generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its “investment company taxable income” and net capital gains (that is, the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses) that it distributes as dividends to shareholders (including amounts that are reinvested pursuant to the dividend reinvestment plan). In general, a RIC’s “investment company taxable income” for any tax year is its taxable income, determined without regard to net capital gains and with certain other adjustments. The Fund intends to distribute all or substantially all of its “investment company taxable income,” net tax-exempt interest income (if any) and net capital gains on an annual basis. Any taxable income, including any net capital gains that the Fund does not distribute in a timely manner, will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates.
If the Fund retains any net capital gains for reinvestment, it may elect to treat such capital gains as having been distributed to shareholders. If the Fund makes such an election, each shareholder will be required to report its share of such undistributed net capital gains attributed to the Fund as long-term capital gain and will be entitled to claim its share of the U.S. federal income taxes paid by the Fund on such undistributed net capital gains as a credit against its own U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, and to claim a refund on a properly-filed U.S. federal income tax return to the extent that the credit exceeds such liability. In addition, each shareholder will be entitled to increase the adjusted tax basis of its Shares by the difference between its share of such undistributed net capital gain and the related credit. There can be no assurance that the Fund will make this election if it retains all or a portion of its net capital gain for a tax year.
As a RIC, the Fund will be, subject to a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax on certain undistributed amounts for each calendar year (the “4% excise tax”). To avoid the 4% excise tax, the Fund must distribute in respect of each calendar year dividends of an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of its ordinary taxable income (taking into account certain deferrals and elections) for the calendar year, (2) 98.2% of its capital gain net income (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) generally for the one-year period ending on October 31 of the calendar year and (3) any ordinary income and capital gains for previous calendar years that were not distributed during those calendar years. For purposes of determining whether the Fund has met this distribution requirement, the Fund will be deemed to have distributed any income or gains previously subject to U.S. federal income tax. Furthermore, any distribution declared by the Fund in October, November or December of any calendar year, payable to shareholders, of record on a specified date in such a month and actually paid during January of the following calendar year, will be treated for tax purposes as if it had been paid on December 31 of the calendar year in which the distribution was declared. The Fund generally intends to avoid the imposition of the 4% excise tax, but there can be no assurance in this regard.
If the Fund fails to qualify as a RIC or fails to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement in respect of any tax year, the Fund would be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates on its taxable income, including its net capital gains, even if such income were distributed, and all distributions out of earnings and profits would be taxed as ordinary dividend income. Such distributions generally would be eligible for the dividends-received deduction in the case of certain corporate shareholders and may be eligible to be qualified dividend income in the case of certain non-corporate shareholders. In addition, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay taxes and make distributions (any of which could be subject to interest charges) before re-qualifying for taxation as a RIC. If the Fund fails to satisfy either the income test or asset diversification test described above, in certain cases, however, the Fund may be able to avoid losing its status as a RIC by timely providing notice of such failure to the IRS, curing such failure and possibly paying an additional tax or penalty.
It is intended that the Fund will invest a portion of its assets in Investment Funds, some of which may be classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. An entity that is properly classified as a partnership (and not an association or publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation) generally is not subject to an entity-level U.S. federal income tax. Instead, each partner of the partnership is required to take into account its distributive share of the partnership’s net capital gain or loss, net short- term capital gain or loss, and its other items of ordinary income or loss (including all items of income, gain, loss and deduction allocable to that partnership from investments in other partnerships) for each taxable year of the partnership ending with or within the partner’s taxable year. Each such item will have the same character to a partner, and will generally have the same source (either United States or foreign), as though the partner realized the item directly. Partners of a partnership must report these items regardless of the extent to which, or whether, the partnership or the partners receive cash distributions for such taxable year. Accordingly, the Fund may be required to recognize items of taxable income and gain prior to the time that any corresponding cash distributions are made to or by the Fund and certain Investment Funds (including in circumstances where investments by the Investment Funds, such as investments in debt instrument with “original issue discount,” generate income prior to a corresponding receipt of cash). In such case, the Fund may have to dispose of interests in Investment Funds that it would otherwise have continued to hold, or devise other methods of cure, to the extent certain Investment Funds earn income of a type that is not qualifying gross income for purposes of the gross income test or hold assets that could cause the Fund not to satisfy the RIC asset diversification test.
70
Some of the income that the Fund may earn directly or through an Investment Fund, such as income recognized from an equity investment in an operating partnership, may not satisfy the gross income test. To manage the risk that such income might jeopardize the Fund’s tax status as a RIC resulting from a failure to satisfy the gross income test, one or more subsidiary entities treated as U.S. corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be employed to earn such income and (if applicable) hold the related investment. Such subsidiary entities generally will be required to incur entity-level income taxes on their earnings, which ultimately will reduce the return to shareholders.
UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, REFERENCES IN THIS DISCUSSION TO THE FUND’S INVESTMENTS, ACTIVITIES, INCOME, GAIN AND LOSS, INCLUDE THE DIRECT INVESTMENTS OR CO-INVESTMENTS, ACTIVITIES, INCOME, GAIN AND LOSS OF BOTH THE FUND, AS WELL AS THOSE INDIRECTLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE FUND AS A RESULT OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT IN ANY INVESTMENT FUND (OR OTHER ENTITY) THAT IS PROPERLY CLASSIFIED AS A PARTNERSHIP OR DISREGARDED ENTITY FOR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES (AND NOT AN ASSOCIATION OR PUBLICLY TRADED PARTNERSHIP TAXABLE AS A CORPORATION).
Some of the investments that the Fund is expected to make, such as investments in debt instruments having market discount and/or treated as issued with OID, may cause the Fund to recognize income or gain for U.S. federal income tax purposes prior to the receipt of any corresponding cash or other property. As a result, the Fund may have difficulty meeting the 90% distribution requirement necessary to maintain RIC tax treatment. Because this income will be included in the Fund’s investment company taxable income for the tax year it is accrued, the Fund may be required to make a distribution to shareholders to meet the distribution requirements described above, even though the Fund will not have received any corresponding cash or property. The Fund may be required to borrow money, dispose of other securities or forgo new investment opportunities for this purpose.
There may be uncertainty as to the appropriate treatment of certain of the Fund’s investments for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In particular, the Fund expects to invest a portion of its net assets in below investment grade instruments. U.S. federal income tax rules with respect to such instruments are not entirely clear about issues such as whether and to what extent the Fund should recognize interest, OID or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless instruments, how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and income and whether exchanges of debt obligations in a bankruptcy or workout context are taxable. These and other issues will be addressed by the Fund, to the extent necessary, in connection with the Fund’s general intention to distribute sufficient income to qualify, and maintain its qualification to be subject to tax as a RIC and to minimize the risk that it becomes subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.
Income received by the Fund from sources outside the United States may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries, thereby reducing income available to the Fund. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. The Fund generally intends to conduct its investment activities to minimize the impact of foreign taxation, but there is no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in this regard. If more than 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the close of its tax year consists of securities of foreign corporations, the Fund will be eligible to elect to “pass-through” to the Fund the foreign source amount of income deemed earned and the respective amount of foreign taxes paid by the Fund. If at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the close of each quarter of its tax year is represented by interests in other RICs, the Fund may elect to “pass-through” to shareholders the foreign source amount of income deemed earned and the respective amount of foreign taxes paid or deemed paid by the Fund. If the Fund so elects, each shareholder would be required to include in gross income, even though not actually received, each shareholder’s pro rata share of the foreign taxes paid or deemed paid by the Fund, but would be treated as having paid its pro rata share of such foreign taxes and would therefore be allowed to either deduct such amount in computing taxable income or use such amount (subject to various limitations) as a foreign tax credit against federal income tax (but not both).
The Fund may invest in shares of foreign companies that are classified under the Code as passive foreign investment companies (“PFICs”). In general, a foreign company is considered a PFIC if at least 50% of its assets constitute investment-type assets or 75% or more of its gross income is investment-type income. In general under the PFIC rules, an “excess distribution” received with respect to PFIC shares is treated as having been realized ratably over the period during which the Fund held the PFIC shares. The Fund generally will be subject to tax on the portion, if any, of the excess distribution that is allocated to the Fund’s holding period in prior tax years (and an interest factor will be added to the tax, as if the tax had actually been payable in such prior tax years) even though the Fund distributes the corresponding income to shareholders. Excess distributions include any gain from the sale of PFIC shares as well as certain distributions from a PFIC. All excess distributions are taxable as ordinary income.
The Fund may be eligible to elect alternative tax treatment with respect to PFIC shares. Under one such election (i.e., a “QEF” election), the Fund generally would be required to include in its gross income its share of the earnings of a PFIC on a current basis, regardless of whether any distributions are received from the PFIC. If this election is made, the special rules, discussed above, relating to the taxation of excess distributions, would not apply. Alternatively, the Fund may be able to elect to mark its PFIC shares to market, resulting in any unrealized gains at the Fund’s tax year end being treated as though they were recognized and reported as ordinary income. Any mark-to-market losses and any loss from an actual disposition of the PFIC’s Shares would be deductible as ordinary losses to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains included in income in prior tax years with respect to shares in the same PFIC.
71
Because the application of the PFIC rules may affect, among other things, the character of gains, the amount of gain or loss and the timing of the recognition of income, gain or loss with respect to PFIC shares, as well as subject the Fund itself to tax on certain income from PFIC shares, the amount that must be distributed to Fund shareholders, and which will be recognized by Fund shareholders as ordinary income or long-term capital gain, may be increased or decreased substantially as compared to a fund that did not invest in PFIC shares. Note that distributions from a PFIC are not eligible for the reduced rate of tax on distributions of “qualified dividend income” as discussed below.
If the Fund holds more than 10% of the interests treated as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes in a foreign corporation that is treated as a controlled foreign corporation (“CFC”), including equity tranche investments and certain debt tranche investments in a CLO treated as CFC, the Fund may be treated as receiving a deemed distribution (taxable as ordinary income) each tax year from such foreign corporation of an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of the foreign corporation’s earnings for such tax year (including both ordinary earnings and capital gains), whether or not the corporation makes an actual distribution to the Fund during such tax year. This deemed distribution is required to be included in the income of certain U.S. shareholders of a CFC, such as the Fund, regardless of whether a U.S. shareholder has made a QEF election with respect to such CFC. The Fund is generally required to distribute such income in order to satisfy the distribution requirements applicable to RICs, even to the extent the Fund’s income from a CFC exceeds the distributions from the CFC and the Fund’s proceeds from the sales or other dispositions of CFC stock during that tax year. In general, a foreign corporation will be treated as a CFC for U.S. federal income tax purposes if more than 50% of the shares of the foreign corporation, measured by reference to combined voting power or value, is owned (directly, indirectly or by attribution) by U.S. Shareholders. A “U.S. Shareholder,” for this purpose, is any U.S. person that possesses (actually or constructively) 10% or more of the combined value or voting power of all classes of shares of a corporation. Additionally, applicable treasury regulations generally treat a fund’s income inclusion with respect to a CFC as qualifying income only if there is a distribution out of the earnings and profits of the CFC that are attributable to such income inclusion.
The functional currency of the Fund, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is the U.S. dollar. Gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates that occur between the time the Fund accrues interest income or other receivables or accrues expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the Fund actually collects such receivables or pays such liabilities generally are respectively characterized as ordinary income or ordinary loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Similarly, on the sale of other disposition of certain investments, including debt securities, certain forward contracts, as well as other derivative financial instruments, denominated in a foreign currency, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in the value of foreign currency between the date of acquisition of the security or contract and the date of disposition also are generally treated as ordinary gain or loss. These gains and losses, referred to under the Code as “section 988” gains and losses, may increase or decrease the amount of the Fund’s investment company taxable income subject to distribution to Fund shareholders as ordinary income. For example, fluctuations in exchange rates may increase the amount of income that the Fund must distribute to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC and to prevent application of an excise tax on undistributed income. Alternatively, fluctuations in exchange rates may decrease or eliminate income available for distribution. If section 988 losses exceed other investment company taxable income during a tax year, the Fund would not be able to distribute amounts considered dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and any distributions during a tax year made by the Fund before such losses were recognized would be re-characterized as a return of capital to Fund shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes, rather than as ordinary dividend income, and would reduce the Fund shareholder’s tax basis in Fund Shares.
If the Fund uses leverage through the issuance of preferred Shares or borrowings, it will be prohibited from declaring a distribution or dividend if it would fail the applicable asset coverage test(s) under the 1940 Act after the payment of such distribution or dividend. In addition, certain covenants in credit facilities or indentures may impose greater restrictions on the Fund’s ability to declare and pay dividends on Fund Shares. Limits on the Fund’s ability to pay dividends on Fund Shares may prevent the Fund from meeting the distribution requirements described above and, as a result, may affect the Fund’s ability to be subject to tax as a RIC or subject the Fund to the 4% excise tax. The Fund endeavors to avoid restrictions on its ability to make distribution payments. If the Fund is precluded from making distributions on Fund Shares because of any applicable asset coverage requirements, the terms of preferred Shares (if any) may provide that any amounts so precluded from being distributed, but required to be distributed by the Fund to enable the Fund to satisfy the distribution requirements that would enable the Fund to be subject to tax as a RIC, will be paid to the holders of preferred Shares as a special distribution. This distribution can be expected to decrease the amount that holders of preferred Shares would be entitled to receive upon repurchase or liquidation of such preferred Shares.
Certain of the Fund’s investments are expected to be subject to special U.S. federal income tax provisions that may, among other things, (1) disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions, (2) convert lower-taxed long-term capital gains into higher-taxed short-term capital gains or ordinary income, (3) convert an ordinary loss or a deduction into a capital loss, the deductibility of which is more limited, (4) adversely affect when a purchase or sale of shares or securities is deemed to occur, (5) adversely alter the intended characterization of certain complex financial transactions, (6) cause the Fund to recognize income or gain without a corresponding receipt of cash, (7) treat dividends that would otherwise constitute qualified dividend income as non-qualified dividend income, (8) treat dividends that would otherwise be eligible for the corporate dividends received deduction as ineligible for such treatment and (9) produce income that will not constitute Qualifying RIC Income. The application of these rules could cause the
72
Fund to be subject to U.S. federal income tax or the 4% excise tax and, under certain circumstances, could affect the Fund’s status as a RIC. The Fund monitors its investments and may make certain tax elections to mitigate the effect of these provisions.
Unless and until the Fund is considered under the Code to be a “publicly offered regulated investment company,” for purposes of computing the taxable income of U.S. Shareholders that are individuals, trusts or estates, (1) the Fund’s earnings will be computed without taking into account such U.S. Shareholders’ allocable shares of the Management Fees and certain other expenses, (2) each such U.S. Shareholder will be treated as having received or accrued a dividend from the Fund in the amount of such U.S. Shareholder’s allocable share of these fees and expenses for such taxable year, (3) each such U.S. Shareholder will be treated as having paid or incurred such U.S. Shareholder’s allocable share of these fees and expenses for the calendar year and (4) each such U.S. Shareholder’s allocable share of these fees and expenses will be treated as miscellaneous itemized deductions by such U.S. stockholder. For taxable years beginning before 2026, miscellaneous itemized deductions generally are not deductible by a U.S. Shareholder that is an individual, trust or estate. For taxable years beginning in 2026 or later, miscellaneous itemized deductions generally are deductible by a U.S. Shareholder that is an individual, trust or estate only to the extent that the aggregate of such U.S. Shareholder’s miscellaneous itemized deductions exceeds 2% of such U.S. stockholder’s adjusted gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, are not deductible for purposes of the alternative minimum tax and are subject to the overall limitation on itemized deductions under Section 68 of the Code. In addition, if the Fund is not treated as a “publicly offered regulated investment company,” the Fund will be subject to limitations on the deductibility of certain “preferential dividends” that are distributed to U.S. stockholders on a non-pro-rata basis. A “publicly offered regulated investment company” is a RIC whose equity interests are (i) continuously offered pursuant to a public offering, (ii) regularly traded on an established securities market, or (iii) held by at least 500 persons at all times during the RIC’s taxable year.
The remainder of this discussion assumes that the Fund has qualified and maintain its qualification as a RIC and has satisfied the distribution requirements described above.
Taxation of U.S. Shareholders
Distributions
Distributions of the Fund’s ordinary income and net short-term capital gains will, except as described below with respect to distributions of “qualified dividend income,” generally be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income to the extent such distributions are paid out of the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Distributions (or deemed distributions, as described above), if any, of net capital gains will be taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless of the length of time a shareholder has owned Shares. The ultimate tax characterization of the Fund’s distributions made in a tax year cannot be determined until after the end of the tax year. As a result, the Fund may make total distributions during a tax year in an amount that exceeds the current and accumulated earnings and profits of the Fund. A distribution of an amount in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated by a shareholder as a return of capital that will be applied against and reduce the shareholder’s tax basis in its Shares. To the extent that the amount of any such distribution exceeds the shareholder’s tax basis in its Shares, the excess will be treated as gain from a sale or exchange of Shares. Distributions will be treated in the manner described above regardless of whether such distributions are paid in cash or invested in additional Shares. Generally, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a shareholder receiving Shares under the dividend reinvestment plan will generally be treated as having received a distribution equal to the fair market value of such Shares on the date the Shares are credited to the shareholder’s account.
A return of capital to shareholders is a return of a portion of their original investment in the Fund, thereby reducing the tax basis of their investment. As a result from such reduction in tax basis, shareholders may be subject to tax in connection with the sale of Fund Shares, even if such Shares are sold at a loss relative to the shareholder’s original investment.
It is expected that a substantial portion of the Fund’s income will consist of ordinary income. For example, interest and OID derived by the Fund characterized as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition, gain derived by the Fund from the disposition of debt instruments with “market discount” (generally, securities with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance acquired by the Fund at a price below the lesser of their stated redemption price at maturity or accreted value, in the case of securities with OID) will be characterized as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent of the market discount that has accrued, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes, at the time of such disposition, unless the Fund makes an election to accrue market discount on a current basis. In addition, certain of the Fund’s investments will be subject to other special U.S. federal income tax provisions that may affect the character, increase the amount and/or accelerate the timing of distributions to shareholders.
Distributions made by the Fund to a corporate shareholder will qualify for the dividends-received deduction only to the extent that the distributions consist of qualifying dividends received by the Fund. In addition, any portion of the Fund’s dividends otherwise qualifying for the dividends-received deduction will be disallowed or reduced if the corporate shareholder fails to satisfy certain requirements, including a holding period requirement, with respect to its Shares. Distributions of “qualified dividend income” to an individual or other non-corporate shareholder will be treated as “qualified dividend income” to such shareholder and generally will be taxed at long-term
73
capital gain rates, provided the shareholder satisfies the applicable holding period and other requirements. “Qualified dividend income” generally includes dividends from domestic corporations and dividends from foreign corporations that meet certain specified criteria. Given the Fund’s investment strategy, it is not expected that a significant portion of the distributions made by the Fund will be eligible for the dividends-received deduction or the reduced rates applicable to “qualified dividend income.”
If a person acquires Shares shortly before the record date of a distribution, the price of the Shares may include the value of the distribution, and the person will be subject to tax on the distribution even though economically it may represent a return of his, her or its investment in such Shares.
Distributions paid by the Fund generally will be treated as received by a shareholder at the time the distribution is made. However, the Fund may, under certain circumstances, elect to treat a distribution that is paid during the following tax year as if it had been paid during the tax year in which the income or gains supporting the distribution was earned. If the Fund makes such an election, the shareholder will still be treated as receiving the distribution in the tax year in which the distribution is received. In this instance, however, any distribution declared by the Fund in October, November or December of any calendar year, payable to shareholders of record on a specified date in such a month and actually paid during January of the following calendar year, will be treated for tax purposes as if it had been received by shareholders on December 31 of the calendar year in which the distribution was declared.
Certain distributions reported by the Fund as section 163(j) interest dividends may be treated as interest income by shareholders for purposes of the tax rules applicable to interest expense limitations under Section 163(j) of the Code. Such treatment by the shareholder is generally subject to holding period requirements and other potential limitations, although the holding period requirements are generally not applicable to dividends declared by money market funds and certain other funds that declare dividends daily and pay such dividends on a monthly or more frequent basis. The amount that the Fund is eligible to report as a Section 163(j) dividend for a tax year is generally limited to the excess of the Fund’s business interest income over the sum of the Fund’s (i) business interest expense and (ii) other deductions properly allocable to the Fund’s business interest income.
Shareholders will be notified annually, as promptly as practicable after the end of each calendar year, as to the U.S. federal tax status of distributions, and shareholders receiving distributions in the form of additional Shares will receive a report as to the NAV of those Shares.
Sale or Exchange of Shares
The repurchase or transfer of Shares may result in a taxable gain or loss to the tendering shareholder. Different tax consequences may apply for tendering and non-tendering shareholders in connection with a repurchase offer. For example, if a shareholder does not tender all of his or her Shares, such repurchase may be treated as a dividend (as opposed to a sale or exchange) for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and may result in deemed distributions to non-tendering shareholders. On the other hand, shareholders holding Shares as capital assets who tender all of their Shares (including Shares deemed owned by shareholders under constructive ownership rules) will be treated as having sold their Shares and generally will recognize capital gain or loss. The amount of the gain or loss will be equal to the difference between the amount received for the Shares and the shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in the relevant Shares. Such gain or loss generally will be a long-term capital gain or loss if the shareholder has held such Shares as capital assets for more than one year. Otherwise, the gain or loss will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss.
Losses realized by a shareholder on the sale or exchange of Shares held as capital assets for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital losses to the extent of any distribution of long-term capital gains received (or deemed received, as discussed above) with respect to such Shares. In addition, no loss will be allowed on a sale or other disposition of Shares if the shareholder acquires (including through reinvestment of distributions or otherwise) Shares, or enters into a contract or option to acquire Shares, within 30 days before or after any disposition of such Shares at a loss. In such a case, the basis of the Shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Under current law, net capital gains recognized by non-corporate shareholders are generally subject to U.S. federal income tax at lower rates than the rates applicable to ordinary income.
In general, U.S. Shareholders currently are generally subject to a maximum federal income tax rate of either 15% or 20% (depending on whether the shareholder’s income exceeds certain threshold amounts) on their net capital gain (i.e., the excess of realized net long-term capital gains over realized net short-term capital losses), including any long-term capital gain derived from an investment in Shares. Such rate is lower than the maximum rate on ordinary income currently payable by individuals. Corporate U.S. Shareholders currently are subject to U.S. federal income tax on net capital gain at the maximum 21% rate also applied to ordinary income. Non-corporate shareholders with net capital losses for a tax year (i.e., capital losses in excess of capital gains) generally may deduct up to $3,000 of such losses against their ordinary income each tax year. Any net capital losses of a non-corporate shareholder in excess of $3,000 generally may be carried forward and used in subsequent tax years as provided in the Code. Corporate shareholders generally may not deduct any net capital losses for a tax year, but may carry back such losses for three tax years or carry forward such losses for five tax years.
74
An additional 3.8% Medicare tax is imposed on certain net investment income (including ordinary dividends and capital gain distributions received from the Fund and net gains from repurchases or other taxable dispositions of Shares) of U.S. individuals, estates and trusts to the extent that such person’s “modified adjusted gross income” (in the case of an individual) or “adjusted gross income” (in the case of an estate or trust) exceeds certain threshold amounts. U.S. persons that are individuals, estates or trusts are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the applicability of this tax to their income and gains in respect of their investment in the Fund.
The Fund (or if a U.S. Shareholder holds Shares through an intermediary, such intermediary) will send to each of its U.S. Shareholders, as promptly as possible after the end of each calendar year, a notice detailing, on a per Share and per distribution basis, the amounts includible in such U.S. Shareholder’s taxable income for such year as ordinary income and as long-term capital gain. In addition, the federal tax status of each year’s distributions generally will be reported to the IRS, including the amount of distributions, if any, eligible for the preferential maximum rate generally applicable to long-term capital gains. Distributions paid by the Fund generally will not be eligible for the corporate dividends received deduction or the preferential tax rate applicable to Qualifying Dividends because the Fund’s income generally will not consist of dividends. Distributions may also be subject to additional state, local and foreign taxes depending on a U.S. Shareholder’s particular situation.
Under U.S. Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes losses with respect to Shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on IRS Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a RIC are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all RICs. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.
Reporting of adjusted cost basis information is required for covered securities, which generally include shares of a RIC, to the IRS and to taxpayers. Shareholders should contact their financial intermediaries with respect to reporting of cost basis and available elections for their accounts.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
Information returns will be filed with the IRS in connection with payments on Shares and the proceeds from a sale or other disposition of Shares. A shareholder will be subject to backup withholding on all such payments if it fails to provide the payor with its correct taxpayer identification number (generally, in the case of a U.S. resident shareholder, on an IRS Form W-9) and to make required certifications or otherwise establish an exemption from backup withholding. Corporate shareholders and certain other Shareholders generally are exempt from backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld as backup withholding may be credited against the applicable shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders
Whether an investment in the Fund is appropriate for a non-U.S. Shareholder (as defined below) will depend upon that investor’s particular circumstances. An investment in the Fund by a non-U.S. Shareholder may have adverse tax consequences. Non-U.S. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors before investing in Shares.
The U.S. federal income taxation of a shareholder that is a nonresident alien individual, a foreign trust or estate or a foreign corporation, as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes (a “non-U.S. Shareholder”), depends on whether the income that the shareholder derives from the Fund is “effectively connected” with a U.S. trade or business carried on by the shareholder.
If the income that a non-U.S. Shareholder derives from the Fund is not “effectively connected” with a U.S. trade or business carried on by such non-U.S. Shareholder, distributions of “investment company taxable income” (including any deemed distributions with respect to a repurchase offer) will generally be subject to a U.S. federal withholding tax at a rate of 30% (or a lower rate provided under an applicable treaty). Alternatively, if the income that a non-U.S. Shareholder derives from the Fund is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. Shareholder, the Fund will not be required to withhold U.S. federal tax if the non-U.S. Shareholder complies with applicable certification and disclosure requirements, although such income will be subject to U.S. federal income tax in the manner described below and at the rates applicable to U.S. residents. Backup withholding will not, however, be applied to payments that have been subject to this 30% withholding tax applicable to non-U.S. Shareholders.
A non-U.S. Shareholder whose income from the Fund is not “effectively connected” with a U.S. trade or business will generally be exempt from U.S. federal income tax on capital gains distributions, any amounts retained by the Fund that are designated as undistributed capital gains and any gains realized upon the sale or exchange of Shares. If, however, such a non-U.S. Shareholder is a nonresident alien individual and is physically present in the United States for 183 days or more during the tax year and meets certain other requirements
75
such capital gains distributions, undistributed capital gains and gains from the sale or exchange of Shares will be subject to a 30% U.S. tax.
Furthermore, properly designated distributions by the Fund and received by non-U.S. Shareholders are generally exempt from U.S. federal withholding tax when they (a) are paid by the Fund in respect of the Fund’s “qualified net interest income” (i.e., the Fund’s U.S. source interest income, subject to certain exceptions, reduced by expenses that are allocable to such income), or (b) are paid by the Fund in connection with the Fund’s “qualified short-term capital gains” (generally, the excess of the Fund’s net short-term capital gains over the Fund’s long-term capital losses for such tax year). However, depending on the circumstances, the Fund may designate all, some or none of the Fund’s potentially eligible distributions as derived from such qualified net interest income or from such qualified short-term capital gains, and a portion of such distributions (e.g., derived from interest from non-U.S. sources or any foreign currency gains) would be ineligible for this potential exemption from withholding. Moreover, in the case of Shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may have withheld amounts even if the Fund reported all or a portion of a distribution as exempt from U.S. federal withholding tax. To qualify for this exemption from withholding, a non-U.S. Shareholder must comply with applicable certification requirements relating to its non-U.S. tax residency status (including, in general, furnishing an IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E, IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8IMY or IRS Form W-8EXP, or an acceptable substitute or successor form). Thus, an investment in the Shares by a non-U.S. Shareholder may have adverse tax consequences as compared to a direct investment in the assets in which the Fund will invest.
If the income from the Fund is “effectively connected” with a U.S. trade or business carried on by a non-U.S. Shareholder, any distributions of “investment company taxable income,” capital gains distributions, amounts retained by the Fund that are designated as undistributed capital gains and any gains realized upon the sale or exchange of Shares will be subject to U.S. income tax, on a net income basis, in the same manner, and at the graduated rates applicable to U.S. persons. If such a non-U.S. Shareholder is a corporation, it may also be subject to the U.S. branch profits tax.
A non-U.S. Shareholder other than a corporation may be subject to backup withholding on net capital gains distributions that are otherwise exempt from withholding tax or on distributions that would otherwise be taxable at a reduced treaty rate if such shareholder does not certify its non-U.S. status under penalties of perjury or otherwise establishes an exemption.
If the Fund distributes net capital gains in the form of deemed rather than actual distributions, a non-U.S. Shareholder will be entitled to a U.S. federal income tax credit or tax refund equal to the shareholder’s allocable share of the tax the Fund pays on the capital gains deemed to have been distributed. To obtain the refund, the non-U.S. Shareholder must obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification number and file a federal income tax return even if the non-U.S. Shareholder would not otherwise be required to obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification number or file a federal income tax return.
Under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act provisions of the Code, withholding of U.S. tax (at a 30% rate) is required on payments of taxable dividends made to certain non-U.S. entities that fail to comply (or be deemed compliant) with extensive reporting and withholding requirements in the Code designed to inform the U.S. Department of the Treasury of U.S.-owned foreign investment accounts. Shareholders may be requested to provide additional information to the Fund to enable the Fund to determine whether withholding is required.
The tax consequences to a non-U.S. Shareholder entitled to claim the benefits of an applicable tax treaty may differ from those described herein. Non-U.S. Shareholders are advised to consult their tax advisors with respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in the Fund, including the potential application of the U.S. estate tax.
State and Local Taxes
In addition to the U.S. federal income tax consequences summarized above, shareholders and prospective shareholders should consider the potential state and local tax consequences associated with an investment in the Fund. The Fund may become subject to income and other taxes in states and localities based on the Fund’s investments in entities that conduct business in those jurisdictions. Shareholders will generally be taxable in their state of residence with respect to their income or gains earned and distributed by the Fund as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or the amount of their investment in the Fund.
Other Taxes
In general, excess inclusion income allocated to shareholders (i) cannot be offset by net operating losses (subject to a limited exception for certain thrift institutions), (ii) will constitute unrelated business taxable income to entities (including qualified pension plans, individual retirement accounts, 401(k) plans, Keogh plans or other tax-exempt entities) subject to tax on unrelated business income (“UBTI”), thereby potentially requiring such an entity that is allocated excess inclusion income, and otherwise might not be required to file a tax return, to file a tax return and pay tax on such income, and (iii) in the case of a foreign stockholder, will not qualify for any reduction in U.S. federal withholding tax. In addition, if at any time during any taxable year a “disqualified organization” (which
76
generally includes certain cooperatives, governmental entities, and tax-exempt organizations not subject to UBTI) is a record holder of a share in a regulated investment company, then the regulated investment company will be subject to a tax equal to that portion of its excess inclusion income for the taxable year that is allocable to the disqualified organization, multiplied by the highest federal income tax rate imposed on corporations. The Notice imposes certain reporting requirements upon regulated investment companies that have excess inclusion income. There can be no assurance that the Fund will not allocate to shareholders excess inclusion income.
These rules are potentially applicable to the Fund with respect to any income it receives from the equity interests of certain mortgage pooling vehicles, either directly or through an investment in a U.S. REIT.
Shareholders may be subject to state, local and non-U.S. taxes applicable to their investment in the Fund. In those states or localities, entity-level tax treatment and the treatment of distributions made to shareholders under those jurisdictions’ tax laws may differ from the treatment under the Code. Accordingly, an investment in Shares may have tax consequences for shareholders that are different from those of a direct investment in the Fund’s portfolio investments. Shareholders are advised to consult their tax advisors with respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in the Fund.
77
The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and capital gains to shareholders at least once a year. Dividends, if any, from net investment income of the Fund and capital gains of the Fund are normally declared and paid annually. Payments will vary in amount, depending on investment income received and expenses of operation. It is likely that many of the Investment Funds in whose securities the Fund invests will not pay any dividends, and this, together with the Fund’s relatively high expenses, means that there can be no assurance the Fund will have substantial income or pay dividends. The Fund is not a suitable investment for any investor who requires regular dividend income.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board has delegated authority to the Fund’s Treasurer to reduce the frequency with which dividends are declared and paid and to declare and make payments of long-term capital gains as permitted or required by law or in order to avoid tax penalties. Further, the Fund reserves the right to change its dividend distribution policy at the discretion of its Board.
To the extent that any portion of the Fund’s distributions are considered a return of capital to shareholders, such portion would not be considered dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and would represent a return of the amounts that such shareholders invested. Although such return of capital distributions are not currently taxable to shareholders, such distributions will have the effect of lowering a shareholder’s tax basis in such Shares, and could result in a higher tax liability when the Shares are sold, even if they have not increased in value, or in fact, have lost value. The Fund’s final distribution for each tax year is expected to include any remaining investment company taxable income and net tax-exempt income undistributed during the tax year, as well as any undistributed net capital gain realized during the tax year. If the total distributions made in any tax year exceed investment company taxable income, net tax-exempt income and net capital gain, such excess distributed amount would be treated as ordinary dividend income to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits and as return of capital thereafter. This distribution policy, may, under certain circumstances, have adverse consequences to the Fund and its shareholders because it may result in a return of capital resulting in less of a shareholder’s assets being invested in the Fund and, over time, increase the Fund’s expense ratios. The distribution policy also may cause the Fund to sell securities at a time it would not otherwise do so to manage the distribution of income and gain. The initial distribution will be declared on date determined by the Board.
Each year, a statement on Form 1099-DIV (or Form 1099-B, as applicable) identifying the sources of the distributions (i.e., paid from ordinary income, paid from net capital gains on the sale of securities, and/or a return of capital, which is a nontaxable distribution) will be furnished to shareholders subject to IRS reporting. Fund ordinary distributions may exceed the Fund’s earnings, especially during the period before the Fund has substantially invested the proceeds from this offering. To the extent that the Fund pays distributions to shareholders using proceeds it receives from Fund distributions, such distributions generally would constitute a return of investor capital and generally will lower an investor’s tax basis in his or her Shares. A return of capital generally is a return of an investor’s investment rather than a return of earnings or gains derived from the Fund’s investment activities. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to pay distributions at a specific rate or at all.
As discussed in the “Tax Matters” section, to qualify for and maintain RIC tax treatment, the Fund is required to distribute on a timely basis with respect to each tax year dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes of an amount at least equal to the sum of 90% of “investment company taxable income” and net tax-exempt interest income, determined without regard to any deduction for dividends paid, for such tax year. To avoid certain excise taxes imposed on RICs, the Fund is required to distribute in respect of each calendar year dividends of an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of ordinary income (taking into account certain deferrals and elections) for the calendar year, (2) 98.2% of capital gain net income (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) generally for the one-year period ending on October 31 of the calendar year and (3) any ordinary income and capital gain net income for previous calendar years that were not distributed during such calendar years and on which the Fund paid no U.S. federal income tax. The Fund can offer no assurance that it will achieve results that will permit the payment of any cash distributions. If the Fund issues senior securities, the Fund will be prohibited from making distributions if doing so causes it to fail to maintain the asset coverage ratios stipulated by the 1940 Act or if distributions are limited by the terms of any of the Fund’s borrowings. Any such limitations would adversely impact the Fund’s ability to make distributions to shareholders.
Before investing you may want to consult your tax advisor.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
Dividends and capital gains distributions are automatically reinvested, unless otherwise noted. You may notify the Transfer Agent in writing to:
· | Choose to receive dividends or distributions (or both) in cash; or |
· | Change the way you currently receive distributions |
78
If you elect to receive dividends in cash, you will only receive a check if the dividend amount exceeds $10. If the dividend is $10 or less, the amount will automatically be reinvested in the Fund. If you would like to receive cash dividends, regardless of the amount, you can establish an electronic funds transfer to your bank. For assistance in establishing electronic funds transfer transactions, please call 1-888-843-7824.
Shares may be distributed in lieu of cash. The number of Shares that will be distributed in lieu of cash is determined by dividing the dollar amount of the distribution to be reinvested by the NAV as of the close of business on the day of the distribution. There is no sales load or other charge for reinvestment. A request must be received by the Fund before the record date to be effective for that dividend or capital gain distribution. The Fund may terminate the dividend reinvestment plan at any time. Any expenses of the dividend reinvestment plan will be borne by the Fund.
Your taxable income is the same regardless of which option you choose. For further information about dividend reinvestment, contact the Transfer Agent by telephone at 1-888-843-7824.
79
PRIOR PERFORMANCE OF RELATED ACCOUNTS
The following tables present the past performance of a composite of certain accounts managed by Schroders Capital Management (US) Inc., which serves as the sub-sub-adviser to the Fund. The Schroders Capital Global Private Equity Semi-Liquid Composite consists of all accounts under discretionary management by Schroders in the Schroders Capital Global Private Equity Semi-Liquid Composite investment strategy that have investment objectives, policies and strategies substantially similar to those of the Fund. The performance has been adjusted to reflect the operating costs of the Fund. Gross performance presented below has been prepared by Schroders in accordance with the Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS®). The GIPS method for computing historical performance differs from the SEC’s method. Returns reflect all income, gains and losses and reinvestment of any dividends or capital gains without provision for federal or state income tax. Because the gross performance data shown in the tables does not reflect the deduction of investment advisory fees paid by the accounts that make up the composite and certain other expenses that would be applicable to the Fund, the net performance data may be more relevant to potential investors in the Fund in their analysis of the historical experience of Schroders Capital in managing all accounts with investment objectives, policies and strategies substantially similar to those of the Fund. To calculate the performance of the composite net of Class A expenses, the total annual fund operating expenses payable by Class A Shares of the Fund after adjusting for the effects of the contractual expense reimbursement applicable to Class A Shares as well as the maximum sales charge applicable to Class A Shares of the Fund, as set forth in the Fund’s fee table in this Prospectus, were used. These expenses are higher than the highest expenses applicable to any account in the composite. The accounts that are included in the Schroders Capital Global Private Equity Semi-Liquid Composite are not subject to the diversification requirements, specific tax restrictions and investment limitations imposed on the Fund by the 1940 Act or Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. Consequently, the performance results for the composite may have been less favorable had it been regulated as an investment company under the federal securities laws.
The historical performance of the Schroders Capital Global Private Equity Semi-Liquid Composite is not that of the Fund, is not a substitute for the Fund’s performance and is not necessarily indicative of the Fund’s future results. The Fund’s actual performance may differ significantly from the past performance of the composite.
While the accounts in the composite experience inflows and outflows of cash from clients, there can be no assurance that the monthly offering of the Fund’s shares and the Fund’s program to generally repurchase its shares on a quarterly basis will not adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
SchroderS Capital Global Private Equity Semi-Liquid Composite PERFORMANCE1
Average annual total returns for the periods ended December 31, 2022:
1 Year | Since Inception2 | |
Schroders Capital Global Private Equity Semi-Liquid Composite (Net of Class A expenses and maximum Class A sales charge) | -1.65% | 13.18% |
Schroders Capital Global Private Equity Semi-Liquid Composite (Net of Class A expenses but excluding Class A sales charge) | 1.92% | 14.43% |
Schroders Capital Global Private Equity Semi-Liquid Composite (Gross) | 5.49% | 18.45% |
MSCI All-Country World Index | -18.36% | 6.46% |
80
Total returns for the periods ended December 31
20192 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | |
Schroders Capital Global Private Equity Semi-Liquid Composite (Net of Class A expenses and maximum Class A sales charge) | -3.50% | 30.43% | 8.55% | -1.65% |
Schroders Capital Global Private Equity Semi-Liquid Composite (Net of Class A expenses but excluding Class A sales charge) | 0.00% | 35.16% | 12.49% | 1.92% |
Schroders Capital Global Private Equity Semi-Liquid Composite (Gross) | 0.88% | 39.91% | 16.44% | 5.49% |
MSCI All-Country World Index | 8.95% | 16.25% | 18.54% | -18.36% |
1 | This is not the performance of the Fund. As of December 31, 2022, the Schroders Capital Global Private Equity Semi-Liquid Composite was composed of one (1) fee-paying account with aggregate assets of $1.1 billion. |
2 | The Schroders Capital Global Private Equity Semi-Liquid Composite commenced operations on October 1, 2019. |
Past performance does not guarantee future results. Performance for the periods subsequent to those periods reflected herein may be lower.
INDICES:
The Fund will measure its performance against MSCI All-Country World Index. The index is unmanaged, and its results include reinvested dividends and/or distributions, but do not reflect the effect of sales charges, commissions, expenses or taxes.
The MSCI All-Country World Index is designed to capture large and mid cap securities across developed markets and emerging market countries.
81
For accounting purposes, the Fund’s fiscal year and tax year end is March 31. After the end of each calendar year, a statement on Form 1099-DIV (or Form 1099-B, as appropriate) identifying the sources of the distributions paid by the Fund to shareholders for tax purposes will be furnished to shareholders subject to IRS reporting. In addition, the Fund will prepare and transmit to shareholders an unaudited semi-annual and an audited annual report within 60 days after the close of the period for which the report is being made, or as otherwise required by the 1940 Act.
82
Inquiries concerning the Fund and the Shares should be directed to:
Hartford Funds | (For overnight mail) | |
P.O. Box 219572 | Hartford Funds | |
Kansas City, MO 64121-9572 | 430 W 7th Street, Suite 219572 | |
Kansas City, MO 64105-1407 |
83
HARTFORD SCHRODERS PRIVATE OPPORTUNITIES FUND
CLASS A, CLASS I AND CLASS SDR SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
PROSPECTUS
[xx], 2023
Preliminary Statement of Additional Information
Dated February 10, 2023
Subject to Completion
The information in this preliminary statement of additional information is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary statement of additional information is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
HARTFORD SCHRODERS PRIVATE OPPORTUNITIES FUND
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
[xx], 2023
This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus, and it should be read in conjunction with the prospectus of Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”), as may be amended, restated or supplemented from time to time. The Fund is a newly organized Delaware statutory trust that is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company.
Class A |
Class
I |
Class
SDR | |
Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund | XHFAX | XHFIX | XHFSX |
The Fund’s prospectus is incorporated by reference into this SAI, and this SAI has been incorporated by reference into the Fund’s prospectus. A free copy of the Fund’s Annual/Semi-Annual Report, when available, and the Fund’s prospectus will be available on the Fund’s website at www.hartfordfunds.com, and, upon request, by writing to: Hartford Funds, P.O. Box 219572, Kansas City, MO 64121-9572.
Date of Prospectus: [xx], 2023, as may be amended, restated or supplemented from time to time.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The discussion set forth below provides descriptions of some of the types of investments and investment strategies that the Fund may use, and the risks and considerations associated with those investments and investment strategies. Please see the Fund’s “Summary of Terms” and “Types of Investments and Related Risks” sections of the Prospectus for further information on the Fund’s investment policies and risks. The following discussion provides additional information about those principal investment strategies and related risks, as well as information about investment strategies (and related risks) that the Fund may use, even though they are not considered to be “principal” investment strategies. Accordingly, an investment strategy (and related risk) that is described below, but that is not described in the Prospectus, should not be considered to be a principal strategy (or related risk) applicable to the Fund.
The Fund may engage in any of the investment strategies or purchase any of the investments described below directly, through its investment in one or more other investment companies, including interests in alternative investment funds that pursue private equity strategies (“Investment Funds”), or through hybrid instruments, structured investments, or other derivatives. References to the “Fund” in this section include the Fund or an Investment Fund, as applicable. References to “sub-adviser” in this SAI include Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“SIMNA”) and/or Schroders Capital Management (US), Inc. (“Schroders Capital” and, collectively with SIMNA, “Schroders” or the “Sub-Advisers”), as applicable.
ACTIVE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT RISK. The risk that, if the investment decisions and strategy of the portfolio manager(s) do not perform as expected, the Fund could underperform its peers or lose money. The Fund’s performance depends on the judgment of the portfolio manager(s) about a variety of factors, such as markets, interest rates and/or the attractiveness, relative value, liquidity, or potential appreciation of particular investments made for the Fund’s portfolio. The portfolio manager(s)’ investment models may not adequately take into account certain factors, may perform differently than anticipated and may result in the Fund having a lower return than if the portfolio managers used another model or investment strategy. In addition, to the extent the Fund allocates a portion of its assets to specialist portfolio managers, the styles employed by the different portfolio managers may not be complementary, which could adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
Availability of Investment Opportunities. The business of identifying and structuring investments of the types contemplated by the Fund is competitive, and involves a high degree of uncertainty. The availability of investment opportunities generally is subject to market conditions as well as, in some cases, the prevailing regulatory or political climate. No assurance can be given that the Fund will be able to identify and complete attractive investments in the future or that it will be able to fully invest its subscriptions. Similarly, identification of attractive investment opportunities by Investment Funds is difficult and involves a high degree of uncertainty. Even if an attractive investment opportunity is identified by the Sub-Advisers, an Investment Interest may not be permitted to take advantage of the opportunity to the fullest extent desired. Other investment vehicles sponsored, managed or advised by the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates may seek investment opportunities similar to those the Fund may be seeking. The Sub-Advisers will allocate fairly between the Fund and such other investment vehicles any investment opportunities that may be appropriate for the Fund and such other investment vehicles.
ASSET COVERAGE Risk. To the extent required by the 1940 Act and current SEC regulations, if the Fund engages in transactions that are borrowings or expose the Fund to certain obligations to another party and the Fund elects to treat those obligations as borrowings, the Fund will maintain assets with a value sufficient at all times to meet the required asset coverage ratio set forth under “Investment Objectives and Policies.” The need to maintain this level of assets could impede portfolio management or the Fund’s ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations. The Fund reserves the right to modify its asset coverage policies in the future to comply with any changes in the SEC’s positions regarding asset coverage.
BOND FORWARDS RISK. A bond forward is a contractual agreement between the Fund and another party to buy or sell an underlying asset at an agreed-upon future price and date. When the Fund enters into a bond forward, it will also simultaneously enter into a reverse repurchase agreement. In a bond forward transaction, no cash premium is paid when the parties enter into the bond forward. If the transaction is collateralized, an exchange of margin collateral will take place according to an agreed-upon schedule. Otherwise, no asset of any kind changes hands until the bond forward matures (typically in 30 days) or is rolled over for another agreed-upon period. Generally, the value of the bond forward will change based on changes in the value of the underlying asset. Bond forwards are subject to market risk (the risk that the market value of the underlying bond may change), non-correlation risk (the risk that the market value of the bond forward might move independently of the market value of the underlying bond) and counterparty credit risk (the risk that a counterparty will be unable to meet its obligation under the contract). If there is no cash exchanged at the time the Fund enters into the bond forward, counterparty risk may be limited to the loss of any marked-to-market profit on the contract and any delays or limitations on the Fund’s ability to sell or otherwise use the investments used as collateral for the bond forward. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the sale of securities held by the Fund with an agreement to repurchase the securities at an agreed-upon price, date and interest payment. Reverse repurchase agreements carry the risk that the market value of the securities that the Fund is obligated to repurchase may decline below the repurchase price. The Fund could also lose money if it is unable to recover the securities and the value of the collateral held by the Fund is less than the value of securities. The use of reverse repurchase agreements may increase the possibility of fluctuation in the Fund’s net asset value.
BORROWING RISK. The Fund may borrow money to the extent set forth under “Investment Objectives and Policies.” Interest
1
paid on borrowings will decrease the net earnings of the Fund and will not be available for investment. The Fund may use leverage to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. The Fund is permitted to obtain leverage using any form or combination of financial leverage instruments, including through funds borrowed from banks or other financial institutions (i.e., a credit facility), margin facilities, the issuance of notes in an aggregate amount up to 33 1/3% of the Fund’s total assets (or in the case of the issuance of preferred shares, 50% of total assets), including any assets purchased with borrowed money, immediately after giving effect to the leverage. The Fund intends to enter into a credit facility following the date of the Fund commences operations. The Fund may use leverage opportunistically and may use different types, combinations or amounts of leverage over time, based on the adviser’s and/or sub-adviser’s views concerning market conditions and investment opportunities. The Fund’s strategies relating to its use of leverage may not be successful, and the Fund’s use of leverage will cause the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) to be more volatile than it would otherwise be. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will leverage its assets or, to the extent the Fund does utilize leverage, what percentage of its assets such leverage will represent.
COUNTERPARTY RISK. With respect to certain transactions, such as over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives contracts or repurchase agreements, the Fund will be exposed to the risk that the counterparty to the transaction may be unable or unwilling to make timely principal, interest or settlement payments, or otherwise to honor its obligations. In the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency of a counterparty, the Fund could experience delays in liquidating its positions and significant losses, including declines in the value of its investment during the period in which the Fund seeks to enforce its rights, the inability to realize any gains on its investment during such period and any fees and expenses incurred in enforcing its rights. The Fund also bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a derivative transaction in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a counterparty. OTC derivatives may not offer the Fund the same level of protection as exchange traded derivatives.
CREDIT RISK. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer of a security will not be able to make timely principal and interest payments. Changes in an issuer’s financial strength, credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in that issuer. The degree of credit risk depends on both the financial condition of the issuer and the terms of the obligation. Securities issued by the U.S. Treasury historically have presented minimal credit risk. However, in recent years the long-term U.S. credit rating was downgraded by at least one major rating agency as a result of disagreements within the U.S. Government over raising the debt ceiling to repay outstanding obligations and this event introduced greater uncertainty about the future ability of the U.S. to repay its obligations due to political or other developments. A further credit rating downgrade or a U.S. credit default could decrease the value and increase the volatility of the Fund’s investments.
CURRENCY RISK. The risk that the value of the Fund’s investments in foreign securities or currencies will be affected by the value of the applicable currency relative to the U.S. dollar. Foreign currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including: interest rates, inflation, changes in balance or payments and governmental surpluses or deficits, intervention (or the failure to intervene) by U.S. or foreign governments, central banks or supranational entities such as the International Monetary Fund, or by the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates will affect the U.S. dollar market value of securities denominated in such foreign currencies and any income received or expenses paid by the Fund in that foreign currency. This may affect the Fund’s performance. When the Fund sells a foreign currency or foreign currency denominated security, its value may be worth less in U.S. dollars even if the investment increases in value in its local market. U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign issuers may also be affected by currency risk, as the revenue earned by issuers of these securities may also be affected by changes in the issuer’s local currency. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as securities markets. Currency risk may be particularly high to the extent that the Fund invests in foreign securities or currencies that are economically tied to emerging markets countries. Some countries may have fixed or managed currencies that are not free-floating against the U.S. dollar. The dollar value of foreign investments may be affected by exchange controls. The Fund may be positively or negatively affected by governmental strategies intended to make the U.S. dollar, or other currencies in which the Fund invests, stronger or weaker. Currency risk may be particularly high to the extent that the Fund invests in foreign securities or currencies that are economically tied to emerging market countries.
Cybersecurity Risk. Cybersecurity breaches are either intentional or unintentional events that allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or Fund service provider to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. Intentional cybersecurity incidents include: unauthorized access to systems, networks, or devices (such as through “hacking” activity); infection from computer viruses or other malicious software code; and attacks that shut down, disable, slow, or otherwise disrupt operations, business processes, or website access or functionality. In addition, unintentional incidents can occur, such as the inadvertent release of confidential information.
A cybersecurity breach could result in the loss or theft of customer data or funds, the inability to access electronic systems (“denial of services”), loss or theft of proprietary information or corporate data, physical damage to a computer or network system, or costs associated with system repairs, any of which could have a substantial impact on the Fund. For example, in a denial of service, Fund shareholders could lose access to their electronic accounts indefinitely, and employees of the investment adviser, the sub-adviser, or the Fund’s other service providers may not be able to access electronic systems to perform critical duties for the Fund, such as trading, NAV calculation, shareholder accounting, or fulfillment of Fund share purchases and repurchase requests. Cybersecurity
2
incidents could cause the Fund, the investment adviser, the sub-adviser, or other service provider to incur regulatory penalties, reputational damage, compliance costs associated with corrective measures, or financial loss. They may also result in violations of applicable privacy and other laws. In addition, such incidents could affect issuers in which the Fund invests, thereby causing the Fund’s investments to lose value.
The investment adviser, the sub-adviser, and their affiliates have established risk management systems that seek to reduce cybersecurity risks, and business continuity plans in the event of a cybersecurity breach. However, there are inherent limitations in such plans, including that certain risks have not been identified, and there is no guarantee that such efforts will succeed, especially since none of the investment adviser, the sub-adviser, or their affiliates controls the cybersecurity systems of the Fund’s third-party service providers (including the Fund’s custodian), or those of the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS. The Fund may use instruments called derivatives or derivative securities. A derivative is a financial instrument the value of which is derived from the value of one or more underlying securities, commodities, currencies, indices, debt instruments, other derivatives or any other agreed upon pricing index or arrangement (e.g., the movement over time of the Consumer Price Index or freight rates) (each an “Underlying Instrument”). Derivatives contracts are either physically settled, which means the parties trade the Underlying Instrument itself, or cash settled, which means the parties simply make cash payments based on the value of the Underlying Instrument (and do not actually deliver or receive the Underlying Instrument). Derivatives may allow the Fund to increase or decrease the level of risk to which the Fund is exposed more quickly and efficiently than transactions in other types of instruments.
Many derivative contracts are traded on securities or commodities exchanges, the contract terms are generally standard, and the parties make payments due under the contracts through the exchange. Most exchanges require the parties to post margin against their obligations under the contracts, and the performance of the parties’ obligations under such contracts is usually guaranteed by the exchange or a related clearing corporation. Other derivative contracts are traded OTC in transactions negotiated directly between the counterparties. OTC derivative contracts do not have standard terms, so they are generally less liquid and more difficult to value than exchange-traded contracts. OTC derivatives also expose the Fund to additional credit risks to the extent a counterparty defaults on a contract.
Depending on how the Fund uses derivatives and the relationships between the market values of the derivative and the Underlying Instrument, derivatives could increase or decrease the Fund’s exposure to the risks of the Underlying Instrument. Derivative contracts may also expose the Fund to additional liquidity and leverage risks. See “Risk Factors in Derivative Instruments” below.
The Fund may use derivatives for various purposes, including for cash flow management or, as part of its overall investment strategy, to seek to replicate the performance of a particular index or to seek to enhance returns. The use of derivatives to seek to enhance returns is considered speculative because the Fund is primarily seeking to achieve gains rather than to offset, or hedge, the risks of other positions. When the Fund invests in a derivative for speculative purposes, the Fund is fully exposed to the risks of loss of that derivative, which may sometimes be greater than the cost of the derivative itself. The Fund may not use any derivative to gain exposure to an asset or class of assets that it would be prohibited by its investment restrictions from purchasing directly.
Hedging Risk. The Fund may use derivative instruments to offset the risks, or to “hedge” the risks, associated with other Fund holdings. For example, derivatives may be used to hedge against movements in interest rates, currency exchange rates and the equity markets through the use of options, futures transactions and options on futures. Derivatives may also be used to hedge against duration risk in fixed-income investments. Losses on one Fund investment may be substantially reduced by gains on a derivative that reacts to the same market movements in an opposite manner. However, while hedging can reduce losses, it can also reduce or eliminate gains or cause losses if the market moves in a manner different from that anticipated by the Fund or if the cost of the derivative offsets the advantage of the hedge.
Among other risks, hedging involves correlation risk, which is the risk that changes in the value of the derivative will not match (i.e., will not offset) changes in the value of the holdings being hedged as expected by the Fund. In such a case, any losses on the Fund holdings being hedged may not be reduced or may even be increased as a result of the use of the derivative. The inability to close options and futures positions also could have an adverse impact on the Fund’s ability effectively to hedge its portfolio.
There can be no assurance that the use of hedging transactions will be effective. The Fund is not required to engage in hedging transactions, and the Fund may choose not to do so. A decision as to whether, when and how to hedge involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived hedge may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected interest rate trends.
The Fund might not employ any of the derivatives strategies described below, and there can be no assurance that any strategy used will succeed. The Fund’s success in employing derivatives strategies may depend on the sub-advisers correctly forecasting interest rates, market values or other economic factors, and there can be no assurance that the sub-adviser’s forecasts will be accurate. If the sub-adviser’s forecasts are not accurate, the Fund may end up in a worse position than if derivatives strategies had not been employed at all. The Fund’s ability to use certain derivative transactions may be limited by tax considerations and certain other legal considerations. Further, suitable derivative transactions might not be available at all times or in all circumstances. Described below
3
are certain derivative instruments and trading strategies the Fund may use (either separately or in combination) in seeking to achieve its overall investment objectives.
Foreign Currency Transactions. The Fund also may purchase and sell foreign currency options and foreign currency futures contracts and futures options, and may engage in foreign currency transactions either on a spot (cash) basis at prevailing currency exchange rates or through forward currency contracts. The Fund may engage in these transactions to hedge, directly or indirectly, against currency fluctuations, for other investment purposes and/or to seek to enhance returns. The Fund may enter into currency transactions only with counterparties that the sub-adviser deems to be creditworthy. Certain of the foreign currency transactions the Fund may use are described below.
Forward Currency Contracts. The Fund may enter into forward currency contracts (“forwards”) in connection with settling purchases or sales of securities, to hedge the currency exposure associated with some or all of the Fund’s investments or as part of its investment strategy. Forwards are OTC contracts to purchase or sell a specified amount of a specified currency or multinational currency unit at a set price on a future date. The market value of a forward fluctuates with changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Forwards are marked to market daily based upon foreign currency exchange rates from an independent pricing service, and the change in value is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. The Fund’s gains from its positions in forward foreign currency contracts may accelerate and/or recharacterize the Fund’s income or gains and its distributions to shareholders. The Fund’s losses from such positions may also recharacterize the Fund’s income and its distributions to shareholders and may cause a return of capital to Fund shareholders. Such acceleration or recharacterization could affect an investor’s tax liability. Forwards are highly volatile, involve substantial currency risk and may also involve credit. The Fund’s ability to engage in foreign exchange hedging may also be constrained by the illiquid nature of the underlying Investment Instruments making it difficult settle losses on foreign exchange forward contracts.
The Fund may use a forward in a “settlement hedge,” or “transaction hedge,” to lock in the U.S. dollar price on the purchase or sale of securities denominated in a foreign currency between the time when the security is purchased or sold and the time at which payment is received. Forward contracts on foreign currency may also be used by the Fund in anticipation generally of the Fund’s making investments denominated in a foreign currency, even if the specific investments have not yet been selected by the sub-adviser.
In a “position hedge,” the Fund uses a forward contract to hedge against a decline in the value of existing investments denominated in foreign currency. For example, the Fund may enter into a forward contract to sell Japanese yen in return for U.S. dollars in order to hedge against a possible decline in the yen’s value. Position hedges tend to offset both positive and negative currency fluctuations. Alternately, the Fund could hedge its position by selling another currency expected to perform similarly to the Japanese yen. This is called a “proxy hedge” and may offer advantages in terms of cost, yield or efficiency. However, proxy hedges may result in losses if the currency used to hedge does not move in tandem with the currency in which the hedged securities are denominated.
The Fund may also engage in cross-hedging by entering into forward contracts in one currency against a different currency. Cross-hedging may be used to limit or increase exposure to a particular currency or to establish active exposure to the exchange rate between the two currencies.
Options on foreign currencies are affected by the factors that influence foreign exchange rates and investments generally. The Fund’s ability to establish and close out positions on foreign currency options is subject to the maintenance of a liquid secondary market, and there can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for a particular option at any specific time.
Forward Rate Agreements. The Fund may also enter into forward rate agreements. Under a forward rate agreement, the buyer locks in an interest rate at a future settlement date. If the interest rate on the settlement date exceeds the lock rate, the buyer pays the seller the difference between the two rates. If the lock rate exceeds the interest rate on the settlement date, the seller pays the buyer the difference between the two rates. Any such gain received by the Fund would be taxable. These instruments are traded in the OTC market. These transactions involve risks, including counterparty risk. See “Risk Factors in Derivative Instruments” below.
Additional Risks Associated with Foreign Currency Transactions. It is extremely difficult to forecast currency market movements, and whether any hedging or other investment strategy will be successful is highly uncertain. Further, it is impossible to forecast with precision the market value of portfolio securities at the expiration of a foreign currency forward. Therefore, the Fund may be required to buy or sell additional currency on the spot market (and bear the expense of such transaction) if the sub-adviser’s predictions regarding the movement of foreign currency or securities markets prove inaccurate. To the extent the Fund hedges against anticipated currency movements that do not occur, the Fund may realize losses and reduce its total return as a result of its hedging transactions. It is impossible to hedge fully or perfectly against the effects of currency fluctuations on the value of non-U.S. securities because currency movements impact the value of different securities in differing degrees. Foreign currency transactions, like currency exchange rates, can be affected unpredictably by intervention (or the failure to intervene) by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks, or by currency controls or political developments. Such events may prevent or restrict the Fund’s ability to enter into foreign
4
currency transactions, force the Fund to exit a foreign currency transaction at a disadvantageous time or price or result in penalties for the Fund, any of which may result in a loss to the Fund.
The Fund may buy or sell foreign currency options either on exchanges or in the OTC market. Foreign currency transactions on foreign exchanges may not be regulated to the same extent as similar transactions in the United States, may not involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees and are subject to the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign securities. The value of such positions also could be adversely affected by (i) other complex foreign political, legal and economic factors, (ii) lesser availability than in the United States of data on which to make trading decisions, (iii) delays in the Fund’s ability to act upon economic events occurring in foreign markets during non-business hours in the United States, (iv) the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures and margin requirements than in the United States and (v) lesser trading volume. Foreign currency transactions are also subject to the risks inherent in investments in foreign markets. See “Foreign Investments” below.
Risk Factors in Derivative Instruments. Derivatives are volatile and involve significant risks, including:
· | Correlation Risk – the risk that changes in the value of a derivative instrument will not match the changes in the value of the Fund holdings that are being hedged. |
· | Counterparty Risk – the risk that the party on the other side of an OTC derivatives contract or a borrower of the Fund’s securities may be unable or unwilling to make timely principal, interest or settlement payments, or otherwise to honor its obligations. |
· | Credit Risk – the risk that the issuer of a security will not be able to make timely principal and interest payments. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may affect the value of the Fund’s investment in and/or exposure to that issuer. The degree of credit risk depends on both the financial condition of the issuer and the terms of the obligation. |
· | Currency Risk – the risk that changes in the exchange rate between currencies will adversely affect the value (in U.S. dollar terms) of an investment. |
· | Index Risk – in respect of index-linked derivatives, the risks associated with changes in the underlying indices. If an underlying index changes, the Fund may receive lower interest payments or experience a reduction in the value of the derivative to below what the Fund paid. Certain indexed securities, including inverse securities (which move in an opposite direction from the reference index), may create leverage to the extent that they increase or decrease in value at a rate that is a multiple of the changes in the applicable index. |
· | Interest Rate Risk – the risk that the value of an investment may decrease when interest rates rise because when interest rates rise, the prices of bonds and fixed rate loans fall. Generally, the longer the maturity of a bond or fixed rate loan, the more sensitive it is to this risk (interest rate risk is commonly measured by a fixed income investment’s duration). Falling interest rates also create the potential for a decline in the Fund’s income. |
· | Leverage Risk – the risk associated with certain types of investments or trading strategies (for example, borrowing money to increase the amount being invested) that relatively small market movements may result in large changes in the value of an investment. Certain investments or trading strategies that involve leverage can result in losses that substantially exceed the amount originally invested. | |
· | Liquidity Risk – the risk that certain securities may be difficult or impossible to sell at the time that the seller would like to sell them or at the price the seller believes the security is currently worth, and the risk that the Fund may not be able to meet margin and payment requirements and maintain a derivatives position. | |
· | Market Risk - the risk from potential adverse market movements in relation to the Fund’s derivatives positions, or the risk that markets could experience a change in volatility that adversely impacts Fund returns and the Fund’s obligations and exposures. | |
· | Operational and Legal Risk - the risk that certain investments may involve risk of operational issues such as documentation issues, settlement issues, system failures, inadequate controls and human error, and the risk of insufficient capacity or authority of a derivatives counterparty and risk related to the legality or enforceability of a derivatives trading contract. |
· | Regulatory Risk − Government legislation or regulation may make derivatives more costly, may limit the availability of derivatives, or may otherwise adversely affect the use, value or performance of derivatives. In October 2020, the SEC adopted new regulations applicable to the Fund’s use of derivatives, short sales, reverse repurchase agreements, and certain other instruments that, among other things, require the Fund to adopt a derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager that will manage the program and communicate to the board of directors of the Fund. However, subject to certain conditions, funds that do not invest heavily in derivatives may be deemed limited derivatives users and |
5
would not be subject to the full requirements of the new rule. The SEC also eliminated the asset segregation and cover framework arising from prior SEC guidance for covering derivatives and certain financial instruments, as discussed herein, effective at the time that the Fund complies with the new rule. The rule could impact the effectiveness or raise the costs of the Fund’s derivatives transactions, impede the employment of the Fund’s derivatives strategies, or adversely affect Fund performance and cause the Fund to lose value. |
· | Short Position Risk - The Fund may also take a short position in a derivative instrument, such as a future, forward or swap. A short position in a derivative instrument involves the risk of a theoretically unlimited increase in the value of the underlying instrument which could cause the Fund to suffer a (potentially unlimited) loss. | |
· | Tax Risk – The tax treatment of a derivative may not be as favorable as a direct investment in the underlying asset. The use of derivatives may adversely affect the timing, character and amount of income the Fund realizes from its investments, and could impair the ability of the sub-adviser to use derivatives when it wishes to do so. |
The potential loss on derivative instruments may be substantial relative to the initial investment therein. The Fund incurs transaction costs in opening and closing positions in derivative instruments. There can be no assurance that the use of derivative instruments will be advantageous.
DOLLAR ROLLS. The Fund may enter into “dollar rolls” in which the Fund sells securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts with the same counterparty to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon and maturity) but not identical securities on a specified future date. The Fund gives up the right to receive principal and interest paid on the securities sold. However, the Fund would benefit to the extent that the price received for the securities sold is higher than the forward price for the future purchase plus any fee income received. Unless such benefits exceed the income and capital appreciation that would have been realized on the securities sold as part of the dollar roll, the use of this technique would adversely affect the Fund’s investment performance. The benefits derived from the use of dollar rolls may depend, among other things, upon the ability of the Fund’s sub-adviser to predict interest rates correctly. There can be no assurance that dollar rolls can be successfully employed. In addition, if the Fund uses dollar rolls while remaining substantially fully invested, the amount of the Fund’s assets that are subject to market risk would exceed the Fund’s net asset value, which could result in increased volatility of the price of the Fund’s shares. Further, entering into dollar rolls involves potential risks that are different from those related to the securities underlying the transactions. For example, if the counterparty becomes insolvent, the Fund’s right to purchase from the counterparty may be restricted. Also, the value of the underlying security may change adversely before the Fund is able to purchase it, or the Fund may be required to purchase securities in connection with a dollar roll at a higher price than may be otherwise available on the open market. Further, because the counterparty may deliver a similar, but not identical, security, the Fund may be required to buy a security under the dollar roll that may be of less value than an identical security would have been.
EQUITY RISK. Equity securities represent an ownership interest, or the right to acquire an ownership interest, in a company. Equity securities include but are not limited to common stock, shares or interests issued by private equity issuers or investment funds, preferred stock, securities convertible into common or preferred stock and warrants or rights to acquire common stock, including options. The value of an equity security may be based on the real or perceived success or failure of the particular company’s business, any income paid to stockholders in the form of a dividend, the value of the company’s assets, general market conditions, or investor sentiment generally. Equity securities may have greater price volatility than other types of investments. These risks are generally magnified in the case of equity investments in distressed companies.
Special Purpose Acquisition Companies Risk – The Fund may invest in special purpose acquisition companies (“SPACs”) or similar special purpose entities. SPACs are collective investment structures that pool funds in order to seek potential acquisition opportunities. SPACs and similar entities may be blank check companies with no operating history or ongoing business other than to seek a potential acquisition. Because SPACs and similar entities have no operating history or ongoing business other than seeking acquisitions, the value of their securities is particularly dependent on the ability of the entity’s management to identify and complete a profitable acquisition. Some SPACs may pursue acquisitions only within certain industries or regions, which may increase the volatility of their securities’ prices. In addition, these securities, which are typically traded in the OTC market, may be considered illiquid and/or be subject to restrictions on resale.
ESG INTEGRATION RISK. The ESG characteristics that may be evaluated as part of the Fund's investment process are anticipated to evolve over time and one or more characteristics may not be relevant with respect to all issuers that are eligible for investment. The relevance and weightings of specific ESG characteristics to the investment process varies across asset classes, sectors and strategies. ESG characteristics are not the only factors that may be considered by the portfolio manager(s) and as a result, the companies (or issuers) in which the Fund invests may not be companies (or issuers) with favorable ESG characteristics or high ESG ratings. ESG characteristics may be evaluated differently by different portfolio manager(s) and may not carry the same meaning to all investors and portfolio manager(s). While the portfolio manager(s) believe that the integration of material ESG characteristics into the Fund's investment process has the potential to identify financial risks and contribute to the Fund's long-term performance, there is no guarantee that the integration of ESG characteristics will result in better performance. The analysis of ESG characteristics is subjective and investors can differ in their views of what constitutes positive or negative ESG characteristics. ESG information and data,
6
including that provided by third parties, may be incomplete, inaccurate, or unavailable, which could adversely affect the analysis relevant to a particular investment. Further, the regulatory landscape with respect to ESG investing in the United States is still developing and future rules and regulations may require the Fund to modify or alter its investment process with respect to ESG integration.
ESG RESTRICTIONS RISK. The Fund’s environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) restrictions will reduce the types and number of investment opportunities available to the Fund and, as a result, the Fund may underperform other funds that do not have similar restrictions. The Fund’s ESG restrictions may result in the Fund investing in securities or industry sectors that underperform the market as a whole, or forgoing opportunities to invest in securities that might otherwise be advantageous to buy. Because the Sub-Advisers evaluate ESG characteristics when selecting investments, the Fund’s portfolio may perform differently than funds that do not use ESG characteristics. ESG characteristics may prioritize long term rather than short term returns. In addition, there is a risk that the investments identified by the Sub-Advisers to fit within their ESG criteria do not operate as anticipated. Although the Sub-Advisers seek to identify companies that fit within their ESG criteria, investors may differ in their views of what fits within this category of investments. As a result, the Fund may invest in companies that do not reflect the beliefs and values of any particular investor. The Sub-Advisers’ exclusion of certain investments from the Fund’s investment universe may adversely affect the Fund’s relative performance at times when such investments are performing well.
EVENT RISK. Event risk is the risk that corporate issuers may undergo restructurings, such as mergers, leveraged buyouts, takeovers or similar events financed by the issuer’s taking on additional debt. As a result of the added debt, the credit quality and market value of a company’s bonds and/or other debt securities may decline significantly.
FIXED INCOME SECURITIES. The Fund is permitted to invest in fixed income securities including, but not limited to: (1) securities issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities; and (2) non-convertible debt securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. corporations or other issuers (including foreign issuers).
FOREIGN INVESTMENTS. The Fund may invest in foreign issuers and borrowers, which include: (1) companies organized outside of the United States, including in emerging market countries; (2) foreign sovereign governments and their agencies, authorities, instrumentalities and political subdivisions, including foreign states, provinces or municipalities; and (3) issuers and borrowers whose economic fortunes and risks are primarily linked with markets outside the United States. These securities may be denominated, quoted in or pay income in, U.S. dollars or in a foreign currency. Certain companies organized outside the United States may not be deemed to be foreign issuers or borrowers if the issuer’s or borrower’s economic fortunes and risks are primarily linked with U.S. markets.
Investing in securities of foreign issuers and loans to foreign borrowers involves considerations and potential risks not typically associated with investing in obligations issued by U.S. entities. Less information may be available about foreign entities compared with U.S. entities. For example, foreign issuers and borrowers generally are not subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards or to other regulatory practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. issuers and borrowers. In addition, prices of foreign securities may fluctuate more than prices of securities traded in the United States. Other potential foreign market risks include difficulties in pricing securities, defaults on foreign government securities, difficulties in enforcing favorable legal judgments in foreign courts and political and social conditions, such as diplomatic relations, confiscatory taxation, expropriation, limitation on the removal of funds or assets or imposition of (or change in) exchange control regulations. Legal remedies available to investors in certain foreign countries may be less extensive than those available to investors in the United States or other foreign countries. In addition, changes in government administrations or economic or monetary policies in the United States or abroad could result in appreciation or depreciation of portfolio securities. Any of these actions could severely affect security prices, impair the Fund’s ability to purchase or sell foreign securities or transfer the Fund’s assets or income back into the United States, or otherwise adversely affect the Fund’s operations.
Recent geopolitical events in the European Union and other events (e.g. wars, military conflicts, terrorism or natural disasters) may disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global economies and markets, thereby decreasing the value of the Fund’s investments. Such developments could lead to increased short-term market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on world economies and markets generally. Those events as well as other changes in regional economic and political conditions could adversely affect individual issuers or related groups of issuers, securities markets, interest rates, credit ratings, inflation, investor sentiment, and other factors affecting the value of the Fund’s investments. For example, the imposition of sanctions, exchange controls (including repatriation restrictions), confiscations, trade restrictions (including tariffs) and other government restrictions by the United States and other governments, or from problems in share registration, settlement or custody, may also result in losses. The type and severity of sanctions and other similar measures, including counter sanctions and other retaliatory actions, that may be imposed could vary broadly in scope, and their impact is impossible to predict. These types of measures may include, but are not limited to, banning a sanctioned country from global payment systems that facilitate cross-border payments, restricting the settlement of securities transactions by certain investors, and freezing the assets of particular countries, entities, or persons. The imposition of sanctions and other similar measures could, among other things, cause a decline in the value and/or liquidity of securities issued by the sanctioned country or companies located in or economically tied to the sanctioned country, downgrades in the credit ratings of the sanctioned
7
country or companies located in or economically tied to the sanctioned country, devaluation of the sanctioned country’s currency, and increased market volatility and disruption in the sanctioned country and throughout the world. Sanctions and other similar measures could limit or prevent the Fund from buying and selling securities (in the sanctioned country and other markets), significantly delay or prevent the settlement of securities transactions, and significantly impact the Fund’s liquidity and performance. Given the increasing interdependence among global economies and markets, conditions in one country, market, or region might adversely affect markets, issuers, and/or foreign exchange rates in other countries.
A default or debt restructuring by any European country would adversely impact holders of that country’s debt, and sellers of credit default swaps linked to that country’s creditworthiness (which may be located in other countries). These events may have an adverse effect on the value and exchange rate of the euro and may continue to significantly affect the economies of every country in Europe, including European Union member countries that do not use the euro and non-European Union member countries. If any member country exits the European Monetary Union, the departing country would face the risks of currency devaluation and its trading partners and banks and others around the world that hold the departing country’s debt would face the risk of significant losses. In addition, the resulting economic instability of Europe and the currency markets in general could have a severe adverse effect on the value of securities held by the Fund.
Certain European countries in which the Fund may invest have recently experienced significant volatility in financial markets and may continue to do so in the future. The impact of the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, commonly known as “Brexit,” and the potential departure of one or more other countries from the European Union may have significant political and financial consequences for global markets. These consequences include greater market volatility and illiquidity, currency fluctuations, deterioration in economic activity, a decrease in business confidence and an increased likelihood of a recession in such markets. Uncertainty relating to the United Kingdom’s post-departure framework and relationships may have adverse effects on asset valuations and the renegotiation of trade agreements, as well as an increase in financial regulation in such markets. This may adversely impact Fund performance.
Currency Risk and Exchange Risk. Because foreign securities generally are denominated and pay dividends or interest in foreign currencies, the value of the Fund that invests in foreign securities as measured in U.S. dollars will be affected by changes in exchange rates. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, a security denominated in that currency loses value because the currency is worth fewer U.S. dollars. Conversely, when the U.S. dollar decreases in value against a foreign currency, a security denominated in that currency gains value because the currency is worth more U.S. dollars. This risk, generally known as “currency risk,” means that a stronger U.S. dollar will reduce returns for U.S. investors while a weak U.S. dollar will increase those returns. Moreover, transaction costs are incurred in connection with conversions between currencies. See “Currency Risk” above.
Settlement Risk. Settlement and clearance procedures in certain foreign markets differ significantly from those in the United States. Foreign settlement procedures and trade regulations may involve certain risks (such as delays in payment for or delivery of securities) not typically generated in the settlement of U.S. investments. Settlements in certain foreign countries at times have not kept pace with the number of securities transactions being undertaken; these problems may make it difficult for the Fund to carry out transactions. If the Fund cannot settle or is delayed in settling a purchase of securities, it may miss attractive investment opportunities and certain of its assets may remain uninvested with no return earned thereon for some period. There may also be the danger that, because of uncertainties in the operation of settlement systems in individual markets, competing claims may arise in respect of securities held by or to be transferred to the Fund. Further, compensation schemes may be non-existent, limited or inadequate to meet the Fund’s claims in any of these events. In connection with any of these events, and other similar circumstances, the Fund may experience losses because of failures of or defects in settlement systems.
There are additional and magnified risks involved with investments in emerging or developing markets, which may exhibit greater price volatility and risk of principal, have less liquidity and have settlement arrangements that are less efficient than in developed markets. In addition, the economies of emerging market countries generally are heavily dependent on international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be adversely affected by trade barriers, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. Emerging market economies also have been and may continue to be adversely affected by economic conditions in the countries with which they trade. See “Investments in Emerging Market Securities” below.
GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION IN FINANCIAL MARKETS RISK. Governmental and quasi-governmental authorities and regulators throughout the world have in the past responded to major economic disruptions with a variety of significant fiscal and monetary policy changes, including but not limited to, direct capital infusions into companies, new monetary programs and dramatically increasing or lowering of interest rates. For example, in response to the outbreak of COVID-19, the U.S. Government passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) into law in March 2020 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (the “Rescue Act”) into law in March 2021. There can be no guarantee that the CARES Act, the Rescue Act or other economic stimulus bills (within the United States or other affected countries throughout the world) will be sufficient or will have their intended effect. In addition, an unexpected or quick reversal of such policies could increase volatility in securities markets, which could adversely affect the Fund’s investments.
8
In addition, instability in the financial markets during and after the 2008-2009 financial downturn also led the U.S. Government and governments across the world to take a number of actions designed to support certain financial institutions and segments of the financial markets that experienced extreme volatility, and in some cases a lack of liquidity. Most significantly, the U.S. Government has enacted a broad-reaching regulatory framework over the financial services industry and consumer credit markets. Federal, state, and other governments, their regulatory agencies, or self-regulatory organizations may take actions that affect the regulation of the instruments in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that are unforeseeable. Legislation or regulation may also change the way in which the Fund itself is regulated. Such legislation or regulation could limit or preclude the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.
Governments or their agencies may also acquire distressed assets from financial institutions and acquire ownership interests in those institutions. The implications of government ownership and disposition of these assets are unclear, and such a program may have positive or negative effects on the liquidity, valuation and performance of the Fund’s portfolio holdings. Furthermore, volatile financial markets can expose the Fund to greater market and liquidity risk and potential difficulty in valuing portfolio instruments held by the Fund. The Fund has established procedures to assess the liquidity of portfolio holdings and to value instruments for which market prices may not be readily available. HFMC and the sub-adviser(s), as applicable, will monitor developments and seek to manage the Fund in a manner consistent with achieving the Fund’s investment objective, but there can be no assurance that they will be successful in doing so.
The value of the Fund’s holdings is also generally subject to the risk of future local, national, or global economic disturbances based on unknown weaknesses in the markets in which the Fund invests. In the event of such a disturbance, issuers of securities held by the Fund may experience significant declines in the value of their assets and even cease operations, or may receive government assistance accompanied by increased restrictions on their business operations or other government intervention. In addition, it is not certain that the U.S. Government will intervene in response to a future market disturbance and the effect of any such future intervention cannot be predicted. It is difficult for issuers to prepare for the impact of future financial downturns, although companies can seek to identify and manage future uncertainties through risk management programs.
HIGH YIELD INVESTMENTS (“JUNK BONDS”). Any security or loan with a long-term credit rating of “Ba” or lower by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), “BB” or lower by Standard and Poor’s Corporation (“S&P”) or “BB” or lower by Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”), as well as any security or loan that is unrated but determined by the sub-adviser to be of comparable quality, is below investment grade.
Securities and bank loans rated below investment grade are commonly referred to as “high yield-high risk debt securities,” “junk bonds,” “leveraged loans” or “emerging market debt,” as the case may be. Each rating category has within it different gradations or sub-categories. For instance the “Ba” rating for Moody’s includes “Ba3”, “Ba2” and “Ba1”. Likewise the S&P and Fitch rating category of “BB” includes “BB+”, “BB” and “BB-”. If the Fund is authorized to invest in a certain rating category, the Fund is also permitted to invest in any of the sub-categories or gradations within that rating category.
Although junk bonds generally pay higher rates of interest than investment grade bonds, junk bonds are high risk investments that may cause income and principal losses for the Fund. Junk bonds may be issued by less creditworthy issuers. Issuers of junk bonds may have a larger amount of outstanding debt relative to their assets than issuers of investment grade bonds. In the event of an issuer’s bankruptcy, claims of other creditors may have priority over the claims of junk bond holders, leaving few or no assets available to repay junk bond holders. Junk bonds are also subject to extreme price fluctuations. Adverse changes in an issuer’s industry and general economic conditions may have a greater impact on the prices of junk bonds than on other higher rated fixed income securities. Further, issuers of junk bonds may be unable to meet their interest or principal payment obligations because of an economic downturn, specific issuer developments or the unavailability of additional financing.
In addition, junk bonds frequently have redemption features that permit an issuer to repurchase the security before it matures. If an issuer redeems junk bonds owned by the Fund, the Fund may have to invest the proceeds in bonds with lower yields and may lose income. Junk bonds may also be less liquid than higher rated fixed income securities, even under normal economic conditions. Moreover, there are relatively few dealers in the junk bond market, and there may be significant differences among these dealers’ price quotes. Because they are less liquid, judgment may play a greater role in valuing these securities than is the case with securities that trade in a more liquid market.
The Fund may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting issuer. The credit rating of a junk bond does not necessarily take into account its market value risk. Ratings and market value may change from time to time, positively or negatively, to reflect new developments regarding the issuer. These securities and bank loans generally entail greater risk (including the possibility of default or bankruptcy of the issuer), involve greater volatility of price and risk to principal and income and may be less liquid than securities and bank loans in higher rating categories. Securities and bank loans in the highest category below investment grade are considered to be of poor standing and predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligations. As such, these investments often
9
have reduced values that, in turn, negatively impact the value of the Fund’s shares. If a security or bank loan is downgraded to a rating category that does not qualify for investment, the sub-adviser will use its discretion on whether to hold or sell based upon its opinion on the best method to maximize value for shareholders over the long term.
Distressed Securities. The Fund may invest in debt securities issued by companies that are involved in reorganizations, financial restructurings or bankruptcy. Investments in such distressed securities are speculative and involve substantial risks in addition to the risks of investing in junk bonds. The Fund will generally not receive interest payments on the distressed securities and may incur costs to protect its investment. In addition, distressed securities involve the substantial risk that principal will not be repaid. These securities may present a substantial risk of default or may be in default at the time of investment. The Fund may incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek recovery upon a default in the payment of principal of or interest on its portfolio holdings. In any reorganization or liquidation proceeding relating to a portfolio company, the Fund may lose its entire investment or may be required to accept cash or securities, including equity securities, with a value less than its original investment. Distressed securities and any securities received in an exchange for such securities may be subject to restrictions on resale, and sales may be possible only at substantial discounts. Distressed securities and any securities received in exchange for such securities may also be difficult to value and/or liquidate.
ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS. An illiquid investment for the Fund means any investment that the Adviser or the Fund’s sub-adviser reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. The Fund may not be able to sell illiquid securities or other investments when the sub-adviser considers it desirable to do so or may have to sell such securities or other investments at a price that is lower than the price that could be obtained if the securities or other investments were more liquid. Illiquid securities also may be more difficult to value due to the lack of reliable market quotations for such securities or investments, and investments in them may have an adverse impact on the Fund’s net asset value.
Securities and other investments purchased by the Fund that are liquid at the time of purchase may subsequently become illiquid due to events relating to the issuer of the security, market events, economic conditions or investor perceptions. Domestic and foreign markets are becoming more and more complex and interrelated such that events in one sector of the market or the economy, or in one geographical region, can reverberate and have negative consequences for other market, economic or regional sectors in a manner that may not be reasonably foreseen. With respect to OTC securities, the continued viability of any OTC secondary market depends on the continued willingness of dealers and other participants to purchase the securities.
INFLATION RISK. The Fund’s investments may be subject to inflation risk, which is the risk that the real value (i.e., nominal price of the asset adjusted for inflation) of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the purchasing power and value of money (i.e., as inflation increases, the real value of the Fund’s assets can decline). Inflation rates may change frequently and significantly as a result of various factors, including unexpected shifts in the domestic or global economy and changes in monetary or economic policies (or expectations that these policies may change), and the Fund’s investments may not keep pace with inflation, which would generally adversely affect the real value of Fund shareholders’ investment in the Fund. This risk is greater for fixed-income instruments with longer maturities. In addition, this risk may be significantly elevated compared to normal conditions because of recent monetary policy measures and the current interest rate environment.
INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS (“IPO RISK”). Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the issuing companies may be available for very limited periods. Some of the companies involved in new industries may be regarded as developmental stage companies, without revenues or operating income, or the near-term prospects of them. Many IPOs are by small- or micro-cap companies that are undercapitalized. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile or may decline shortly after the IPO is complete. The effect of IPOs on the Fund’s performance depends on a variety of factors, including the number of IPOs the Fund invests in relative to the size of the Fund and whether and to what extent a security purchased in an IPO appreciates and depreciates in value. Although investments in IPOs have the potential to produce substantial gains in a short period of time, there is no assurance that the Fund will have access to profitable IPOs, that any particular IPO will be successful, or that any gains will be sustainable. Investors should not rely on past gains attributable to IPOs as an indication of future performance.
INTEREST RATE RISK. Interest rate risk is the risk that an investment held by the Fund may go down in value when interest rates rise because when interest rates rise, the prices of bonds and fixed rate loans fall. Generally, the longer the maturity of a bond or fixed rate loan, the more sensitive it is to this risk. For this reason, the longer the Fund’s average weighted portfolio maturity, the greater the impact a change in interest rates will have on its share price. A variety of factors can cause interest rates to rise, including central bank monetary policies and inflation rates. Falling interest rates may also lead to a decline in the Fund’s income. Risks associated with rising rates are currently heightened because the Federal Reserve has raised, and may continue to raise, interest rates and inflation is elevated. To the extent the U.S. Federal Reserve Board (the “Fed”) raises interest rates, there is a risk that interest rates across the U.S. financial system may rise. Actions taken by the Fed or foreign central banks to stimulate or stabilize economic growth, such as decreases or increases in short-term interest rates, may adversely affect markets, which could, in turn, negatively impact Fund performance. Moreover, rising interest rates may lead to decreased liquidity in the bond markets, making it more difficult for the Fund to value or sell some or all of its bond holdings at any given time. A rise in interest rates could also
10
cause investors to rapidly move out of fixed-income securities, which may increase redemptions in the Fund and subject the Fund to increased liquidity risk. A substantial increase in interest rates may also have an adverse impact on the liquidity of one or more portfolio securities, especially those with longer maturities.
Moreover, in response to the outbreak of COVID-19, as with other serious economic disruptions, governmental authorities and regulators have enacted significant fiscal and monetary policy changes, including, among other things, lowering interest rates. During periods when interest rates are low (or negative), the Fund’s yield (or total return) may also be low and fall below zero. Very low or negative interest rates may magnify interest rate risk. Changing interest rates, including rates that fall below zero, may have unpredictable effects on markets, may result in heightened market volatility and may detract from Fund performance to the extent the Fund is exposed to such interest rates and/or volatility. Certain European countries and Japan have pursued negative interest rate policies. A negative interest rate policy is an unconventional central bank monetary policy tool where nominal target interest rates are set with negative value intended to help create self-sustaining growth in the local economy. To the extent the Fund holds a debt instrument with a negative interest rate, the Fund would generate a negative return on that investment. If negative interest rates become more prevalent in the market, investors may seek to reallocate their investment to other income-producing assets, which could further reduce the value of instruments with a negative yield.
INVESTMENTS IN EMERGING MARKET SECURITIES. The Fund may invest in securities of issuers that conduct their principal business activities in, or whose securities are traded principally on exchanges located in, less developed countries considered to be “emerging markets.” Unless otherwise stated in the Fund’s investment strategy, emerging markets are those markets (1) included in emerging market or equivalent classifications by the United Nations (and its agencies); (2) having per capita income in the low to middle ranges, as determined by the World Bank; or (3) the Fund’s benchmark index provider designates as emerging. Emerging countries are generally located in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Eastern and Central Europe and Central and South America. Investing in emerging market securities involves not only the risks described above with respect to investing in foreign securities, but also other risks that may be more severe and pervasive than those present in foreign countries with more developed markets. Emerging markets are riskier than more developed markets because they tend to develop unevenly and may never fully develop. The value of the Fund’s investments in emerging markets securities may be adversely affected by changes in the political, economic or social conditions, expropriation, nationalization, limitation on the removal of funds or assets, controls, tax regulations and other restrictions in emerging market countries. In the past, governments of such nations have expropriated substantial amounts of private property, and most claims of the property owners have never been fully settled. There is no assurance that such expropriations will not reoccur. In such circumstances, it is possible that the Fund could lose the entire amount of its investments in the affected market.
Some countries have pervasive corruption and crime that may hinder investments. Certain emerging markets may also face other significant internal or external risks, including the risk of war (such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine) and ethnic, religious and racial conflicts, as well as the imposition of sanctions. The Fund’s emerging market investments may introduce exposure to economic structures that are generally less diverse and mature than, and to political systems that can be expected to have less stability than, those of developed countries. Other characteristics of emerging markets that may affect investments include national policies that may restrict investment by foreigners in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to relevant national interests and the absence of developed legal structures governing private and foreign investments and private property, and the ability of U.S. authorities (e.g., SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice) and investors (e.g., the Fund) to bring actions against bad actors may be limited. As a result of these legal structures and limitations, the Fund faces the risk of being unable to enforce its rights with respect to its investments in emerging markets, which may cause losses to the Fund. Settlements of trades in emerging markets may be subject to significant delays. The inability to make intended purchases of securities due to settlement problems could cause missed investment opportunities. Losses could also be caused by an inability to dispose of portfolio securities due to settlement problems. Also, the typically small size of the markets for securities of issuers located in emerging markets and the possibility of a low or nonexistent volume of trading in those securities may result in lack of liquidity and price volatility of those securities. In addition, traditional measures of investment value used in the United States, such as price to earnings ratios, may not apply to certain small markets. Also, there may be less publicly available information about issuers in emerging markets than would be available about issuers in more developed capital markets, and such issuers may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to those to which U.S. companies are subject. In addition to withholding taxes on investment income, some countries with emerging markets may impose differential capital gains taxes on foreign investors.
The risks outlined above are often more pronounced in “frontier markets” in which the Fund may invest. Frontier markets are those emerging markets that are considered to be among the smallest, least mature and least liquid, and as a result, the risks of investing in emerging markets are magnified in frontier markets. This magnification of risks is the result of a number of factors, including: government ownership or control of parts of the private sector and of certain companies; trade barriers; exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which frontier market countries trade; less uniformity in accounting and reporting requirements; unreliable securities valuation; greater risk associated with custody of securities; and the relatively new and unsettled securities laws in many frontier market countries. In
11
addition, the markets of frontier countries typically have low trading volumes, leading to a greater potential for extreme price volatility and illiquidity. This volatility may be further increased by the actions of a few major investors. For example, a substantial increase or decrease in cash flows of funds investing in these markets could significantly affect local securities prices and, therefore, the net asset value of the Fund. All of these factors make investing in frontier market countries significantly riskier than investing in other countries, including more developed and traditional emerging market countries, and any one of them could cause the net asset value of the Fund’s shares to decline.
In addition to the risks of foreign investing and the risks of investing in emerging or frontier markets, investments in certain countries with recently developed markets and structures, such as Nigeria, Croatia and Russia, implicate certain specific risks. Because of the recent formation of these securities markets and the underdeveloped state of these countries’ banking systems, settlement, clearing and registration of securities transactions are subject to significant risks. Share ownership is often defined and evidenced by extracts from entries in a company’s share register, but such extracts are neither negotiable instruments nor effective evidence of securities ownership. Further, the registrars in these countries are not necessarily subject to effective state supervision or licensed by any governmental entity, there is no central registration system for shareholders and it is possible for the Fund to lose its entire ownership rights through fraud, negligence or mere oversight. In addition, while applicable regulations may impose liability on registrars for losses resulting from their errors, it may be difficult for the Fund to enforce any rights it may have against the registrar or issuer of the securities in the event of loss of share registration. In Croatia, these risks are limited to investments in securities that are not traded on the national stock exchange. However, in other countries, including Nigeria and Russia, all securities investments are subject to these risks.
The Fund may invest in Sukuk. Sukuk are similar to conventional senior, unsecured bonds but are structured to comply with Sharia, or Islamic, law and its investment principles, which, inter alia, prohibit the charging or paying of interest. Sukuk represent undivided shares in the income generated by an underlying asset or pool of assets (the “Underlying Assets”) and/or contractual payment obligations of an obligor.
Obligors include international financial institutions, corporations, foreign governments and agencies of foreign governments (each, an “Obligor”). Obligors typically arrange for the issue sukuk through a special purpose vehicle or similar corporate entity (the “Sukuk Issuer”). For sukuk linked to Underlying Assets, title to the Underlying Assets is transferred to the Sukuk Issuer; for sukuk that are not linked to Underlying Assets, the sukuk represents an interest in the income stream generated by one or more contractual payment obligations of the Obligor to the Sukuk Issuer. In either event, the payments received by the investor do not come from interest on such investor’s money.
Since the investors in sukuk purchase an instrument with income or periodic payments linked to a specific income stream, investors are subject to the risk that the relevant Underlying Assets or the contractual payment obligations may not perform as expected, and the flow of income may, accordingly, be slower than expected or may cease altogether. In particular, Sukuk Issuers typically agree to redeem the sukuk at the end of a contractual term at an agreed price, similar to a maturity date. The ability of a Sukuk Issuer to redeem such sukuk is dependent on the income generated by the sukuk during its life and the ability and willingness of the Obligor to make payments to the Sukuk Issuer for payment to the investors.
No collateral, including the Underlying Assets, is pledged as security for sukuk. As unsecured investments, sukuk are backed only by the credit of the Obligor. Sukuk are also subject to the risks associated with developing and emerging market economies, which include, among others, inconsistent accounting and legal principles.
The process to resolve a default or other non-payment event in respect of sukuk is likely to take longer than resolving a default in respect of a bond. In addition, it is possible that evolving interpretations of Sharia law by courts or Islamic scholars on sukuk structures and sukuk transferability, or a determination subsequent to the issuance of a sukuk by courts or Islamic scholars that such sukuk does not comply with Sharia law and its investment principles, could have an adverse effect on the price and liquidity of a such sukuk, similarly-structured sukuk or the sukuk market in general and give rise to defenses of the Obligor and the Sukuk Issuer that amounts under the sukuk are not payable either in full or in part. In addition, investors’ ability to pursue and enforce actions with respect to these payment obligations or to otherwise enforce the terms of the sukuk, restructure the sukuk, obtain a judgment in a court of competent jurisdiction or attach assets of the Sukuk Issuer or the Obligor may be limited. In addition, as with conventional debt instruments, sukuk prices may change in response to global interest rate changes.
While the global sukuk market has grown in recent years, it is significantly smaller than bond market and there may be times when the market is illiquid and it is difficult to make an investment in, or dispose of, sukuk. Unlike bonds, sukuk are generally held to maturity, and trading is limited to the primary market.
Risks of Investments in Russia. Recent events, including the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, have interjected uncertainty into the global financial markets. Investments in Russia are subject to political, economic, legal, market and currency risks, as well as the risks related to the economic sanctions on Russia imposed by the United States and/or other countries. Such sanctions which affect companies in many sectors, including energy, financial services and defense, among others, have adversely affected and could adversely affect the global energy and financial markets and, thus, have adversely affected and could affect the value of the Fund’s
12
investments, even beyond any direct or indirect exposure the Fund may have to Russian issuers or the adjoining geographic regions. In addition, certain transactions have or may be prohibited and/or existing investments have or may become illiquid (e.g., because transacting in certain existing investments is prohibited), which could cause the Fund to sell other portfolio holdings at a disadvantageous time or price. In addition, sanctions, and the Russian government’s response, could result in a downgrade in Russia’s credit rating, devaluation of its currency and/or increased volatility with respect to Russian securities. Moreover, disruptions caused by Russian military action or other actions (including cyberattacks and espionage) or resulting actual and threatened responses to such activity, including purchasing and financing restrictions, boycotts or changes in consumer or purchaser preferences, sanctions, tariffs or cyberattacks on the Russian government, Russian companies or Russian individuals, including politicians, may impact Russia’s economy and certain issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
Investments in Subsidiary Risk. The Fund may invest in the shares of one or more wholly owned and controlled Subsidiaries (each, a “Subsidiary”). Investments in a Subsidiary are expected to provide the Fund with exposure to investments within the limitations of Subchapter M of the Code and IRS revenue rulings, as discussed below. Each Subsidiary is advised by HFMC, sub-advised by SIMNA and sub-sub-advised by Schroders Capital and managed pursuant to compliance policies and procedures that are the same, in all material respects, as the policies and procedures adopted by the Fund. However, unlike the Fund, a Subsidiary is not subject to diversification requirements. The Fund is the sole shareholder of each Subsidiary, and shares of a Subsidiary are not sold or offered to other investors. Each Subsidiary is not registered under the 1940 Act and, unless otherwise noted in the Fund’s prospectus or this SAI, is not subject to the investor protection mechanisms or oversight regime of the 1940 Act. However, because the Fund wholly owns and controls each Subsidiary, and the Fund and each Subsidiary are both managed by HFMC and sub-advised by Schroders, it is unlikely that a Subsidiary will take action contrary to the interests of the Fund and its shareholders. In addition, changes in the laws of the United States and/or other applicable jurisdictions could result in the inability of the Fund and/or a Subsidiary to operate as described in the Fund’s prospectus and this SAI and could adversely affect the Fund. In particular, there is a risk that the IRS could determine that the income the Fund receives from a Subsidiary is not qualifying income for tax purposes, which could affect the Fund’s qualification as a regulated investment company. If the Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company or the law changes such that a Subsidiary must pay taxes, Fund shareholders would likely suffer decreased investment returns.
The Fund, as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under the tax rules, is required to realize at least 90 percent of its annual gross income from investment-related sources, specifically from dividends, interest, proceeds from securities lending, gains from the sales of stocks, securities and foreign currencies, other income (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived from investing in such stock, securities or currencies or certain types of publicly traded partnerships (collectively referred to as qualifying income). The IRS has issued final regulations that generally treat the Fund’s income inclusion with respect to a Subsidiary as qualifying income if either (A) there is a distribution out of the earnings and profits of the Subsidiary that are attributable to such income inclusion or (B) such inclusion is derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in stock, securities, or currencies. The tax treatment of the Fund’s investment in a Subsidiary may be adversely affected by future legislation, Treasury Regulations, court decisions and/or guidance issued by the IRS that could affect whether income derived from such investments is “qualifying income” under Subchapter M of the Code, or otherwise affect the character, timing and/or amount of the Fund’s taxable income or any gains and distributions made by the Fund.
A Subsidiary generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax. A Subsidiary will, however, be considered a controlled foreign corporation, and the Fund that invests in the Subsidiary will be required to include as annual income amounts earned by the Subsidiary during the applicable year. Furthermore, the Fund will be subject to the distribution requirement applicable to open-end management investment companies on such Subsidiary income, whether or not a Subsidiary actually makes a distribution to the Fund during the taxable year. If a net loss is realized by a Subsidiary, such loss is not generally available to offset the income earned by the Fund, and such loss cannot be carried forward to offset taxable income of the Fund or the Subsidiary in future periods
LARGE SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION RISK. The Fund may experience adverse effects when certain large shareholders purchase or request repurchases of large numbers of shares of the Fund. These shareholders (or a single shareholder) may purchase shares or request repurchases of the Fund in large amounts unexpectedly or rapidly, including as a result of an asset allocation decision made by the Fund’s investment adviser or sub-adviser. Such transactions could adversely affect the ability of the Fund to conduct its investment program. Such large shareholder repurchases may cause the Fund to sell portfolio securities at times when it would not otherwise do so, which may negatively impact the Fund’s net asset value and liquidity. Large repurchase requests could also cause the Fund’s quarterly repurchase offers to be oversubscribed and result in shareholders only having a prorated portion of the shares they requested repurchased. Similarly, large Fund share purchases may adversely affect the Fund’s performance to the extent that the Fund is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it ordinarily would. These transactions may also accelerate the realization of taxable income to shareholders if such sales of investments resulted in gains, and may also increase transaction costs. In addition, large shareholder repurchases could result in the Fund’s current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the Fund’s expense ratios.
13
LEVERAGE RISK. Certain transactions, including derivatives, to-be-announced investments and other when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment transactions, involve a form of leverage. Transactions involving leverage provide investment exposure in an amount exceeding the initial investment. Leverage can increase market exposure, magnify investment risks, and cause losses to be realized more quickly. Certain derivatives have the potential to cause unlimited losses for the Fund, regardless of the size of the initial investment. Leverage may also cause the Fund’s NAV to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been leveraged, as relatively small market movements may result in large changes in the value of a leveraged investment. To reduce the risk associated with leveraging, the Fund may “cover” its position in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder. The use of leverage may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions to satisfy its obligations when it may not be advantageous to do so.
LIBOR RISK. The use of certain London Interbank Offered Rates (collectively, “LIBOR”) was generally phased out by the end of 2021, and some regulated entities (such as banks) have ceased to enter into new LIBOR-based contracts beginning January 1, 2022. However, it is expected that the most widely used tenors of U.S. LIBOR may continue to be provided on a representative basis until mid-2023. In some instances, regulators may restrict new use of LIBORs prior to the actual cessation date. There remains uncertainty regarding the future use of LIBOR and the nature of any replacement rate. As such, the potential effect of a transition away from LIBOR on the Fund or the LIBOR-based instruments in which the Fund invests cannot yet be determined. The transition process away from LIBOR may involve, among other things, increased volatility or illiquidity in markets for instruments that currently rely on LIBOR. The transition process may also result in a reduction in the value of certain instruments held by the Fund or reduce the effectiveness of related Fund transactions, such as hedges. Volatility, the potential reduction in value, and/or the hedge effectiveness of financial instruments may be heightened for financial instruments that do not include fallback provisions that address the cessation of LIBOR. Any potential effects of the transition away from LIBOR on the Fund or on financial instruments in which the Fund invests, as well as other unforeseen effects, could result in losses to the Fund, and the use of an alternative reference rate (e.g., the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), which is a measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight, collateralized by the U.S. Treasury securities and is intended to replace the U.S. dollar LIBOR) may adversely affect the Fund’s performance. Since the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark or reference rate could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur prior to and/or subsequent to mid-2023.
LIQUIDATION OF FUND. The Board may determine to close and liquidate the Fund at any time. In the event of the liquidation of the Fund, shareholders will receive a liquidating distribution in cash or in-kind equal to their proportionate interest in the Fund. A liquidating distribution may be a taxable event for shareholders who do not hold their shares in a tax deferred account and, depending on a shareholder’s basis in his or her Fund shares, may result in the recognition of a gain or loss for tax purposes.
LOANS AND LOAN PARTICIPATIONS. Commercial banks and other financial institutions or institutional investors make corporate loans to companies that need capital to grow or restructure. Borrowers generally pay interest on corporate loans at rates that change in response to changes in market interest rates such as the LIBOR, SOFR or the prime rates of U.S. banks. As a result, the value of corporate loan investments is generally less exposed to the adverse effects of shifts in market interest rates than investments that pay a fixed rate of interest. However, because the trading market for certain corporate loans may be less developed than the secondary market for bonds and notes, the Fund may experience difficulties in selling its corporate loans. The Fund may make certain corporate loan investments as part of a broader group of lenders (together often referred to as a “syndicate”) that is represented by a leading financial institution (or agent bank). The syndicate’s agent arranges the corporate loans, holds collateral and accepts payments of principal and interest. If the agent develops financial problems or is terminated, the Fund may not recover its investment or recovery may be delayed. Corporate loans may be denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars and are subject to the credit risk of nonpayment of principal or interest. Further, substantial increases in interest rates may cause an increase in loan defaults. Although the loans will generally be fully collateralized at the time of acquisition, the collateral may decline in value, be relatively illiquid or lose all or substantially all of its value subsequent to investment. If a borrower files for protection from its creditors under the U.S. bankruptcy laws, these laws may limit the Fund’s rights to the collateral. In addition, the value of collateral may erode during a bankruptcy case. In the event of a bankruptcy, the holder of a corporate loan may not recover its principal, may experience a long delay in recovering its investment and may not receive interest during the delay.
The Fund may also invest in second lien loans (secured loans with a claim on collateral subordinate to a senior lender’s claim on such collateral) and unsecured loans. Holders’ claims under unsecured loans are subordinated to claims of creditors holding secured indebtedness and possibly other classes of creditors holding unsecured debt. Unsecured loans have a greater risk of default than secured loans, particularly during periods of deteriorating economic conditions. Also, since they do not afford the lender recourse to collateral, unsecured loans are subject to greater risk of nonpayment in the event of default than secured loans. Many such loans are relatively illiquid and may be difficult to value.
Some bank loans are subject to the risk that a court, pursuant to fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws, could subordinate the bank loans to presently existing or future indebtedness of the borrower or take other action detrimental to the holders of the bank loans, including, in certain circumstances, invalidating such bank loans or causing interest previously paid to be refunded to the borrower. If interest were required to be refunded, it could negatively affect Fund performance.
14
Indebtedness of companies whose creditworthiness is poor involves substantially greater risks and may be highly speculative. Some companies may never pay off their indebtedness or pay only a small fraction of the amount owed. Consequently, when investing in indebtedness of companies with poor credit, the Fund bears a substantial risk of losing the entire amount invested.
Investments in bank loans through a direct assignment of the financial institution’s interest with respect to the bank loan may involve additional risks. For example, if a secured bank loan is foreclosed, the Fund could become part owner of any collateral, and would bear the costs and liabilities associated with owning and disposing of the collateral. In addition, it is conceivable that under emerging legal theories of lender liability, the Fund could be held liable as a co-lender.
Bank loans may be structured to include both term loans, which are generally fully funded at the time of investment, and revolving credit facilities, which would require the Fund to make additional investments in the bank loans as required under the terms of the credit facility at the borrower’s demand.
A financial institution’s employment as agent bank may be terminated in the event that it fails to observe a requisite standard of care or becomes insolvent. A successor agent bank would generally be appointed to replace the terminated agent bank, and assets held by the agent bank under the loan agreement would remain available to the holders of such indebtedness. However, if assets held by the agent bank for the benefit of the Fund were determined to be subject to the claims of the agent bank’s general creditors, the Fund may incur certain costs and delays in realizing payments on a bank loan or loan participation and could suffer a loss of principal and/or interest.
Floating Rate Loans. The Fund may invest in interests in floating rate loans (often referred to as “floaters”). Senior floating rate loans hold the most senior position in the capital structure of a business entity (the “Borrower”), are typically secured by specific collateral and have a claim on the assets and/or stock of the Borrower that is senior to that held by subordinated debtholders and stockholders of the Borrower. The Fund may also invest in second lien loans (secured loans with a claim on collateral subordinate to a senior lender’s claim on such collateral) and unsecured loans. The Fund may also invest in companies whose financial condition is uncertain and that may be involved in bankruptcy proceedings, reorganizations or financial restructurings. Floating rate loans typically have rates of interest that are reset or redetermined daily, monthly, quarterly or semi-annually by reference to a base lending rate, plus a spread. The base lending rates are primarily LIBOR or SOFR, and secondarily the prime rate offered by one or more major United States banks (the “Prime Rate”) and the certificate of deposit (“CD”) rate or other base lending rates used by commercial lenders. Floating rate loans are typically structured and administered by a financial institution that acts as the agent of the lenders participating in the floating rate loan. Floating rate loans may be acquired directly through the agent, as an assignment from another lender who holds a direct interest in the floating rate loan or as a participation interest in another lender’s portion of the floating rate loan.
The value of the collateral securing a floating rate loan can decline, be insufficient to meet the obligations of the borrower or be difficult to liquidate. As a result, a floating rate loan may not be fully collateralized and can decline significantly in value. Floating rate loans generally are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale. The liquidity of floating rate loans, including the volume and frequency of secondary market trading in such loans, varies significantly over time and among individual floating rate loans. For example, if the credit quality of a floating rate loan unexpectedly declines significantly, secondary market trading in that floating rate loan can also decline for a period of time. During periods of infrequent trading, valuing a floating rate loan can be more difficult, and buying and selling a floating rate loan at an acceptable price can be more difficult and delayed. Difficulty in selling a floating rate loan can result in a loss and can hinder the Fund’s ability to meet repurchase requests.
Many loans in which the Fund may invest may not be rated by a rating agency, and many, if not all, loans will not be registered with the SEC or any state securities commission and will not be listed on any national securities exchange. The amount of public information available with respect to loans will generally be less extensive than that available for registered or exchange-listed securities. In evaluating the creditworthiness of Borrowers, the investment adviser and/or sub-adviser considers, and may rely in part, on analyses performed by others. In the event that loans are not rated, they are likely to be the equivalent of below investment grade quality. Debt securities that are rated below-investment-grade and comparable unrated bonds are viewed by the rating agencies as having speculative characteristics and are commonly known as “junk bonds”. Historically, senior-secured floating rate loans tend to have more favorable loss recovery rates than more junior types of below-investment-grade debt obligations. The sub-adviser does not view ratings as the primary factor in its investment decisions and relies more upon its credit analysis abilities than upon ratings.
Loans and other corporate debt obligations are subject to the risk of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal. Floating rate loans are rated below-investment-grade, which means that rating agencies view them as more likely to default in payment than investment-grade loans. Such non-payment would result in a reduction of income to the Fund, a reduction in the value of the investment and a potential decrease in the net asset value of the Fund. Some floating rate loans are also subject to the risk that a court, pursuant to fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws, could subordinate such floating rate loans to presently existing or future indebtedness of the Borrower or take other action detrimental to the holders of floating rate loans including, in certain circumstances, invalidating such floating rate loans or causing interest previously paid to be refunded to the Borrower. If interest were required to be refunded, it could negatively affect the Fund’s performance.
15
Prepayment Risks. Most floating rate loans and certain debt securities allow for prepayment of principal without penalty. Loans and securities subject to prepayment risk generally offer less potential for gains when interest rates decline, and may offer a greater potential for loss when interest rates rise. In addition, with respect to fixed-rate investments, rising interest rates may cause prepayments to occur at a slower than expected rate, thereby effectively lengthening the maturity of the investment and making the investment more sensitive to interest rate changes. Accordingly, the potential for the value of a floating rate loan or security to increase in response to interest rate declines is limited. Further, loans or debt securities purchased to replace a prepaid loan or debt security may have lower yields than the yield on the prepaid loan or debt security.
Market Risks. Significant events, such as turmoil in the financial and credit markets, geopolitical events, terrorist events, and other market disruption events, such as weather or infrastructure disruptions that affect the markets generally, can affect the liquidity of the markets and cause spreads to widen or interest rates to rise, resulting in a reduction in value of the Fund’s assets. Other economic factors (such as a large downward movement in security prices, a disparity in supply of and demand for certain loans and securities or market conditions that reduce liquidity) can also adversely affect the markets for debt obligations. Rating downgrades of holdings or their issuers will generally reduce the value of such holdings. The Fund is also subject to income risk, which is the potential for a decline in the Fund’s income due to falling interest rates or market reductions in spread.
Terrorist attacks and related events, including wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and their aftermath, and the recent rise of the militant group known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, have led to increased short-term market volatility and may have long-term effects on U.S. and world economies and markets. A similar disruption of the financial markets, such as the problems in the subprime market, could affect interest rates, auctions, secondary trading, ratings, credit risk, inflation and other factors relating to investments in floating rate loans. In particular, junk bonds and floating rate loans tend to be more volatile than higher-rated fixed income securities; as such, these circumstances and any actions resulting from them may have a greater effect on the prices and volatility of junk bonds and floating rate loans than on higher-rated fixed income securities. The Fund cannot predict the effects of similar events in the future on the U.S. economy.
Material Non-Public Information. The Fund may be in possession of material non-public information about a Borrower or issuer as a result of its ownership of a loan or security of such Borrower or issuer. Because of prohibitions on trading in securities of issuers while in possession of such information, the Fund may be unable to enter into a transaction in a loan or security of such a Borrower or issuer when it would otherwise be advantageous to do so.
Regulatory Risk. To the extent that legislation or federal regulators impose additional requirements or restrictions on the ability of financial institutions to make loans, particularly in connection with highly leveraged transactions, floating rate loans for investment may become less available. Any such legislation or regulation could also depress the market values of floating rate loans. Loan interests may not be considered “securities,” and purchasers, such as the Fund, may, therefore, not be entitled to rely on the anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws.
Loan Participations. A participation interest is a fractional interest in a loan, issued by a lender or other financial institution. The lender selling the participation interest remains the legal owner of the loan. Where the Fund is a participant in a loan, it does not have any direct claim on the loan or any rights of set-off against the borrower and may not benefit directly from any collateral supporting the loan. As a result, the Fund is subject to the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the participation. In the event of the insolvency of the lender selling a participation, the Fund may be treated as a general creditor of the lender and may not benefit from any set-off between the lender and the borrower.
The lack of a highly liquid secondary market may have an adverse impact on the ability to dispose of particular loan participations when necessary to meet repurchase requests of the Fund’s shares, to meet the Fund’s liquidity needs or when necessary in response to a specific economic event, such as deterioration in the creditworthiness of the borrower. The lack of a highly liquid secondary market for loan participations also may make it more difficult for the Fund to value these investments for purposes of calculating its net asset value.
Senior Loans. Senior debt (frequently issued in the form of senior notes or referred to as senior loans) is debt that takes priority over other unsecured or otherwise more “junior” debt owed by the issuer. Senior debt has greater seniority in the issuer’s capital structure than subordinated debt. In the event the issuer goes bankrupt, senior debt theoretically must be repaid before other creditors receive any payment. There is less readily available, reliable information about most senior loans than is the case for many other types of securities. In addition, there is no minimum rating or other independent evaluation of a borrower or its securities limiting the Fund’s investments in senior loans, and thus the sub-adviser relies primarily on its own evaluation of a borrower’s credit quality rather than on any available independent sources. As a result, the Fund that invests in senior loans is particularly dependent on the analytical abilities of its sub-adviser.
An economic downturn generally leads to a higher non-payment rate, and a senior loan may lose significant value even before a default occurs. Further, any specific collateral used to secure a senior loan may decline in value or become illiquid, which would adversely affect a senior loan’s value.
No active trading market may exist for certain senior loans, which may impair the Fund’s ability to realize full value in the event
16
that it needs to sell a senior loan and may make it difficult to value senior loans. Adverse market conditions may impair the liquidity of some actively traded senior loans. To the extent that a secondary market does exist for certain senior loans, the market may be subject to irregular trading activity, wide bid/ask spreads and extended trade settlement periods.
Although senior loans in which the Fund invest generally will be secured by specific collateral, there can be no assurance that liquidation of such collateral would satisfy the borrower’s obligation in the event of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal or that such collateral could be readily liquidated. In the event of the bankruptcy of a borrower, the Fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of the collateral securing a senior loan. If the terms of a senior loan do not require the borrower to pledge additional collateral in the event of a decline in the value of the already pledged collateral, the Fund will be exposed to the risk that the value of the collateral will not at all times equal or exceed the amount of the borrowers’ obligations under the senior loans. To the extent that a senior loan is collateralized by stock in the borrower or its subsidiaries, such stock may lose all of its value in the event of the bankruptcy of the borrower. Uncollateralized senior loans involve a greater risk of loss. Some senior loans are subject to the risk that a court, pursuant to fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws, could subordinate the senior loans to presently existing or future indebtedness of the borrower or take other action detrimental to lenders, including the Fund. Such court action could under certain circumstances include the invalidation of senior loans.
If a senior loan is acquired through an assignment, the Fund may not be able unilaterally to enforce all rights and remedies under the loan and with regard to any associated collateral. If a senior loan is acquired through a participation, the acquiring Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement, and the Fund may not directly benefit from the collateral supporting the debt obligation in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, the Fund will be exposed to the credit risk of both the borrower and the entity selling the participation.
Senior loans in which the Fund may invest may be rated below investment grade. The risks associated with these senior loans are similar to the risks of below investment grade securities, although senior loans are typically senior and secured in contrast to other below investment grade securities, which are often subordinated and unsecured. This higher standing of senior loans has historically resulted in generally higher recoveries in the event of a corporate reorganization. In addition, because their interest rates are typically adjusted for changes in short-term interest rates, senior loans generally are subject to less interest rate risk than other below investment grade securities (which are typically fixed rate).
Unsecured Loans. The claims of holders of unsecured loans are subordinated to, and thus lower in priority of payment to, claims of creditors holding secured indebtedness and possibly other classes of creditors holding unsecured debt. Unsecured loans have a greater risk of default than secured loans, particularly during periods of deteriorating economic conditions. In addition, since they do not afford the lender recourse to collateral, unsecured loans are subject to greater risk of nonpayment in the event of default than secured loans.
Delayed Settlement. Compared to securities and to certain other types of financial assets, purchases and sales of senior loans take relatively longer to settle, partly due to the fact that senior loans require a written assignment agreement and various ancillary documents for each transfer, and frequently require discretionary consents from both the borrower and the administrative agent. In addition, recent regulatory changes have increasingly caused dealers to insist on matching their purchases and sales, which can lead to delays in the Fund's settlement of a purchase or sale of a senior loan in circumstances where the dealer's corresponding transaction with another party is delayed. Dealers will also sometimes sell senior loans short, and hold their trades open for an indefinite period while waiting for a price movement or looking for inventory to purchase.
This extended settlement process can (i) increase the counterparty credit risk borne by the Fund; (ii) leave the Fund unable to timely vote, or otherwise act with respect to, senior loans it has agreed to purchase; (iii) delay the Fund from realizing the proceeds of a sale of a senior loan; (iv) inhibit the Fund's ability to re-sell a senior loan that it has agreed to purchase if conditions change (leaving the Fund more exposed to price fluctuations); (v) prevent the Fund from timely collecting principal and interest payments; and (vi) expose the Fund to adverse tax or regulatory consequences.
MARKET RISK. Market risk is the risk that one or more markets in which the Fund invests will go down in value, including the possibility that such markets will go down sharply and unpredictably. Securities or other investments may decline in value due to factors affecting securities markets generally or individual issuers. The value of a security or other investment may change in value due to general market conditions that are not related to a particular issuer, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the general outlook for revenues or corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. The value of a security or other investment may also change in value due to factors that affect an individual issuer or a particular sector or industry. During a general downturn in the securities or other markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. When markets perform well, there can be no assurance that securities or other investments held by the Fund will participate in or otherwise benefit from the advance. Any market disruptions, including those arising out of geopolitical events, including wars, military conflicts, pandemics and epidemics, or natural/environmental disasters, could also prevent the Fund from executing advantageous investment decisions in a timely manner.
A widespread health crisis, such as a global pandemic, could cause substantial market volatility, exchange trading suspensions or
17
restrictions and closures of securities exchanges and businesses, impact the ability to complete redemptions, and adversely impact Fund performance. The outbreak of COVID-19 has negatively affected the worldwide economy, created supply chain disruptions and labor shortages, and impacted the financial health of individual companies and the market in significant and unforeseen ways. The future impact of COVID-19 is currently unknown. The effects to public health, business and market conditions resulting from COVID-19 pandemic may have a significant negative impact on the performance of the Fund’s investments, including exacerbating other pre-existing political, social and economic risks.
Relatively high market volatility and reduced liquidity in credit and fixed-income markets may adversely affect many issuers worldwide. Actions taken by the Fed or foreign central banks to stimulate or stabilize economic growth, such as interventions in currency markets, could cause high volatility in the equity and fixed-income markets. Reduced liquidity may result in less money being available to purchase raw materials, goods, and services from emerging markets, which may, in turn, bring down the prices of these economic staples. It may also result in emerging-market issuers having more difficulty obtaining financing, which may, in turn, cause a decline in their securities prices.
Although interest rates were unusually low in recent years in the U.S. and abroad, recently, the Federal Reserve began to raise interest rates as part of its efforts to address rising inflation. It is difficult to accurately predict the pace at which the Federal Reserve will continue to increase interest rates, or the timing, frequency or magnitude of any such increases. Additionally, various economic and political factors could cause the Federal Reserve to change its approach in the future and the Federal Reserve’s actions may result in an economic slowdown. A significant increase in interest rates may cause a decline in the market for equity securities. Also, regulators have expressed concern that rate increases may contribute to price volatility. These events and the possible resulting market volatility may have an adverse effect on the Fund. Political turmoil within the U.S. and abroad may also impact the Fund. Similarly, political events within the U.S. at times have resulted, and may in the future result, in a shutdown of government services, which could negatively affect the U.S. economy, decrease the value of Fund investments, and increase uncertainty in or impair the operation of the U.S. or other securities markets.
In addition, following the global financial crisis, the Fed attempted to stabilize the economy and support the economic recovery by keeping the federal funds rate (the interest rate at which depository institutions lend reserve balances to other depository institutions overnight) at or near zero percent. To the extent that the Fed reduces its holdings in securities and raises the federal funds rate, there is a risk that interest rates across the financial industry will rise. A general rise in interest rates has the potential to cause investors to move out of fixed-income securities on a large scale, which may increase redemptions from funds that hold large amounts of fixed-income securities.
MID CAP SECURITIES RISK. Mid capitalization securities involve greater risks than those associated with larger, more established companies and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements. Securities of such issuers may lack sufficient market liquidity to enable the Fund to effect sales at an advantageous time or without a substantial drop in price. These companies often have narrower markets, more limited operating or business history and more limited managerial or financial resources than larger, more established companies. As a result, their performance can be more volatile and they face greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility of the Fund’s portfolio. Generally, the smaller the company’s size, the greater these risks.
MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS AND TEMPORARY INVESTMENT STRATEGIES RISK. The Fund may hold cash and invest in money market instruments at any time. The Fund may invest some or all of its assets in cash, high quality money market instruments and shares of money market investment companies for temporary defensive purposes in response to adverse market, economic or political conditions when the adviser or the Fund’s sub-adviser subject to the overall supervision of the adviser, as applicable, deems it appropriate.
Money market instruments include, but are not limited to: (1) banker’s acceptances; (2) obligations of governments (whether U.S. or foreign) and their agencies and instrumentalities; (3) short-term corporate obligations, including commercial paper, notes, and bonds; (4) other short-term debt obligations; (5) obligations of U.S. banks, foreign branches of U.S. banks (Eurodollars), U.S. branches and agencies of foreign banks (Yankee dollars) and foreign branches of foreign banks; (6) asset-backed securities; and (7) repurchase agreements. The Fund may also invest in registered affiliated and unaffiliated money market funds that invest in money market instruments, as permitted by regulations adopted under the 1940 Act. The Fund’s ability to redeem shares of a money market fund may be impacted by liquidity fees and redemption gates under certain circumstances.
Nature of Portfolio Companies. The Investment Funds will include direct and indirect investments in various companies, ventures and businesses. This may include portfolio companies in the early phases of development, which can be highly risky due to the lack of a significant operating history, fully developed product lines, experienced management, or a proven market for their products. The Fund’s investments may also include portfolio companies that are in a state of distress or which have a poor record and which are undergoing restructuring or changes in management, and there can be no assurances that such restructuring or changes will be successful. The management of such portfolio companies may depend on one or two key individuals, and the loss of the
18
services of any of such individuals may adversely affect the performance of such portfolio companies.
NEW FUND RISK. The Fund is a new fund which may result in additional risk. There can be no assurance that the Fund will grow to an economically viable size, in which case the Fund may cease operations. In such an event, investors may be required to liquidate or transfer their investments at an inopportune time.
NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK. A non-diversified fund is permitted to invest a greater portion of its assets in a smaller number of issuers than a “diversified” fund. For this reason, the Fund may be more exposed to the risks associated with and developments affecting an individual issuer than a fund that invests more widely, which may result in a greater risk of loss. A non-diversified Fund may also be subject to greater market fluctuation and price volatility than a more broadly diversified fund.
Non-Listed Closed-end; Liquidity Risks. The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company and designed primarily for long-term investors. Closed-end funds differ from open-end management investment companies (commonly known as mutual funds) because investors in a closed-end fund do not have the right to redeem their shares on a daily basis. Unlike most closed-end funds, which typically list their shares on a securities exchange, the Fund does not currently intend to list the Shares for trading on any securities exchange, and the Fund does not expect any secondary market will develop for the Shares in the foreseeable future. Therefore, an investment in the Fund, unlike an investment in a typical closed-end fund, is not a liquid investment. The Fund is not intended to be a typical traded investment. Although the Fund expects to make regular tender offers for the repurchase of Shares, beginning no later than the fifth full calendar quarter following the date the Fund commences operations, the number of Shares tendered in connection with a repurchase offer may exceed the number of Shares the Fund has offered to repurchase, in which case not all of your Shares tendered in that offer will be repurchased. In connection with any given repurchase offer, it is possible that the Fund may offer to repurchase only a minimum amount of 5% of its outstanding Shares. Hence, you may not be able to sell your Shares when or in the amount that you desire. The Fund is not required to conduct tender offers and may not do so in any given quarter.
OPERATIONAL RISKS. An investment in the Fund, like any fund, can involve operational risks arising from factors such as processing errors, inadequate or failed processes, failure in systems and technology, changes in personnel and errors caused by third-party service providers. Among other things, these errors or failures as well as other technological issues may adversely affect the Fund’s ability to calculate their net asset values in a timely manner, including over a potentially extended period. While the Fund seeks to minimize such events through controls and oversight, there may still be failures that could causes losses to the Fund. In addition, as the use of technology increases, the Fund may be more susceptible to operational risks through breaches in cybersecurity. A breach in cybersecurity refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption, or operational capacity. As a result, the Fund may incur regulatory penalties, reputational damage, additional compliance costs associated with corrected measures and/or financial loss. In addition, cybersecurity breaches of the Fund’s third-party service providers or issuers in which the Fund invests may also subject the Fund to many of the same risks associated with direct cybersecurity breaches.
In addition, the Fund may rely on various third-party sources to calculate its net asset value. As a result, the Fund is subject to certain operational risks associated with reliance on service providers and service providers’ data sources. In particular, errors or system failures and other technological issues may adversely impact the Fund’s calculation of its net asset value, and such net asset value calculation issues may result in inaccurately calculated net asset values, delays in net asset value calculation, and/or the inability to calculate net asset value over extended periods. The Fund may be unable to recover any losses associated with such failures.
OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES. The Fund may invest in securities of other investment companies, such as open-end or closed-end management investment companies, or in pooled accounts, or other unregistered accounts or investment vehicles to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules thereunder and applicable SEC staff interpretations thereof, or applicable exemptive relief granted by the SEC.
These investments are subject to limitations prescribed by the 1940 Act, the rules thereunder and applicable SEC staff interpretations thereof, or applicable exemptive relief granted by the SEC. Generally, the Fund will not purchase securities of an investment company if, as a result: (1) more than 10% of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in securities of other investment companies; (2) such purchase would result in more than 3% of the total outstanding voting securities of any such investment company being held by the Fund; or (3) more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in any one such investment company. In some instances, the Fund may invest in an investment company in excess of these limits; for instance, with respect to investments in money market funds or investments made pursuant to exemptive rules adopted and/or orders granted by the SEC.
Investments listed closed-end funds are subject to the additional risk that shares of closed-end fund may trade at a premium or discount to their net asset value per share. There may also not be an active trading market available for shares of some closed-end funds. Additionally, trading closed-end fund shares may be halted and closed-end fund shares may be delisted by the listing exchange. In addition, the Fund pays brokerage commissions in connection with the purchase and sale of shares of closed-end funds. Closed-end funds are also subject to specific risks depending on the nature of the closed-end fund, such as liquidity risk, sector risk, and foreign and emerging markets risk, as well as risks associated with fixed income securities, real estate investments and commodities. Closed-end funds may utilize more leverage than other types of investment companies. They can utilize leverage by issuing preferred stocks
19
or debt securities to raise additional capital which can, in turn, be used to buy more securities and leverage its portfolio. A business development company ("BDC"), which is a type of closed-end fund, typically invests in small and medium-sized U.S. companies. A BDC’s portfolio is subject to the risks inherent in investing in smaller companies, including that portfolio companies may be dependent on a small number of products or services and may be more adversely affected by poor economic or market conditions. Some BDCs invest substantially, or even exclusively, in one sector or industry group and therefore the BDC may be susceptible to adverse conditions and economic or regulatory occurrences affecting the sector or industry group, which tends to increase volatility and result in higher risk. The Small Business Credit Availability Act permits BDCs to adopt a lower asset coverage ratio, thereby enhancing their ability to use leverage. Investments in BDCs that use greater leverage may be subject to heightened risks.
The Fund will indirectly bear a pro rata share of fees and expenses incurred by any investment companies in which the Fund is invested. The Fund’s pro rata portion of the cumulative expenses charged by the investment companies is calculated as a percentage of the Fund’s average net assets. The pro rata portion of the cumulative expenses may be higher or lower depending on the allocation of the Fund’s assets among the investment companies and the actual expenses of the investment companies. BDC expenses are similar to the expenses paid by any operating company held by the Fund. They are not direct costs paid by Fund shareholders and are not used to calculate the Fund’s net asset value. They have no impact on the costs associated with Fund operations.
PREFERRED STOCK RISK. The prices and yields of nonconvertible preferred stocks generally move with changes in interest rates and the issuer’s credit quality, similar to debt securities. The value of convertible preferred stocks varies in response to many factors, including, for example, the value of the underlying equity securities, general market and economic conditions and convertible market valuations, as well as changes in interest rates, credit spreads and the credit quality of the issuer.
PRIVATE PLACEMENT RISK. Investments in private placements are generally considered to be illiquid. Privately placed securities may be difficult to sell promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby cause the Fund difficulty in satisfying repurchase requests. In addition, less information may be available about companies that make private placements than about publicly offered companies and such companies may not be subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements that would be applicable if their securities were publicly traded. Privately placed securities are typically fair valued and generally have no secondary trading market; therefore, such investments may be more difficult to value than publicly traded securities. Difficulty in valuing a private placement may make it difficult to accurately determine the Fund’s exposure to private placement investments. Private placement investments may subject the Fund to contingent liabilities in the event a private issuer is acquired by another company during the period it is held by the Fund. Private placement investments may involve a high degree of business and financial risk and may result in substantial losses. These factors may have a negative effect on the Fund’s performance.
Some privately placed companies in which the Fund may invest may be operating at a loss or with substantial variations in operating results from period to period and may need substantial additional capital to support expansion or to achieve or maintain competitive positions. Such companies may face intense competition, including competition from companies with much greater financial resources, much more extensive development, production, marketing and service capabilities and a much larger number of qualified managerial and technical personnel. There is no assurance that the marketing efforts of any particular company will be successful or that its business will succeed. In addition, timely or accurate information may at times not be readily available about the business, financial condition and results of operations of the privately held companies in which the Fund invests. Private debt investments also are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk and duration risk.
Private Investments in Public Equity (PIPES). PIPEs are equity securities issued in a private placement by companies that have outstanding, publicly traded equity securities of the same class. Shares in PIPEs generally are not registered with the SEC until after a certain time period from the date the private sale is completed. PIPE transactions will generally result in the Fund acquiring either restricted stock or an instrument convertible into restricted stock. As with investments in other types of restricted securities, such an investment may be illiquid. The Fund's ability to dispose of securities acquired in PIPE transactions may depend upon the registration of such securities for resale. Any number of factors may prevent or delay a proposed registration. Alternatively, it may be possible for securities acquired in a PIPE transaction to be resold in transactions exempt from registration in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”), or otherwise under the federal securities laws. There is no guarantee, however, that an active trading market for the securities will exist at the time of disposition of the securities, and the lack of such a market could hurt the market value of the Fund's investments. As a result, even if the Fund is able to have securities acquired in a PIPE transaction registered or sell such securities through an exempt transaction, the Fund may not be able to sell all the securities on short notice, and the sale of the securities could lower the market price of the securities.
Indemnification of Investment Funds, Investment Managers and Others. The Fund may agree to indemnify certain of the Investment Funds and their respective managers, officers, directors, and affiliates from any liability, damage, cost, or expense arising out of, among other things, acts or omissions undertaken in connection with the management of Investment Funds. If the Fund were required to make payments (or return distributions) in respect of any such indemnity, the Fund could be materially adversely affected. Indemnification of sellers of secondaries may be required as a condition to purchasing such securities.
Termination of the Fund’s Interest in an Investment Fund. An Investment Fund may, among other things, terminate the Fund’s interest in that Investment Fund (causing a forfeiture of all or a portion of such interest) if the Fund fails to satisfy any capital call by
20
that Investment Fund or if the continued participation of the Fund in the Investment Fund would have a material adverse effect on the Investment Fund or its assets. The Fund’s over-commitment strategy may increase the risk that the Fund is unable to satisfy a capital call from an Investment Fund.
General Risks of Secondary Investments. The overall performance of the Fund’s secondary investments will depend in large part on the acquisition price paid, which may be negotiated based on incomplete or imperfect information. Certain secondary investments may be purchased as a portfolio, and in such cases the Fund may not be able to carve out from such purchases those investments that the Advisers consider (for commercial, tax, legal or other reasons) less attractive. Where the Fund acquires an Investment Fund interest as a secondary investment, the Fund will generally not have the ability to modify or amend such Investment Fund’s constituent documents (e.g., limited partnership agreements) or otherwise negotiate the economic terms of the interests being acquired. In addition, the costs and resources required to investigate the commercial, tax and legal issues relating to secondary investments may be greater than those relating to primary investments.
Where the Fund acquires an Investment Fund interest as a secondary investment, the Fund may acquire contingent liabilities associated with such interest. Specifically, where the seller has received distributions from the relevant Investment Fund and, subsequently, that Investment Fund recalls any portion of such distributions, the Fund (as the purchaser of the interest to which such distributions are attributable) may be obligated to pay an amount equivalent to such distributions to such Investment Fund. While the Fund may be able, in turn, to make a claim against the seller of the interest for any monies so paid to the Investment Fund, there can be no assurance that the Fund would have such right or prevail in any such claim.
The Fund may acquire secondary investments as a member of a purchasing syndicate, in which case the Fund may be exposed to additional risks including, among other things: (i) counterparty risk, (ii) reputation risk, (iii) breach of confidentiality by a syndicate member, and (iv) execution risk.
Force Majeure Risk. Investment Funds may be affected by force majeure events (i.e., events beyond the control of the party claiming that the event has occurred, including, without limitation, acts of God, fire, flood, earthquakes, outbreaks of an infectious disease, pandemic or any other serious public health concern, war, terrorism and labor strikes). Some force majeure events may adversely affect the ability of a party (including an Investment Fund or a counterparty to the Fund or an Investment Fund) to perform its obligations until it is able to remedy the force majeure event. In addition, the cost to an Investment Fund or the Fund of repairing or replacing damaged assets resulting from such force majeure event could be considerable. Certain force majeure events (such as war or an outbreak of an infectious disease) could have a broader negative impact on the world economy and international business activity generally, or in any of the countries in which the Fund may invest specifically. Additionally, a major governmental intervention into industry, including the nationalization of an industry or the assertion of control over one or more Investment Interests or its assets, could result in a loss to the Fund, including if its investment in such Investment Fund is canceled, unwound or acquired (which could be without what the Fund considers to be adequate compensation). Any of the foregoing may therefore adversely affect the performance of the Fund and its investments.
Substantial Fees and Expenses Risk. A shareholder in the Fund that meets the eligibility conditions imposed by one or more Investment Funds, including minimum initial investment requirements that may be substantially higher than those imposed by the Fund, could potentially invest directly in primaries of such Investment Funds. By investing in the Investment Funds through the Fund, a shareholder in the Fund will bear a portion of the Management Fee and other expenses of the Fund. A shareholder in the Fund will also indirectly bear a portion of the asset-based fees, carried interests or incentive allocations (which are a share of an Investment Fund’s returns which are paid to the Investment Manager) and fees and expenses borne by the Fund as an investor in the Investment Funds. In addition, to the extent that the Fund invests in an Investment Fund that is itself a “fund of funds,” the Fund will bear a third layer of fees. Each Investment Manager receives any incentive-based allocations to which it is entitled irrespective of the performance of the other Investment Funds and the Fund generally. As a result, an Investment Fund with positive performance may receive compensation from the Fund, even if the Fund’s overall returns are negative.
Incentive Allocation Arrangements. Each Investment Manager may receive a performance fee, carried interest or incentive allocation generally equal to 20% of the net profits earned by the Investment Fund that it manages, typically subject to a preferred return. These performance incentives may create an incentive for the Investment Managers to make investments that are riskier or more speculative than those that might have been made in the absence of the performance fee, carried interest, or incentive allocation.
Control Positions. Investment Funds may take control positions in companies. The exercise of control over a company imposes additional risks of liability for environmental damage, product defects, failure to supervise and other types of liability related to business operations. In addition, the act of taking a control position, or seeking to take such a position, may itself subject an Investment Fund to litigation by parties interested in blocking it from taking that position. If those liabilities were to arise, or such litigation were to be resolved adversely to the Investment Funds, the investing Investment Funds likely would suffer losses on their investments.
Inadequate Return. No assurance can be given that the returns on the Fund’s investments will be commensurate with the risk of investment in the Fund. Shareholders should not commit money to the Fund unless they have the resources to sustain the loss of their entire investment in the Fund.
21
Inside Information. From time to time, the Fund or its affiliates may come into possession of material, non-public information concerning an entity in which the Fund has invested, or proposes to invest. Possession of that information may limit the ability of the Fund to buy or sell securities of the entity.
Recourse to the Fund’s Assets. The Fund’s assets, including any investments made by the Fund and any interest in the Investment Funds held by the Fund, are available to satisfy all liabilities and other obligations of the Fund. If the Fund becomes subject to a liability, parties seeking to have the liability satisfied may have recourse to the Fund’s assets generally and not be limited to any particular asset, such as the asset representing the investment giving rise to the liability.
Limitations on Transfer; Shares Not Listed; No Market for Shares. The transferability of Shares is subject to certain restrictions contained in the Fund’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust and is affected by restrictions imposed under applicable securities laws. Shares are not traded on any national securities exchange or other market. No market currently exists for Shares, and the Fund contemplates that one will not develop. The Shares are, therefore, not readily marketable. Although the Adviser and the Fund expect to recommend to the Board of Trustees that the Fund offer to repurchase Shares quarterly, no assurances can be given that the Fund will do so and, in any case, repurchases will not begin until two years after the Fund has commenced operations. Consequently, Shares should only be acquired by investors able to commit their funds for an indefinite period of time.
REGIONAL/COUNTRY FOCUS RISK. To the extent that the Fund focuses its investments in a particular geographic region or country, the Fund may be subject to increased currency, political, social, environmental, regulatory and other risks not typically associated with investing in a larger number of regions or countries. In addition, certain foreign economies may themselves be focused in particular industries or more vulnerable to political changes than the U.S. economy, which may have a pronounced impact on the Fund’s investments. As a result, the Fund may be subject to greater price volatility and risk of loss than a fund holding more geographically diverse investments. Regional and country focus risk is heightened in emerging markets.
The following sets forth additional information regarding risks associated with investing in certain geographic regions and countries.
Investments in Europe Risk. The Economic and Monetary Union of the European Union requires compliance with restrictions on inflation rates, deficits, interest rates, debt levels and fiscal and monetary controls, each of which may significantly affect every country in Europe. Decreasing imports or exports, changes in governmental or European Union regulations on trade, changes in the exchange rate of the euro (the common currency of certain European Union countries), the default or threat of default by an European Union member country on its sovereign debt, and/or an economic recession in an European Union member country may have a significant adverse effect on the economies of European Union member countries and their trading partners. The European financial markets have experienced volatility and adverse trends due to concerns about economic downturns or rising government debt levels in several European countries. These events have adversely affected the exchange rate of the euro and may continue to significantly affect every country in Europe, including countries that do not use the euro. Responses to the financial problems by European governments, central banks and others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not produce the desired results, may result in social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other unintended consequences. Further defaults or restructurings by governments and other entities of their debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world. A default or debt restructuring by any European country would adversely impact holders of that country’s debt, and sellers of credit default swaps linked to that country’s creditworthiness (which may be located in other countries). These events may have an adverse effect on the value and exchange rate of the euro and may continue to significantly affect the economies of every country in Europe, including European Union member countries that do not use the euro and non-European Union member countries. If any member country exits the European Monetary Union, the departing country would face the risks of currency devaluation and its trading partners and banks and others around the world that hold the departing country’s debt would face the risk of significant losses. In addition, the resulting economic instability of Europe and the currency markets in general could have a severe adverse effect on the value of securities held by the Fund.
The impact of the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, commonly known as “Brexit,” and the potential departure of one or more other countries from the European Union has and may have significant political and financial consequences for global markets. These consequences include greater market volatility and illiquidity, currency fluctuations, deterioration in economic activity, a decrease in business confidence and an increased likelihood of a recession in such markets. Uncertainty relating to the United Kingdom’s post-departure framework and relationships may have adverse effects on asset valuations and the renegotiation of trade agreements, as well as an increase in financial regulation in such markets. This may adversely impact Fund performance.
Certain European countries have also developed increasingly strained relationships with the U.S., and if these relations were to worsen, they could adversely affect European issuers that rely on the U.S. for trade. Secessionist movements, such as the Catalan movement in Spain and the independence movement in Scotland, as well as governmental or other responses to such movements, may
22
also create instability and uncertainty in the region. In addition, the national politics of countries in the European Union have been unpredictable and subject to influence by disruptive political groups and ideologies. The governments of European Union countries may be subject to change and such countries may experience social and political unrest. Unanticipated or sudden political or social developments may result in sudden and significant investment losses. The occurrence of terrorist incidents throughout Europe also could impact financial markets. The impact of these events is not clear but could be significant and far-reaching and could adversely affect the value (and liquidity) of the Fund’s investments.
Investments in Asia Risk. Certain Asian economies have experienced high inflation, high unemployment, currency devaluations and restrictions, and over-extension of credit. Many Asian economies have experienced rapid growth and industrialization, and there is no assurance that this growth rate will be maintained. During the global recession that began in 2009, many of the export-driven Asian economies experienced the effects of the economic slowdown in the United States and Europe, and certain Asian governments implemented stimulus plans, low-rate monetary policies and currency devaluations. Economic events in any one Asian country may have a significant economic effect on the entire Asian region, as well as on major trading partners outside Asia. Any adverse event in the Asian markets may have a significant adverse effect on some or all of the economies of the countries in which the Fund invests. Many Asian countries are subject to political risk, including corruption and regional conflict with neighboring countries. In addition, many Asian countries are subject to social and labor risks associated with demands for improved political, economic and social conditions.
Investments in China Risk. Investments in securities of companies domiciled in the People’s Republic of China (“China” or the “PRC”) involve a high degree of risk and special considerations not typically associated with investing in the U.S. securities markets. Such heightened risks include, among others, an authoritarian government, popular unrest associated with demands for improved political, economic and social conditions, the impact of regional conflict on the economy and hostile relations with neighboring countries. Military conflicts, either in response to internal social unrest or conflicts with other countries, could disrupt economic development. The Chinese economy is vulnerable to the long-running disagreements with Hong Kong related to integration. China has a complex territorial dispute regarding the sovereignty of Taiwan; Taiwan-based companies and individuals are significant investors in China. Potential military conflict between China and Taiwan may adversely affect securities of Chinese issuers. In addition, China has strained international relations with Japan, India, Russia and other neighbors due to territorial disputes, historical animosities and other defense concerns. China could be affected by military events on the Korean peninsula or internal instability within North Korea. These situations may cause uncertainty in the Chinese market and may adversely affect the performance of the Chinese economy.
The U.S. government may occasionally place restrictions on investments in Chinese companies. For example, on June 3, 2021, President Biden issued an executive order prohibiting U.S. persons from purchasing or selling publicly traded securities (including publicly traded securities that are derivative of, or are designed to provide exposure to, such securities) of any Chinese company identified as a Chinese Military Industrial Complex Company (“CMIC”). The substantive requirements of this executive order were subsequently implemented by the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control through formal rulemaking (“OFAC Rules”). A number of Chinese issuers have been designated under this program and more could be added. Certain implementation matters related to the scope of, and compliance with, the OFAC Rules have not yet been fully resolved, and the ultimate application and enforcement of the OFAC Rules may change. As a result, the OFAC Rules and related guidance may significantly reduce the liquidity of such securities, force the Fund to sell certain positions at inopportune times or for unfavorable prices, and restrict future investments by the Fund.
The Chinese government has implemented significant economic reforms in order to liberalize trade policy, promote foreign investment in the economy, reduce government control of the economy and develop market mechanisms. But there can be no assurance that these reforms will continue or that they will be effective. Despite reforms and privatizations of companies in certain sectors, the Chinese government still exercises substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector and may own or control many companies. The Chinese government continues to maintain a major role in economic policy making and investing in China involves risks of losses due to expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets and property, and the imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and on repatriation of capital invested. In addition, the imposition of sanctions and other government restrictions by the United States and other governments may also result in losses.
The Chinese government may intervene in the Chinese financial markets, such as by the imposition of trading restrictions, a ban on “naked” short selling or the suspension of short selling for certain stocks. This may affect market price and liquidity of these stocks, and may have an unpredictable impact on the investment activities of the Fund. Furthermore, such market interventions may have a negative impact on market sentiment which may in turn affect the performance of the securities markets and as a result the performance of the Fund. Segments of China’s private debt markets (e.g., non-investment grade debt or “junk bonds”) may at times become relatively concentrated by a limited number of large issuers in one or more industries (e.g., real estate). The default or threat of default by one or more such large issuers could have adverse consequences on other issuers in such industries or related industries.
In addition, there is less regulation and monitoring of the securities markets and the activities of investors, brokers and other
23
participants in China than in the United States. Accordingly, issuers of securities in China are not subject to the same degree of regulation as those in the United States with respect to such matters as insider trading rules, tender offer regulation, stockholder proxy requirements and the requirements mandating timely and accurate disclosure of information. Stock markets in China are in the process of change and further development. This may lead to trading volatility, and difficulties in the settlement and recording of transactions and interpretation and application of the relevant regulations. Custodians may not be able to offer the level of service and safe-keeping in relation to the settlement and administration of securities in China that is customary in more developed markets. In particular, there is a risk that the Fund may not be recognized as the owner of securities that are held on behalf of the Fund by a sub-custodian. The Fund thus faces the risk of being unable to enforce its rights with respect to its holdings of Chinese investments.
The RMB, China’s official currency, is currently not a freely convertible currency and is subject to foreign exchange control policies and repatriation restrictions imposed by the Chinese government. The imposition of currency controls may negatively impact performance and liquidity of the Fund as capital may become trapped in the PRC. The Fund could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation of capital, as well as by the application to the Fund of any restrictions on investments. At times, there may be insufficient offshore RMB for the Fund to remain fully invested in Chinese equities. Investing in entities either in, or which have a substantial portion of their operations in, the PRC may require the Fund to adopt special procedures, seek local government approvals or take other actions, each of which may involve additional costs and delays to the Fund.
While the Chinese economy has grown rapidly in recent years, there is no assurance that this growth rate will be maintained. China may experience substantial rates of inflation or economic recessions, causing a negative effect on the economy and securities market. China’s economy is heavily dependent on export growth. Reduction in spending on Chinese products and services, institution of tariffs or other trade barriers or a downturn in any of the economies of China’s key trading partners may have an adverse impact on the securities of Chinese issuers. The tax laws and regulations in the PRC are subject to change, including the issuance of authoritative guidance or enforcement, possibly with retroactive effect. The interpretation, applicability and enforcement of such laws by the PRC tax authorities are not as consistent and transparent as those of more developed nations, and may vary over time and from region to region. The application and enforcement of the PRC tax rules could have a significant adverse effect on the Fund and its investors, particularly in relation to capital gains withholding tax imposed upon non-residents. In addition, the accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices applicable to Chinese companies may be less rigorous, and may result in significant differences between financial statements prepared in accordance with PRC accounting standards and practices and those prepared in accordance with international accounting standards.
REPURCHASE AND REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. A repurchase agreement is an agreement between two parties whereby one party sells the other a security at a specified price with a commitment to repurchase the security later at an agreed-upon price, date and interest payment. A reverse repurchase agreement is a term used to describe the opposite side of a repurchase transaction and represents a form of borrowing. The party that purchases and later resells a security is said to perform a repurchase; the other party, that sells and later repurchases a security is said to perform a reverse repurchase. The Fund is permitted to enter into fully collateralized repurchase agreements. The Fund’s Board of Trustees has delegated to the sub-adviser the responsibility of evaluating the creditworthiness of the banks and securities dealers with which the Fund will engage in repurchase agreements. The sub-adviser will monitor such transactions to ensure that the value of underlying collateral will be at least equal to the total amount of the repurchase obligation as required by the valuation provision of the repurchase agreement, including the accrued interest. Repurchase agreements carry the risk that the market value of the securities declines below the repurchase price. The Fund could also lose money if it is unable to recover the securities and the value of any collateral held by the Fund, if applicable, to cover the transaction is less than the value of the securities. In the event the borrower commences bankruptcy proceedings, a court may characterize the transaction as a loan. If the Fund has not perfected a security interest in the underlying collateral, the Fund may be required to return the underlying collateral to the borrower’s estate and be treated as an unsecured creditor. As an unsecured creditor, the Fund could lose some or all of the principal and interest involved in the transaction. The use of reverse repurchase agreements may increase the possibility of fluctuation in the Fund’s net asset value.
Repurchase Offers Risk. The Fund expects to make periodic quarterly offers to repurchase Shares at NAV, pursuant to Rule 13e-4 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Fund believes that these repurchase offers are generally beneficial to the Fund’s shareholders, and repurchases generally will be funded from available cash or sales of portfolio securities. However, the repurchase of Shares by the Fund decreases the assets of the Fund and, therefore, may have the effect of increasing the Fund’s expense ratios. Repurchase offers and the need to fund repurchase obligations may also affect the ability of the Fund to be fully invested or force the Fund to maintain a higher percentage of its assets in liquid investments, which may harm the Fund’s investment performance. Moreover, diminution in the size of the Fund through repurchases may result in untimely sales of portfolio securities and may limit the ability of the Fund to participate in new investment opportunities or to achieve its investment objective. If the Fund uses leverage, repurchases of Shares may compound the adverse effects of leverage in a declining market. In addition, if the Fund borrows money to finance repurchases, interest on that borrowing will negatively affect shareholders who do not tender their Shares by increasing Fund expenses and reducing any net investment income. If a repurchase offer is oversubscribed and the Fund
24
determines not to repurchase additional Shares beyond the repurchase offer amount, the Fund will repurchase the Shares tendered on a pro rata basis, and shareholders will have to wait until the next repurchase offer to make another repurchase request. Shareholders will be subject to the risk of NAV fluctuations during that period. Thus, there is also a risk that some shareholders, in anticipation of proration, may tender more Shares than they wish to have repurchased in a particular quarter, thereby increasing the likelihood that proration will occur. The NAV of Shares tendered in a repurchase offer may fluctuate between the date a shareholder submits a repurchase request and closing date of the tender offer. Such fluctuations may be exacerbated by currency fluctuations to the extent the Fund invests in foreign markets and other market developments. The NAV on the valuation date for the tender offer may be higher or lower than on the date a shareholder submits a repurchase request. See “Repurchases and Transfers of Shares” in the Prospectus.
The Fund may postpone or suspend repurchase offers or may elect not to make a tender offer in any given quarter. A postponement or suspension may occur only if approved by a vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees. The Fund or your financial intermediary will send you a notice if there is such a determination and if a repurchase offer is renewed after a suspension or postponement.
RESTRICTED SECURITIES RISK. The Fund may invest in securities that cannot be offered for public resale unless registered under the applicable securities laws or that have a contractual restriction that prohibits or limits their resale (“restricted securities”). Restricted securities may be sold in private placement transactions between issuers and their purchasers and may be neither listed on an exchange nor traded in other established markets. Restricted securities include private placement securities that have not been registered under the applicable securities laws, such as Rule 144A securities, and securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers that are issued pursuant to Regulation S. In many cases, privately placed securities may not be freely transferable under the laws of the applicable jurisdiction or due to contractual restrictions on resale. As a result of the absence of a public trading market, privately placed securities may be less liquid and more difficult to value than publicly traded securities. To the extent that privately placed securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized from the sales, due to illiquidity, could be less than those originally paid by the Fund or less than their fair market value. In addition, issuers whose securities are not publicly traded may not be subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements that may be applicable if their securities were publicly traded. If any privately placed securities held by the Fund are required to be registered under the securities laws of one or more jurisdictions before being resold, the Fund may be required to bear the expenses of registration. Certain of the Fund’s investments in private placements may consist of direct investments and may include investments in smaller, less seasoned issuers, which may involve greater risks. These issuers may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or they may be dependent on a limited management group. In making investments in such securities, the Fund may obtain access to material nonpublic information, which may restrict the Fund’s ability to conduct portfolio transactions in such securities.
Some of these securities are new and complex, and trade only among institutions; the markets for these securities are still developing, and may not function as efficiently as established markets. Owning a large percentage of restricted securities could hamper the Fund’s ability to raise cash to meet repurchase requests. Also, because there may not be an established market price for these securities, the Fund may have to estimate their value, which means that their valuation (and, to a much smaller extent, the valuation of the Fund) may have a subjective element. Transactions in restricted securities may entail registration expense and other transaction costs that are higher than those for transactions in unrestricted securities. Where registration is required for restricted securities a considerable time period may elapse between the time the Fund decides to sell the security and the time it is actually permitted to sell the security under an effective registration statement. If during such period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain less favorable pricing terms that when it decided to sell the security. The Fund may purchase securities that may have restrictions on transfer or resale (including Rule 144A securities and Regulation S securities). “Rule 144A” securities (and equivalent securities issued pursuant to Regulation S of the 1933 Act) are privately placed, restricted securities that may only be resold under certain circumstances to other qualified institutional buyers. Rule 144A investments are subject to certain additional risks compared to publicly traded securities. If there are not enough qualified buyers interested in purchasing Rule 144A securities when the Fund wishes to sell such securities, the Fund may be unable to dispose of such securities promptly or at reasonable prices. For this reason, although Rule 144A securities are generally considered to be liquid, the Fund’s holdings in Rule 144A securities may adversely affect the Fund’s overall liquidity if qualified buyers become uninterested in buying them at a particular time. Issuers of Rule 144A securities are required to furnish information to potential investors upon request. However, the required disclosure is much less extensive than that required of public companies and is not publicly available. Further, issuers of Rule 144A securities can require recipients of the information (such as the Fund) to agree contractually to keep the information confidential, which could also adversely affect the Fund’s ability to dispose of a security. Offerings of Regulation S securities may be conducted outside of the United States. Regulation S securities are generally less liquid than registered securities, as a result, the Fund may take longer to liquidate these positions than would be the case for publicly traded securities. Although Regulation S securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the price realized from these sales could be less than those originally paid by the Fund. Further, companies whose securities are not publicly traded may not be subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements that would be applicable if their securities were publicly traded. Accordingly, Regulation S securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk and may result in substantial losses.
25
Depending upon the circumstances, the Fund may only be able to sell these securities in the United States if an exemption from registration under the federal and state securities laws is available or may only be able to sell these securities outside of the United States (such as on a foreign exchange). These securities may either be determined to be liquid or illiquid pursuant to policies and guidelines established by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. See also “Private Placement Risk” above.
SECTOR CONCENTRATION RISK. An Investment Fund may concentrate its investments in specific industry sectors. This focus may constrain the liquidity and the number of portfolio companies available for investment by an Investment Fund. In addition, the investments of such an Investment Fund will be disproportionately exposed to the risks associated with the industry sectors of concentration. The Fund expects to focus its investments in the information technology, healthcare, consumer discretionary and consumer staples, business services, and industrials sectors.
Information Technology Sector Risk. The Fund’s performance may be closely tied to the performance of information technology issuers and, as a result, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, factors impacting this sector. The information technology sector includes companies engaged in internet software and services, technology hardware and storage peripherals, electronic equipment instruments and components, and semiconductors and semiconductor equipment. Information technology companies face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, which may have an adverse effect on their profit margins. Like other technology companies, information technology companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. The products of information technology companies may face obsolescence due to rapid technological developments, frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Companies in the information technology sector are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights. The loss or impairment of these rights may adversely affect the profitability of these companies.
Consumer Discretionary and Consumer Staples Sector Risk. Companies in the consumer discretionary and consumer staples sectors are subject to the risks associated with adverse changes in consumer sentiment and buying patterns, the effects of inflation and disruptions in the supply chain that negatively impact the availability of products. Companies in these sectors may also be adversely affected by supply and demand for certain products and services, price fluctuations, product obsolescence and product liability claims, governmental regulation, exchange rates, world events, general economic conditions and other factors. In addition, certain companies in the consumer sectors may be cyclical and have occasional sharp price movements resulting from changes in the economy, fuel prices, labor agreements and insurance costs.
Healthcare Sector Risk. Many healthcare-related companies are smaller and less seasoned than companies in other sectors. Healthcare-related companies may also be strongly affected by scientific or technological developments, and their products may quickly become obsolete. The profitability of healthcare-related companies may be affected by extensive government regulation, restrictions on government reimbursement for medical expenses, rising or falling costs of medical products and services, pricing pressure, an increased emphasis on outpatient services, a limited number of products, industry innovation, changes in technologies and other market developments. Many healthcare companies are heavily dependent on patent protection and the actual or perceived safety and efficiency of their products. The expiration of patents may adversely affect the profitability of these companies. Patents have a limited duration, and, upon expiration, other companies may market substantially similar “generic” products that are typically sold at a lower price than the patented product, which can cause the original developer of the product to lose market share and/or reduce the price charged for the product, resulting in lower profits for the original developer. As a result, the expiration of patents may adversely affect the profitability of these companies.
Many healthcare companies are subject to extensive litigation based on product liability and similar claims. Further, many healthcare-related companies offer products and services that are subject to governmental regulation and may be adversely affected by changes in governmental policies or laws. Changes in governmental policies or laws may span a wide range of topics, including cost control, national health insurance, incentives for compensation in the provision of healthcare services, tax incentives and penalties related to healthcare insurance premiums, and promotion of prepaid healthcare plans. In addition, a number of legislative proposals concerning healthcare have been considered by the U.S. Congress in recent years. It is unclear what proposals will ultimately be enacted, if any, and what effect they may have on companies in the healthcare sector. Many new products in the healthcare sector may be subject to regulatory approvals. The process of obtaining such approvals may be long and costly, which can result in increased development costs, delayed cost recovery and loss of competitive advantage to the extent that rival companies have developed competing products or procedures, adversely affecting the company’s revenues and profitability. In other words, delays in the regulatory approval process may diminish the opportunity for a company to profit from a new product or to bring a new product to market, which could have a material adverse effect on a company’s business.
26
Healthcare companies are subject to competitive forces that may make it difficult to raise prices and, in fact, may result in price discounting. Additionally, the expansion of facilities by healthcare-related providers may be subject to “determinations of need” by certain government authorities. This process not only generally increases the time and costs involved in these expansions, but also makes expansion plans uncertain, limiting the revenue and profitability growth potential of healthcare-related facilities operators and negatively affecting the prices of their securities.
Business Services Risk. Companies in the business services sector can be significantly affected by competitive pressures, such as technological developments, fixed-rate pricing, and the ability to attract and retain skilled employees. The success of companies that provide business-related services is, in part, subject to continued demand for business services as companies and other organizations seek alternative, cost-effective means to meet their economic goals.
Industrials Sector Risk. The Fund's performance may be closely tied to the performance of industrials issuers and, as a result, may be more volatile than the performance of more broadly diversified funds. The prices of securities in the industrials sector can be volatile and can be impacted significantly by supply and demand for certain products and services, product obsolescence and product liability claims, government regulation, exchange rates, world events, general economic conditions and other factors. In addition, certain companies in the industrials sector may be cyclical and have occasional sharp price movements resulting from changes in the economy, fuel prices, labor agreements and insurance costs.
SMALL CAPITALIZATION SECURITIES RISK. The Fund may invest in equity securities (including securities issued in initial public offerings) of companies with smaller market capitalizations. Because the issuers of small capitalization securities tend to be smaller or less well-established companies, they may have limited product lines, market share or financial resources, may have less historical data with respect to operations and management and may be more dependent on a limited number of key employees. As a result, small capitalization securities are often less marketable than securities of larger or more well-established companies. Historically, small market capitalization securities and securities of recently organized companies are subject to increased price volatility due to: (i) less certain growth prospects; (ii) lower degrees of liquidity in the markets for such securities; (iii) thin trading that could result in the securities being sold at a discount or in small lots over an extended period of time; (iv) limited product lines, markets or financial resources; (v) dependence on a few key management personnel; (vi) increased sensitivity to changes in interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings; (vii) difficulty in obtaining information on smaller capitalization companies as compared with larger capitalization companies; (viii) greater sensitivity to changing economic conditions and increased risk of bankruptcy due to adverse developments or management changes affecting the company; and (ix) greater difficulty borrowing money to continue or expand operations. When the Fund invests in smaller company stocks that might trade infrequently, investors might seek to trade Fund shares based on their knowledge or understanding of the value of those securities (this is sometimes referred to as “price arbitrage”). If such price arbitrage were successful, it might interfere with the efficient management of the Fund’s portfolio and the Fund may be required to sell securities at disadvantageous times or prices to satisfy the liquidity requirements created by that activity. Successful price arbitrage might also dilute the value of Fund shares held by other shareholders.
Special Tax Risks. Special tax risks are associated with an investment in the Fund. The Fund intends to satisfy the requirements each taxable year necessary to qualify as a “regulated investment company” or “RIC” under Subchapter M of the Code. As such, the Fund must satisfy, among other requirements, certain ongoing asset diversification, source-of-income and annual distribution requirements. Each of these ongoing requirements for qualification for the favorable tax treatment available to RICs require.
Some of the income that the Fund may earn directly or through an Investment Interest, such as income recognized from an equity investment in an operating partnership, may not satisfy the gross income test. To manage the risk that such income might jeopardize the Fund’s tax status as a RIC resulting from a failure to satisfy the gross income test, one or more subsidiary entities treated as U.S. corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be employed to earn such income and (if applicable) hold the related investment. Such subsidiary entities generally will be required to incur entity-level income taxes on their earnings, which ultimately will reduce the return to shareholders.
If before the end of any quarter of its taxable year, the Fund believes that it may fail any of the asset diversification requirements, the Fund may seek to take certain actions to avert such a failure. However, certain actions typically taken by RICs to avert such a failure (e.g., the disposition of assets causing the diversification discrepancy) may be difficult for the Fund to pursue because the Fund may redeem its interest in an Investment Fund only at certain times specified by the governing documents of each respective Investment Fund. While the Code ordinarily affords the Fund a 30-day period after the end of the relevant quarter in which to cure a diversification failure by disposing of non-diversified assets, the constraints on the Fund’s ability to effect a redemption from an Investment Fund referred to above may limit utilization of this cure period.
If the Fund fails to satisfy the asset diversification or other RIC requirements, it may lose its status as a RIC under the Code. In that case, all of its taxable income would be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders. In addition, all distributions (including distributions of net capital gain) to shareholders would be characterized as dividend income to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. Accordingly,
27
disqualification as a RIC would have a material adverse effect on the value of the Fund’s Shares and the amount of the Fund’s distributions.
Additional Tax Considerations; Distributions to Shareholders and Potential Fund-Level Tax Liabilities. The Fund expects to distribute substantially all of its net ordinary income and net capital gains to shareholders. These distributions are respectively characterized as ordinary dividend income or long-term capital gain when distributed as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to shareholders. The Fund will inform shareholders of the amount and character of its distributions to shareholders. See “Taxation” below for more information. If the Fund distributes (or is deemed to have distributed) in respect of any calendar year less than an amount at least equal to the sum of 98% of its calendar year ordinary income (taking into account certain deferrals and elections), 98.2% of its capital gain net income (determined on the basis of a one-year period ended on October 31 of such calendar year, and adjusted for certain ordinary losses), plus any such amounts that were not distributed in previous calendar years, then the Fund will generally be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax with respect to the Fund’s undistributed amounts. The Fund will not be subject to this excise tax on any amount which the Fund incurred an entity-level U.S. federal income tax.
In addition, the Fund may invest in Investment Funds located outside of the U.S. or other non-U.S. portfolio company or entities which may be considered passive foreign investment companies (“PFICs”) or controlled foreign corporations (“CFCs”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, the Fund may, in a particular taxable year, be required to make ordinary income distributions in excess of the net economic income from such investments with respect to such taxable year. Furthermore, income or gain from such Investment Funds or other entities may be subject to non-U.S. withholding or other taxes. Any such withholding or other taxes would reduce the return on the Fund’s investment in such Investment Funds and thus on the shareholders’ investment in the Fund.
TO BE ANNOUNCED (TBA) TRANSACTIONS RISK. TBA investments include when-issued and delayed delivery securities and forward commitments. The Fund is permitted to purchase or sell securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis. When-issued or delayed-delivery transactions arise when securities are purchased or sold with payment and delivery taking place in the future in order to secure what is considered to be an advantageous price and yield at the time of entering into the transaction. The Fund may sell the securities before the settlement date if the sub-adviser deems it advisable. Distributions attributable to any gains realized on such a sale are taxable to shareholders. When-issued and delayed delivery securities and forward commitments involve the risk that the security the Fund buys will lose value prior to its delivery. The Fund is subject to this risk whether or not the Fund takes delivery of the securities on the settlement date for a transaction. There also is the risk that the security will not be issued or that the other party to the transaction will not meet its obligation. If this occurs, the Fund loses both the investment opportunity for the assets it set aside to pay for the security and any gain in the security’s price. The Fund may also take a short position in a TBA investment when it owns or has the right to obtain, at no added cost, identical securities. If the Fund takes such a short position, it may reduce the risk of a loss if the price of the securities declines in the future, but will lose the opportunity to profit if the price rises. The Fund may purchase or sell undrawn or delayed draw loans.
Short Sales of TBA Investments Risk. The Fund may also engage in shorting of TBAs. When the Fund enters into a short sale of a TBA investment it effectively agrees to sell at a future price and date a security it does not own. Although most TBA short sales transactions are closed before the Fund would be required to deliver the security, if the Fund does not close the position, the Fund may have to purchase the securities needed to settle the short sale at a higher price than anticipated, which would cause the Fund to lose money. The Fund may not always be able to purchase the securities required to settle a short sale at a particular time or at an attractive price. The Fund may incur increased transaction costs associated with selling TBA securities short. In addition, taking short positions in TBA securities results in a form of leverage, which could increase the volatility of the Fund’s returns.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES RISK. Treasury obligations may differ in their interest rates, maturities, times of issuance and other characteristics. Securities backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the United States are guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity. Accordingly, the current market values for these securities will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. Obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities are supported by varying degrees of credit but generally are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government will provide financial support to its agencies and authorities if it is not obligated by law to do so. In addition, the value of U.S. Government securities may be affected by changes in the credit rating of the U.S. Government. U.S. Government securities are also subject to default risk, which is the risk that the U.S. Treasury will be unable to meet its payment obligations. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. Government securities held by the Fund may greatly exceed their current resources, including their legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that these issuers will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future.
Valuation Risk. Investors who purchase shares of the Fund on, or whose repurchase requests are valued on, days when the Fund is holding instruments that have been fair valued may receive fewer or more shares or lower or higher repurchase proceeds than they would have received if the instruments had not been fair valued or if an alternate valuation methodology was employed. Such risks may be more pronounced in a rising interest rate environment, and, to the extent the Fund holds a significant percentage of fair valued or otherwise difficult to value securities, it may be particularly susceptible to the risks associated with valuation. For additional information about valuation determinations, see “Determination of Net Asset Value” in the Prospectus. Portions of the Fund’s portfolio that are fair valued or difficult to value vary from time to time. The Fund’s shareholder reports (when available) contain
28
detailed information about the Fund’s holdings that are fair valued or difficult to value, including values of such holdings as of the dates of the reports.
Valuation of Private Investments Risk. The Fund’s ownership interest in private investments are not publicly traded and the Fund will use a third party pricing service or internal pricing methodologies to provide pricing information for certain private investments. The value of investments that are not publicly traded may not be readily determinable, and the Valuation Designee will value these investments at fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to the Valuation Procedures, including to reflect significant events affecting the value of the Fund’s investments. Many of the Fund’s investments may be classified as Level 3 under Topic 820 of the U.S. Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification, as amended, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC Topic 820”). This means that the Fund’s portfolio valuations will be based on significant unobservable inputs and the Fund’s own assumptions about how market participants would price the asset or liability in question. The Fund expects that inputs into the determination of fair value of the Fund’s portfolio investments will require significant judgment or estimation. Even if observable market data are available, such information may be the result of consensus pricing information or broker quotes, which include a disclaimer that the broker would not be held to such a price in an actual transaction. The non-binding nature of consensus pricing and/or quotes accompanied by disclaimers materially reduces the reliability of such information. The valuation of the Fund’s investments in Investment Funds is ordinarily determined based upon valuations provided by the Investment Managers on a quarterly basis. Although such valuations are provided on a quarterly basis, the Fund will provide valuations, and will issue Shares, on a monthly basis. In this regard, an Investment Manager may face a conflict of interest in valuing the securities, as their value may affect the Investment Manager’s compensation or its ability to raise additional funds. The Valuation Designee may face a similar conflict of interest with respect to its valuation of the Fund’s assets. No assurances can be given regarding the valuation methodology or the sufficiency of systems utilized by any Investment Manager or the Valuation Designee, the accuracy of the valuations provided by the Investment Managers, that the Investment Managers will comply with their own internal policies or procedures for keeping records or making valuations, or that the Investment Managers’ policies and procedures and systems will not change without notice to the Fund. As a result, an Investment Manager’s valuation of the securities may fail to match the amount ultimately realized with respect to the disposition of such securities. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of private securities and private companies, are inherently uncertain, may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on estimates, the Valuation Designee’s determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these investments existed. The Fund’s net asset value could be adversely affected if the Valuation Designee’s determinations regarding the fair value of the Fund’s investments were materially higher than the values that the Fund ultimately realizes upon the disposal of such investments.
Valuations Subject to Adjustment. The Fund determines its month-end net asset value based upon the quarterly valuations reported by the Investment Funds, which may not reflect market or other events occurring subsequent to the quarter-end. The Valuation Designee will fair value the Fund’s holdings in Investment Funds to reflect such events, consistent with its valuation policies; however, there is no guarantee the Valuation Designee will correctly fair value such investments. Additionally, the valuations reported by Investment Funds may be subject to later adjustment or revision. For example, fiscal year-end net asset value calculations of the Investment Funds may be revised as a result of audits by their independent auditors. Other adjustments may occur from time to time. Because such adjustments or revisions, whether increasing or decreasing the net asset value of the Fund, and therefore the Fund, at the time they occur, relate to information available only at the time of the adjustment or revision, the adjustment or revision may not affect the amount of the repurchase proceeds of the Fund received by shareholders who had their Shares repurchased prior to such adjustments and received their repurchase proceeds. As a result, to the extent that such subsequently adjusted valuations from the Investment Funds or revisions to the net asset value of an Investment Fund or direct private equity investment adversely affect the Fund’s net asset value, the remaining outstanding Shares may be adversely affected by prior repurchases to the benefit of shareholders who had their Shares repurchased at a net asset value higher than the adjusted amount. Conversely, any increases in the net asset value resulting from such subsequently adjusted valuations may be entirely for the benefit of the outstanding Shares and to the detriment of shareholders who previously had their Shares repurchased at a net asset value lower than the adjusted amount. The same principles apply to the purchase of Shares. New shareholders may be affected in a similar way.
Venture Capital. An Investment Fund may invest and the Fund may co-invest in venture capital. Venture capital is usually classified by investments in private companies that have a limited operating history, are attempting to develop or commercialize unproven technologies or implement novel business plans or are not otherwise developed sufficiently to be self-sustaining financially or to become public. Although these investments may offer the opportunity for significant gains, such investments involve a high degree of business and financial risk that can result in substantial losses, which risks generally are greater than the risks of investing in public companies that may be at a later stage of development.
VOLATILITY RISK. The risk that the value of the Fund’s investments may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time. Volatility may cause the Fund’s share price, yield and/or total return to experience significant changes in value over short periods of time.
WARRANTS AND RIGHTS RISK. Warrants are instruments giving holders the right, but not the obligation, to buy equity or fixed income securities of a company at a specific price during a specified period. Rights are similar to warrants but normally have a short life span to expiration. The purchase of rights or warrants involves the risk that the Fund could lose the purchase value of a right
29
or warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not exercised prior to the right’s or warrant’s expiration. Also, the purchase of rights and/or warrants involves the risk that the effective price paid for the right and/or warrant added to the subscription price of the related security may exceed the value of the subscribed security’s market price such as when there is no movement in the level of the underlying security. Buying a warrant does not make the Fund a shareholder of the underlying stock. The warrant holder has no voting or dividend rights with respect to the underlying stock. A warrant does not carry any right to assets of the issuer, and for this reason investment in warrants may be more speculative than other equity-based investments. The market for warrants may be limited and it may be difficult for the Fund to sell a warrant promptly at an advantageous price.
ZERO COUPON SECURITIES. Zero-coupon securities pay no interest prior to their maturity date or another specified date in the future but are issued and traded at a discount to their face value. The discount varies as the securities approach their maturity date (or the date on which interest payments are scheduled to begin). While interest payments are not made on such securities, holders of such securities are deemed to have received income (“phantom income”) annually, notwithstanding that cash may not be received currently. As with other fixed income securities, zero coupon bonds are subject to interest rate and credit risk. Some of these securities may be subject to substantially greater price fluctuations during periods of changing market rates than comparable securities that pay interest currently. Longer term zero coupon bonds have greater interest rate risk than shorter term zero coupon bonds.
30
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
The investment objectives and principal investment strategies of the Fund are described in the Fund’s prospectus. Additional information concerning certain of the Fund’s investments, strategies and risks is set forth below.
A. FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS OF THE FUND
The Fund has adopted the fundamental investment restrictions set forth below. Fundamental investment restrictions may not be changed with respect to the Fund without the approval of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Under the 1940 Act and as used in the prospectus and this SAI, a “majority of the outstanding voting securities” means the lesser of (1) the holders of 67% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund (or a class of the outstanding shares of the Fund) represented at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund (or class) are present in person or by proxy or (2) the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund (or of the class).
Unless otherwise provided below, all references below to the assets of the Fund are in terms of current market value.
The Fund:
1. will not borrow money or issue any class of senior securities, except to the extent consistent with the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder, or as may otherwise be permitted from time to time by regulatory authority;
2. will not "concentrate" its investments in a particular industry or group of industries, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder as such may be interpreted or modified from time to time by regulatory authorities having appropriate jurisdiction;
3. will not make loans, except to the extent consistent with the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder, or as may otherwise be permitted from time to time by regulatory authority;
4. will not act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers, except to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities, the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under applicable laws;
5. will not purchase or sell real estate, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, as such may be interpreted or modified from time to time by regulatory authorities having appropriate jurisdiction;
6. will not invest in physical commodities or contracts relating to physical commodities, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and other applicable laws, rules and regulations, as such may be interpreted or modified by regulatory authorities having jurisdiction, from time to time and as set forth in the Fund’s prospectus and SAI;
7. will not purchase securities on margin, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder as such may be interpreted or modified from time to time by regulatory authorities having appropriate jurisdiction; and
8. will not engage in short sales or write put or call options, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder as such may be interpreted or modified from time to time by regulatory authorities having appropriate jurisdiction.
B. NON-FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS OF THE FUND
The following restrictions are non-fundamental restrictions and may be changed by the Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board”) without shareholder approval.
The Fund may not:
1. Pledge its assets other than to secure permitted borrowings or to secure investments permitted by the Fund’s investment policies as set forth in its prospectus and this SAI, as they may be amended from time to time, and applicable law.
C. NON-FUNDAMENTAL TAX RESTRICTIONS OF THE FUND
The Fund must:
1. Maintain its assets so that, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year,
(a) at least 50% of the fair market value of its total assets is comprised of cash, cash items, U.S. Government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies and other securities (including bank loans), limited in respect of any one issuer to no more than 5% of the fair market value of the Fund’s total assets and 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and
(b) no more than 25% of the fair market value of its total assets is invested in the securities (including bank loans) of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies), or of two or more issuers
31
controlled by the Fund and engaged in the same, similar, or related trades or businesses, or of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.
These tax-related limitations are subject to cure provisions under applicable tax laws and may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval to the extent appropriate in light of changes to applicable tax law requirements.
D. CLASSIFICATION
The Fund has elected to be classified as a non-diversified closed-end management investment company. As a non-diversified management investment company, the Fund is not required to comply with the diversification rules of the 1940 Act, although the Fund must meet the tax-related diversification requirements set forth in Section C above.
The Fund may change its classification status from non-diversified to diversified without the prior approval of shareholders.
E. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The information below is not considered to be part of the Fund’s fundamental policies and is provided for informational purposes only.
If the percentage restrictions on investments described in this SAI and any Prospectus are adhered to at the time of investment, a later increase or decrease in such percentage resulting from a change in the values of securities or loans, a change in the Fund’s net assets or a change in security characteristics is not a violation of any of such restrictions.
With respect to investment restriction A.2, the 1940 Act does not define what constitutes “concentration” in an industry. However, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has taken the position that an investment in excess of 25% of the Fund’s total assets in one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry generally constitutes concentration. The Fund does not apply this restriction to municipal securities, securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, repurchase agreements collateralized by securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, or other investment companies. For purposes of this restriction, each foreign government is considered to be a separate industry. Currency positions are not considered to be an investment in a foreign government for industry concentration purposes. In addition, for purposes of the Fund’s concentration policy set forth in investment restriction A.2, obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities that are not mortgage-backed securities shall not be considered part of any industry. However, for purposes of this restriction, each foreign government is considered to be a separate industry. Currency positions are not considered to be an investment in a foreign government for industry concentration purposes. To the extent an underlying Investment Fund has adopted an 80% policy that indicates investment in a particular industry, the Fund will take such policy into consideration for purposes of the Fund’s industry concentration policy set forth in investment restriction A.2.
With respect to investment restriction A.5, the 1940 Act does not directly restrict the Fund’s ability to invest in real estate but does require that every fund have the fundamental investment policy governing such investments. The Fund may acquire real estate as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments and the Fund may invest in securities or other instruments backed by real estate or securities of companies engaged in the real estate business or real estate investment trusts.
With respect to investment restriction A.6, although the 1940 Act does not directly limit the Fund’s ability to invest in physical commodities or contracts relating to physical commodities, the Fund’s investments in physical commodities or contracts relating to physical commodities may be limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify as a registered investment company, as at least 90% of its gross income must come from certain qualifying sources of income, and income from physical commodities or contracts relating to physical commodities does not constitute qualifying income for this purpose. Other restrictions that could also limit the Fund’s investment in physical commodities or contracts relating to physical commodities include where that investment implicates the Fund’s diversification, concentration, or securities-related issuer policies, and where the Fund would need to take certain steps as set forth in its policies to avoid being considered to issue any class of senior securities.
F. CERTAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES, RISKS AND CONSIDERATIONS
The investment objective and principal investment strategies for the Fund are discussed in the Fund’s prospectus. Certain descriptions in the Fund’s prospectus and this SAI of a particular investment practice or technique in which the Fund may engage or a financial instrument that the Fund may purchase are meant to describe the spectrum of investments that the Fund’s sub-adviser, in its discretion, might, but is not required to, use in managing the Fund’s portfolio assets in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective, policies and restrictions. The sub-adviser, in its discretion, may employ any such practice, technique or instrument for the Fund for which it serves as sub-adviser. It is possible that certain types of financial instruments or techniques may not be available, permissible or effective for their intended purposes in all markets.
The rules under the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”) require that adviser either operate within certain guidelines and restrictions with respect to the Fund’s use of futures, options on such futures, commodity options and certain swaps, or be subject to
32
registration with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as a “commodity pool operator” (“CPO”) with respect to the Fund and be required to operate the Fund in compliance with certain disclosure, reporting, and recordkeeping requirements.
Under current CFTC rules, the investment adviser of a registered investment company may claim an exemption from registration as a CPO only if the registered investment company that it advises uses futures contracts, options on such futures, commodity options and certain swaps solely for “bona fide hedging purposes,” or limits its use of such instruments for non-bona fide hedging purposes to certain de minimis amounts.
HFMC has elected to claim an exclusion from the definition of CPO with respect to the Fund. As a result, the Fund will not purchase commodity futures, commodity options contracts, or swaps if, immediately after and as a result of such purchase, (i) the Fund’s aggregate initial margin and premiums posted for its non-bona fide hedging trading in these instruments exceeds 5% of the liquidation value of the Fund’s portfolio (after taking into account unrealized profits and losses and excluding the in the-money amount of an option at the time of purchase) or (ii) the aggregate net notional value of the Fund’s positions in such instruments not used solely for bona fide hedging purposes exceeds 100% of the liquidation value of the Fund’s portfolio (after taking into account unrealized profits and losses).
The Fund may choose to change its election at any time. If the Fund operates subject to CFTC regulation, it may incur additional expenses.
Senior Securities. Senior securities may include any obligation or instrument issued by an investment company evidencing indebtedness, including the issuance of debt or preferred shares of beneficial interest. Current law, as interpreted by the SEC and its staff, provides that, in the case of a senior security representing indebtedness, a closed-end investment company must have asset coverage of 300% immediately after such issuance, and no dividends on the company’s stock may be made unless the indebtedness generally has an asset coverage at that time of 300%. In the case of a class of senior security representing a stock, a closed-end investment company must have asset coverage of 200% immediately after such issuance, and no dividends on the company’s stock may be made unless the preferred stock generally has an asset coverage at that time of 200%. Shareholders of preferred stock also must have the right, as a class, to elect at least two trustees at all times and to elect a majority of trustees if dividends on their stock are unpaid in certain amounts.
Notwithstanding any of the foregoing policies, any investment company, whether organized as a trust, association or corporation, or a personal holding company, may be merged or consolidated with or acquired by the Fund, provided that if such merger, consolidation or acquisition results in an investment in the securities of any issuer prohibited by said paragraphs, the Fund shall, within 90 days after the consummation of such merger, consolidation or acquisition, dispose of all of the securities of such issuer so acquired or such portion thereof as shall bring the total investment therein within the limitations imposed by said paragraphs above as of the date of consummation.
33
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees and officers of the Fund, their business addresses, principal occupations for at least the past five years and years of birth are listed in the tables below. The Fund’s Board of Trustees (i) provides broad supervision over the affairs of the Fund and (ii) elects officers who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Fund and the execution of policies formulated by the Board of Trustees. The first table below provides information about those trustees who are deemed not to be “interested persons” of the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (i.e., “non-interested trustees”), and the second table below provides information about the Fund’s “interested” trustee and the Fund’s officers.
NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES
NAME,
YEAR OF BIRTH AND ADDRESS* |
POSITION HELD WITH THE FUND |
TERM
OF OFFICE** AND LENGTH OF TIME SERVED |
PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST 5 YEARS |
NUMBER
OF PORTFOLIOS IN FUND COMPLEX*** OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE |
OTHER TRUSTEESHIPS FOR PUBLIC COMPANIES AND OTHER REGISTERED INVESTMENT COMPANIES HELD BY TRUSTEE |
HILARY
E. ACKERMANN (1956) |
Trustee | Since 2022 | Ms. Ackermann served as Chief Risk Officer at Goldman Sachs Bank USA from October 2008 to November 2011. | 81 | Ms. Ackermann served as a Director of Dynegy, Inc. from October 2012 until its acquisition by Vistra Energy Corporation in 2018, and since that time she has served as a Director of Vistra. Ms. Ackermann serves as a Director of Credit Suisse Holdings (USA), Inc. from January 2017 to December 2022. |
ROBIN
C. BEERY (1967) |
Trustee | Since 2022 | Ms. Beery has served as a consultant to ArrowMark Partners (an alternative asset manager) since March of 2015 and since November 2018 has been employed by ArrowMark Partners as a Senior Advisor. Previously, she was Executive Vice President, Head of Distribution, for Janus Capital Group, and Chief Executive Officer and President of the Janus Mutual Funds (a global asset manager) from September 2009 to August 2014. | 81 | Ms. Beery serves as an independent Director of UMB Financial Corporation (January 2015 to present), has chaired the Compensation Committee since April 2017, and has been a member of the Compensation Committee and the Risk Committee since January 2015. |
DERRICK
D. CEPHAS (1952) |
Trustee | Since 2022 | Mr. Cephas currently serves as Of Counsel to Squire Patton Boggs LLP, an international law firm with 45 offices in 20 countries. Until his retirement in October 2020, Mr. Cephas was a Partner of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, an international law firm headquartered in New York, where he served as the Head of the Financial Institutions Practice (April 2011 to October 2020). | 81 | Mr. Cephas currently serves as a Director of Signature Bank, a New York-based commercial bank, and is a member of the Credit Committee, Examining Committee and Compensation Committee. Mr. Cephas currently serves as a Director of |
34
NAME,
YEAR OF BIRTH AND ADDRESS* |
POSITION HELD WITH THE FUND |
TERM
OF OFFICE** AND LENGTH OF TIME SERVED |
PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST 5 YEARS |
NUMBER
OF PORTFOLIOS IN FUND COMPLEX*** OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE |
OTHER TRUSTEESHIPS FOR PUBLIC COMPANIES AND OTHER REGISTERED INVESTMENT COMPANIES HELD BY TRUSTEE |
Claros Mortgage Trust, Inc., a real estate
investment trust and is a member of the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee. | |||||
CHRISTINE
R. DETRICK (1958) |
Trustee and Chair of the Board | Since 2022 | From 2002 until 2012, Ms. Detrick was a Senior Partner, Leader of the Financial Services Practice, and a Senior Advisor at Bain & Company (“Bain”). Before joining Bain, she served in various senior management roles for other financial services firms and was a consultant at McKinsey and Company. | 81 | Ms. Detrick currently serves as a Director of Charles River Associates (May 2020 to present); currently serves as a Director of Capital One Financial Corporation (since November 2021); and currently serves as a Director of Altus Power, Inc (since December 2021). |
JOHN
J. GAUTHIER (1961) |
Trustee | Since 2022 | Mr. Gauthier currently is the Principal Owner of JJG Advisory, LLC, an investment consulting firm, and Co-Founder and Principal Owner of Talcott Capital Partners (a placement agent for investment managers serving insurance companies). From 2008 to 2018, Mr. Gauthier served as a Senior Vice President (2008-2010), Executive Vice President (2010-2012), and President (2012-2018) of Allied World Financial Services (a global provider of property, casualty and specialty insurance and reinsurance solutions). | 81 | Mr. Gauthier serves as a Director of Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. (from 2018 to present) and chairs the Investment Committee and is a member of the Audit and Risk Committees. |
ANDREW
A. JOHNSON (1962) |
Trustee | Since 2022 | Mr. Johnson currently serves as a Diversity and Inclusion Advisor at Neuberger Berman, a private, global investment management firm. Prior to his current role, Mr. Johnson served as Chief Investment Officer and Head of Global Investment Grade Fixed Income at Neuberger Berman (January 2009 to December 2018). | 81 | Mr. Johnson currently serves as a Director of AGNC Investment Corp., a real estate investment trust. |
PAUL
L. ROSENBERG (1953) |
Trustee | Since 2022 | Mr. Rosenberg is a Partner of The Bridgespan Group, a global nonprofit consulting firm that is a social impact advisor to nonprofits, non-governmental organizations, philanthropists and institutional investors (October 2007 to present). | 81 | None |
DAVID
SUNG (1953) |
Trustee | Since 2022 | Mr. Sung was a Partner at Ernst & Young LLP from October 1995 to July 2014. | 81 | Mr. Sung serves as a Trustee of Ironwood Institutional Multi-Strategy Fund, LLC and Ironwood Multi-Strategy Fund, LLC (October 2015 to present). |
* | The address for each Trustee is c/o Hartford Funds 690 Lee Road, Wayne, PA 19087. |
** | Term of Office: Each Trustee holds an indefinite term until his or her retirement, resignation, removal, or death. Trustees generally must retire no later than December 31 of the year in which the Trustee turns 75 years of age. |
35
*** | The portfolios of the “Fund Complex” include the Fund and the operational series of The Hartford Mutual Funds, Inc., The Hartford Mutual Funds II, Inc., Hartford Series Fund, Inc., Hartford HLS Series Fund II, Inc., Lattice Strategies Trust, and Hartford Funds Exchange-Traded Trust. |
OFFICERS AND INTERESTED TRUSTEE
NAME,
YEAR OF BIRTH AND ADDRESS* |
POSITION HELD WITH THE FUND |
TERM
OF OFFICE** AND LENGTH OF TIME SERVED |
PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST 5 YEARS |
NUMBER
OF PORTFOLIOS IN FUND COMPLEX*** OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE |
OTHER TRUSTEESHIPS HELD BY TRUSTEE |
JAMES
E. DAVEY**** (1964) |
Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer | Trustee since 2022; President and Chief Executive Officer since 2022 | Mr. Davey serves as Executive Vice President of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. Mr. Davey has served in various positions within The Hartford and its subsidiaries and joined The Hartford in 2002. Additionally, Mr. Davey serves as Director, Chairman, President, and Senior Managing Director for Hartford Funds Management Group, Inc. ("HFMG"). Mr. Davey also serves as President, Manager, Chairman of the Board, and Senior Managing Director for Hartford Funds Management Company, LLC (“HFMC”); Manager, Chairman of the Board, and President of Lattice Strategies LLC (“Lattice”); Chairman of the Board, Manager, and Senior Managing Director of Hartford Funds Distributors, LLC (“HFD”); and Chairman of the Board, President and Senior Managing Director of Hartford Administrative Services Company (“HASCO”), each of which is an affiliate of HFMG. | 81 | None |
AMY
N. FURLONG (1979) |
Vice President and Treasurer | Vice President since 2022; Treasurer since 2023 | Ms. Furlong serves as Vice President and Assistant Treasurer of HFMC (since September 2019). From 2018 through March 15, 2021, Ms. Furlong served as the Treasurer of the Trust and resumed her position as Treasurer effective January 9, 2023. Ms. Furlong has served in various positions within The Hartford and its subsidiaries in connection with the operation of the Hartford Funds. Ms. Furlong joined The Hartford in 2004. | N/A | N/A |
WALTER
F. GARGER (1965) |
Vice President and Chief Legal Officer | Since 2022 | Mr. Garger serves as Secretary, Managing Director and General Counsel of HFMG, HFMC, HFD, and HASCO (since 2013). Mr. Garger also serves as Secretary and General Counsel of Lattice (since July 2016). Mr. Garger has served in various positions within The Hartford and its subsidiaries in connection with the operation of the Hartford Funds. Mr. Garger joined The Hartford in 1995. | N/A | N/A |
THEODORE
J. LUCAS (1966) |
Vice President | Since 2022 | Mr. Lucas serves as Executive Vice President of HFMG (since July 2016) and as Executive Vice President of Lattice (since June 2017). Previously, Mr. Lucas served as Managing Partner of Lattice (2003 to 2016). | N/A | N/A |
JOSEPH
G. MELCHER (1973) |
Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer and AML Compliance Officer | Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer since 2022; AML Compliance Officer since 2022 | Mr. Melcher serves as Executive Vice President of HFMG and HASCO (since December 2013). Mr. Melcher also serves as Executive Vice President (since December 2013) and Chief Compliance Officer (since December 2012) of HFMC, serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer of Lattice (since July 2016), serves as Executive Vice President of HFD (since December 2013), and has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of HFD (from April 2018 to June 2019). | N/A | N/A |
VERNON
J. MEYER (1964) |
Vice President | Since 2022 | Mr. Meyer serves as Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of HFMC and Managing Director of HFMG (since 2013). Mr. Meyer also serves as Senior Vice President-Investments of Lattice (since March 2019). Mr. Meyer has served in various positions within The | N/A | N/A |
36
NAME,
YEAR OF BIRTH AND ADDRESS* |
POSITION HELD WITH THE FUND |
TERM
OF OFFICE** AND LENGTH OF TIME SERVED |
PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST 5 YEARS |
NUMBER
OF PORTFOLIOS IN FUND COMPLEX*** OVERSEEN BYTRUSTEE |
OTHER TRUSTEESHIPS HELD BY TRUSTEE |
Hartford and its subsidiaries in connection with the operation of the Hartford Funds. Mr. Meyer joined The Hartford in 2004. | |||||
ALICE
A. PELLEGRINO (1960) |
Vice President and Assistant Secretary | Since 2022 | Ms. Pellegrino is Deputy General Counsel for HFMG (since April 2022) and currently serves as Vice President of HFMG (since December 2013). Ms. Pellegrino also serves as Vice President and Assistant Secretary of Lattice (since June 2017). Ms. Pellegrino has served in various positions within The Hartford and its subsidiaries in connection with the operation of the Hartford Funds. Ms. Pellegrino joined The Hartford in 2007. | N/A | N/A |
THOMAS
R. PHILLIPS (1960) |
Vice President and Secretary | Since 2022 | Mr. Phillips is Deputy General Counsel for HFMG and currently serves as a Senior Vice President (since June 2021) and Assistant Secretary (since June 2017) for HFMG. Mr. Phillips also serves as Vice President of HFMC (since June 2021). Prior to joining HFMG in 2017, Mr. Phillips was a Director and Chief Legal Officer of Saturna Capital Corporation from 2014–2016. Prior to that, Mr. Phillips was a Partner and Deputy General Counsel of Lord, Abbett & Co. LLC. | N/A | N/A |
* | The address for each officer and Trustee is c/o Hartford Funds 690 Lee Road, Wayne, PA 19087. |
** | Term of Office: Each Trustee holds an indefinite term until the Trustee’s retirement, which must be no later than December 31 of the year in which the Trustee turns 75 years of age, or the Trustee’s resignation, removal, or death prior to the Trustee’s retirement. Each Fund officer generally serves until his or her resignation, removal or death. |
*** | The portfolios of the “Fund Complex” include the Fund and the operational series of The Hartford Mutual Funds, Inc., The Hartford Mutual Funds II, Inc., Hartford Series Fund, Inc., Hartford HLS Series Fund II, Inc., Lattice Strategies Trust, and Hartford Funds Exchange-Traded Trust. |
**** | “Interested person,” as defined in the 1940 Act, of the Fund because of the person’s affiliation with, or equity ownership of, Hartford Funds Management Company, LLC (“HFMC” or the “Adviser”), Hartford Funds Distributors, LLC (“HFD”) or affiliated companies. |
All trustees and officers of the Fund also hold corresponding positions with The Hartford Mutual Funds, Inc., The Hartford Mutual Funds II, Inc., Hartford Series Fund, Inc., Hartford HLS Series Fund II, Inc., Hartford Funds Exchange-Traded Trust and Lattice Strategies Trust.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
The Fund has a Board of Trustees. The Board is responsible for oversight of the Fund. The Board elects officers who are responsible for the day–to-day operations of the Fund. The Board oversees the Adviser and the other principal service providers of the Fund. As described in more detail below, the Board has established five standing committees that assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities: the Audit Committee, Compliance and Risk Oversight Committee, Contracts Committee, Investment Committee and Nominating and Governance Committee (collectively, the “Committees”).
The Board is chaired by an Independent Trustee. The Independent Chair (i) presides at Board meetings and participates in the preparation of agendas for the meetings, (ii) acts as a liaison with the Fund’s officers, investment adviser and other trustees between meetings and (iii) coordinates Board activities and functions with the Chair of the Committees. The Independent Chair may also perform such other functions as may be requested by the Board from time to time. The Board has determined that the Board’s leadership and committee structure is appropriate because it provides a foundation for the Board to work effectively with management and service providers and facilitates the exercise of the Board’s independent judgment. In addition, the committee structure permits an efficient allocation of responsibility among the Trustees.
The Board oversees risk as part of its general oversight of the Fund and risk is addressed as part of various Board and Committee activities. The Fund is subject to a number of risks, including investment, compliance, financial, operational and valuation risks. The Fund’s service providers, which are responsible for the day to day operations of the Fund, apply risk management in conducting their activities. The Board recognizes that it is not possible to identify all of the risks that may affect the Fund, and that it is not possible to develop processes and controls to eliminate all risks and their possible effects. The Audit Committee, Compliance and Risk Oversight Committee, and Investment Committee receive reports or other information from management regarding risk assessment and management. In addition, the Adviser has established an internal committee focused on risk assessment and risk management related
37
to the operations of the Fund and the investment adviser, and the chair of that committee reports to the Compliance and Risk Oversight Committee on a semi-annual basis (or more frequently if appropriate). The Compliance and Risk Oversight Committee assists the Board in overseeing the activities of the Fund’s chief compliance officer (“CCO”), and the CCO provides an annual report to the Compliance and Risk Oversight Committee and the Board regarding material compliance matters. The Compliance and Risk Oversight Committee and the Board receive and consider other reports from the CCO throughout the year. The Investment Committee assists the Board in overseeing investment matters. The Investment Committee receives reports from the investment adviser relating to investment performance, including information regarding investment risk. The Audit Committee assists the Board in reviewing financial matters, including matters relating to financial reporting risks and valuation risks. The Board may, at any time and in its discretion, change the manner in which it conducts its risk oversight role.
STANDING COMMITTEES.
As described in more detail below, the Board has established five standing committees that assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities: the Audit Committee; Compliance and Risk Oversight Committee; Contracts Committee; Investment Committee; and Nominating and Governance Committee (collectively, the “Committees”). The Fund does not have a standing compensation committee; however, the Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for making recommendations to the Board regarding the compensation of the non-interested members of the Board. The Board has adopted written charters for the Audit Committee, the Compliance and Risk Oversight Committee, the Investment Committee, and the Nominating and Governance Committee.
The Audit Committee currently consists of the following non-interested trustees: Hilary E. Ackermann, Derrick D. Cephas, Paul L. Rosenberg, and David Sung. The Audit Committee (i) oversees the Fund’s accounting and financial reporting policies and practices, their internal controls and, as appropriate, the internal controls of certain service providers; (ii) assists the Board of Trustees in its oversight of the qualifications, independence and performance of the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm; the quality, objectivity and integrity of the Fund’s financial statements and the independent audit thereof; and the performance of the Fund’s internal audit function; and (iii) acts as a liaison between the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm and the full Board. The Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm reports directly to the Audit Committee, and the Audit Committee regularly reports to the Board of Trustees.
Management is responsible for maintaining appropriate systems for accounting. The Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for conducting a proper audit of the Fund’s financial statements and is ultimately accountable to the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee has the ultimate authority and responsibility to select (subject to approval by the non-interested trustees and ratification by the Fund shareholders, as required) and evaluate the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, to determine the compensation of the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm and, when appropriate, to replace the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm.
The Compliance and Risk Oversight Committee currently consists of Hilary E. Ackermann, Derrick D. Cephas, Paul L. Rosenberg, and David Sung. The Compliance and Risk Oversight Committee assists the Board in its oversight of the adoption and implementation of compliance and enterprise risk management policies and procedures.
The Contracts Committee currently consists of all non-interested trustees of the Fund: Hilary E. Ackermann; Robin C. Beery; Derrick D. Cephas; Christine R. Detrick; John J. Gauthier; Andrew A. Johnson; Paul L. Rosenberg; and David Sung. The Contracts Committee assists the Board in its consideration and review of fund contracts and the consideration of strategy related matters.
The Investment Committee currently consists of Robin C. Beery, John J. Gauthier; and Andrew A. Johnson. The Investment Committee assists the Board in its oversight of the Fund’s investment performance and related matters.
The Nominating and Governance Committee currently consists of all non-interested trustees of the Fund: Hilary E. Ackermann; Robin C. Beery; Derrick D. Cephas; Christine R. Detrick; John J. Gauthier; Andrew A. Johnson; Paul L. Rosenberg; and David Sung. The Nominating and Governance Committee: (i) screens and selects candidates to the applicable Board of Trustees and (ii) periodically reviews and evaluates the compensation of the non-interested trustees and makes recommendations to the Board of Trustees regarding the compensation of, and expense reimbursement policies with respect to, non-interested trustees. The Nominating and Governance Committee is also authorized to consider and make recommendations to the Board regarding governance policies, including, but not limited to, any retirement policy for non-interested trustees. The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders for non-interested trustee positions if a vacancy among the non-interested trustees occurs and if the nominee meets the Committee’s criteria.
Because the Fund is newly organized, the above referenced committees did not meet during the prior fiscal year.
TRUSTEE QUALIFICATIONS.
The governing documents for the Fund do not set forth any specific qualifications to serve as a Trustee. The Charter for the Nominating and Governance Committee sets forth criteria that the Committee should consider as minimum requirements for consideration as an independent trustee, including: 15 years of business or academic experience in a management, administrative or
38
other oversight capacity; a college degree or business experience equivalent to a college degree; an ability to invest in the Fund; a person of high ethical standards; and a person able to think through and discuss complicated regulatory and financial issues and arrive at reasonable decisions on these issues on behalf of Fund shareholders.
The Board has concluded, based on each trustee’s experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills, on an individual basis and in combination with those of other trustees, that each trustee is qualified to serve as a trustee for the Fund. Among the attributes and skills common to all trustees are the ability to review, evaluate and discuss information and proposals provided to them regarding the Fund, the ability to interact effectively with management and service providers, and the ability to exercise independent business judgment. Where applicable, the Board has considered the actual service of each trustee in concluding that the trustee should continue to serve. Each trustee’s ability to perform his or her duties effectively has been attained through the trustee’s education and work experience, as well as service as a trustee for the Fund and/or other entities. Set forth below is a brief description of the specific experience of each trustee. Additional details regarding the background of each trustee is included in the chart earlier in this section.
OWNERSHIP OF FUND SHARES.
The following table discloses the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each trustee as of December 31, 2022 (i) in the Fund and (ii) on an aggregate basis in any registered investment companies overseen by the trustee within the same family of investment companies:
NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES
NAME OF TRUSTEE | DOLLAR
RANGE OF EQUITY SECURITIES IN THE FUND* |
AGGREGATE
DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY SECURITIES IN ALL REGISTERED INVESTMENT COMPANIES OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE IN FAMILY OF INVESTMENT COMPANIES |
Hilary E. Ackermann | N/A | Over $100,000 |
Robin C. Beery | N/A | Over $100,000 |
Derrick D. Cephas | N/A | None |
Christine R. Detrick | N/A | Over $100,000 |
John J. Gauthier | N/A | Over $100,000 |
Andrew A. Johnson | N/A | None |
Paul L. Rosenberg | N/A | None |
David Sung | N/A | None |
* The Fund had not commenced operations as of December 31, 2022. |
INTERESTED TRUSTEE
NAME OF TRUSTEE | DOLLAR
RANGE OF EQUITY SECURITIES IN THE FUND* |
AGGREGATE
DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY SECURITIES IN ALL REGISTERED INVESTMENT COMPANIES OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE IN FAMILY OF INVESTMENT COMPANIES |
James E. Davey | N/A | Over $100,000 |
* The Fund had not commenced operations as of December 31, 2022. |
COMPENSATION OF OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES.
The Fund pays a portion of the chief compliance officer’s compensation, but otherwise does not pay salaries or compensation to any of its officers or trustees who are employed by Hartford Funds or its affiliates. The chart below sets forth the compensation paid by the Fund to the following trustees for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022.
39
Name of Person, Position | Aggregate
Compensation From the Fund* |
Pension
Or Retirement Benefits Accrued As Part of Fund Expenses |
Estimated
Annual Benefits Upon Retirement |
Total
Compensation From the Fund Complex Paid To Trustees |
Hilary E. Ackermann, Trustee | N/A | None | None | $82 |
Robin C. Beery, Trustee | N/A | None | None | $82 |
Derrick D. Cephas, Trustee | N/A | None | None | $72 |
Christine R. Detrick, Trustee | N/A | None | None | $119 |
John J. Gauthier, Trustee | N/A | None | None | $72 |
Andrew A. Johnson, Trustee | N/A | None | None | $82 |
Paul L. Rosenberg, Trustee | N/A | None | None | $72 |
David Sung, Trustee | N/A | None | None | $82 |
* The Fund had not commenced operations as of March 31, 2022. Aggregate compensation from the Fund is estimated for the Fund’s first fiscal year ended March 31, 2023.
The sales load for Class A Shares of the Fund is waived for present and former officers, trustees and employees of the Fund, HFMC, The Hartford, the sub-adviser, the transfer agent and their affiliates. Such waiver is designed to provide an incentive for individuals that are involved and affiliated with the Fund and its operations to invest in the Fund. Present and former officers, trustees and employees of the Fund, HFMC, The Hartford, the sub-adviser, the transfer agent and their affiliates are also permitted to purchase Class I Shares of the Fund. Class SDR Shares are available for purchase by current or retired officers, trustees and employees (and their spouses and dependents) of Schroders plc and its affiliates without minimum investment amounts.
The Fund’s Declaration of Trust provides that the Fund, to the full extent permitted by Delaware law and the federal securities laws, shall indemnify the trustees and officers of the Fund. The Declaration of Trust does not authorize the Fund to indemnify any trustee or officer against any liability to which he or she would otherwise be subject by reason of or for willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of such person’s duties.
Investment Adviser
The Fund has entered into an investment management agreement with HFMC. The investment management agreement provides that HFMC, subject to the supervision and approval of the Fund’s Board of Trustees, is responsible for the management of the Fund. HFMC administers the business and affairs of the Fund and may retain and compensate sub-advisers that invest and reinvest the assets of the Fund pursuant to sub-advisory agreements with HFMC. In this regard, HFMC will, whether directly or through engagement of sub-advisers, regularly provide the Fund with research, advice and supervision, and will furnish continuously an investment program for the Fund consistent with the investment objectives and policies of the Fund. HFMC shall also monitor, supervise and oversee any sub-adviser. Among other services, HFMC: (i) provides and, as necessary, re-evaluates and updates the investment objectives and parameters, asset classes, and risk profiles of the Fund; (ii) determines, as permitted through the engagement of sub-advisers as the case may be, what securities and other financial instruments should be purchased for the Fund and the portion of the Fund’s portfolio to be held in cash; (iii) monitors the Fund’s performance and examines and recommends ways to improve performance; (iv) meets with and monitors sub-advisers to confirm their compliance with the Fund’s investment strategies and policies and for their adherence to legal and compliance procedures; (v) researches and recommends sub-advisers or portfolio managers for the Fund; and (vi) reports to the Board on the performance of the Fund and recommends action as appropriate.
In addition, HFMC or its affiliate(s) provides administrative services to the Fund, including personnel, services, equipment and facilities and office space for proper operation of the Fund. Although HFMC, or its affiliates, have agreed to arrange for the provision of additional services necessary for the proper operation of the Fund, the Fund pays for these services directly. Among other services, HFMC: (i) assists in all aspects of the Fund's operations, including the supervision and coordination of service providers (e.g., the custodian, transfer agent or other shareholder servicing agents, accountants, and attorneys), and serves as the liaison between such service providers and the Board; (ii) drafts and negotiates agreements between service providers and the Fund; (iii) prepares meeting materials for the Fund's Board and produces such other materials as the Board may request; (iv) coordinates and oversees filings with the SEC; (v) develops and implements compliance programs for the Fund; (vi) provides day-to-day legal and regulatory support for the Fund; (vii) assists the Fund in the handling of regulatory examinations; and (viii) makes reports to the Board regarding the performance of the Fund’s investment adviser.
With respect to the Fund, HFMC has entered into an investment sub-advisory agreement with SIMNA. Under the investment sub-advisory agreement, SIMNA, subject to the general supervision of the Fund’s Board of Trustees and HFMC, is responsible for (among other things) the investment and reinvestment of the assets of the Fund and furnishing the Fund with advice and recommendations with respect to investments and the purchase and sale of appropriate securities for the Fund. SIMNA has entered into a sub-sub-advisory agreement with Schroders Capital (collectively with SIMNA, the “Sub-Advisers”) under which Schroders Capital is responsible for (among other things) assisting SIMNA in the investment and reinvestment of the assets of the Fund and furnishing the Fund with advice and recommendations with respect to investments and the purchase and sale of appropriate securities for the Fund.
40
As provided by the investment management agreement, the Fund pays HFMC an investment management fee that is paid monthly, equal on an annual basis to 1.50% of the Fund’s average monthly net assets (a portion of which will be waived for the first twelve months following the Fund’s commencement of operations). HFMC, not the Fund, pays the sub-advisory fees to SIMNA at the annual rate of 1.00% of the average month end value of the Fund's net assets (a portion of which will be waived for the first twelve months following the Fund's commencement of operations). SIMNA, not the Fund or the Adviser, pays the sub-sub-advisory fees to Schroders Capital. The sub-sub-advisory fee paid by SIMNA to Schroders Capital is determined at the end of each month based on the internal Schroders Group Transfer Pricing Policy then in effect.
HFMC also provides the Fund with accounting services pursuant to the fund accounting agreement by and between the Fund and HFMC. HFMC has delegated certain accounting and administrative service functions to State Street Bank and Trust Company. In consideration of services rendered and expenses assumed pursuant to the fund accounting agreement, the Fund pays HFMC a fee. HFMC is entitled to receive the following fee with respect to the Fund: the fund accounting fee for the Fund shall equal the sum of (i) the sub-accounting fee payable by HFMC with respect to the Fund; (ii) the fee payable for tax preparation services for the Fund; and (iii) the amount of expenses that HFMC allocates for providing the fund accounting services to the Fund; plus a target profit margin.
The Adviser may make payments to banks or other financial institutions that provide shareholder services and administer shareholder accounts. If a bank or other financial institution were prohibited from continuing to perform all or a part of such services, management of the Fund believes that there would be no material impact on the Fund or shareholders. Banks and other financial institutions may charge their customers fees for offering these services to the extent permitted by applicable regulatory authorities, and the overall return to those shareholders availing themselves of the bank services will be lower than to those shareholders who do not. The Fund may from time to time purchase securities issued by banks and other financial institutions that provide such services; however, in selecting investments for the Fund, no preference will be shown for such securities.
Portfolio Managers
The personnel of the Sub-Advisers who have primary responsibility for management of the Fund are the members of the Sub-Advisers’ global Investment Committee. The Sub-Advisers also assigned two senior private equity investment professionals to manage the Fund. Each investment recommendation brought forward by the Fund’s investment team must be approved unanimously by the global Investment Committee. Specific investment decisions take into account the merits of the specific investment opportunity, as well as portfolio allocation and risk management considerations. The Investment Committee is composed of
Rainer Ender. Global Head of Private Equity, Schroders Capital
Rainer Ender is the Global Head of Private Equity at Schroders Capital and a member of the Private Equity Investment Committee. He is also active on the advisory boards of several fund managers. Before joining Schroders in 2001, Mr. Ender was an underwriter for alternative risk transfer at Zurich Reinsurance Company. From 1997 to 2000 he was a manager in the Financial Risk Management Practice at Arthur Andersen. In addition, Mr. Ender served for several years on the Board of DTS, a regulated derivatives trader in Switzerland. He is also a CFA® charterholder.
Nils Rode. Chief Investment Officer, Schroders Capital
Nils Rode is the Chief Investment Officer of Schroders Capital. He is a member of Schroders Capital's Management Committee and a member of the Investment Committee. Before joining Schroders in 2005, Mr. Rode was a Vice President with private equity backed SkyOnline, a US-based IT and telecommunications company, where he worked in the areas of finance and strategy from 2003 to 2005. From 1995 to 2002, Mr. Rode was a management consultant with McKinsey & Company in Germany, where he was the lead manager for several strategic, organizational and operational improvement programs for private and publicly listed companies in the technology and financial services sector.
Lee Gardella. Head of Private Equity, North America, Schroders Capital
Lee Gardella is the head of Private Equity North America and leads the Firm’s Investment Risk and Monitoring efforts and is a member of the Investment Committee. Before joining Schroders Capital in 2007, Mr. Gardella was a Managing Director leading the Private Markets Group for CTC Consulting, the family office investment advisory subsidiary of US Trust Company in Stamford, Connecticut. From 1997 to 2005 he worked for the US Trust Company in the private equity and Alternative Investment Divisions making private equity direct and fund investments and leading the development of private equity, real estate and hedge fund investment products. Prior
41
to that, Mr. Gardella was an Associate at the Edison Venture Fund and Wilshire Associates and a Treasury Analyst at National Steel Corporation. He is also a CFA® charterholder.
Tim Creed. Head of Private Equity Investments, Schroders Capital
Tim Creed is the Head of Private Equity Investments at Schroders Capital. He is a member of Schroders Capital Private Equity Management Committee and a member of the Private Equity Investment Committee. He is also on the advisory board of several leading European buyout and turnaround fund managers. Prior to joining Schroders in 2004, Mr. Creed worked as a Project Manager at Aon in London, UK, having previously spent five years at Accenture in Strategy Consulting and Operations Consulting, where he worked mostly with financial services companies across Europe. Tim started his career as a Research Chemist at Astra Zeneca, also in the UK. From 2002 to 2007, Mr. Creed held a part time position as an Executive Public member of Network Rail in the UK.
The two assigned senior private equity professionals to lead the Fund (“Portfolio Management Team”) are:
Ethan Vogelhut. Head of Buyout Investments Americas, Schroders Capital
Ethan is the Head of Buyout Investments Americas and leads Schroders Capital's US buyout and turnaround investment activities across primary funds, secondaries, and co-investments. Before joining Schroders Capital in 2010, Mr. Vogelhut worked on the restructuring of Vertis Communications, a private equity portfolio company of Avenue Capital. From 2008 to 2009, he was an associate at Linley Capital, a New York-based private equity firm focused on middle market buyouts. Mr. Vogelhut was also a manager of finance at Viacom, Inc. from 2004 to 2006. He completed the investment banking analyst program at Bank of America Securities in New York from 2001 to 2003 where he provided financial and advisory services to companies and financial sponsors in the retail and consumer industries.
Benjamin Alt. Head of Global Private Equity Portfolios, Head of Private Equity Consumer Investments, Schroders Capital
Benjamin Alt is head of Global Private Equity Portfolios and also heads the Private Equity Consumer Investments team. Prior to taking on his current role, Mr. Alt covered Schroders Capital private equity investment activity in Europe, as well as in the US while in secondment in New York. Before joining Schroders Capital in 2008, Mr. Alt worked in the Investment Banking division of Sal. Oppenheim in Frankfurt and Cologne, Germany.
OTHER ACCOUNTS MANAGED OR SUB-ADVISED BY SCHRODERS PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
The following table lists the number and types of other accounts managed or sub-advised by the Fund’s portfolio managers and assets under management in those accounts as of December 31, 2022:
FUND
AND PORTFOLIO MANAGER |
NUMBER
OF ACCOUNTS |
ASSETS (in millions) |
Number of Accounts Account
|
Total Assets in (in millions) |
Rainer Ender | ||||
Other Registered Investment Companies | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 46 | $7,746 | 41 | $6,440 |
Other Accounts | 55 | $4,160 | 48 | $3,554 |
Nils Rode | ||||
Other Registered Investment Companies | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 46 | $7,746 | 41 | $6,440 |
Other Accounts | 55 | $4,160 | 48 | $3,554 |
Lee Gardella | ||||
Other Registered Investment Companies | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 46 | $7,746 | 41 | $6,440 |
Other Accounts | 55 | $4,160 | 48 | $3,554 |
Tim Creed |
42
FUND
AND PORTFOLIO MANAGER |
NUMBER
OF ACCOUNTS |
ASSETS (in millions) |
Number of Accounts Account
|
Total Assets in (in millions) |
Other Registered Investment Companies | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 46 | $7,746 | 41 | $6,440 |
Other Accounts | 55 | $4,160 | 48 | $3,554 |
Ethan Vogelhut | ||||
Other Registered Investment Companies | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 4 | $629 | 4 | $629 |
Other Accounts | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
Benjamin Alt | ||||
Other Registered Investment Companies | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 5 | $2,029 | 3 | $854 |
Other Accounts | 13 | $1,367 | 7 | $784 |
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST BETWEEN THE FUND SUB-ADVISED BY SCHRODERS’ PORTFOLIO MANAGERS AND OTHER ACCOUNTS
Whenever a portfolio manager of the Fund manages other accounts, potential conflicts of interest exist, including potential conflicts between the investment strategy of the Fund and the investment strategy of the other accounts. For example, in certain instances, a portfolio manager may take conflicting positions in a particular security for different accounts, by selling a security for one account and continuing to hold it for another account. In addition, the fact that other accounts require the portfolio manager to devote less than all of his or her time to the Fund may be seen itself to constitute a conflict with the interest of the Fund.
Each portfolio manager may also execute transactions for another fund or account at the direction of such fund or account that may adversely impact the value of securities held by the Fund. Securities selected for funds or accounts other than the Fund may outperform the securities selected for the Fund. In addition, some of these accounts managed by the portfolio managers may have fee structures, including performance fees, that are or have the potential to be higher, in some cases significantly higher, than the fees the Sub-Advisers receive for managing the Fund. Finally, if the portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity that may be suitable for more than one fund or other account, the Fund may not be able to take advantage of that opportunity due to an allocation of that opportunity to or across eligible funds and accounts. Schroders’ policies, however, require that portfolio managers allocate investment opportunities among accounts managed by them in an equitable manner over time. Orders are normally allocated on a pro rata basis, except that in certain circumstances, such as the small size of an issue, orders will be allocated among clients in a manner believed by Schroders to be fair and equitable over time.
The structure of a portfolio manager’s compensation may give rise to potential conflicts of interest. A portfolio manager’s base pay tends to increase with additional and more complex responsibilities that include increased assets under management, which indirectly links compensation to sales. Also, potential conflicts of interest may arise since the structure of Schroders’ compensation may vary from account to account.
Schroders has adopted certain compliance procedures that are designed to address these, and other, types of conflicts. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation where a conflict arises.
COMPENSATION OF SCHRODERS’ PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Schroders receives a fee based on the assets under management of the Fund as set forth in the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between SIMNA and HFMC on behalf of the Fund. Schroders pays its investment professionals out of its total revenues, including the advisory fees earned with respect to the Fund. The following information relates to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022.
Schroders’ methodology for measuring and rewarding the contribution made by portfolio managers combines quantitative measures with qualitative measures. The Fund’s portfolio managers are compensated for their services to the Fund and to other accounts they manage in a combination of base salary and annual discretionary bonus, as well as the standard retirement, health and welfare benefits available to all Schroders employees. Certain fund managers may also receive awards under a long-term incentive program. Base salary of Schroders’ employees is determined by reference to the level of responsibility inherent in the role and the experience of the incumbent, and is benchmarked annually against market data to ensure that Schroders is paying competitively. Schroders’ reviews base salaries annually, targeting increases at employees whose roles have increased in scope materially during the year and those whose salary is behind market rates. At more senior levels, base salaries tend to be adjusted less frequently as the emphasis is increasingly on the discretionary bonus. Discretionary bonuses for portfolio managers may be comprised of an agreed contractual floor, a revenue component and/or a discretionary component. Any discretionary bonus is determined by a number of factors. At a macro level the total amount available to spend is a function of the bonus to pre-bonus profit ratio before tax and the compensation to revenue ratio achieved by Schroders globally. Schroders then assesses the performance of the division and of a management team to determine the share of the
43
aggregate bonus pool that is spent in each area. This focus on “team” maintains consistency and minimizes internal competition that may be detrimental to the interests of Schroders’ clients. For each team, Schroders assesses the performance of their funds relative to competitors and to relevant benchmarks (which may be internally-and/or externally-based and are considered over a range of performance periods), the level of funds under management, and the level of performance fees generated, if any. Schroders also reviews “softer” factors such as leadership, contribution to other parts of the business, and an assessment of the employee’s behavior and the extent to which it is in line with our corporate values of excellence, integrity, teamwork, passion and innovation. For those employees receiving significant bonuses, a part may be deferred in the form of Schroders plc stock. These employees may also receive part of the deferred award in the form of notional cash investments in a range of Schroders Funds. These deferrals vest over a period of three years and are designed to ensure that the interests of the employees are aligned with those of the shareholders of Schroders.
EQUITY SECURITIES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY SCHRODERS PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Because the Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI, the Fund’s portfolio managers did not own any equity securities in the Fund as of that date.
44
REPURCHASES AND TRANSFERS OF SHARES
Repurchase Offers
Beginning no later than the fifth full calendar quarter following the date the Fund commences operations, the Adviser intends to recommend to the Board (subject to the Board’s discretion) that the Fund offer to repurchase Shares from shareholders on a quarterly basis in an amount not to exceed 5% of the Fund’s net asset value. In determining whether the Fund should repurchase Shares from shareholders of the Fund pursuant to written tenders, the Fund’s Board will consider the recommendation of the Adviser. The Board also will consider various factors, including, but not limited to, those listed in the prospectus, in making its determinations.
The Fund’s Board will cause the Fund to make offers to repurchase Shares from shareholders pursuant to written tenders only on terms it determines to be fair to the Fund and to all shareholders of the Fund. When the Fund’s Board determines that the Fund will repurchase Shares, notice will be provided to each shareholder of the Fund describing the terms thereof, and contain information shareholders should consider in deciding whether and how to participate in such repurchase opportunity. Shareholders who are deciding whether to tender their Shares during the period that a repurchase offer is open may ascertain an estimated net asset value of their Shares (which is calculated once a month at month-end) from HFMC, the administrator for the Fund, during such period. If a repurchase offer is oversubscribed by shareholders, the Fund may repurchase only a pro rata portion of the Shares tendered by each shareholder, extend the repurchase offer, or take any other action with respect to the repurchase offer permitted by applicable law.
The Fund generally expects to distribute to the holder of Shares that are repurchased a payment of cash in satisfaction of such repurchase. Although the Fund will have a reasonable basis to believe that it will be able to satisfy all conditions of each tender offer when it commences the tender offer, including paying cash for shares being repurchased, there can be no assurance that the Fund will have sufficient cash to pay for Shares that are being repurchased or that it will be able to liquidate Investments at favorable prices to pay for repurchased Shares at the time of the repurchase. The Fund has the right to distribute securities as payment for repurchased Shares in unusual circumstances, including if making a cash payment would result in a material adverse effect on the Fund.
Upon its acceptance of tendered Shares for repurchase, the Fund will maintain daily on its books a segregated account consisting of (i) cash, (ii) liquid securities or (iii) interests in Investment Funds that the Fund has requested be withdrawn (or any combination of the foregoing), in an amount equal to the aggregate estimated unpaid dollar amount of any outstanding repurchase offer.
Payment for repurchased Shares may require the Fund to liquidate portfolio holdings earlier than the Adviser or Sub-Advisers would otherwise liquidate these holdings, potentially resulting in losses, and may increase the Fund’s portfolio turnover. The Adviser and/or the Sub-Advisers intend to take measures (subject to such policies as may be established by the Fund’s Board) to attempt to avoid or minimize potential losses and turnover resulting from the repurchase of Shares.
Mandatory Repurchases and Redemptions
As noted in the prospectus, the Fund has the right to repurchase and/or redeem Shares of a shareholder or any person acquiring Shares from or through a shareholder under certain circumstances, in accordance with the terms of its Agreement and Declaration of Trust and the 1940 Act, including Rule 23c-2 under the 1940 Act. Such mandatory redemptions may be made if:
· | Shares have been transferred to or vested in any person other than by operation of law as the result of the death, dissolution, bankruptcy or incompetency of a shareholder or with the consent of the Fund; |
· | ownership of Shares by a shareholder or other person will cause the Fund to be in violation of, or subject the Fund to additional registration or regulation under, the securities, commodities or other laws of the U.S. or any other relevant jurisdiction; |
· | continued ownership of such shares may be harmful or injurious to the business or reputation of the Fund or the Adviser, or may subject the Fund or any shareholder to an undue risk of adverse tax or other fiscal consequences; |
· | any of the representations and warranties made by a shareholder in connection with the acquisition of Shares was not true when made or has ceased to be true; or |
· | it would be in the best interests of the Fund to redeem Shares. |
Transfers of Shares
Shares are subject to restrictions on transferability and liquidity will be provided by the Fund only through repurchase offers, which may be made from time to time by the Fund as determined by the Fund’s Board of Trustees in its sole discretion. No transfer of Shares
45
will be permitted by the Fund unless the transferee is an “Eligible Investor” (as defined in the prospectus), and, after the transfer, the value of the Shares beneficially owned by each of the transferor and the transferee is at least equal to the Fund’s minimum investment requirement.
The Fund’s organizational documents provide that each shareholder has agreed to indemnify and hold harmless the Fund, the Board, the Adviser, each other shareholder and any affiliate of the foregoing against all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses, including legal or other expenses incurred in investigating or defending against any such losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses or any judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement, joint or several, to which such persons may become subject by reason of or arising from any transfer made by such shareholder in violation of these provisions or any misrepresentation made by such shareholder in connection with any such transfer.
See “Types of Investments and Related Risks – Repurchase Offers Risks” in the Prospectus for a description of the risks associated with the Fund’s repurchase offers. In addition, the repurchase of Shares by the Fund will be a taxable event to shareholders. For a discussion of these tax consequences, see “Taxation” below.
Subject to its investment limitations, the Fund may borrow to finance the repurchase of shares or to make a tender offer. Interest on any borrowings to finance share repurchase transactions or the accumulation of cash by the Fund in anticipation of share repurchases or tenders will reduce the Fund’s net income and gains. Any share repurchase, tender offer or borrowing that might be approved by the Board would have to comply with the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder and other applicable law.
46
The Fund has no obligation to deal with any dealer or group of dealers in the execution of transactions in portfolio securities.
Subject to any policy established by the Fund’s Board of Trustees and HFMC, Schroders is primarily responsible for the investment decisions of the Fund and the placing of its portfolio transactions. In placing brokerage orders, it is the policy of the Fund to obtain the most favorable net results, taking into account various factors, including price, dealer spread or commission, if any, size of the transaction and difficulty of execution. While the sub-adviser generally seeks reasonably competitive spreads or commissions, the Fund does not necessarily pay the lowest possible spread or commission. HFMC may instruct the sub-adviser to direct certain brokerage transactions, using best efforts, subject to obtaining best execution, to broker/dealers in connection with a commission recapture program used to defray fund expenses for the Fund.
The sub-adviser generally deals directly with the dealers who make a market in the securities involved (unless better prices and execution are available elsewhere) if the securities are traded primarily in the over-the-counter market. Such dealers usually act as principals for their own account. On occasion, securities may be purchased directly from the issuer. In addition, the sub-adviser may effect certain “riskless principal” transactions through certain dealers in the over-the-counter market under which commissions are paid on such transactions. Bonds and money market securities are generally traded on a net basis and do not normally involve either brokerage commissions or transfer taxes.
To the extent that accounts managed by the sub-adviser are simultaneously engaged in the purchase of the same security as the Fund, then, as authorized by the Fund’s Board of Trustees, available securities may be allocated to the Fund and another client account and may be averaged as to price in a manner determined by the sub-adviser to be fair and equitable. Such allocation and pricing may affect the amount of brokerage commissions paid by the Fund. In some cases, this system might adversely affect the price paid by the Fund (for example, during periods of rapidly rising or falling interest rates) or limit the size of the position obtainable for the Fund (for example, in the case of a small issue).
Accounts managed by the sub-adviser (or its affiliates) may hold securities also held by the Fund. Because of different investment objectives or other factors, a particular security may be purchased by the sub-adviser for one client when one or more other clients are selling the same security.
Because the Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI, no information regarding brokerage commissions paid is available.
Commission rates are established by country and trade method used to execute a given order.
47
PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROXY VOTING RECORD
The Board believes that the voting of proxies with respect to securities held by the Fund is an important element of the overall investment process. Investments in the Investment Funds do not typically convey traditional voting rights, and the occurrence of corporate governance or other consent or voting matters for this type of investment is typically substantially less than that encountered in connection with registered equity securities. Pursuant to the Fund’s Policy Related to Proxy Voting, as approved by the Fund’s Board, HFMC has delegated to the sub-adviser the authority to vote all proxies relating to the Fund’s portfolio securities, subject to oversight by HFMC. The sub-adviser’s exercise of this delegated proxy voting authority on behalf of the Fund is subject to oversight by HFMC. The sub-adviser has a duty to vote or not vote such proxies in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders, and to avoid the influence of conflicts of interest. In addition, if the sub-adviser requests that HFMC vote a proxy in the Fund because the sub-adviser believes it has a conflict of interest with respect to said proxy, HFMC may vote such securities. HFMC may choose to echo vote, vote in accordance with stated guidelines set forth by a proxy voting service or in accordance with its recommendations, abstain or hire a third-party fiduciary.
The policies and procedures used by the sub-advisers to determine how to vote certain proxies relating to portfolio securities are set forth in Appendix A. However, more complete information should be obtained by reviewing the Fund's voting records. Information on how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is or will be available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling 1-888-843-7824 and (2) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
The Fund intends to hold a portion of its interests in the Investment Funds in non-voting form when required by law or regulation. Where the Fund anticipates that it would own voting securities of an Investment Fund in an amount that is in excess of amounts permitted by law or regulation, the Fund will typically seek to either purchase non-voting securities of such Investment Fund or to enter into contractual arrangements with such Investment Funds, typically before the initial purchase, which relinquish the right to vote in respect of a portion of those voting securities to the extent required to comply with applicable laws and regulations.
The Fund will file a Form N-PX, with the Fund’s complete proxy voting record for the 12 months ended June 30, no later than August 31st of each year. Form N-PX for the Fund will be available without charge, upon request, by calling toll-free 1-888-843-7824 and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
48
SHAREHOLDER TAXATION
The following is a general summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the Fund and an investment in the Fund. The discussion below provides general tax information related to an investment in the Fund, but does not purport to be a complete description of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Fund and does not address any state, local, non-U.S. or other tax consequences. It is based on the Code and U.S. Treasury regulations thereunder and administrative pronouncements, all as of the date of this SAI, any of which is subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. In addition, it does not describe all of the tax consequences that may be relevant in light of a shareholder’s particular circumstances, including (but not limited to) alternative minimum tax consequences and tax consequences applicable to shareholders subject to special tax rules, such as certain financial institutions; dealers or traders in securities who use a mark-to-market method of tax accounting; persons holding Shares as part of a hedging transaction, wash sale, conversion transaction or integrated transaction or persons entering into a constructive sale with respect to Shares; entities classified as partnerships or other pass-through entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes; insurance companies; U.S. Shareholders (as defined below) whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar; or tax-exempt entities, including “individual retirement accounts” or “Roth IRAs.” As with any taxable investment, shareholders may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax on their income (including taxable income from the Fund), depending on their individual circumstances. Unless otherwise noted, the following discussion applies only to a shareholder that holds Shares as a capital asset and is a U.S. Shareholder. A “U.S. Shareholder” generally is a beneficial owner of Shares who is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
· | an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; |
· | a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; |
· | an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or |
· | a trust if it (a) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (b) has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person. |
If a partnership (including an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds Shares, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A prospective shareholder that is a partner in a partnership holding Shares should consult his, her or its tax advisors with respect to the purchase, ownership and disposition of Shares.
The discussion set forth herein does not constitute tax advice. Tax laws are complex and often change, and shareholders should consult their tax advisors about the U.S. federal, state, local or non-U.S. tax consequences of an investment in the Fund.
Taxation of the Fund
The Fund intends to elect, to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and intends to qualify annually, as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, the Fund generally will not be subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any ordinary income or capital gains that it distributes as dividends to shareholders. To qualify as a RIC in any tax year, the Fund must, among other things, satisfy both a source of income test and asset diversification tests. The Fund will qualify as a RIC if (i) at least 90% of the Fund’s gross income for such tax year consists of dividends; interest; payments with respect to certain securities loans; gains from the sale or other disposition of shares, securities or foreign currencies; other income (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such shares, securities or currencies; and net income derived from interests in “qualified publicly-traded partnerships” (such income, “Qualifying RIC Income”); and (ii) the Fund’s holdings are diversified so that, at the end of each quarter of such tax year, (a) at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets is represented by cash and cash equivalents, securities of other RICs, U.S. government securities and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and not greater than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer and (b) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets is invested (x) in securities (other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs) of any one issuer or of two or more issuers that the Fund controls and that are engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses or (y) in the securities of one or more “qualified publicly-traded partnerships.” The Fund’s share of income derived from a partnership other than a “qualified publicly-traded partnership” will be treated as Qualifying RIC Income only to the extent that such income would have constituted Qualifying RIC Income if derived directly by the Fund. A “qualified publicly-traded partnership” is generally defined as an entity that is treated as a
49
partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes if (1) interests in such entity are traded on an established securities market or are readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof and (2) less than 90% of its gross income for the relevant tax year consists of Qualifying RIC Income. The Code provides that the Treasury Department may by regulation exclude from Qualifying RIC Income foreign currency gains that are not directly related to the RIC’s principal business of investing in shares or securities (or options and futures with respect to shares or securities). The Fund anticipates that, in general, its foreign currency gains will be directly related to its principal business of investing in shares and securities.
In addition, to maintain RIC tax treatment, the Fund must distribute on a timely basis with respect to each tax year dividends of an amount at least equal to 90% of the sum of its “investment company taxable income” and its net tax-exempt interest income, determined without regard to any deduction for dividends paid, to shareholders (the “90% distribution requirement”). If the Fund qualifies as a RIC and satisfies the 90% distribution requirement, the Fund generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its “investment company taxable income” and net capital gains (that is, the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses) that it distributes as dividends to shareholders (including amounts that are reinvested pursuant to the dividend reinvestment plan). In general, a RIC’s “investment company taxable income” for any tax year is its taxable income, determined without regard to net capital gains and with certain other adjustments. The Fund intends to distribute all or substantially all of its “investment company taxable income,” net tax-exempt interest income (if any) and net capital gains on an annual basis. Any taxable income, including any net capital gains that the Fund does not distribute in a timely manner, will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates.
If the Fund retains any net capital gains for reinvestment, it may elect to treat such capital gains as having been distributed to Shareholders. If the Fund makes such an election, each shareholder will be required to report its share of such undistributed net capital gains attributed to the Fund as long-term capital gain and will be entitled to claim its share of the U.S. federal income taxes paid by the Fund on such undistributed net capital gains as a credit against its own U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, and to claim a refund on a properly-filed U.S. federal income tax return to the extent that the credit exceeds such liability. In addition, each shareholder will be entitled to increase the adjusted tax basis of its Shares by the difference between its share of such undistributed net capital gain and the related credit. There can be no assurance that the Fund will make this election if it retains all or a portion of its net capital gain for a tax year.
As a RIC, the Fund will be, subject to a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax on certain undistributed amounts for each calendar year (the “4% excise tax”). To avoid the 4% excise tax, the Fund must distribute in respect of each calendar year dividends of an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of its ordinary taxable income (taking into account certain deferrals and elections) for the calendar year, (2) 98.2% of its capital gain net income (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) generally for the one-year period ending on October 31 of the calendar year and (3) any ordinary income and capital gains for previous calendar years that were not distributed during those calendar years. For purposes of determining whether the Fund has met this distribution requirement, the Fund will be deemed to have distributed any income or gains previously subject to U.S. federal income tax. Furthermore, any distribution declared by the Fund in October, November or December of any calendar year, payable to shareholders, of record on a specified date in such a month and actually paid during January of the following calendar year, will be treated for tax purposes as if it had been paid on December 31 of the calendar year in which the distribution was declared. The Fund generally intends to avoid the imposition of the 4% excise tax, but there can be no assurance in this regard.
It is intended that the Fund will invest a portion of its assets in Investment Funds, some of which may be classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. An entity that is properly classified as a partnership (and not an association or publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation) generally is not subject to an entity-level U.S. federal income tax. Instead, each partner of the partnership is required to take into account its distributive share of the partnership’s net capital gain or loss, net short- term capital gain or loss, and its other items of ordinary income or loss (including all items of income, gain, loss and deduction allocable to that partnership from investments in other partnerships) for each taxable year of the partnership ending with or within the partner’s taxable year. Each such item will have the same character to a partner and will generally have the same source (either United States or foreign), as though the partner realized the item directly. Partners of a partnership must report these items regardless of the extent to which, or whether, the partnership or the partners receive cash distributions for such taxable year. Accordingly, the Fund may be required to recognize items of taxable income and gain prior to the time that any corresponding cash distributions are made to or by the Fund and certain Investment Funds (including in circumstances where investments by the Investment Funds, such as investments in debt instrument with “original issue discount,” generate income prior to a corresponding receipt of cash). In such case, the Fund may have to dispose of interests in Investment Funds that it would otherwise have continued to hold, or devise other methods of cure, to the extent certain Investment Funds earn income of a type that is not qualifying gross income for purposes of the gross income test or hold assets that could cause the Fund not to satisfy the RIC asset diversification test. Some of the income that the Fund may earn directly or through an Investment Fund, such as income recognized from an equity investment in an operating partnership, may not satisfy the gross income test. To manage the risk that such income might jeopardize the Fund’s tax status as a RIC resulting from a failure to satisfy the gross income test, one or more subsidiary entities treated as U.S. corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be employed to earn such income and (if applicable) hold the related investment. Such subsidiary entities generally will be required to incur entity-level income taxes on their earnings, which ultimately will reduce the return to shareholders.
50
UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, REFERENCES IN THIS DISCUSSION TO THE FUND’S INVESTMENTS, ACTIVITIES, INCOME, GAIN AND LOSS, INCLUDE THE DIRECT INVESTMENTS OR CO-INVESTMENTS, ACTIVITIES, INCOME, GAIN AND LOSS OF BOTH THE FUND, AS WELL AS THOSE INDIRECTLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE FUND AS A RESULT OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT IN ANY INVESTMENT FUND (OR OTHER ENTITY) THAT IS PROPERLY CLASSIFIED AS A PARTNERSHIP OR DISREGARDED ENTITY FOR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES (AND NOT AN ASSOCIATION OR PUBLICLY TRADED PARTNERSHIP TAXABLE AS A CORPORATION).
If the Fund fails to qualify as a RIC or fails to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement in respect of any tax year, the Fund would be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates on its taxable income, including its net capital gains, even if such income were distributed, and all distributions out of earnings and profits would be taxed as ordinary dividend income. Such distributions generally would be eligible for the dividends-received deduction in the case of certain corporate shareholders and may be eligible to be qualified dividend income in the case of certain non-corporate shareholders. In addition, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay taxes and make distributions (any of which could be subject to interest charges) before re-qualifying for taxation as a RIC. If the Fund fails to satisfy either the income test or asset diversification test described above, in certain cases, however, the Fund may be able to avoid losing its status as a RIC by timely providing notice of such failure to the IRS, curing such failure and possibly paying an additional tax or penalty.
Some of the investments that the Fund is expected to make, such as investments in debt instruments having market discount and/or treated as issued with “original issue discount” (“OID”), may cause the Fund to recognize income or gain for U.S. federal income tax purposes prior to the receipt of any corresponding cash or other property. As a result, the Fund may have difficulty meeting the 90% distribution requirement necessary to maintain RIC tax treatment. Because this income will be included in the Fund’s investment company taxable income for the tax year it is accrued, the Fund may be required to make a distribution to shareholders to meet the distribution requirements described above, even though the Fund will not have received any corresponding cash or property. The Fund may be required to borrow money, dispose of other securities or forgo new investment opportunities for this purpose.
There may be uncertainty as to the appropriate treatment of certain of the Fund’s investments for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In particular, the Fund expects to invest a portion of its net assets in below investment grade instruments. U.S. federal income tax rules with respect to such instruments are not entirely clear about issues such as whether and to what extent the Fund should recognize interest, OID or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless instruments, how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and income and whether exchanges of debt obligations in a bankruptcy or workout context are taxable. These and other issues will be addressed by the Fund, to the extent necessary, in connection with the Fund’s general intention to distribute sufficient income to qualify, and maintain its qualification to be subject to tax as a RIC and to minimize the risk that it becomes subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.
Income received by the Fund from sources outside the United States may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries, thereby reducing income available to the Fund. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. The Fund generally intends to conduct its investment activities to minimize the impact of foreign taxation, but there is no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in this regard. If more than 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the close of its tax year consists of securities of foreign corporations, the Fund will be eligible to elect to “pass-through” to the Fund the foreign source amount of income deemed earned and the respective amount of foreign taxes paid by the Fund. If at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the close of each quarter of its tax year is represented by interests in other RICs, the Fund may elect to “pass-through” to shareholders the foreign source amount of income deemed earned and the respective amount of foreign taxes paid or deemed paid by the Fund. If the Fund so elects, each shareholder would be required to include in gross income, even though not actually received, each shareholder’s pro rata share of the foreign taxes paid or deemed paid by the Fund, but would be treated as having paid its pro rata share of such foreign taxes and would therefore be allowed to either deduct such amount in computing taxable income or use such amount (subject to various limitations) as a foreign tax credit against federal income tax (but not both).
The Fund may invest in shares of foreign companies that are classified under the Code as passive foreign investment companies (“PFICs”). In general, a foreign company is considered a PFIC if at least 50% of its assets constitute investment-type assets or 75% or more of its gross income is investment-type income. In general under the PFIC rules, an “excess distribution” received with respect to PFIC shares is treated as having been realized ratably over the period during which the Fund held the PFIC shares. The Fund generally will be subject to tax on the portion, if any, of the excess distribution that is allocated to the Fund’s holding period in prior tax years (and an interest factor will be added to the tax, as if the tax had actually been payable in such prior tax years) even though the Fund distributes the corresponding income to shareholders. Excess distributions include any gain from the sale of PFIC shares as well as certain distributions from a PFIC. All excess distributions are taxable as ordinary income.
The Fund may be eligible to elect alternative tax treatment with respect to PFIC shares. Under one such election (i.e., a “QEF” election), the Fund generally would be required to include in its gross income its share of the earnings of a PFIC on a current basis, regardless of whether any distributions are received from the PFIC. If this election is made, the special rules, discussed above, relating
51
to the taxation of excess distributions, would not apply. Alternatively, the Fund may be able to elect to mark its PFIC shares to market, resulting in any unrealized gains at the Fund’s tax year end being treated as though they were recognized and reported as ordinary income. Any mark-to-market losses and any loss from an actual disposition of the PFIC’s Shares would be deductible as ordinary losses to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains included in income in prior tax years with respect to shares in the same PFIC.
Because the application of the PFIC rules may affect, among other things, the character of gains, the amount of gain or loss and the timing of the recognition of income, gain or loss with respect to PFIC shares, as well as subject the Fund itself to tax on certain income from PFIC shares, the amount that must be distributed to Fund shareholders, and which will be recognized by Fund shareholders as ordinary income or long-term capital gain, may be increased or decreased substantially as compared to a fund that did not invest in PFIC shares. Note that distributions from a PFIC are not eligible for the reduced rate of tax on distributions of “qualified dividend income” as discussed below.
Applicable treasury regulations generally treat the Fund’s income inclusion from an investment in a PFIC with respect to which the Fund has made a QEF election as qualifying income only if there is a distribution out of the earnings and profits of the PFIC that are attributable to such income inclusion.
If the Fund holds more than 10% of the interests treated as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes in a foreign corporation that is treated as a controlled foreign corporation (“CFC”), including equity tranche investments and certain debt tranche investments in a CLO treated as CFC, the Fund may be treated as receiving a deemed distribution (taxable as ordinary income) each tax year from such foreign corporation of an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of the foreign corporation’s earnings for such tax year (including both ordinary earnings and capital gains), whether or not the corporation makes an actual distribution to the Fund during such tax year. This deemed distribution is required to be included in the income of certain U.S. Shareholders of a CFC, such as the Fund, regardless of whether a U.S. shareholder has made a QEF election with respect to such CFC. The Fund is generally required to distribute such income in order to satisfy the distribution requirements applicable to RICs, even to the extent the Fund’s income from a CFC exceeds the distributions from the CFC and the Fund’s proceeds from the sales or other dispositions of CFC stock during that tax year. In general, a foreign corporation will be treated as a CFC for U.S. federal income tax purposes if more than 50% of the shares of the foreign corporation, measured by reference to combined voting power or value, is owned (directly, indirectly or by attribution) by U.S. Shareholders. A “U.S. Shareholder,” for this purpose, is any U.S. person that possesses (actually or constructively) 10% or more of the combined value or voting power of all classes of shares of a corporation. Additionally, applicable treasury regulations generally treat a fund’s income inclusion with respect to a CFC as qualifying income only if there is a distribution out of the earnings and profits of the CFC that are attributable to such income inclusion.
The functional currency of the Fund, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is the U.S. dollar. Gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates that occur between the time the Fund accrues interest income or other receivables or accrues expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the Fund actually collects such receivables or pays such liabilities generally are respectively characterized as ordinary income or ordinary loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Similarly, on the sale of other disposition of certain investments, including debt securities, certain forward contracts, as well as other derivative financial instruments, denominated in a foreign currency, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in the value of foreign currency between the date of acquisition of the security or contract and the date of disposition also are generally treated as ordinary gain or loss. These gains and losses, referred to under the Code as “section 988” gains and losses, may increase or decrease the amount of the Fund’s investment company taxable income subject to distribution to Fund shareholders as ordinary income. For example, fluctuations in exchange rates may increase the amount of income that the Fund must distribute to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC and to prevent application of an excise tax on undistributed income. Alternatively, fluctuations in exchange rates may decrease or eliminate income available for distribution. If section 988 losses exceed other investment company taxable income during a tax year, the Fund would not be able to distribute amounts considered dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and any distributions during a tax year made by the Fund before such losses were recognized would be re-characterized as a return of capital to Fund shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes, rather than as ordinary dividend income, and would reduce the Fund shareholder’s tax basis in Fund Shares.
If the Fund uses leverage through the issuance of preferred Shares or borrowings, it will be prohibited from declaring a distribution or dividend if it would fail the applicable asset coverage test(s) under the 1940 Act after the payment of such distribution or dividend. In addition, certain covenants in credit facilities or indentures may impose greater restrictions on the Fund’s ability to declare and pay dividends on Fund Shares. Limits on the Fund’s ability to pay dividends on Fund Shares may prevent the Fund from meeting the distribution requirements described above and, as a result, may affect the Fund’s ability to be subject to tax as a RIC or subject the Fund to the 4% excise tax. The Fund endeavors to avoid restrictions on its ability to make distribution payments. If the Fund is precluded from making distributions on Fund Shares because of any applicable asset coverage requirements, the terms of preferred Shares (if any) may provide that any amounts so precluded from being distributed, but required to be distributed by the Fund to enable the Fund to satisfy the distribution requirements that would enable the Fund to be subject to tax as a RIC, will be paid to the holders of preferred Shares as a special distribution. This distribution can be expected to decrease the amount that holders of preferred Shares would be entitled to receive upon repurchase or liquidation of such preferred Shares.
52
Certain of the Fund’s investments are expected to be subject to special U.S. federal income tax provisions that may, among other things, (1) disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions, (2) convert lower-taxed long-term capital gains into higher-taxed short-term capital gains or ordinary income, (3) convert an ordinary loss or a deduction into a capital loss, the deductibility of which is more limited, (4) adversely affect when a purchase or sale of shares or securities is deemed to occur, (5) adversely alter the intended characterization of certain complex financial transactions, (6) cause the Fund to recognize income or gain without a corresponding receipt of cash, (7) treat dividends that would otherwise constitute qualified dividend income as non-qualified dividend income, (8) treat dividends that would otherwise be eligible for the corporate dividends received deduction as ineligible for such treatment and (9) produce income that will not constitute Qualifying RIC Income. The application of these rules could cause the Fund to be subject to U.S. federal income tax or the 4% excise tax and, under certain circumstances, could affect the Fund’s status as a RIC. The Fund monitors its investments and may make certain tax elections to mitigate the effect of these provisions.
Unless and until the Fund is considered under the Code to be a “publicly offered regulated investment company,” for purposes of computing the taxable income of U.S. Shareholders that are individuals, trusts or estates, (1) the Fund’s earnings will be computed without taking into account such U.S. Shareholders’ allocable shares of the Management Fees and certain other expenses, (2) each such U.S. Shareholder will be treated as having received or accrued a dividend from the Fund in the amount of such U.S. Shareholder’s allocable share of these fees and expenses for such taxable year, (3) each such U.S. Shareholder will be treated as having paid or incurred such U.S. Shareholder’s allocable share of these fees and expenses for the calendar year and (4) each such U.S. Shareholder’s allocable share of these fees and expenses will be treated as miscellaneous itemized deductions by such U.S. stockholder. For taxable years beginning before 2026, miscellaneous itemized deductions generally are not deductible by a U.S. Shareholder that is an individual, trust or estate. For taxable years beginning in 2026 or later, miscellaneous itemized deductions generally are deductible by a U.S. Shareholder that is an individual, trust or estate only to the extent that the aggregate of such U.S. Shareholder’s miscellaneous itemized deductions exceeds 2% of such U.S. stockholder’s adjusted gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, are not deductible for purposes of the alternative minimum tax and are subject to the overall limitation on itemized deductions under Section 68 of the Code. In addition, if the Fund is not treated as a “publicly offered regulated investment company,” the Fund will be subject to limitations on the deductibility of certain “preferential dividends” that are distributed to U.S. stockholders on a non-pro-rata basis. A “publicly offered regulated investment company” is a RIC whose equity interests are (i) continuously offered pursuant to a public offering, (ii) regularly traded on an established securities market, or (iii) held by at least 500 persons at all times during the RIC’s taxable year.
The remainder of this discussion assumes that the Fund has qualified and maintain its qualification as a RIC and has satisfied the distribution requirements described above.
Taxation of U.S. Shareholders
Distributions
Distributions of the Fund’s ordinary income and net short-term capital gains will, except as described below with respect to distributions of “qualified dividend income,” generally be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income to the extent such distributions are paid out of the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Distributions (or deemed distributions, as described above), if any, of net capital gains will be taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless of the length of time a shareholder has owned Shares. The ultimate tax characterization of the Fund’s distributions made in a tax year cannot be determined until after the end of the tax year. As a result, the Fund may make total distributions during a tax year in an amount that exceeds the current and accumulated earnings and profits of the Fund. A distribution of an amount in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated by a shareholder as a return of capital that will be applied against and reduce the shareholder’s tax basis in its Shares. To the extent that the amount of any such distribution exceeds the shareholder’s tax basis in its Shares, the excess will be treated as gain from a sale or exchange of Shares. Distributions will be treated in the manner described above regardless of whether such distributions are paid in cash or invested in additional Shares. Generally, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a shareholder receiving Shares under the dividend reinvestment plan will generally be treated as having received a distribution equal to the fair market value of such Shares on the date the Shares are credited to the shareholder’s account.
A return of capital to shareholders is a return of a portion of their original investment in the Fund, thereby reducing the tax basis of their investment. As a result from such reduction in tax basis, shareholders may be subject to tax in connection with the sale of Fund Shares, even if such Shares are sold at a loss relative to the shareholder’s original investment.
It is expected that a substantial portion of the Fund’s income will consist of ordinary income. For example, interest and OID derived by the Fund characterized as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition, gain derived by the Fund from the disposition of debt instruments with “market discount” (generally, securities with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance acquired by the Fund at a price below the lesser of their stated redemption price at maturity or accreted value, in the case of securities with OID) will be characterized as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent of the market discount that has accrued, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes, at the time of such disposition, unless the Fund makes an election to accrue market discount on a current basis. In addition, certain of the Fund’s investments will be subject to other special U.S.
53
federal income tax provisions that may affect the character, increase the amount and/or accelerate the timing of distributions to shareholders.
Distributions made by the Fund to a corporate shareholder will qualify for the dividends-received deduction only to the extent that the distributions consist of qualifying dividends received by the Fund. In addition, any portion of the Fund’s dividends otherwise qualifying for the dividends-received deduction will be disallowed or reduced if the corporate shareholder fails to satisfy certain requirements, including a holding period requirement, with respect to its Shares. Distributions of “qualified dividend income” to an individual or other non-corporate shareholder will be treated as “qualified dividend income” to such shareholder and generally will be taxed at long-term capital gain rates, provided the shareholder satisfies the applicable holding period and other requirements. “Qualified dividend income” generally includes dividends from domestic corporations and dividends from foreign corporations that meet certain specified criteria. Given the Fund’s investment strategy, it is not expected that a significant portion of the distributions made by the Fund will be eligible for the dividends-received deduction or the reduced rates applicable to “qualified dividend income.”
If a person acquires Shares shortly before the record date of a distribution, the price of the Shares may include the value of the distribution, and the person will be subject to tax on the distribution even though economically it may represent a return of his, her or its investment in such Shares.
Distributions paid by the Fund generally will be treated as received by a shareholder at the time the distribution is made. However, the Fund may, under certain circumstances, elect to treat a distribution that is paid during the following tax year as if it had been paid during the tax year in which the income or gains supporting the distribution was earned. If the Fund makes such an election, the shareholder will still be treated as receiving the distribution in the tax year in which the distribution is received. In this instance, however, any distribution declared by the Fund in October, November or December of any calendar year, payable to shareholders of record on a specified date in such a month and actually paid during January of the following calendar year, will be treated for tax purposes as if it had been received by shareholders on December 31 of the calendar year in which the distribution was declared.
Certain distributions reported by the Fund as section 163(j) interest dividends may be treated as interest income by shareholders for purposes of the tax rules applicable to interest expense limitations under Section 163(j) of the Code. Such treatment by the shareholder is generally subject to holding period requirements and other potential limitations, although the holding period requirements are generally not applicable to dividends declared by money market funds and certain other funds that declare dividends daily and pay such dividends on a monthly or more frequent basis. The amount that the Fund is eligible to report as a Section 163(j) dividend for a tax year is generally limited to the excess of the Fund’s business interest income over the sum of the Fund’s (i) business interest expense and (ii) other deductions properly allocable to the Fund’s business interest income.
Shareholders will be notified annually, as promptly as practicable after the end of each calendar year, as to the U.S. federal tax status of distributions, and shareholders receiving distributions in the form of additional Shares will receive a report as to the NAV of those Shares.
Sale or Exchange of Shares
The repurchase or transfer of Shares may result in a taxable gain or loss to the tendering shareholder. Different tax consequences may apply for tendering and non-tendering shareholders in connection with a repurchase offer. For example, if a shareholder does not tender all of his or her Shares, such repurchase may be treated as a dividend (as opposed to a sale or exchange) for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and may result in deemed distributions to non-tendering shareholders. On the other hand, shareholders holding Shares as capital assets who tender all of their Shares (including Shares deemed owned by shareholders under constructive ownership rules) will be treated as having sold their Shares and generally will recognize capital gain or loss. The amount of the gain or loss will be equal to the difference between the amount received for the Shares and the shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in the relevant Shares. Such gain or loss generally will be a long-term capital gain or loss if the shareholder has held such Shares as capital assets for more than one year. Otherwise, the gain or loss will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss.
Losses realized by a shareholder on the sale or exchange of Shares held as capital assets for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital losses to the extent of any distribution of long-term capital gains received (or deemed received, as discussed above) with respect to such Shares. In addition, no loss will be allowed on a sale or other disposition of Shares if the shareholder acquires (including through reinvestment of distributions or otherwise) Shares, or enters into a contract or option to acquire Shares, within 30 days before or after any disposition of such Shares at a loss. In such a case, the basis of the Shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Under current law, net capital gains recognized by non-corporate shareholders are generally subject to U.S. federal income tax at lower rates than the rates applicable to ordinary income.
In general, U.S. Shareholders currently are generally subject to a maximum federal income tax rate of either 15% or 20% (depending on whether the shareholder’s income exceeds certain threshold amounts) on their net capital gain (i.e., the excess of realized net long-term capital gains over realized net short-term capital losses), including any long-term capital gain derived from an investment in Shares.
54
Such rate is lower than the maximum rate on ordinary income currently payable by individuals. Corporate U.S. Shareholders currently are subject to U.S. federal income tax on net capital gain at the maximum 21% rate also applied to ordinary income. Non-corporate shareholders with net capital losses for a tax year (i.e., capital losses in excess of capital gains) generally may deduct up to $3,000 of such losses against their ordinary income each tax year. Any net capital losses of a non-corporate shareholder in excess of $3,000 generally may be carried forward and used in subsequent tax years as provided in the Code. Corporate shareholders generally may not deduct any net capital losses for a tax year, but may carry back such losses for three tax years or carry forward such losses for five tax years.
An additional 3.8% Medicare tax is imposed on certain net investment income (including ordinary dividends and capital gain distributions received from the Fund and net gains from repurchases or other taxable dispositions of Shares) of U.S. individuals, estates and trusts to the extent that such person’s “modified adjusted gross income” (in the case of an individual) or “adjusted gross income” (in the case of an estate or trust) exceeds certain threshold amounts. U.S. persons that are individuals, estates or trusts are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the applicability of this tax to their income and gains in respect of their investment in the Fund.
The Fund (or if a U.S. Shareholder holds Shares through an intermediary, such intermediary) will send to each of its U.S. Shareholders, as promptly as possible after the end of each calendar year, a notice detailing, on a per Share and per distribution basis, the amounts includible in such U.S. Shareholder’s taxable income for such year as ordinary income and as long-term capital gain. In addition, the federal tax status of each year’s distributions generally will be reported to the IRS, including the amount of distributions, if any, eligible for the preferential maximum rate generally applicable to long-term capital gains. Distributions paid by the Fund generally will not be eligible for the corporate dividends received deduction or the preferential tax rate applicable to Qualifying Dividends because the Fund’s income generally will not consist of dividends. Distributions may also be subject to additional state, local and foreign taxes depending on a U.S. Shareholder’s particular situation.
Under U.S. Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes losses with respect to Shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on IRS Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a RIC are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all RICs. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.
Reporting of adjusted cost basis information is required for covered securities, which generally include shares of a RIC to the IRS and to taxpayers. Shareholders should contact their financial intermediaries with respect to reporting of cost basis and available elections for their accounts.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
Information returns will be filed with the IRS in connection with payments on Shares and the proceeds from a sale or other disposition of Shares. A shareholder will be subject to backup withholding on all such payments if it fails to provide the payor with its correct taxpayer identification number (generally, in the case of a U.S. resident shareholder, on an IRS Form W-9) and to make required certifications or otherwise establish an exemption from backup withholding. Corporate shareholders and certain other shareholders generally are exempt from backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld as backup withholding may be credited against the applicable shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders
Whether an investment in the Fund is appropriate for a non-U.S. Shareholder (as defined below) will depend upon that investor’s particular circumstances. An investment in the Fund by a non-U.S. Shareholder may have adverse tax consequences. Non-U.S. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors before investing in Shares.
The U.S. federal income taxation of a shareholder that is a nonresident alien individual, a foreign trust or estate or a foreign corporation, as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes (a “non-U.S. Shareholder”), depends on whether the income that the shareholder derives from the Fund is “effectively connected” with a U.S. trade or business carried on by the shareholder.
If the income that a non-U.S. Shareholder derives from the Fund is not “effectively connected” with a U.S. trade or business carried on by such non-U.S. Shareholder, distributions of “investment company taxable income” (including any deemed distributions with respect to a repurchase offer) will generally be subject to a U.S. federal withholding tax at a rate of 30% (or a lower rate provided under an applicable treaty). Alternatively, if the income that a non-U.S. Shareholder derives from the Fund is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. Shareholder, the Fund will not be required to withhold U.S. federal tax if the non-U.S. Shareholder
55
complies with applicable certification and disclosure requirements, although such income will be subject to U.S. federal income tax in the manner described below and at the rates applicable to U.S. residents. Backup withholding will not, however, be applied to payments that have been subject to this 30% withholding tax applicable to non-U.S. Shareholders.
A non-U.S. Shareholder whose income from the Fund is not “effectively connected” with a U.S. trade or business will generally be exempt from U.S. federal income tax on capital gains distributions, any amounts retained by the Fund that are designated as undistributed capital gains and any gains realized upon the sale or exchange of Shares. If, however, such a non-U.S. Shareholder is a nonresident alien individual and is physically present in the United States for 183 days or more during the tax year and meets certain other requirements such capital gains distributions, undistributed capital gains and gains from the sale or exchange of Shares will be subject to a 30% U.S. tax.
Furthermore, properly designated distributions by the Fund and received by non-U.S. Shareholders are generally exempt from U.S. federal withholding tax when they (a) are paid by the Fund in respect of the Fund’s “qualified net interest income” (i.e., the Fund’s U.S. source interest income, subject to certain exceptions, reduced by expenses that are allocable to such income), or (b) are paid by the Fund in connection with the Fund’s “qualified short-term capital gains” (generally, the excess of the Fund’s net short-term capital gains over the Fund’s long-term capital losses for such tax year). However, depending on the circumstances, the Fund may designate all, some or none of the Fund’s potentially eligible distributions as derived from such qualified net interest income or from such qualified short-term capital gains, and a portion of such distributions (e.g., derived from interest from non-U.S. sources or any foreign currency gains) would be ineligible for this potential exemption from withholding. Moreover, in the case of Shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may have withheld amounts even if the Fund reported all or a portion of a distribution as exempt from U.S. federal withholding tax. To qualify for this exemption from withholding, a non-U.S. Shareholder must comply with applicable certification requirements relating to its non-U.S. tax residency status (including, in general, furnishing an IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E, IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8IMY or IRS Form W-8EXP, or an acceptable substitute or successor form). Thus, an investment in the Shares by a non-U.S. Shareholder may have adverse tax consequences as compared to a direct investment in the assets in which the Fund will invest.
If the income from the Fund is “effectively connected” with a U.S. trade or business carried on by a non-U.S. Shareholder, any distributions of “investment company taxable income,” capital gains distributions, amounts retained by the Fund that are designated as undistributed capital gains and any gains realized upon the sale or exchange of Shares will be subject to U.S. income tax, on a net income basis, in the same manner, and at the graduated rates applicable to, U.S. persons. If such a non-U.S. Shareholder is a corporation, it may also be subject to the U.S. branch profits tax.
A non-U.S. Shareholder other than a corporation may be subject to backup withholding on net capital gains distributions that are otherwise exempt from withholding tax or on distributions that would otherwise be taxable at a reduced treaty rate if such shareholder does not certify its non-U.S. status under penalties of perjury or otherwise establish an exemption.
If the Fund distributes net capital gains in the form of deemed rather than actual distributions, a non-U.S. Shareholder will be entitled to a U.S. federal income tax credit or tax refund equal to the shareholder’s allocable share of the tax the Fund pays on the capital gains deemed to have been distributed. To obtain the refund, the non-U.S. Shareholder must obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification number and file a federal income tax return even if the non-U.S. Shareholder would not otherwise be required to obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification number or file a federal income tax return.
Under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act provisions of the Code, withholding of U.S. tax (at a 30% rate) is required on payments of taxable dividends made to certain non-U.S. entities that fail to comply (or be deemed compliant) with extensive reporting and withholding requirements in the Code designed to inform the U.S. Department of the Treasury of U.S.-owned foreign investment accounts. Shareholders may be requested to provide additional information to the Fund to enable the Fund to determine whether withholding is required.
The tax consequences to a non-U.S. Shareholder entitled to claim the benefits of an applicable tax treaty may differ from those described herein. Non-U.S. Shareholders are advised to consult their tax advisors with respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in the Fund, including the potential application of the U.S. estate tax.
State and Local Taxes
In addition to the U.S. federal income tax consequences summarized above, shareholders and prospective shareholders should consider the potential state and local tax consequences associated with an investment in the Fund. The Fund may become subject to income and other taxes in states and localities based on the Fund’s investments in entities that conduct business in those jurisdictions. Shareholders will generally be taxable in their state of residence with respect to their income or gains earned and distributed by the Fund as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or the amount of their investment in the Fund.
56
Other Taxes
Under a Notice issued by the IRS, the Code and Treasury regulations to be issued, a portion of the Fund’s income from a U.S. REIT that is attributable to the REIT’s residual interest in a real estate mortgage investment conduit (“REMICs”) or equity interests in a “taxable mortgage pool” (referred to in the Code as an excess inclusion) will be subject to federal income tax in all events. The excess inclusion income of a regulated investment company, such as the Fund, will be allocated to shareholders of the regulated investment company in proportion to the dividends received by such shareholders, with the same consequences as if the shareholders held the related REMIC residual interest or, if applicable, taxable mortgage pool directly.
In general, excess inclusion income allocated to shareholders (i) cannot be offset by net operating losses (subject to a limited exception for certain thrift institutions), (ii) will constitute unrelated business taxable income to entities (including qualified pension plans, individual retirement accounts, 401(k) plans, Keogh plans or other tax-exempt entities) subject to tax on unrelated business income (“UBTI”), thereby potentially requiring such an entity that is allocated excess inclusion income, and otherwise might not be required to file a tax return, to file a tax return and pay tax on such income, and (iii) in the case of a foreign stockholder, will not qualify for any reduction in U.S. federal withholding tax. In addition, if at any time during any taxable year a “disqualified organization” (which generally includes certain cooperatives, governmental entities, and tax-exempt organizations not subject to UBTI) is a record holder of a share in a regulated investment company, then the regulated investment company will be subject to a tax equal to that portion of its excess inclusion income for the taxable year that is allocable to the disqualified organization, multiplied by the highest federal income tax rate imposed on corporations. The Notice imposes certain reporting requirements upon regulated investment companies that have excess inclusion income. There can be no assurance that the Fund will not allocate to shareholders excess inclusion income.
These rules are potentially applicable to the Fund with respect to any income it receives from the equity interests of certain mortgage pooling vehicles, either directly or through an investment in a U.S. REIT.
Shareholders may be subject to state, local and non-U.S. taxes applicable to their investment in the Fund. In those states or localities, entity-level tax treatment and the treatment of distributions made to shareholders under those jurisdictions’ tax laws may differ from the treatment under the Code. Accordingly, an investment in Shares may have tax consequences for shareholders that are different from those of a direct investment in the Fund’s portfolio investments. Shareholders are advised to consult their tax advisors with respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in the Fund.
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
As of the date of this SAI, the Fund had not commenced operations, and, therefore, the officers and trustees of the Fund as a group beneficially owned no shares of the Fund and, as of that date, no person held an interest in the Fund equal to 5% or more of outstanding shares of the Fund, except for The Hartford, Schroders and/or one of their subsidiaries.
As of December 31, 2022, The Hartford and/or one of its subsidiaries may be deemed to control the Fund due to its beneficial ownership of 25% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund. As of December 31, 2022, no person or entity owned 25% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Control is defined by the 1940 Act as the beneficial ownership, either directly or through one or more controlled companies, of more than 25% of the voting securities of the Fund. A control person may be able to take actions regarding the Fund it controls without the consent or approval of other shareholders.
57
TRANSFER AGENT
Hartford Administrative Services Company (“HASCO”), located at 690 Lee Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, is the transfer agent for the Fund. As transfer agent, HASCO, among other things, receives and processes purchase orders and repurchase requests, effects transfers of shares, prepares and transmits payments for dividends and distributions, maintains records of account, and provides oversight of service providers and financial intermediaries providing sub-transfer agency, sub-accounting, and similar shareholder services on behalf of Fund shareholders. An Amended and Restated Transfer Agency and Service Agreement provides the terms pursuant to which HASCO provides such services to the Fund and the terms pursuant to which the Fund pays compensation to HASCO for providing such services. Pursuant to a sub-transfer agency agreement between HASCO and SS&C GIDS, Inc. (“SS&C” formerly known as DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc. ), HASCO has delegated certain transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and shareholder servicing agent functions to SS&C. SS&C is located at 1055 Broadway, Kansas City, Missouri 64105. In addition to SS&C, HASCO may also designate other service providers as sub-agent to perform or provide shareholder services for the Fund, provided that such sub-agents do not provide distribution services for the Fund.
In addition, HASCO designates certain financial intermediaries that maintain Fund shareholder accounts in either an omnibus or networked arrangement with HASCO. Under these arrangements, the financial intermediaries may provide both distribution services and sub-transfer agency (non-distribution) services. The Fund pays HASCO a transfer agency fee payable monthly based on the costs of providing or overseeing transfer agency services provided to each share class of the Fund plus a target profit margin. Such fee is intended to compensate HASCO for: (i) fees payable by HASCO to SS&C (and any other designated sub-agent) according to the agreed-upon fee schedule under the sub-transfer agency agreement between HASCO and SS&C (or between HASCO and any other designated sub-agent, as applicable); (ii) sub-transfer agency fees payable by HASCO to financial intermediaries, according to the agreed-upon terms between HASCO and the financial intermediaries, provided that such payments are within certain limits approved by the Board of Trustees; (iii) certain expenses that HASCO’s parent company, Hartford Funds Management Group, Inc., allocates to HASCO that relate to HASCO’s transfer agency services provided to the Fund; and (iv) a target profit margin.
Share Class | Estimated
Amount of Transfer Agency Fee (as a percentage average daily net assets) |
Class A | 0.39% |
Class I | 0.39% |
Class SDR | 0.24% |
The Fund does not pay any fee directly to SS&C (or any other sub-agent of HASCO) or to financial intermediaries for providing sub-transfer agency services; rather, HASCO makes all such payments to SS&C (or any other designated sub-agent) and financial intermediaries. In some cases, HFMC and/or its affiliates may make additional compensation payments out of their own assets (and not as an expense of the Fund) to financial intermediaries – please see the sub-section titled “DISTRIBUTION PLAN – ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES” for more information.
Custodian
Portfolio securities of the Fund are held pursuant to a Custodian Agreement between the Fund and State Street Bank and Trust Company, State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) will serve as the Fund’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. PwC is located at Two Commerce Square, 2001 Market Street, Suite 1800, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103.
Distributor
Hartford Funds Distributors, LLC (“HFD”) serves as the principal underwriter for the Fund pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement initially approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. HFD is a registered broker-dealer and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). HFD’s principal business address is 690 Lee Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087. HFD is an indirect subsidiary of The Hartford. The Hartford may be deemed to control HFD through its indirect ownership of HFD.
Shares of the Fund are continuously offered and sold by selected broker-dealers who have selling agreements with HFD. Except
58
as discussed below under “Distribution Plan,” HFD bears all the expenses of providing services pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, including expenses relating to the distribution of prospectuses for sales purposes and any advertising or sales literature. The Underwriting Agreement continues in effect for two years from initial approval and for successive one-year periods thereafter, provided that each such continuance is specifically approved (1) by the vote of a majority of the trustees of the Fund, including a majority of the trustees who are not parties to the Underwriting Agreement or interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund, or (2) by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. HFD is not obligated to sell any specific amount of shares of the Fund.
59
The Board has approved the adoption of a distribution plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act for Class A Shares. HFD or its affiliates are entitled to retain all service fees payable for which there is no dealer of record or for which qualification standards have not been met as partial consideration for personal services and/or account maintenance services performed by HFD or its affiliates for shareholder accounts.
CLASS A PLAN. Pursuant to the Class A Plan, the Fund may pay HFD a fee of up to 0.70% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares for distribution financing activities, and up to 0.25% may be used for shareholder account servicing activities.
GENERAL. Distribution fees paid to HFD may be spent on any activities or expenses primarily intended to result in the sale of the Fund’s Shares including, but not limited to: (a) payment of initial and ongoing commissions and other compensation payments to brokers, dealers, financial institutions or others who sell the Fund’s Shares; (b) compensation to employees of HFD; (c) compensation to and expenses, including overhead such as communications and telephone, training, supplies, photocopying and similar types of expenses, of HFD incurred in the printing and mailing or other dissemination of all prospectuses and statements of additional information; and (d) the costs of preparation, printing and mailing reports used for sales literature and related expenses, advertisements and other distribution related expenses (including personnel of HFD). Service fees paid under the Plan are payments for the provision of personal service and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Plan is considered a compensation type plan, which means that the Fund pays HFD the entire fee regardless of HFD’s expenditures. Even if HFD’s actual expenditures exceed the fee payable to HFD at any given time, the Fund will not be obligated to pay more than that fee. If HFD’s actual expenditures are less than the fee payable to HFD at any given time, HFD may realize a profit from the arrangement.
In accordance with the terms of the Plan, HFD provides to the Fund, for review by the Fund’s Board of Trustees, a quarterly written report of the amounts expended under the Plan and the purpose for which such expenditures were made. In its quarterly review of the Plan, the Fund’s Board of Trustees reviews the level of compensation the Plan provide.
The Plan was adopted by a majority vote of the Board of Trustees of the Fund, including at least a majority of trustees who are not, and were not at the time they voted, interested persons of the Fund as defined in the 1940 Act and do not and did not have any direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Plan. In approving the Plan, the trustees identified and considered a number of potential benefits that the Plan may provide to the Fund and its shareholders, including shareholder servicing, the potential to increase assets and possibly benefit from economies of scale, the potential to avoid a decrease in assets through repurchase activity, the ability to sell Shares of the Fund through adviser and broker distribution channels, and the ability to provide investors with an alternative to paying front end sales loads. The Board of Trustees of the Fund believes that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plan will benefit the Fund and its current and future shareholders. Under its terms, the Plan remains in effect from year to year provided such continuance is approved annually by vote of the trustees of the Fund in the manner described above. The Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount to be spent for distribution without approval of the shareholders of the Fund affected by the increase, and material amendments to the Plan must also be approved by the Board of Trustees in the manner described above. The Plan may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by vote of the majority of the trustees of the Board who are not interested persons of the Fund and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operations of the Plan, or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. The Plan will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment.
Because the Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI, no information regarding the 12b-1 fees paid by the Fund is available.
COMMISSIONS TO DEALERS
Because the Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI, there is no information regarding the aggregate dollar amount of commissions received by HFD for the sale of Fund Shares. However, HFD does not receive any front-end sales commissions or CDSCs in connection with the sale of Classes I and SDR Shares.
ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES. As stated in the prospectus under Payments to Financial Intermediaries and Other Entities, HFMC and/or its affiliates make additional compensation payments out of their own assets and not as an expense to or out of the assets of the Fund to Financial Intermediaries to support the sale of the Hartford Funds’ shares (“Additional Payments”). These Additional Payments, which are in addition to commissions, Rule 12b-1 fees, Administrative Fees and Servicing Payments (as defined in the prospectus), and which may be paid to such Financial Intermediary in its capacity as a Servicing Intermediary, may create an incentive for your Financial Intermediary to sell and recommend the Hartford
60
Funds over other products for which it may receive less compensation. You may contact your Financial Intermediary if you want information regarding the payments it receives.
61
Code of Ethics
The Fund, HFMC, HFD and the sub-adviser have each adopted a code of ethics designed to protect the interests of the Fund’s shareholders. Under each code of ethics, personnel subject to the code are permitted to trade securities for their own account, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund, subject to certain restrictions. Each code of ethics has been filed with the SEC and may be viewed by the public.
Registration Statement
This SAI and the Prospectus do not contain all the information included in the Fund’s registration statement filed with the SEC under the Securities Act with respect to the securities offered hereby. The registration statement, including the exhibits filed therewith, are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Statements contained herein and in the Prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other documents are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance, are qualified by, reference to the copy of such contract or other documents filed as exhibits to the registration statement.
62
The Fund’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, together with the notes thereto, and reports of the Fund’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm will be available in the Fund’s annual report once the Fund has completed its first annual fiscal period.
The Fund’s Annual Reports and Semi-Annual Reports will be available without charge by calling the Fund at 1-888-843-7824 or by visiting the Fund’s website at www.hartfordfunds.com or on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund
Opinion on the Financial Statement
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund (the "Fund") as of December 15, 2022, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statement”). In our opinion, the financial statement presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of December 15, 2022 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
This financial statement is the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statement based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit of this financial statement in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statement is free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.
Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statement, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statement. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statement. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
January 11, 2023
We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the Hartford Funds group of investment companies since 2020.
63
Statement of Assets and Liabilities | |||
December 15, 2022 | |||
ASSETS: | |||
Cash | $ | 100,000 | |
Total Assets | 100,000 | ||
LIABILITIES: | |||
Total Liabilities | - | ||
Net Assets | $ | 100,000 | |
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF: | |||
Paid in Capital | 100,000 | ||
Net Assets | $ | 100,000 | |
Class SDR Shares Outstanding | 10,000 | ||
Net Asset Value Per Share | $ | 10.00 |
See accompanying notes to the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
64
Notes to Statement of Assets and Liabilities
December 15, 2022
1. Organization
Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”) is a newly organized Delaware statutory trust that is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Fund operates as a closed-end, tender offer fund pursuant to which it may conduct quarterly tender offers for the repurchase of the Fund’s outstanding common shares of beneficial interest at net asset value. The investment objective of the Fund is to seek to provide long-term capital appreciation.
The Fund has had no operations to date other than matters relating to the sale and issuance of $100,000 of Fund shares to Hartford Funds Management Company, LLC (“HFMC” or “Adviser”) on December 15, 2022. The Fund has issued to HFMC 10,000 Class SDR shares at a net asset value of $10.00 per share.
The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company and applies the specialized accounting and reporting under Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, “Financial Services – Investment Company”.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The accompanying financial statements of the Fund are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) as set forth by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). The Fund maintains its financial records in U.S. dollars and follows the accrual basis of accounting. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Federal Income Taxes
The Fund intends to elect to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes and intends to qualify annually as a Regulated Investment Company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) by distributing substantially all of its taxable net investment income and net realized capital gains to its shareholders each year. Accordingly, no provision for federal income or excise taxes has been made in the accompanying financial statements.
As of December 15, 2022, the Fund had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, de-recognition, or disclosure.
Distribution of Income and Gains
The Fund declares and pays dividends annually from net investment income. Net realized gains, if any, are distributed annually. Distributions from net realized gains for book purposes may include short-term capital gains, which are included as ordinary income for tax purposes.
Organizational and Offering Expenses
All organizational and offering expenses of the Fund will be borne by HFMC and will not be subject to future recoupment. As a result, organizational and offering expenses are not reflected in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
3. Cash
Cash at December 15, 2022 is on deposit with State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”), the Fund’s custodian.
4. Investment Advisory Fee
HFMC acts as investment adviser to the Fund and, subject to the supervision of the Fund’s Board of Trustees, is responsible for the investment management of the Fund. The Adviser serves as investment adviser to the Fund pursuant to an investment management agreement (“Investment Management Agreement”) between the Fund and the Adviser. The Adviser is responsible for management of the Fund and supervises the activities of the sub-adviser.
For the services provided to the Fund under the Investment Management Agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser monthly fees based on a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets as follows:
65
Management Fee Rate: 1.50%
Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“Sub-Adviser” or “SIMNA”) serves as the investment sub-adviser for the Fund pursuant to an Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and SIMNA (referred to as a “Sub-Advisory Agreement”). The Fund’s sub-sub-adviser is Schroders Capital Management (US) Inc. (“Schroders Capital” and, collectively with SIMNA, the “Sub-Advisers”) pursuant to an Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between SIMNA and Schroders Capital. The Sub-Advisers are responsible for the investment and reinvestment of the assets of the Fund. For its services, SIMNA is compensated by the Adviser and Schroders Capital is compensated by SIMNA.
5. Administrator and Transfer Agent
HFMC provides the Fund with administrative services pursuant to the terms of the Investment Management Agreement. HFMC also provides the Fund with accounting services pursuant to the Fund Accounting Agreement by and between the Fund and HFMC. HFMC receives a fee from the Fund for these accounting services. HFMC has delegated certain accounting and administrative service functions to State Street. The costs and expenses of such delegation are borne by HFMC, not by the Fund.
Hartford Administrative Services Company (“HASCO”) is the transfer agent for the Fund. As transfer agent, HASCO, among other things, receives and processes purchase and repurchase orders, effects transfers of shares, prepares and transmits payments for dividends and distributions, maintains records of account, and provides oversight of service providers and financial intermediaries providing sub-transfer agency, sub-accounting, and similar shareholder services on behalf of Fund shareholders. HASCO has delegated certain accounting and administrative service functions to DST Asset Manager Solutions (“DST AMS”).
6. Custodian
State Street serves as Custodian for the Fund pursuant to a custodian agreement. As Custodian, State Street holds the Fund’s assets.
7. Commitments and Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made again the Fund that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience and knowledge of management, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.
8. Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated all subsequent transactions and events through the date on which this financial statement was issued and has determined that no additional items require adjustment to or disclosure in this financial statement.
MFPSAI-[ ]_[ ]
66
APPENDIX A: PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
SCHRODERS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT (US), INC.
General principles
Schroders Capital Management (US) Inc. (“Schroders Capital Private Equity”) has adopted these Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures to satisfy its fiduciary obligations and the requirements of Rule 206(4)-6 under the Advisers Act.
As an investment manager, Schroders Capital Private Equity is responsible for voting the (private and public) securities held by each investment vehicle (each, a “Fund”) and discretionary mandate client (each, a “Mandate Client,” and together with Funds, “Clients”) that it advises. Schroders Capital Private Equity and its employees (“Employees”) are required to comply with the following policies and procedures with respect to voting such securities.
Underlying funds or portfolio companies of each Client (“Portfolio Funds”) may, from time to time, seek the consent or vote of Clients to, among other things, amend or otherwise waive certain provisions governing the relationship between such Portfolio Fund and the Client. Schroders Capital Private Equity reviews each consent/voting solicitation on a case-by-case basis, considering, among other things, the effect of such consent or vote on the Portfolio Fund and the Client. Schroders Capital Private Equity and/or a Mandate Client’s or Fund’s general partner, will determine to consent or vote, or withhold its consent or vote, in each case after taking into account the relevant facts and circumstances (including both the short- and long-term implications of the proposal) and the best interests of the applicable Client, to include a review of the respective Mandate Client’s investment advisory contract or the respective Fund’s governing documents. The Legal Department should be consulted prior to exercising any such consent or vote on behalf of a Client.
Material conflicts of interest
The above procedures are designed to ensure that consents and votes are handled properly and fiduciary obligations are fulfilled. As Employees are discouraged from engaging in any material business other than providing services to Clients, it is highly unlikely that any specific vote or consent will result in a material conflict of interest between Schroders Capital Private Equity or any Employee and any Client. However, certain conflicts of interest may arise.
In the event an actual or potential conflict of interest arises in connection with the request by a Portfolio Fund to consent or vote for a Client, Schroders Capital Private Equity will attempt to resolve such conflicts in a manner that enables Schroders Capital Private Equity and/or a Mandate Client’s or Fund’s general partner to consent or vote in the best interests of the respective Client. Schroders Capital Private Equity shall determine whether any conflict of interest presented between Schroders Capital Private Equity and a Client with respect to a Portfolio Fund proposal might be material and, if so, find a reasonable method to avoid or handle such conflict1. If Schroders Capital Private Equity’s Management determines that a conflict of interest is not material, Schroders Capital Private Equity and the respective general partner may vote or consent how they wish, notwithstanding the conflict.
Abstention
Schroders Capital Private Equity and the respective general partner may abstain from consenting or voting to a proposal if Schroders Capital Private Equity or the general partner concludes that the effect on a Client’s economic interests is immaterial or if Schroders Capital Private Equity or the general partner believes the cost of such vote out-weighs the potential benefit for the applicable Client.
Disclosure to Clients
In general, the investment advisory contract or a Mandate Client’s documents and the organizational documents of each Fund contain security voting and consent policies applicable with respect to the Fund. Furthermore, Schroders Capital Private Equity’s Form ADV Part 2 contains the policies and procedures set forth above as well as instructions for how Clients may obtain further information.
1 For example, a method that may be utilized to avoid the conflict is the abstention from voting on the proposal.
67
PART C: OTHER INFORMATION
Item 25. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(1) | Financial Statements | |
Part A: Not applicable, as Registrant has not yet commenced operations | ||
Part B: Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Financial statements indicating that the Registrant has met the net worth requirements of Section 14(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 are included in Part B of this Registrant Statement. | ||
(2) | Exhibits: | |
(a) |
(3) Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust (filed herewith) | |
(b) | By-Laws (filed herewith) | |
(c) | Not applicable. | |
(d) | Form of Amended and Restated Multiple-Class Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 (filed herewith) | |
(e) | Dividend Reinvestment Plan (filed herewith) | |
(f) | Not applicable. | |
(g) | (1) Form of Investment Management Agreement between the Registrant and Hartford Funds Management Company, LLC (filed herewith) | |
| ||
(h) |
(i) Form of Amendment to the Principal Underwriting Agreement (filed herewith)
|
*Exhibit to be filed by amendment
(i) | Not applicable. | |
(j) |
| |
(k) |
(i) Form of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Transfer Agency and Service Agreement (filed herewith) |
Item 26. Marketing Arrangements
The information contained under the heading “Plan of Distribution” in the prospectus that forms a part of this Registration Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 27. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution
The following table sets forth the estimated expenses to be incurred in connection with the offering described in this Registration Statement:
Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fees | $[ ] |
Blue Sky | $[ ] |
Printing Expenses | $[ ] |
Legal Fees and Expenses | $[ ] |
Accounting Fees | $[ ] |
Miscellaneous | $[ ] |
Total | $[ ] |
Item 28. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant
The Registrant does not control any other person. The Registrant is not aware of any person that is directly or indirectly under common control with the Registrant, except that the Registrant may be deemed to be controlled by Hartford Funds Management Company, LLC, the Registrant’s investment adviser and, therefore, deemed to be under common control with one or more funds deemed to be controlled by HFMC. Information regarding the ownership of Hartford Funds Management Company, LLC is set forth in its Form ADV as filed with the SEC (File No. 801-77209).
Item 29. Number of Holders of Securities
As of January 31, 2023:
Title of Class | Number of Record Holders |
Class A Shares of Beneficial Interest | None |
Class I Shares of Beneficial Interest | None |
Class SDR Shares of Beneficial Interest | 1 |
Item 30. Indemnification
Reference is made to Section 3 of Article VII of the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust (“Declaration”) for the Registrant (also, the “Trust”) and incorporated by reference herein. All section references below are to those contained in the Declaration.
(a) For purposes of Section 3 and Section 5 of Article VII and any related provisions of the By-laws, “Agent” means any Person who is, was or becomes an employee or other agent of the Trust who is not a “Covered Person” (as defined below); “Proceeding” means any threatened, pending or completed claim, action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (including appeals); and “liabilities” and “expenses” include, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in settlement, fines, penalties and all other liabilities whatsoever.
(b) Subject to the exceptions and limitations contained in this Section, as well as any procedural requirements set forth in the By-Laws:
(i) every person who is, has been, or becomes a Trustee or officer of the Trust (hereinafter referred to as a “Covered Person”) shall be indemnified by the Trust to the fullest extent permitted by law against any and all liabilities and expenses reasonably incurred or paid by them in connection with the defense of any Proceeding in which they become involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of their being or having been such a Trustee or officer, and against amounts paid or incurred by them in the settlement thereof;
(ii) every Person who is, has been, or becomes an Agent of the Trust may, upon due approval of the Trustees (including a majority of the Trustees who are not Interested Persons of the Trust), be indemnified by the Trust, to the fullest extent permitted by law, against any and all liabilities and expenses reasonably incurred or paid by them in connection with the defense of any Proceeding in which they become involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of their being or having been an Agent, and against amounts paid or incurred by him or her in the settlement thereof;
(iii) every Person who is serving or has served at the request of the Trust as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, agent or fiduciary of another domestic or foreign corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, other enterprise or employee benefit plan (“Other Position”) and who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding by reason of alleged acts or omissions while acting within the scope of his or her service in such Other Position, may, upon due approval of the Trustees (including a majority of the Trustees who are not Interested Persons of the Trust), be indemnified by the Trust, to the fullest extent permitted by law, against any and all liabilities and expenses reasonably incurred or paid by them in connection with the defense of any Proceeding in which they become involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of their being or having held such Other Position, and against amounts paid or incurred by them in the settlement thereof;
(c) Without limitation of the foregoing and subject to the exceptions and limitations set forth in this Section, as well as any procedural requirements set forth in the By-Laws, the Trust shall indemnify each Covered Person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding, by reason of alleged acts or omissions within the scope of their service as a Covered Person, against judgments, fines, penalties, settlements and reasonable expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually incurred by them in connection with such proceeding to the maximum extent consistent with state law and the 1940 Act.
(d) No indemnification shall be provided hereunder to any Person who shall have been adjudicated by a court or body before which the proceeding was brought: (i) to be liable to the Trust or its Shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of their office (collectively, “Disabling Conduct”) or (ii) not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best interest of the Trust.
(e) With respect to any Proceeding disposed of (whether by settlement, pursuant to a consent decree or otherwise) without an adjudication by the court or other body before which the Proceeding was brought, no indemnification shall be provided to a Trustee, officer, Agent or other Person unless there has been a dismissal of the Proceeding by the court or other body before which it was brought for insufficiency of evidence of any Disabling Conduct with which such Trustee, officer, Agent or other Person has been charged or a determination that such Trustee, officer, Agent or other Person did not engage in Disabling Conduct:
(i) by the court or other body before which the Proceeding was brought;
(ii) by at least a majority of those Trustees who are neither Interested Persons of the Trust nor are parties to the Proceeding based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry); or
(iii) by written opinion of independent legal counsel based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry).
(f) The Trust’s financial obligations arising from the indemnification provided herein or in the By-Laws: (i) may be insured by policies maintained by the Trust; (ii) shall be severable; (iii) shall not be exclusive of or affect any other rights to which any Person may now or hereafter be entitled; and (iv) shall continue as to a Person who has ceased to be subject to indemnification as provided in this Section as to acts or omissions that occurred while the Person was indemnified as provided herein and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such Person. Nothing contained herein shall affect any rights to indemnification to which Trust personnel, other than Covered Persons, may be entitled, and other persons may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law.
(g) Expenses of a Person entitled to indemnification hereunder in connection with the defense of any Proceeding of the character described in paragraphs (a) and (b) above may be advanced by the Trust or Series from time to time prior to final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such Person that such amount will be paid over by him or her to the Trust or Series if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not entitled to indemnification under this Section 3; provided, however, that either (i) such Person shall have provided appropriate security for such undertaking, (ii) the Trust is insured against losses arising out of any such advance payments, or (iii) either a majority of the Trustees who are neither Interested Persons of the Trust nor parties to the matter, or independent legal counsel in a written opinion, shall have determined, based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry or full investigation), that there is reason to believe that such Person will be found entitled to indemnification under Section 3.
The Registrant’s various agreements with its service providers provide for indemnification.
Item 31. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser
Hartford Funds Management Company, LLC (“HFMC”) serves as investment adviser to the Registrant. The executive officers of HFMC are listed in the investment adviser registration on Form ADV for HFMC (File No. 801-77209) and are hereby incorporated herein by reference thereto. The business and other connections of a substantial nature of each executive officer are given below.
Name | Position with HFMC (1) | Other Business |
James E. Davey | Senior Managing Director, Chairman of the Board, President and Manager | Executive Vice President of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (2) (“The Hartford”); Senior Managing Director, Chairman of the Board and Manager of Hartford Funds Distributors, LLC (3) (“HFD”); President, Senior Managing Director, Director and Chairman of the Board of Hartford Administrative Services Company (4) (“HASCO”); President, Director, Chairman and Senior Managing Director of the Hartford Funds Management Group, Inc. (5) (“HFMG”); and President, Chairman of the Board and Manager of Lattice Strategies LLC (6) (“Lattice”) |
Gregory A. Frost |
Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer and Manager |
Director, Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of HASCO; Chief Financial Officer, Managing Director and Financial and Operations Principal (FINOP) of HFD; Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of HFMG; and Chief Financial Officer, Assistant Treasurer and Manager of Lattice |
Walter F. Garger |
Secretary, Managing Director and General Counsel |
Secretary, Managing Director and General Counsel of HFD, HASCO and HFMG; and Secretary and General Counsel of Lattice |
Joseph G. Melcher |
Executive Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer |
Executive Vice President and AML Officer of HFD; Executive Vice President, AML Compliance Officer, and Chief Compliance Officer of HASCO; and Executive Vice President of HFMG; and Executive Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer of Lattice |
Vernon J. Meyer | Chief Investment Officer and Managing Director | Managing Director of HFMG; and Executive Vice President of Lattice |
Jon Callahan | Vice President | None |
Jeffrey T. Coghan | Vice President | Senior Vice President of HFD and HFMG |
Andrew DiValerio | Vice President and Controller | Controller and Vice President of HFD and HASCO; and Vice President of HFMG |
Amy N. Furlong | Vice President and Assistant Treasurer | Vice President of HFMG |
Allison Z. Mortensen | Vice President | Vice President of HFMG |
Christopher Morvant | Vice President | None |
Lianna Peto | Vice President | None |
Thomas R. Phillips | Vice President |
Senior Vice President and Assistant Secretary of HFMG |
Ian Seaver | Vice President | None |
Robert Ward | Vice President and Chief Cybersecurity and Business Continuity Officer | None |
Kevin F. Barnett | Assistant Secretary | Assistant Secretary of HASCO, HFD, HFMG and Lattice; and Assistant Corporate Secretary of The Hartford |
Eapen A. Chandy | Assistant Vice President and Assistant Treasurer | Assistant Vice President and Assistant Treasurer of HASCO, HFD, HFMG, The Hartford, Hartford Investment Management Company(7) (“HIMCO”) and Lattice |
Christopher Doyle | Assistant Secretary | Assistant Secretary of HASCO, HFD, HFMG, HIMCO and Lattice |
Timothy Gallagher | Assistant Secretary and Associate Treasurer | Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer of HASCO, HFD and Lattice; Assistant Secretary and Associate Treasurer of HFMG; and Associate Treasurer of The Hartford |
Charlene Harnish | Assistant Secretary | Assistant Secretary of HASCO, HFD, HFMG, HICO and Lattice |
Kathleen E. Jorens | Treasurer and Senior Vice President | Treasurer and Senior Vice President of HFD, HASCO, HFMG, HIMCO, The Hartford and Lattice |
Elizabeth L. Kemp | Assistant Secretary | Assistant Secretary of HFD, HFMG, HIMCO and Lattice; Assistant Treasurer of HASCO |
Gissell Novas | Assistant Secretary | Assistant Secretary of HASCO, HFD, HFMG, HIMCO and Lattice |
Keith R. Percy | Vice President | Vice President of HASCO, HFD, HFMG, HIMCO and Lattice; Head of Corporate Tax and Senior Vice President of The Hartford |
(1) The principal business address for HFMC is 690 Lee Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087.
(2) The principal business address for The Hartford is One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06155.
(3) The principal business address for HFD is 690 Lee Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087.
(4) The principal business address for HASCO is 690 Lee Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087.
(5) The principal business address for HFMG is 690 Lee Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087.
(6) The principal business address for Lattice is 690 Lee Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087.
(7) The principal business address for HIMCO is One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06155.
Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“SIMNA”) and Schroders Capital Management US, Inc. (“Schroders Capital”) serve as Sub-Adviser and Sub-Sub-Adviser, respectively, to the Registrant. The executive officers of SIMNA and Schroders Capital are listed in the respective investment advisers’ registration on Forms ADV (File No. 801-15834 and File No. 801-69112, respectively) and are hereby incorporated herein by reference thereto. The directors and officers of SIMNA and Schroders Capital have been engaged during the past two fiscal years in no business, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature other than as directors, officers, or employees of SIMNA and Schroders Capital, respectively or certain of their corporate affiliates.
Item 32. Location of Accounts and Records
Books or other documents required to be maintained by the Registrant by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules promulgated thereunder are maintained by the Registrant’s custodian, sub-administrator, and sub-fund accounting agent, State Street Bank and Trust Company, State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02111, the Registrant’s transfer agent, Hartford Administrative Services Company, 690 Lee Road, Wayne, PA 19087, the Registrant’s investment manager, Hartford Funds Management Company, LLC, 690 Lee Road, Wayne, PA 19087, the Registrant’s sub-adviser, SIMNA and the Registrant’s sub-sub-adviser, Schroders Capital, 7 Bryant Park, New York, New York, 10018, and sub-transfer agent SS&C GIDS Inc. (formerly known as DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc.), 1055 Broadway, Kansas City, MS 64105. Registrant’s corporate records are maintained at Hartford Funds Management Company, LLC, 690 Lee Road, Wayne, PA 19087 and its financial ledgers are maintained at State Street Bank and Trust Company, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02111.
Item 33. Management Services
Not Applicable
Item 34. Undertakings
1. | The Registrant undertakes to suspend the offering of its Shares until it amends the prospectus filed herewith if (1) subsequent to the effective date of its registration statement, the net asset value declines more than ten percent from its net asset value as of the effective date of the registration statement, or (2) the net asset value increases to an amount greater than its net proceeds as stated in the prospectus. |
2. | Not applicable. |
3. | The Registrant undertakes: |
a. | to file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to the registration statement: |
1. | to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act |
2. | to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and |
3. | to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement; |
b. | that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of those securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof; |
c. | to remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering; |
d. | that, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser: |
1. Not applicable;
2. if the Registrant is subject to Rule 430C [17 CFR 230.430C]: each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.
e. | that for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of securities. The undersigned Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned Registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to the purchaser: |
1. | any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act; |
2. | free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned Registrant; |
3. | the portion of any other free writing prospectus or advertisement pursuant to Rule 482 under the Securities Act [17 CFR 230.482] relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant; and |
4. | any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned Registrant to the purchaser. |
4. | The Registrant undertakes that: |
a. | Not applicable; and |
b. | For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of the securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
5. | Not applicable. |
6. | Not applicable. |
7. | The Registrant undertakes to send by first class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery, within two business days of receipt of a written or oral request, any prospectus or Statement of Additional Information. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this Pre-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the city of Wayne, and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on the 10th day of February 2023.
Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund | ||
By: | /s/ James E. Davey* | |
James E. Davey | ||
President and Chief Executive Officer |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Pre-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.
Signature | Title | Date | ||
/s/ James E. Davey* | Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer | February 10, 2023 | ||
James E. Davey | ||||
/s/ Amy N. Furlong | Vice President and Treasurer | February 10, 2023 | ||
Amy N. Furlong
/s/ Christine R. Detrick* |
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
Chair of the Board, Trustee |
February 10, 2023 | ||
Christine R. Detrick
/s/ Hilary E. Ackermann* |
Trustee |
February 10, 2023 | ||
Hilary E. Ackermann
/s/ Robin C. Beery* |
Trustee |
February 10, 2023 | ||
Robin C. Beery
/s/ Derrick D. Cephas* |
Trustee |
February 10, 2023 | ||
Derrick D. Cephas
/s/ John J. Gauthier* |
Trustee |
February 10, 2023 | ||
John J. Gauthier
/s/ Andrew A. Johnson, Jr.* |
|
Trustee |
February 10, 2023 | |
Andrew A. Johnson, Jr.
/s/ Paul L. Rosenberg* |
Trustee |
February 10, 2023 | ||
Paul L. Rosenberg
/s/ David Sung* |
Trustee |
February 10, 2023 | ||
David Sung |
* By: /s/ Thomas R. Phillips
Thomas R. Phillips, Attorney-in-fact
*Pursuant to Power of Attorney
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit 2.a.3
AMENDED
AND RESTATED
DECLARATION OF TRUST
of
Hartford Schroders Private OPPORTUNITIES Fund
(a Delaware Statutory Trust)
Dated as of November 4, 2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Amended and restated Declaration of Trust
Page
ARTICLE I Name and Definitions | 1 |
Section 1. | Name | 1 |
Section 2. | Definitions | 1 |
ARTICLE II Purpose of Trust | 4 |
ARTICLE III Shares | 4 |
Section 1. | Division of Beneficial Interest | 4 |
Section 2. | Ownership of Shares | 6 |
Section 3. | Transfer of Shares | 6 |
Section 4. | Investments in the Trust | 7 |
Section 5. | Status of Shares and Limitation of Personal Liability | 8 |
Section 6. | Establishment and Designation of Series or Class | 8 |
Section 7. | Indemnification of Shareholders | 11 |
ARTICLE IV Trustees | 11 |
Section 1. | Number, Election and Tenure | 11 |
Section 2. | Effect of Death, Resignation, etc. of a Trustee | 12 |
Section 3. | Powers | 12 |
Section 4. | Expenses of the Trust and Series | 16 |
Section 5. | Ownership of Assets of the Trust | 17 |
Section 6. | Service Contracts | 17 |
Section 7. | Trustees and Officers as Shareholders | 19 |
ARTICLE V Shareholders’ Voting Powers and Meetings | 19 |
Section 1. | Voting Powers, Meetings, Notice, and Record Dates | 19 |
Section 2. | Quorum and Required Vote | 20 |
Section 3. | Record Dates for Dividends and Distributions | 21 |
Section 4. | Additional Provisions | 22 |
ARTICLE VI Net Asset Value, Distributions and Redemptions | 22 |
Section 1. | Determination of Net Asset Value, Net Income, and Distributions | 22 |
Section 2. | Redemptions and Repurchases | 22 |
ARTICLE VII Compensation, Limitation of Liability, and Indemnification | 24 |
Section 1. | Trustee Compensation | 24 |
Section 2. | Limitation of Liability | 24 |
Section 3. | Indemnification | 24 |
Section 4. | Trustee’s Good Faith Action, Expert Advice, No Bond or Surety | 26 |
Section 5. | Insurance | 27 |
ARTICLE VIII Miscellaneous | 27 |
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
Page
Section 1. | Liability of Third Persons Dealing with Trustees | 27 |
Section 2. | Subsidiaries | 27 |
Section 3. | Derivative Actions | 27 |
Section 4. | Termination of the Trust or Any Series or Class | 29 |
Section 5. | Reorganization | 30 |
Section 6. | Amendments | 31 |
Section 7. | Filing of Copies, References, Headings | 32 |
Section 8. | Applicable Law | 32 |
Section 9. | Provisions in Conflict with Law or Regulations | 33 |
Section 10. | Statutory Trust Only | 33 |
Section 11. | Writings | 33 |
Section 12. | Trustees May Resolve Ambiguities | 34 |
ii
AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION OF TRUST
of
Hartford Schroders PRIVATE OPPORTUNITIES Fund
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION OF TRUST is made as of the date set forth below by the Sole Trustee named hereunder for the purpose of forming a Delaware statutory trust in accordance with the provisions hereinafter set forth.
WHEREAS, Hartford Schroders Private Equity Fund was established on December 28, 2021 with the filing of a Certificate of Trust with the Delaware Secretary of State for the purposes of carrying on the business of a closed-end management investment company; and
WHEREAS, the Trust changed its name to Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund by filing a Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Trust with the Delaware Secretary of State on September 29, 2022; and
WHEREAS, the Sole Trustee desires to amend and restate the Trust’s Declaration of Trust in its entirety as herein provided; and
NOW, THEREFORE, the Sole Trustee does hereby declare that the Sole Trustee will hold IN TRUST all cash, securities, and other assets which the Trust now possesses or may hereafter acquire from time to time in any manner and manage and dispose of the same upon the following terms and conditions for the benefit of the Shareholders of this Trust. The Sole Trustee hereby amends and restates the Trust’s Declaration of Trust in its entirety as follows:
ARTICLE
I
Name and Definitions
Section 1. Name This Trust shall be known as “Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund,” and the Trustees shall conduct the business of the Trust under that name or any other name as they may from time to time determine.
Section 2. Definitions Whenever used herein, unless otherwise required by the context or specifically provided:
(a) “Administrator” means a party furnishing services to the Trust pursuant to any administration contract described in Article IV, Section 6(a) hereof;
(b) “By-Laws” shall mean the By-Laws of the Trust as amended from time to time, which By-Laws are expressly herein incorporated by reference as part of the “governing instrument” within the meaning of the Delaware Act;
(c) “Certificate of Trust” means the certificate of trust filed by the Sole Trustee of this Trust in the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in accordance with the Delaware Act, as it may be amended or restated from time to time;
(d) “Class” means a class of Shares of a Series of the Trust established in accordance with the provisions of Article III hereof;
(e) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or any successor statute), as amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations thereunder, as adopted or amended from time to time;
(f) “Commission” shall have the meaning given such term in the 1940 Act;
(g) “Continuing Trustee” shall mean any member of the Board of Trustees who either (a) has been a member of the Board of Trustees for a period of at least thirty-six months (or since the commencement of the Trust’s operations, if less than thirty-six months) or (b) was nominated to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees by a majority of the Continuing Trustees then members of the Board of Trustees.
(h) “Declaration of Trust” means this Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, as amended, supplemented or amended and restated from time to time;
(i) “Delaware Act” means the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, 12 Del. C. §§ 3801 et seq., as amended from time to time;
(j) “Interested Person” shall have the meaning given it in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act;
(k) “Investment Adviser” means a party furnishing services to the Trust pursuant to any investment advisory contract described in Article IV, Section 6(a) hereof;
(l) “Majority Shareholder Vote” shall mean a vote of “a majority of the outstanding voting securities” (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust with each Class and Series of Shares voting together as a single class, except to the extent otherwise required by the 1940 Act or this Declaration with respect to any one or more classes or series of Shares, in which case the applicable proportion of such Classes or Series of Shares voting as a separate Class or Series, as the case may be, also will be required.
(m) “Net Asset Value” means the net asset value of each Series or Class of the Trust, determined as provided in Article VI, Section 1 hereof;
(n) “1940 Act” means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations thereunder, as adopted or amended from time to time;
(o) “Outstanding Shares” means Shares shown on the books of the Trust or its transfer agent as then-outstanding;
(p) “Person” means and includes natural persons, corporations, partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, business trusts, statutory trusts and foreign statutory trusts, trusts, limited liability companies, associations, joint ventures, estates, custodians, nominees and any other individual or entity in its own or any representative capacity, and governments and agencies and political subdivisions thereof, in each case whether domestic or foreign;
2
(q) “Principal Shareholder” means any corporation, person, entity, or group within the meaning of Rule 13d-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than five percent (5%) of the outstanding shares of the Trust and includes any “affiliate” or “associate,” as those terms are defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, of a Principal Shareholder. For purposes of determining whether a corporation, person, entity or group is a Principal Shareholder, in addition to the Shares which the corporation, person, entity, or group beneficially owns directly, any corporation, person, entity, or group shall be deemed to be the beneficial owner of any Shares of the Trust (1) which it has the right to acquire pursuant to any agreement or upon exercise of conversion rights or warrants, or otherwise, or (2) which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, including Shares deemed owned through application of clause (1) above, by any other corporation, person, entity, or group with which it or its “affiliate” or “associate” has any agreement, arrangement, or understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting, or disposing of Shares of the Trust, or which is its “affiliate” or “associate,” as so defined. Calculation of the outstanding shares of the Trust shall not include shares deemed owned through application of clause (1) above.
(r) “Principal Underwriter” shall have the meaning given such term in the 1940 Act;
(s) “Series” means each Series of Shares established and designated under or in accordance with the provisions of Article III hereof;
(t) “Shareholder” means a record owner of Outstanding Shares;
(u) “Shares” means the transferable units of beneficial interest into which the beneficial interest in the Trust shall be divided from time to time and includes fractions of Shares as well as whole Shares;
(v) “Transfer” means the assignment, transfer, sale or other disposition of any Shares, including any right to receive any allocations and distributions attributable to Shares. Verbs, participles or adjectives such as “Transfer,” “Transferred” and “Transferring” have correlative meanings;
(w) “Trust” means the Delaware statutory trust established under the Delaware Act by the filing of the Certificate of Trust in the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware;
(x) “Trust Property” means any and all property, real or personal, tangible or intangible, which is from time to time owned or held by or for the account of the Trust or any Series;
(y) “Trustees” means the “Person” or “Persons” who have signed this Declaration of Trust and all other Persons who may from time to time be duly elected or appointed and have qualified to serve as Trustees in accordance with the provisions hereof, in each case so long as such Person shall continue in office in accordance with the terms of this Declaration of Trust, and reference herein to a Trustee or the Trustees shall refer to such Person or Persons in his or her or their capacity as Trustees hereunder. The “Sole Trustee” refers to the Person who signed this Declaration of Trust.
3
ARTICLE
II
Purpose of Trust
The purpose of the Trust is to conduct, operate and carry on the business of a closed-end management investment company registered under the 1940 Act through one or more Series. In furtherance of the foregoing, it shall be the purpose of the Trust to do everything necessary, suitable, convenient or proper for the conduct, promotion and attainment of any businesses and purposes which at any time may be incidental or may appear conducive or expedient for the accomplishment of the business of a closed-end management investment company registered under the 1940 Act and which may be engaged in or carried on by a trust organized under the Delaware Act, and in connection therewith the Trust shall have and may exercise all of the powers conferred by the laws of the State of Delaware upon a Delaware statutory trust.
ARTICLE
III
Shares
Section 1. Division of Beneficial Interest
(a) The beneficial interest in the Trust shall be divided into one or more Series. The Trustees may divide each Series into one or more Classes. The Trustees may from time to time establish and designate one or more Series or Classes by resolution of the Trustees pursuant to Article III, Section 6. Subject to the further provisions of this Article III and any applicable requirements of the 1940 Act, the Trustees shall have full power and authority, in their sole discretion, and without obtaining any authorization or vote of the Shareholders of any Series or Class thereof, to:
(i) divide the beneficial interest in each Series or Class thereof into Shares, with or without par value as the Trustees shall determine;
(ii) issue Shares without limitation as to number (including fractional Shares) to such Persons and for such amount and type of consideration, subject to any restriction set forth in the By-Laws, including cash or securities, at such time or times and on such terms as the Trustees may deem appropriate;
(iii) establish and designate and change in any manner any Series or Class thereof and fix such preferences, voting powers, rights, duties and privileges and business purposes of each Series or Class thereof as the Trustees may from time to time determine, which preferences, voting powers, rights, duties and privileges may be senior (e.g., preferred Shares) or subordinate to (or in the case of business purposes, different from) any existing Series or Class thereof and may be limited to specified property or obligations of the Trust or profits and losses associated with specified property or obligations of the Trust, provided, however, that the Trustees may not change the Outstanding Shares of a Series in a manner materially adverse to Shareholders of such Shares without the vote of a majority of such Outstanding Shares;
(iv) divide or combine the Shares of any Series or Class thereof into a greater or lesser number without thereby materially changing the proportionate beneficial interest of the Shares of such Series or Class thereof in the assets held with respect to that Series;
4
(v) classify or reclassify any issued Shares of any Series or Class thereof into Shares of one or more Series or Classes thereof;
(vi) issue Shares to acquire other assets (including assets subject to, and in connection with, the assumption of liabilities) and businesses;
(vii) change the name of any Series or Class thereof;
(viii) abolish any one or more Series or Classes thereof; and
(ix) take such other action with respect to the Shares as the Trustees may deem desirable.
(b) Subject to the distinctions permitted among Classes of the same Series as established by the Trustees, consistent with the requirements of the 1940 Act, each Share of a Series of the Trust shall represent an equal beneficial interest in the net assets of such Series, and each Shareholder of a Series shall be entitled to receive such Shareholder’s pro rata share of distributions of income and capital gains, if any, made with respect to such Series. Upon redemption or repurchase of the Shares of any Series, the applicable Shareholder shall be paid solely out of the funds and property of such Series of the Trust.
(c) All references to Shares in this Declaration of Trust shall be deemed to be references to Shares of any or all Series or Classes thereof, as the context may require. All provisions herein relating to the Trust shall apply equally to each Series of the Trust and each Class thereof, except as otherwise provided or as the context otherwise requires.
(d) All Shares issued hereunder, including, without limitation, Shares issued in connection with a dividend in Shares or a split or reverse split of Shares, shall be fully paid and non-assessable. Except as otherwise provided by the Trustees, Shareholders shall have no preemptive or other right to subscribe to any additional Shares or other securities issued by the Trust.
5
Section 2. Ownership of Shares
The ownership of Shares shall be recorded on the books of the Trust or those of a transfer or similar agent for the Trust, which books shall be maintained separately for the Shares of each Series or Class of the Trust. No certificates certifying the ownership of Shares shall be issued except as the Trustees may otherwise determine from time to time. The Trustees may make such rules as they consider appropriate for the issuance of Share certificates, the transfer of Shares of each Series or Class of the Trust and similar matters. The record books of the Trust as kept by the Trust or any transfer or similar agent, as the case may be, shall be conclusive as to the identity of the Shareholders of each Series or Class of the Trust and as to the number of Shares of each Series or Class of the Trust held from time to time by each Shareholder. No Shareholder shall be entitled to receive any payment of a dividend or distribution, nor to have notice given to him or her as provided herein or in the By-Laws, until he or she has given his or her address to the Trust or to the Trust’s transfer or similar agent.
Section 3. Transfer of Shares
(a) Except as otherwise provided by the Trustees, Shares shall be transferable on the records of the Trust only in accordance with Article III, Section 3(b) herein and by the record holder thereof or by its agent thereto duly authorized in writing, upon delivery to the Trustees or a transfer agent of the Trust of a duly executed instrument of transfer, together with such evidence of the genuineness of each such execution and authorization and of other matters (including compliance with any securities laws and contractual restrictions) as may reasonably be required. Upon such delivery the transfer shall be recorded on the applicable register of the Trust. Until such record is made, the Shareholder of record shall be deemed to be the holder of such Shares for all purposes hereof and neither the Trustees nor any transfer agent or registrar nor any officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall be affected by any notice of the proposed transfer.
Any person becoming entitled to any Shares in consequence of the death, bankruptcy, or incompetence of any Shareholder, or otherwise by operation of law, shall be recorded on the applicable register of Shares as the holder of such Shares upon production of the proper evidence thereof to the Trustees or a transfer agent of the Trust, but until such record is made, the Shareholder of record shall be deemed to be the holder of such for all purposes hereof, and neither the Trustees nor any transfer agent or registrar nor any officer or agent of the Trust shall be affected by any notice of such death, bankruptcy or incompetence, or other operation of law.
(b) Any Shares held by a Shareholder may be Transferred only (1) by operation of law pursuant to the death, bankruptcy, insolvency, adjudicated incompetence, or dissolution of the Shareholder and (2) under certain limited instances set out in this Declaration, with the consent of the Trustees (which may be withheld in the Trustees’ sole and absolute discretion and which may be provided for pursuant to a general policy or on a case-by-case basis). The Trustees may, in their discretion, not consent to a Transfer unless (i) the Transferring Shareholder has been a Shareholder for at least six months and (ii) after the proposed Transfer, the value of the Shares held by the transferee, as well as the value of the Shares of the Shareholder Transferring less than all of its Shares, would be at least equal to the amount of the applicable minimum initial investment in the Trust. If a Shareholder Transfers Shares with the approval of the Trustees, the
6
Trustees will promptly take all necessary actions so that each transferee or successor to whom or to which the Shares are Transferred is admitted to the Trust as a Shareholder. The admission of any transferee as a substituted Shareholder will be effective upon the execution and delivery by, or on behalf of, the substituted Shareholder of an investor certification form and acceptance thereof by the Trust. Each Shareholder and transferee agrees to pay all expenses, including attorneys’ and accountants’ fees, incurred by the Trust in connection with any Transfer. In connection with any request to Transfer Shares, the Trust may require the Shareholder requesting the Transfer to obtain, at the Shareholder’s expense, an opinion of counsel selected by the Trustees as to such matters as the Trustees may reasonably request. If a Shareholder Transfers all of its Shares, it will not cease to be a Shareholder unless and until the transferee is admitted to the Trust as a substituted Shareholder in accordance with this Section 3 of Article III. Any Transfer of Shares permitted under this Section 3 of Article III will be effected in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3 of Article III hereof. The Trustees hereby delegate to the officers of the Trust all power and authority to approve and effect Transfers of Shares pursuant to this Section 3 of Article III. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trustees may approve such other transfers and transfer processes and procedures as the Trustees believe are appropriate.
Each Shareholder will indemnify and hold harmless the Trust, the Trustees, each other Shareholder and any Affiliate of the Trust, the Trustees, and each of the other Shareholders against all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including legal or other expenses incurred in investigating or defending against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses or any judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement), joint or several, to which these Persons may become subject by reason of or arising from (1) any Transfer made by the Shareholder in violation of this Section 3 of Article III and (2) any misrepresentation by the Transferring Shareholder or substituted Shareholder in connection with the Transfer. A Shareholder Transferring Shares may be charged reasonable expenses, including attorneys’ and accountants’ fees, incurred by the Trust in connection with the Transfer.
Section 4. Investments in the Trust
Investments may be accepted by the Trust from Persons, at such times, on such terms, and for such consideration as the Trustees from time to time may authorize. At the Trustees’ discretion, such investments, subject to applicable law, may be in the form of cash, securities or other property of any type, valued as provided in Article VI, Section 1. Investments in a Series shall be credited to each Shareholder’s account in the form of full and fractional Shares at the Net Asset Value per Share next determined after the investment is received or accepted as may be determined by the Trustees; provided, however, that the Trustees may, in their sole discretion: (a) impose a sales charge upon investments in any Series or Class; (b) issue fractional Shares, or (c) determine the Net Asset Value per Share of the initial capital contribution. The Trustees and any person duly authorized shall have the right to refuse to accept investments in any Series or Class at any time without any cause or reason therefor whatsoever.
7
Section 5. Status of Shares and Limitation of Personal Liability
Shares shall be deemed to be personal property giving only the rights provided in this Declaration of Trust. Every Shareholder by virtue of having become a Shareholder shall be held to have expressly assented and agreed to be bound by the terms hereof. The death, incapacity, dissolution, termination, or bankruptcy of a Shareholder during the existence of the Trust shall not operate to terminate the Trust, nor entitle the representative of any such Shareholder to an accounting or to take any action in court or elsewhere against the Trust or the Trustees, but entitles such representative only to the rights of such Shareholder under this Declaration of Trust. Ownership of Shares shall not entitle the Shareholder to any title in or to the whole or any part of the Trust Property or right to call for a participation or division of the same or for an accounting, nor shall the ownership of Shares constitute the Shareholders as partners. No Shareholder shall be personally liable for the debts, liabilities, obligations and expenses incurred by, contracted for, or otherwise existing with respect to, the Trust or any Series or Class except by reason of their own acts or conduct. Neither the Trust nor the Trustees, nor any officer, employee, or agent of the Trust shall have any power to bind personally any Shareholders, nor, except as specifically provided herein, to call upon any Shareholder for the payment of any sum of money or assessment whatsoever other than such as the Shareholder may at any time personally agree to pay. Shareholders shall have the same limitation of personal liability as is extended to shareholders of a private corporation for profit incorporated in the State of Delaware, to the extent that such limitation of liability is greater than the limitation of liability specifically provided in this Section.
Section 6. Establishment and Designation of Series or Class
(a) The establishment and designation of any Series or Class of Shares of the Trust shall be effective upon the adoption by a majority of the then Trustees of a resolution that sets forth such establishment and designation and the relative rights and preferences of such Series or Class of the Trust, whether directly in such resolution or by reference to another document including, without limitation, any registration statement of the Trust, or as otherwise provided in such resolution.
(b) Shares of each Series or Class of the Trust established pursuant to this Article III, unless otherwise provided in the resolution or related documents establishing such Series or Class, shall have the following relative rights and preferences:
(i) Assets Held with Respect to a Particular Series
All consideration received by the Trust for the issue or sale of Shares of a particular Series, together with all assets in which such consideration is invested or reinvested, all income, earnings, profits, and proceeds thereof from whatever source derived (including, without limitation, any proceeds derived from the sale, exchange or liquidation of such assets and any funds or payments derived from any reinvestment of such proceeds in whatever form the same may be), shall irrevocably be held separately with respect to that Series for all purposes, subject only to the rights of creditors of such Series, from the assets of the Trust and every other Series and shall be so recorded upon the books of account of the Trust. Such consideration, assets, income, earnings, profits
8
and proceeds thereof, from whatever source derived (including, without limitation, any proceeds derived from the sale, exchange or liquidation of such assets, and any funds or payments derived from any reinvestment of such proceeds), in whatever form the same may be, are herein referred to as “assets held with respect to” that Series. In the event that there are any assets, income, earnings, profits and proceeds thereof, funds or payments which are not readily identifiable as assets held with respect to any particular Series (collectively “General Assets”), the Trustees shall allocate such General Assets to, between or among any one or more of the Series in such manner and on such basis as the Trustees, in their sole discretion, deem fair and equitable, and any General Assets so allocated to a particular Series shall be held with respect to that Series. Each such allocation by the Trustees shall be conclusive and binding upon the Shareholders of all Series for all purposes. Separate and distinct records shall be maintained for each Series and the assets held with respect to each Series shall be held and accounted for separately from the assets held with respect to all other Series and the General Assets of the Trust not allocated to such Series.
(ii) Liabilities Held with Respect to a Particular Series
The assets of the Trust held with respect to each particular Series shall be charged against the liabilities of the Trust held with respect to that Series and all expenses, costs, charges, and reserves attributable to that Series, except that liabilities and expenses allocated solely to a particular Class shall be borne by that Class. Any general liabilities of the Trust which are not readily identifiable as being held with respect to any particular Series or Class shall be allocated and charged by the Trustees to and among any one or more of the Series or Classes in such manner and on such basis as the Trustees in their sole discretion deem fair and equitable. All liabilities, expenses, costs, charges, and reserves so charged to a Series or Class are herein referred to as “liabilities held with respect to” that Series or Class. Each allocation of liabilities, expenses, costs, charges, and reserves by the Trustees shall be conclusive and binding upon the Shareholders of all Series or Classes for all purposes. Without limiting the foregoing, but subject to the right of the Trustees to allocate general liabilities, expenses, costs, charges or reserves as herein provided, the debts, liabilities, obligations and expenses incurred, contracted for or otherwise existing with respect to a particular Series shall be enforceable against the assets held with respect to such Series only and not against the assets of the Trust generally or against the assets held with respect to any other Series. Notice of this contractual limitation on liabilities among Series may, in the Trustees’ discretion, be set forth in the Certificate of Trust (whether originally or by amendment) as filed or to be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware pursuant to the Delaware Act, and upon the giving of such notice in the Certificate of Trust, the statutory provisions of Section 3804 of the Delaware Act (and any successor provisions) relating to limitations on liabilities among Series (and the statutory effect under Section 3804 (and any successor provisions) of setting forth such notice in the Certificate of Trust) shall become applicable to the Trust and each Series. Any person extending credit to, contracting with or having any claim against any Series may look only to the assets of that Series to satisfy or enforce any debt with respect to that Series. No Shareholder or former Shareholder of any Series shall have a claim on or any right to any assets allocated or belonging to any other Series.
9
(iii) Dividends, Distributions, Redemptions, and Repurchases
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Declaration of Trust, including, without limitation, Article VI, no dividend or distribution, including, without limitation, any distribution paid upon termination of the Trust or of any Series or Class with respect to, nor any redemption or repurchase of, the Shares of any Series or Class, shall be effected by the Trust other than from the assets held with respect to such Series, nor shall any Shareholder or any particular Series or Class otherwise have any right or claim against the assets held with respect to any other Series except to the extent that such Shareholder has such a right or claim hereunder as a Shareholder of such other Series. The Trustees shall have full discretion, to the extent not inconsistent with the 1940 Act, to determine which items shall be treated as income and which items as capital, and each such determination and allocation shall be conclusive and binding upon the Shareholders.
(iv) Equality
Except as may otherwise be provided in this Declaration of Trust or in resolutions adopted by the Board of Trustees in the establishment of such Shares, all the Shares of each particular Series shall represent an equal proportionate interest in the assets held with respect to that Series (subject to the liabilities held with respect to that Series or Class thereof and such rights and preferences as may have been established and designated with respect to any Class within such Series), and each Share of any particular Series shall be equal to each other Share of that Series. Except as may otherwise be provided in this Declaration of Trust or in resolutions adopted by the Board of Trustees in the establishment of such Shares, with respect to any Class of a Series, each such Class shall represent interests in the assets of that Series and have the same voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and terms and conditions as each other Class of that Series, except that expenses allocated to a Class may be borne solely by such Class as determined by the Trustees and a Class may have exclusive voting rights with respect to matters affecting only that Class.
(v) Fractions
Any fractional Share of a Series or Class thereof shall carry proportionately all the rights and obligations of a whole Share of that Series or Class, including rights with respect to voting, receipt of dividends and distributions, redemption of Shares and termination of the Trust.
(vi) Exchange and Conversion Privileges
The Trustees shall have the authority to provide that the Shareholders of any Series or Class shall have the right to exchange or convert their Shares for Shares of one or more other Series of Shares or Class of Shares of the Trust or of other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act in accordance with such requirements and procedures as may be established by the Trustees.
10
(vii) Combination of Series
The Trustees shall have the authority, without the approval of the Shareholders of any Series or Class, unless otherwise required by applicable law, to combine the assets and liabilities held with respect to any two or more Series or Classes into assets and liabilities held with respect to a single Series or Class; provided, however, that the Trustees may not change the Outstanding Shares in a manner materially adverse to Shareholders of such Series or Class without the vote of a majority of the Outstanding Shares of such Series or Class.
Section 7. Indemnification of Shareholders
If any Shareholder or former Shareholder of any Series shall be held to be personally liable solely by reason of a claim or demand relating to such Person being or having been a Shareholder, and not because of such Person’s acts or omissions, the Shareholder or former Shareholder (or such Person’s heirs, executors, administrators, or other legal representatives or in the case of a corporation or other entity, its corporate or other general successor) shall be entitled to be held harmless from and indemnified against all loss and expense arising from such claim or demand, but only out of the assets held with respect to the particular Series of Shares of which such Person is or was a Shareholder and from or in relation to which such liability arose. The Trust, on behalf of the applicable Series, may, at its option, assume the defense of any such claim made against such Shareholder. Neither the Trust nor the applicable Series shall be responsible for satisfying any obligation arising from such a claim that has been settled by the Shareholder without the prior written notice to, and consent of, the Trust.
ARTICLE
IV
Trustees
Section 1. Number, Election and Tenure
Prior to a public offering of Shares, there may be a Sole Trustee. For the avoidance of doubt, such Sole Trustee shall constitute the initial Board of Trustees of the Trust and may exercise all powers and authority granted to a Trustee and the Board of Trustees hereunder. Thereafter, the number of Trustees shall be such number as shall be fixed from time to time by a written instrument signed by a majority of the Trustees, or by resolution approved at a duly constituted meeting, as determined, from time to time, by the Trustees pursuant to Section 3 of this Article IV. Each Trustee shall serve during the lifetime of the Trust until he or she: (a) dies; (b) resigns; (c) has reached the mandatory retirement age, if any, as set by the Trustees; (d) is declared incompetent by a court of appropriate jurisdiction; or (e) is removed, or, if sooner, until the next meeting of Shareholders called for the purpose of electing Trustees and until the election and qualification of his or her successor. In the event that less than the majority of the Trustees holding office have been elected by the Shareholders, the Trustees then in office shall call a Shareholders’ meeting for the election of Trustees. Any Trustee may resign at any time by written instrument signed by him or her and delivered to any officer of the Trust or to a meeting of the Trustees. Such resignation shall be effective upon receipt unless specified to be effective at some other time. Except to the extent expressly provided in a written agreement with the Trust, no Trustee resigning and no Trustee removed shall have any right to any compensation for
11
any period following his or her resignation or removal, or any right to damages on account of such removal. The Shareholders may elect Trustees at any meeting of Shareholders called by the Trustees for that purpose. Any Trustee may be removed: (a) with or without cause at any meeting of Shareholders by a vote of at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the Outstanding Shares of the Trust, or (b) with or without cause at any time by written instrument signed by at least two-thirds of the remaining Trustees, specifying the date when such removal shall become effective.
The Trustees may also determine by resolution those Trustees, if any, that shall be elected by Shareholders of a particular Class of Shares (e.g., by a Class of preferred Shares issued by the Trust) prior to the initial offering of such Class of Shares.
Section 2. Effect of Death, Resignation, etc. of a Trustee
The death, declination to serve, resignation, retirement, removal or incapacity of one or more Trustees, or all of them, shall not operate to annul the Trust or to revoke any existing agency created pursuant to the terms of this Declaration of Trust. Whenever there shall be fewer than the designated number of Trustees, until additional Trustees are elected or appointed as provided herein to bring the total number of Trustees equal to the designated number, the Trustees in office, regardless of their number, shall have all the powers granted to the Trustees and shall discharge all the duties imposed upon the Trustees by this Declaration of Trust. As conclusive evidence of such vacancy, a written instrument certifying the existence of such vacancy may be executed by an officer of the Trust or by a majority of the Trustees. In the event of the death, declination, resignation, retirement, removal or incapacity of all the then Trustees within a short period of time and without the opportunity for at least one Trustee being able to appoint additional Trustees to replace those no longer serving, the Trust’s Investment Adviser is empowered to appoint new Trustees subject to the provisions of Section 16(a) of the 1940 Act.
Section 3. Powers
(a) Subject to the provisions of this Declaration of Trust, the business of the Trust shall be managed by the Trustees, and the Trustees shall have all powers necessary or convenient to carry out that responsibility, including the power to engage in securities transactions of all kinds on behalf of the Trust. Without limiting the foregoing, the Trustees may: adopt By-Laws not inconsistent with this Declaration of Trust providing for the management of the affairs of the Trust and may amend and repeal such By-Laws to the extent that such By-Laws do not reserve that right to the Shareholders; enlarge or reduce the number of Trustees; remove any Trustee with or without cause at any time by written instrument signed by a least two-thirds of the remaining Trustees, specifying the date when such removal shall become effective, and fill vacancies caused by enlargement of their number or by the death, resignation, retirement or removal of a Trustee; elect and remove, with or without cause, such officers and appoint and terminate such agents as they consider appropriate; appoint from their own number and establish and terminate one or more committees, consisting of any number of (or no) Trustees and any number of other individuals, that may exercise the powers and authority of the Board of Trustees to the extent that the Trustees so determine; employ one or more custodians of the assets of the Trust and authorize such custodians to employ sub-custodians and to deposit all or any part of such assets in a system or systems for the central handling of securities or with a Federal Reserve
12
Bank; employ an Administrator for the Trust and authorize such Administrator to employ sub-administrators; employ an Investment Adviser to the Trust and authorize such Investment Adviser to employ sub-advisers; retain a transfer agent or a shareholder servicing agent, or both; provide for the issuance and distribution of Shares by the Trust directly or through one or more Principal Underwriters or otherwise; redeem, repurchase and transfer Shares pursuant to applicable law; set record dates for the determination of Shareholders with respect to various matters; declare and pay dividends and distributions to Shareholders of each Series from the assets of such Series; and in general delegate such authority as they consider desirable to any officer of the Trust, to any committee of the Trust and to any agent or employee of the Trust or to any such Investment Adviser, Administrator, sub-adviser, sub-administrator, custodian, transfer or shareholder servicing agent, or Principal Underwriter. Any determination as to what is in the interests of the Trust made by the Trustees in good faith shall be conclusive. In construing the provisions of this Declaration of Trust, the presumption shall be in favor of a grant of power to the Trustees. Unless otherwise specified herein or in the By-Laws or required by law, any action by the Trustees shall be deemed effective if approved or taken by: (1) a majority of the Trustees present at a meeting of Trustees at which a quorum of Trustees is present, within or outside the State of Delaware; or (2) by the written consent of a majority of the Trustees then in office, subject to any conditions, requirements, or restrictions contained in the By-Laws.
(b) Without limiting the foregoing, the Trustees shall have the power and authority to cause the Trust (or to act on behalf of the Trust):
(i) To invest and reinvest cash and other property, to hold cash or other property uninvested, and to subscribe for, invest in, reinvest in, purchase or otherwise acquire, own, hold, pledge, sell, assign, transfer, exchange, distribute, write options on, lend or otherwise deal in or dispose of or enter into contracts for the future acquisition or delivery of securities and other instruments and property of every nature and kind, including, without limitation, shares or interests in open-end or closed-end investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles, common and preferred stocks, warrants and rights to purchase securities, all types of bonds, debentures, stocks, negotiable or non-negotiable instruments, loans, obligations, participations, other evidences of indebtedness, certificates of deposit or indebtedness, commercial paper, repurchase agreements, bankers’ acceptances, derivative instruments, and other securities or properties of any kind, issued, created, guaranteed, or sponsored by any and all Persons, including without limitation, states, territories, and possessions of the United States and the District of Columbia and any political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, and foreign government or any political subdivision of the United States Government or any foreign government, or any international instrumentality, or by any bank or savings institution, or by any corporation or organization organized under the laws of the United States or of any state, territory, or possession thereof, or by any corporation or organization organized under any foreign law, or engage in “when issued” or delayed delivery transactions and in all types of financial instruments and hedging and risk management transactions; change the investments of the assets of the Trust; and to exercise any and all rights, powers, and privileges of ownership or interest in respect of any and all such investments of every kind and description, including, without limitation, the right to consent and otherwise act with respect thereto, with power to designate one or
13
more Persons to exercise any of said rights, powers, and privileges in respect of any of said instruments;
(ii) To sell, exchange, lend, pledge, mortgage, hypothecate, lease, or write options (including, options on futures contracts) with respect to or otherwise deal in any property rights relating to any or all of the assets of the Trust or any Series;
(iii) To vote or give assent, or exercise any rights of ownership, with respect to stock or other securities or property and to execute and deliver proxies or powers of attorney to such Person or Persons as the Trustees shall deem proper, granting to such Person or Persons such power and discretion with relation to securities or property as the Trustees shall deem proper;
(iv) To exercise powers and rights of subscription or otherwise which in any manner arise out of ownership of securities;
(v) To hold any security or property in any form, whether in bearer, unregistered or other negotiable form, or in its own name or in the name of a custodian or sub-custodian or a nominee or nominees or otherwise;
(vi) To consent to or participate in any plan for the reorganization, consolidation or merger of any corporation or issuer of any security which is held in the Trust; to consent to any contract, lease, mortgage, purchase or sale of property by such corporation or issuer; and to pay calls or subscriptions with respect to any security held in the Trust;
(vii) To join with other security holders in acting through a committee, depositary, voting trustee or otherwise, and in that connection to deposit any security with, or transfer any security to, any such committee, depositary or trustee, and to delegate to them such power and authority with relation to any security (whether or not so deposited or transferred) as the Trustees shall deem proper, and to agree to pay, and to pay, such portion of the expenses and compensation of such committee, depositary or trustee as the Trustees shall deem proper;
(viii) To litigate, compromise, arbitrate, settle or otherwise adjust claims in favor of or against the Trust or any matter in controversy, including, but not limited to, claims for taxes;
(ix) To enter into joint ventures, general or limited partnerships and any other combinations or associations;
(x) To borrow funds or other property in the name of the Trust exclusively for Trust purposes and in connection therewith issue notes or other evidence of indebtedness and to mortgage and pledge the Trust Property or any part thereof to secure any or all of such indebtedness;
14
(xi) To endorse or guarantee the payment of any notes or other obligations of any Person, to make contracts of guaranty or suretyship, or otherwise assume liability for payment thereof, and to mortgage and pledge the Trust Property or any part thereof to secure any of or all of such obligations;
(xii) To purchase and pay for entirely out of Trust Property such insurance as the Trustees may deem necessary or appropriate for the conduct of the business, including, without limitation, insurance policies insuring the assets of the Trust or payment of distributions and principal on its portfolio investments, and insurance policies insuring the Shareholders, Trustees, officers, employees, agents, Investment Advisers, Principal Underwriters, or independent contractors of the Trust, individually against all claims and liabilities of every nature arising by reason of holding, being or having held any such office or position, or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted by any such Person as Trustee, officer, employee, agent, Investment Adviser, Principal Underwriter, or independent contractor, including any action taken or omitted that may be determined to constitute negligence, whether or not the Trust would have the power to indemnify such Person against liability;
(xiii) To adopt, establish and carry out pension, profit-sharing, share bonus, share purchase, savings, thrift and other retirement, incentive, deferred compensation and benefit plans and trusts, including the purchasing of life insurance and annuity contracts as a means of providing such retirement and other benefits, for any or all of the Trustees, officers, employees and agents of the Trust;
(xiv) To operate as and carry out the business of an investment company, and exercise all the powers necessary or appropriate to the conduct of such operations;
(xv) To enter into contracts of any kind and description;
(xvi) To employ as custodian of any assets of the Trust one or more banks, trust companies or companies that are members of a national securities exchange or such other entities as the Commission may permit as custodians of the Trust, subject to any conditions set forth in this Declaration of Trust or in the By-Laws;
(xvii) To employ auditors, counsel or other agents of the Trust, subject to any conditions set forth in this Declaration of Trust or in the By-Laws;
(xviii) To establish and interpret the investment policies, practices, or limitations of any Series or Class;
(xix) To establish separate and distinct Series with separately defined investment objectives and policies and distinct investment purposes, and with separate Shares representing beneficial interests in such Series, and to establish separate Classes, all in accordance with the provisions of Article III;
15
(xx) To the fullest extent permitted by Section 3804 of the Delaware Act and any successor provisions, to allocate assets, liabilities and expenses of the Trust to a particular Series and liabilities and expenses to a particular Class or to apportion the same between or among two or more Series or Classes, provided that any liabilities or expenses incurred by a particular Series or Class shall be payable solely out of the assets belonging to that Series or Class as provided for in Article III;
(xxi) To select brokers, dealers, futures commission merchants, banks or any agents or other entities, as appropriate, with which to effect transactions in securities and other instruments or investments including, but not limited to, stocks, bonds, currencies, futures, forwards, swaps and other instruments including money market instruments;
(xxii) To execute and enter into brokerage contracts, risk disclosure and other agreements reasonable, necessary or convenient in order to transact in the foregoing instruments; and
(xxiii) To engage in any other lawful act or activity in which a statutory trust organized under the Delaware Act may engage subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act.
(c) The Trust shall not be limited to investing in obligations maturing before the possible termination of the Trust or one or more of its Series. The Trust shall not in any way be bound or limited by any present or future law or custom in regard to investment by fiduciaries. The Trust shall not be required to obtain any court order to deal with any assets of the Trust or take any other action hereunder. The Trust may pursue its investment program and any other powers as set forth in this Section 3 of Article IV either directly or indirectly through one or more subsidiary vehicles at the discretion of the Trustees or by operating in a master-feeder structure.
(d) Except as prohibited by applicable law, the Trustees may, on behalf of the Trust, buy any securities from or sell any securities to, or lend any assets of the Trust to, any Trustee or officer of the Trust or any firm of which any such Trustee or officer is a member acting as principal, or have any such dealings with any Investment Adviser, Administrator, Principal Underwriter, distributor or transfer agent for the Trust or with any Interested Person of such person. The Trust may employ any such person, or entity in which such person is an Interested Person, as broker, legal counsel, registrar, Investment Adviser, Administrator, Principal Underwriter, distributor, transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent, shareholder servicing agent, custodian or in any other capacity upon customary terms.
Section 4. Expenses of the Trust and Series
Subject to Article III, Section 6, the Trust or a particular Series shall pay, directly or indirectly through contractual arrangements, or shall reimburse the Trustees from the Trust Property or the assets belonging to the particular Series, for their expenses and disbursements, including, but not limited to, interest charges, taxes, brokerage fees and commissions; expenses of pricing Trust portfolio securities; expenses of sale, addition and reduction of Shares; insurance premiums; applicable fees, interest charges and expenses of third parties, including the Trust’s
16
investment advisers, managers, administrators, distributors, custodians, transfer agents, shareholder servicing agents and fund accountants; fees of pricing, interest, dividend, credit and other reporting services; costs of membership in trade associations; telecommunications expenses; funds transmission expenses; auditing, legal and compliance expenses; costs of forming the Trust and its Series and maintaining their existence; costs of preparing and printing the prospectuses, statements of additional information and Shareholder reports of the Trust and each Series and delivering them to Shareholders; expenses of meetings of Shareholders and proxy solicitations therefor; costs of maintaining books and accounts; costs of reproduction, stationery and supplies; fees and expenses of the Trustees; compensation of the Trust’s officers and employees and costs of other personnel performing services for the Trust or any Series; costs of Trustee meetings; Commission registration fees and related expenses; registration fees and related expenses under state or foreign securities or other laws; and for such non-recurring items as may arise, including litigation to which the Trust or a Series (or a Trustee or officer of the Trust acting as such) is a party, and for all losses and liabilities by them incurred in administering the Trust. The Trustees shall have a lien on the assets belonging to the appropriate Series, or in the case of an expense allocable to more than one Series, on the assets of each such Series, prior to any rights or interests of the Shareholders thereto, for the reimbursement to them of such expenses, disbursements, losses and liabilities. This Article shall not preclude the Trust from directly paying any of the aforementioned fees and expenses.
Section 5. Ownership of Assets of the Trust
The assets of the Trust shall be held separate and apart from any assets now or hereafter held in any capacity other than as Trustee hereunder by the Trustees or any successor Trustees. Title to all of the assets of the Trust shall at all times be considered as vested in the Trust, except that the Trustees shall have power to cause legal title to any Trust Property to be held by or in the name of one or more of the Trustees, or in the name of the Trust, or in the name of any other Person as nominee, on such terms as the Trustees may determine. The right, title and interest of the Trustees in the Trust Property shall vest automatically in each Person who may hereafter become a Trustee. Upon the resignation, removal or death of a Trustee, he or she shall automatically cease to have any right, title or interest in any of the Trust Property, and the right, title and interest of such Trustee in the Trust Property shall vest automatically in the remaining Trustees. Such vesting and cessation of title shall be effective whether or not conveyancing documents have been executed and delivered. No Shareholder shall be deemed to have a severable ownership in any individual asset of the Trust or any right of partition or possession thereof, but each Shareholder shall have a proportionate undivided beneficial ownership in the Trust or Series.
Section 6. Service Contracts
(a) Subject to such requirements and restrictions as may be set forth under federal and/or state law or regulation and in the By-Laws, including, without limitation, the requirements of Section 15 of the 1940 Act, the Trustees may, at any time and from time to time, contract for exclusive or non-exclusive advisory, management and/or administrative services for the Trust or for any Series (or Class thereof) with any corporation, trust, association, or other Person; and any such contract may contain such other terms as the Trustees may determine, including, without limitation, authority for the Investment Adviser to supervise and direct the investment of all
17
assets held, and to determine from time to time without prior consultation with the Trustees what investments shall be purchased, held, sold, or exchanged and what portion, if any, of the assets of the Trust shall be held uninvested and to make changes in the Trust’s investments; authority for the Investment Adviser or Administrator to delegate certain or all of its duties under such contracts to qualified investment advisers and administrators, or such other activities as may specifically be delegated to such party.
(b) The Trustees may also, at any time and from time to time, contract with any corporation, trust, association, or other Person, appointing it exclusive or non-exclusive distributor or Principal Underwriter for the Shares of one or more of the Series (or Classes) or other securities to be issued by the Trust. Every such contract shall comply with such requirements and restrictions as may be set forth under federal and/or state law or regulation and in the By-Laws, including, without limitation, the requirements of Section 15 of the 1940 Act, and any such contract may contain such other terms as the Trustees may determine.
(c) The Trustees are also empowered, at any time and from time to time, to contract with any corporations, trusts, associations or other Persons, appointing it or them the administrator, fund accountant, custodian, transfer agent and/or shareholder servicing agent for the Trust or one or more of its Series. Every such contract shall comply with such requirements and restrictions as may be set forth under federal and/or state law or regulation, in the By-Laws, and stipulated by resolution of the Trustees.
(d) Subject to applicable law, the Trustees are further empowered, at any time and from time to time, to contract with any entity to provide such other services to the Trust or one or more of the Series, as the Trustees determine to be in the best interests of the Trust and the applicable Series.
(e) The fact that:
(i) any of the Shareholders, Trustees, or officers of the Trust is a shareholder, director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, Investment Adviser, Administrator, sub-adviser, sub-administrator, Principal Underwriter, distributor, or affiliate or agent of or for any corporation, trust, association, or other Person, or for any parent or affiliate of any organization with which an advisory, management, or administration contract, or Principal Underwriter’s or distributor’s contract, or fund accounting, custody, transfer agent, shareholder servicing agent or other type of service contract may have been or may hereafter be made, or that any such Person, or any parent or affiliate thereof, is a Shareholder or has an interest in the Trust; or that
(ii) any corporation, trust, association or other Person with which an advisory, management, or administration contract or Principal Underwriter’s or distributor’s contract, or fund accounting, custody, transfer agent or shareholder servicing agent contract may have been or may hereafter be made also has an advisory, management, or administration contract, or Principal Underwriter’s or distributor’s or other service contract with one or more other corporations, trusts, associations, or other Persons, or has other business or interests, shall not affect the validity of any such contract or disqualify any Shareholder, Trustee or officer of the Trust from voting upon or executing the same,
18
or create any liability or accountability to the Trust or its Shareholders, provided approval of each such contract is made pursuant to the requirements of the 1940 Act.
Section 7. Trustees and Officers as Shareholders
Any Trustee, officer or agent of the Trust may acquire, own and dispose of Shares to the same extent as if he or she were not a Trustee, officer or agent. The Trustees may issue and sell and cause to be issued and sold Shares to, and redeem such Shares from, any such Person or any firm or company in which such Person is interested, subject only to the general limitations contained herein or in the By-Laws relating to the sale and redemption of such Shares.
ARTICLE
V
Shareholders’ Voting Powers and Meetings
Section 1. Voting Powers, Meetings, Notice, and Record Dates
(a) The Shareholders shall have power to vote only with respect to:
(i) the election or removal of Trustees as provided in Article IV hereof; and
(ii) such additional matters relating to the Trust as may be required by applicable law, this Declaration of Trust, the By-Laws or any registration of the Trust with the Commission (or any successor agency), or as the Trustees may consider necessary or desirable.
(b) Each whole Share shall be entitled to one vote as to any matter on which it is entitled to vote and each fractional Share shall be entitled to a proportionate fractional vote.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Declaration of Trust, on any matters submitted to a vote of the Shareholders, all Shares of the Trust then entitled to vote shall be voted in aggregate, except:
(i) when required by the 1940 Act, Shares shall be voted by individual Series and/or Class;
(ii) when the matter involves any action that the Trustees have determined will affect only the interests of one or more Series, then only the Shareholders of such Series shall be entitled to vote thereon; and
(iii) when the matter involves any action that the Trustees have determined will affect only the interests of one or more Classes, then only the Shareholders of such Class or Classes shall be entitled to vote thereon.
(d) There shall be no cumulative voting in the election or removal of Trustees.
(e) Shares may be voted in person or by proxy. A proxy may be given in writing. The By-Laws may provide that proxies may also, or may instead, be given by an electronic or telecommunications device or in any other manner.
19
(f) Notwithstanding anything else contained herein or in the By-Laws, in the event a proposal by anyone other than the officers or Trustees of the Trust is submitted to a vote of the Shareholders of one or more Series or Classes thereof or of the Trust, or in the event of any proxy contest or proxy solicitation or proposal in opposition to any proposal by the officers or Trustees of the Trust, Shares may be voted only by written proxy or in person at a meeting and not by electronic or telecommunications device or any other manner.
(g) Until Shares of a Class or Series are issued, the Trustees may exercise all rights of Shareholders of that Class or Series and may take any action required by law, this Declaration of Trust or the By-Laws to be taken by the Shareholders with respect to that Class or Series. Shares held in the treasury shall not confer any voting rights on the Trustees and shall not be entitled to any dividends or other distributions declared with respect to the Shares.
(h) Meetings of the Shareholders shall be called and notice thereof and record dates therefor shall be given and set as provided in the By-Laws.
Section 2. Quorum and Required Vote
(a) Quorum. Except when a larger quorum is required by applicable law, by the By-Laws or by this Declaration of Trust, thirty-three and one-third percent (33-1/3%) of the Shares entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum at a Shareholders’ meeting. When any one or more Series (or Classes) is to vote separately from any other Shares, thirty-three and one-third percent (33-1/3%) of the Shares of each such Series (or Class) entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum at a Shareholders’ meeting of that Series (or Class).
(b) Required Vote – Generally. Except when a larger vote is required by any provision of this Declaration of Trust or the By-Laws or by applicable law, when a quorum is present at any meeting, a majority of the Shares voted shall decide any questions and a plurality of the Shares voted shall elect a Trustee, provided that where any provision of law or of this Declaration of Trust requires that the holders of any Series shall vote as a Series (or that holders of a Class shall vote as a Class), then a majority of the Shares of that Series (or Class) voted on the matter (or a plurality with respect to the election of a Trustee) shall decide that matter insofar as that Series (or Class) is concerned.
(c) Required Vote – Certain Transactions.
(i) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (c)(ii) of this Section and Article VIII, Section 3 (including all Subsections thereof), the affirmative vote or consent of majority of the entire Board of Trustees, seventy-five percent (75%) of the Continuing Trustees and at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the Shares outstanding and entitled to vote thereon shall be necessary to authorize any of the following actions:
(1) The merger, consolidation or share exchange of the Trust, any Series or Class of Shares of the Trust, or any subsidiary of the Trust with or into any other person or company (including, without limitation, a Shareholder, partnership, corporation, joint venture, statutory or business trust, common law trust or any other business organization) or of any such person or company with or into the Trust or any series or class of Shares.
20
(2) The issuance or transfer by the Trust or any Series or Class of Shares (in one or more series of transactions in any twelve-month period) of any securities of the Trust or such Series or Class to any other person or entity for cash, securities or other property (or combination thereof) having an aggregate fair market value of $1,000,000 or more, excluding (x) sales of any securities of the Trust or a Series or Class in connection with a public offering thereof, (y) issuance of securities of the Trust or a Series or Class pursuant to a dividend reinvestment plan adopted by the Trustees and (z) issuances of securities of the Trust or a Series or Class upon the exercise of any stock subscription rights distributed by the Trust or a Series or Class.
(3) The sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition by the Trust or any Series or Class of Shares (in one or a series of transactions in any twelve-month period) to or with any person of any assets of the Trust or such Series or Class having an aggregate fair market value of $1,000,000 or more, except for transactions in securities effected by the Trust or a Series or Class in the ordinary course of business.
(4) The dissolution, liquidation or termination of the Trust or a Series or Class of Shares thereof. Upon such authorization, the Trustees shall proceed to wind up the affairs of, and liquidate, the Trust in accordance with Article VIII, Section 4(b).
(5) The issuance of any securities of the Trust to any Principal Shareholder for cash, except as part of an offering in which the Principal Shareholder has no special right to participate as compared to other holders of the same Class of Shares, or investors at large.
(6) Any Shareholder proposal as to specific investment decisions made or to be made with respect to the assets of the Trust or a Series or Class of Shares.
(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in paragraph (c)(i) of this Section, so long as each action is approved by both a majority of Trustees and seventy-five percent (75%) of the Continuing Trustees, and so long as all other conditions and requirements, if any, provided for in the Bylaws and applicable law have been satisfied, then no Shareholder vote or consent shall be necessary or required to approve any of the actions listed in paragraph (c) of this Section, except to the extent such Shareholder vote or consent is required by the 1940 Act or other federal law.
Section 3. Record Dates for Dividends and Distributions
For the purpose of determining the Shareholders of any Series (or Class) who are entitled to receive payment of any dividend or of any other distribution, the Trustees may from time to time fix a date, which shall be before the date for the payment of such dividend or such other payment, as the record date for determining the Shareholders of such Series (or Class) having the right to receive such dividend or distribution. Without fixing a record date, the Trustees may for distribution purposes close the register or transfer books for one or more Series (or Classes) at any time prior to the payment of a distribution. Nothing in this Section shall be construed as precluding the Trustees from setting different record dates for different Series (or Classes).
21
Section 4. Additional Provisions
The By-Laws may include further provisions for Shareholders, votes and meetings and related matters.
ARTICLE
VI
Net Asset Value, Distributions and Redemptions
Section 1. Determination of Net Asset Value, Net Income, and Distributions
Subject to applicable law and Article III, Section 6 hereof, the Trustees, in their absolute discretion, may prescribe and shall set forth in the By-Laws or in a duly adopted resolution of the Trustees such bases and time for determining the Net Asset Value per Share of any Series or Class or net income attributable to the Shares of any Series or Class, or the declaration and payment of dividends and distributions on the Shares of any Series or Class, as they may deem necessary or desirable. The Trustees shall cause the Net Asset Value of Shares of each Series or Class to be determined from time to time in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations. The Trustees may delegate the power and duty to determine the Net Asset Value per Share to the Trust’s investment adviser, one or more Trustees or officers of the Trust or to a custodian, depository or other agent appointed for such purpose. The Net Asset Value of Shares shall be determined separately for each Series or Class at such times as may be prescribed by the Trustees or, in the absence of action by the Trustees, as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange on each day for all or part of which such Exchange is open for unrestricted trading.
Section 2. Redemptions and Repurchases
(a) The Shares of the Trust are not redeemable by the Shareholders. Except as otherwise provided in this Declaration, no Shareholder or other Person holding Shares will have the right to withdraw or tender Shares to the Trust for repurchase. The Trustees may, from time to time, in their complete and exclusive discretion and on terms and conditions as they may determine, cause the Trust to repurchase Shares in accordance with written tenders. Payment for said Shares shall be made by the Trust to the Shareholder in accordance with the Trust’s tender offer. There is no minimum amount of Shares that must be repurchased by the Trust in any repurchase offer. The Trust has no obligation to repurchase Shares at any time; any such repurchases will only be made at such times, in such amounts, and on such terms as may be determined by the Trustees, in their sole discretion. The repurchase price may in any case or cases be paid in cash or wholly or partly in kind if the Trustees determine that such payment is advisable in the interest of the remaining Shareholders. Subject to the foregoing, the fair value, selection and quantity of securities or other property so paid or delivered as all or part of the repurchase price shall be determined by or under authority of the Trustees. In no case shall the Trust be liable for any delay of any corporation or other Person in transferring securities selected for delivery as all or part of any payment in kind.
22
(b) The Trust shall have the right at its option and at any time to redeem Shares of any Shareholder at the net asset value thereof, unless otherwise prohibited by the 1940 Act, as described in Section 1 of this Article VI for any reason under the terms established by the Trustees from time to time including but not limited to:
(i) if at such time such Shareholder owns Shares having an aggregate net asset value of less than an amount determined from time to time by the Trustees;
(ii) to the extent that such Shareholder owns Shares equal to or in excess of a percentage of the outstanding Shares determined from time to time by the Trustees;
(iii) the failure of a Shareholder to supply a tax identification number or other identification or if the Trust is unable to verify a Shareholder’s identity;
(iv) the failure of a Shareholder to pay when due the purchase price of Shares;
(v) when the Trust is requested or compelled to do so by governmental authority; or
(vi) the determination by the Trustees or pursuant to policies and procedures adopted by the Trustees that ownership of Shares is not in the best interest of the remaining Shareholders of the Trust or applicable Class.
(c) If the Trustees shall, at any time and in good faith, be of the opinion that direct or indirect ownership of Shares of any Series or Class thereof has or may become concentrated in any Person to an extent that would disqualify the Trust as a regulated investment company under the Code, then the Trustees shall have the power (but not the obligation) by lot or other means deemed equitable by them (i) to call for redemption by any such Person of a number, or principal amount, of Shares sufficient to maintain or bring the direct or indirect ownership of Shares into conformity with the requirements for such qualification, (ii) to refuse to transfer or issue Shares of any Series or Class thereof to any Person whose acquisition of Shares in question would result in such disqualification, or (iii) take such other actions as they deem necessary and appropriate to avoid such disqualification. The redemption shall be effected at the redemption price and in the manner provided in this Article VI.
The holders of Shares shall upon demand disclose to the Trustees in writing such information with respect to direct and indirect ownership of Shares and the beneficial owner(s) thereof as the Trustees deem necessary to comply with the requirements of any governmental authority or applicable law or regulation.
23
ARTICLE VII
Compensation, Limitation of Liability, and Indemnification
Section 1. Trustee Compensation
The Trustees in such capacity shall be entitled to reasonable compensation from the Trust, and they may fix the amount of such compensation. However, the Trust will not compensate those Trustees who are otherwise compensated by the Investment Adviser, any sub-adviser or the Principal Underwriter or any of their affiliates under the terms of any contract between the Trust and the Investment Adviser, any sub-adviser or the Principal Underwriter, as applicable. Nothing herein shall in any way prevent the employment of any Trustee for advisory, management, legal, accounting, investment banking or other services and payment for such services by the Trust.
Section 2. Limitation of Liability
A Trustee or officer of the Trust, when acting in such capacity, shall not be personally liable to any person other than the Trust or a beneficial owner for any act, omission or obligation of the Trust or any Trustee or officer of the Trust. A Trustee or officer of the Trust shall not be liable for any act or omission or any conduct whatsoever in his or her capacity as Trustee or officer, provided that nothing contained herein or in the Delaware Act shall protect any Trustee or officer against any liability to the Trust or to Shareholders to which he or she would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of the office of Trustee or officer hereunder. No Trustee who has been determined to be an “audit committee financial expert” (for purposes of Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or any successor provision thereto) by the Board of Trustees shall be subject to any greater liability or duty of care in discharging such Trustee’s duties and responsibilities by virtue of such determination than is any Trustee who has not been so designated.
Section 3. Indemnification
(a) For purposes of this Section 3 and Section 5 of this Article VII and any related provisions of the By-laws, “Agent” means any Person who is, was or becomes an employee or other agent of the Trust who is not a “Covered Person” (as defined below); “Proceeding” means any threatened, pending or completed claim, action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (including appeals); and “liabilities” and “expenses” include, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in settlement, fines, penalties and all other liabilities whatsoever.
(b) Subject to the exceptions and limitations contained in this Section, as well as any procedural requirements set forth in the By-Laws:
24
(i) every person who is, has been, or becomes a Trustee or officer of the Trust (hereinafter referred to as a “Covered Person”) shall be indemnified by the Trust to the fullest extent permitted by law against any and all liabilities and expenses reasonably incurred or paid by them in connection with the defense of any Proceeding in which they become involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of their being or having been such a Trustee or officer, and against amounts paid or incurred by them in the settlement thereof;
(ii) every Person who is, has been, or becomes an Agent of the Trust may, upon due approval of the Trustees (including a majority of the Trustees who are not Interested Persons of the Trust), be indemnified by the Trust, to the fullest extent permitted by law, against any and all liabilities and expenses reasonably incurred or paid by them in connection with the defense of any Proceeding in which they become involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of their being or having been an Agent, and against amounts paid or incurred by him or her in the settlement thereof;
(iii) every Person who is serving or has served at the request of the Trust as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, agent or fiduciary of another domestic or foreign corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, other enterprise or employee benefit plan (“Other Position”) and who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding by reason of alleged acts or omissions while acting within the scope of his or her service in such Other Position, may, upon due approval of the Trustees (including a majority of the Trustees who are not Interested Persons of the Trust), be indemnified by the Trust, to the fullest extent permitted by law, against any and all liabilities and expenses reasonably incurred or paid by them in connection with the defense of any Proceeding in which they become involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of their being or having held such Other Position, and against amounts paid or incurred by them in the settlement thereof;
(c) Without limitation of the foregoing and subject to the exceptions and limitations set forth in this Section, as well as any procedural requirements set forth in the By-Laws, the Trust shall indemnify each Covered Person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding, by reason of alleged acts or omissions within the scope of their service as a Covered Person, against judgments, fines, penalties, settlements and reasonable expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually incurred by them in connection with such proceeding to the maximum extent consistent with state law and the 1940 Act.
(d) No indemnification shall be provided hereunder to any Person who shall have been adjudicated by a court or body before which the proceeding was brought: (i) to be liable to the Trust or its Shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of their office (collectively, “Disabling Conduct”) or (ii) not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best interest of the Trust.
25
(e) With respect to any Proceeding disposed of (whether by settlement, pursuant to a consent decree or otherwise) without an adjudication by the court or other body before which the Proceeding was brought, no indemnification shall be provided to a Trustee, officer, Agent or other Person unless there has been a dismissal of the Proceeding by the court or other body before which it was brought for insufficiency of evidence of any Disabling Conduct with which such Trustee, officer, Agent or other Person has been charged or a determination that such Trustee, officer, Agent or other Person did not engage in Disabling Conduct:
(i) by the court or other body before which the Proceeding was brought;
(ii) by at least a majority of those Trustees who are neither Interested Persons of the Trust nor are parties to the Proceeding based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry); or
(iii) by written opinion of independent legal counsel based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry).
(f) The Trust’s financial obligations arising from the indemnification provided herein or in the By-Laws: (i) may be insured by policies maintained by the Trust; (ii) shall be severable; (iii) shall not be exclusive of or affect any other rights to which any Person may now or hereafter be entitled; and (iv) shall continue as to a Person who has ceased to be subject to indemnification as provided in this Section as to acts or omissions that occurred while the Person was indemnified as provided herein and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such Person. Nothing contained herein shall affect any rights to indemnification to which Trust personnel, other than Covered Persons, may be entitled, and other persons may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law.
(g) Expenses of a Person entitled to indemnification hereunder in connection with the defense of any Proceeding of the character described in paragraphs (a) and (b) above may be advanced by the Trust or Series from time to time prior to final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such Person that such amount will be paid over by him or her to the Trust or Series if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not entitled to indemnification under this Section 3; provided, however, that either (i) such Person shall have provided appropriate security for such undertaking, (ii) the Trust is insured against losses arising out of any such advance payments, or (iii) either a majority of the Trustees who are neither Interested Persons of the Trust nor parties to the matter, or independent legal counsel in a written opinion, shall have determined, based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry or full investigation), that there is reason to believe that such Person will be found entitled to indemnification under Section 3.
Section 4. Trustee’s Good Faith Action, Expert Advice, No Bond or Surety
The exercise by the Trustees of their powers and discretion hereunder shall be binding upon everyone interested. A Trustee shall be liable to the Trust and to any Shareholder solely for his or her own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of the office of Trustee and shall not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law. The Trustees may take advice of counsel or other experts with respect to
26
the meaning and operation of this Declaration of Trust, and shall be under no liability for any act or omission in accordance with such advice. The Trustees shall not be required to give any bond as such, nor any surety if a bond is required.
Section 5. Insurance
The Trustees shall be entitled and empowered to the fullest extent permitted by law to purchase with Trust assets insurance for liability and for all expenses reasonably incurred or paid or expected to be paid by a Person entitled to indemnification from the Trust in connection with any Proceeding in which he or she may become involved by virtue of his or her capacity or former capacity entitling him or her to indemnification hereunder.
ARTICLE
VIII
Miscellaneous
Section 1. Liability of Third Persons Dealing with Trustees
No Person dealing with the Trustees shall be bound to make any inquiry concerning the validity of any transaction made or to be made by the Trustees or to see to the application of any payments made or property transferred to the Trust or upon its order.
Section 2. Subsidiaries
Without approval by Shareholders, the Trustees may cause to be organized or assist in organizing one or more corporations, trusts, partnerships, associations or other organizations to take over all of the Trust Property or to carry on any business in which the Trust shall directly or indirectly have any interest and to sell, convey, and transfer all or a portion of the Trust Property to any such corporation, trust, limited liability company, association or organization in exchange for the shares or securities thereof, or otherwise, and to lend money to, subscribe for the shares or securities of and enter into any contracts with any such corporation, trust, limited liability company, partnership, association or organization, or any corporation, partnership, trust, limited liability company, association or organization in which the Trust holds or is about to acquire shares or any other interests.
Section 3. Derivative Actions
(a) Shareholders of the Trust or any Series may not bring a derivative action to enforce the right of the Trust or an affected Series or Class, as applicable, unless each of the following conditions is met:
(i) Each complaining Shareholder was a Shareholder of the Trust or the affected Series or Class, as applicable, at the time of the action or failure to act complained of, or acquired the Shares afterwards by operation of law from a Person who was a Shareholder at that time;
(ii) Each complaining Shareholder was a Shareholder of the Trust or the affected Series or Class, as applicable, as of the time the demand required by subparagraph (iii) below was made;
27
(iii) Prior to the commencement of such derivative action, the complaining Shareholders have made a written demand to the Board of Trustees requesting that they cause the Trust or affected Series or Class, as applicable, to file the action itself. In order to warrant consideration, any such written demand must include at least the following:
(1) a detailed description of the action or failure to act complained of and the facts upon which each such allegation is made;
(2) a statement to the effect that the complaining Shareholders believe that they will fairly and adequately represent the interests of similarly situated Shareholders in enforcing the right of the Trust or the affected Series of Class, as applicable and an explanation of why the complaining Shareholders believe that to be the case;
(3) a certification that the requirements of sub-paragraphs (i) and (ii) have been met, as well as information reasonably designed to allow the Trustees to verify that certification; and
(4) a certification that each complaining Shareholder will be a Shareholder of the Trust or the affected Series or Class, as applicable as of the commencement of the derivative action;
(iv) Shareholders owning Shares representing no less than a majority of the then Outstanding Shares of the Trust or the affected Series or Class, as applicable, must join in bringing the derivative action; and
(v) A copy of the derivative complaint must be served on the Trust, assuming the requirements of sub-paragraphs (i)-(iv) above have already been met and the derivative action has not been barred in accordance with paragraph (b)(ii) below.
(b) Demands for derivative action submitted in accordance with the requirements above will be considered by those Trustees who are not deemed to be Interested Persons of the Trust. Within 30 calendar days of the receipt of such demand by the Board of Trustees, those Trustees who are not deemed to be Interested Persons of the Trust will consider the merits of the claim and determine whether maintaining a suit would be in the best interests of the Trust or the affected Series or Class, as applicable. Trustees that are not deemed to be Interested Persons of the Trust are deemed independent for all purposes, including for the purpose of approving or dismissing a derivative action.
(i) If the demand for derivative action has not been considered within 30 calendar days of the receipt of such demand by the Board of Trustees, a decision communicated to the complaining Shareholders within the time permitted by sub-paragraph (ii) below, and sub-paragraphs (i)-(iv) of paragraph (a) above have been met, the complaining Shareholders shall not be barred by this Declaration of Trust from commencing a derivative action.
28
(ii) If the demand for derivative action has been considered by the Board of Trustees, and a majority of those Trustees who are not deemed to be Interested Persons of the Trust, after considering the merits of the claim, has determined that maintaining a suit would not be in the best interests of the Trust or the affected Series or Class, as applicable, the complaining Shareholders shall be barred from commencing the derivative action. If upon such consideration the appropriate members of the Board determine that such a suit should be maintained, then the appropriate officers of the Trust shall commence initiation of that suit and such suit shall proceed directly rather than derivatively. The Board of Trustees, or the appropriate officers of the Trust, shall inform the complaining Shareholders of any decision reached under this sub-paragraph (ii) in writing within five business days of such decision having been reached.
(c) A Shareholder of a particular Series or Class of the Trust shall not be entitled to participate in a derivative action on behalf of any other Series or Class of the Trust.
(d) This Section 3 of Article VIII shall not apply to any claims brought under federal securities law, or the rules and regulations thereunder.
Section 4. Termination of the Trust or Any Series or Class
(a) Unless terminated as provided herein, the Trust shall continue without limitation of time. The Trust may be terminated at any time by vote of a majority of the Shares of each Series entitled to vote, voting separately by Series, or by the Trustees by written notice to the Shareholders. Any Series or Class thereof may be terminated at any time in accordance with Article V, Section 2(c) or by the Trustees by written notice to the Shareholders of such Series or Class.
(b) Upon the requisite Shareholder vote or action by the Trustees to terminate the Trust or any one or more Series or any Class thereof, after paying or otherwise providing for all charges, taxes, expenses, and liabilities, whether due or accrued or anticipated, of the Trust or of the particular Series or any Class thereof as may be determined by the Trustees, the Trust shall in accordance with such procedures as the Trustees may consider appropriate reduce the remaining assets of the Trust or of the affected Series or Class to distributable form in cash or other securities, or any combination thereof, and distribute the proceeds to the Shareholders of the Series or Classes involved, ratably according to the number of Shares of such Series or Class held by the Shareholders of such Series or Class on the date of distribution. Thereupon, the Trust or any affected Series or Class shall terminate and the Trustees and the Trust shall be discharged of any and all further liabilities and duties relating thereto or arising therefrom, and the right, title, and interest of all parties with respect to the Trust or such Series or Class shall be canceled and discharged.
(c) Upon termination of the Trust, following completion of winding up of its business, the Trustees shall cause a certificate of cancellation of the Certificate of Trust to be filed in accordance with the Delaware Act, which Certificate of Cancellation may be signed by any one Trustee.
29
Section 5. Reorganization
(a) Notwithstanding anything else herein, the Trustees may, without Shareholder approval, unless such approval is required by applicable law:
(i) cause the Trust to merge or consolidate with or into one or more trusts or corporations (or series or classes thereof to the extent permitted by law), partnerships, associations, or other business entities (including trusts, partnerships, associations, corporations or other business entities created by the Trustees to accomplish such merger or consolidation) so long as the surviving or resulting entity is an investment company as defined in the 1940 Act, or is a series thereof, that will succeed to or assume the Trust’s registration under the 1940 Act and that is formed, organized, or existing under the laws of the United States or of a state, commonwealth, possession or territory of the United States, unless otherwise permitted under the 1940 Act;
(ii) cause any one or more Series (or Classes) of the Trust to merge or consolidate with or into any one or more other Series (or Classes) of the Trust, one or more trusts or corporations (or series or classes thereof to the extent permitted by law), partnerships, or associations;
(iii) cause the Shares to be exchanged under or pursuant to any state or federal statute or regulation to the extent permitted by law; or
(iv) cause the Trust to reorganize as a corporation, trust, limited liability company or limited liability partnership under the laws of Delaware or any other state or jurisdiction.
(b) Any agreement of merger or consolidation or exchange or certificate of merger may be signed by a majority of the Trustees and facsimile signatures conveyed by electronic or telecommunication means shall be valid.
(c) Pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3815(f) of the Delaware Act and any successor provisions, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Declaration of Trust, an agreement of merger or consolidation approved by the Trustees in accordance with this Section 5 may effect any amendment to the governing instrument of the Trust or effect the adoption of a new governing instrument of the Trust if the Trust is the surviving or resulting trust in the merger or consolidation.
(d) The Trustees may create one or more statutory trusts to which all or any part of the assets, liabilities, profits, or losses of the Trust or any Series or Class thereof may be transferred and may provide for the conversion of Shares in the Trust or any Series or Class thereof into beneficial interests in any such newly created trust or trusts or any series of classes thereof.
30
(e) The approval of the Trustees shall be sufficient to cause the Trust, or any Series thereof, to sell and convey all or substantially all of the assets of the Trust or any affected Series to another Series of the Trust or to another entity to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, for adequate consideration, which may include the assumption of all outstanding obligations, taxes, and other liabilities, accrued or contingent, of the Trust or any affected Series, and which may include Shares or interest in such Series of the Trust, entity, or series thereof. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this provision may be utilized to permit the Trust to pursue its investment program through one or more subsidiary vehicles or to operate in a master-feeder structure.
(f) The Trust may, at the discretion of the Board of Trustees, as may be permitted by the 1940 Act, and upon the resolution of a majority of the then Trustees, convert to a master-feeder structure, in which the feeder fund invests all of its assets into a master fund, rather than making investments in securities directly. Existing Series or Classes of the Trust may either become feeders into a master fund, or themselves become master funds into which other funds may be feeders.
Section 6. Amendments
(a) Except as specifically provided in this Section 6, the Trustees may, without Shareholder vote, restate, amend, or otherwise supplement this Declaration of Trust. Shareholders shall have the right to vote on:
(i) any amendment that would affect their right to vote granted in Article V, Section 1 hereof;
(ii) any amendment to this Section 6 of Article VIII;
(iii) any amendment that may require their vote under applicable law or by the Trust’s registration statement, as filed with the Commission; and
(iv) any amendment submitted to them for their vote by the Trustees.
(b) No amendment may be made to Article IV, Section 1 (regarding the number of Trustees and Trustees’ terms and election), Article IV, Section 2 (regarding Trustee resignation and removal), Article III, Section 5 (regarding shareholder liability), this Article VIII, Section 6, or Article V, Section 2(c) (supermajority requirements for certain transactions), of this Declaration and no amendment may be made to this Declaration which would change any rights with respect to any Shares of the Trust by reducing the amount payable thereon upon liquidation of the Trust or by diminishing or eliminating any voting rights pertaining thereto (except that this provision shall not limit the ability of the Trustees to authorize, and to cause the Trust to issue, other securities pursuant to Article III), except after the approval of at least seventy-five percent (75%) of each class of Shares outstanding and entitled to vote on the matter, unless a majority of the Trustees and seventy-five percent (75%) of the Continuing Trustees entitled to vote on the matter approve such amendment, in which case approval by a Majority Shareholder Vote shall be required. Nothing contained in this Declaration shall permit the amendment of this Declaration to impair the exemption from personal liability of the Shareholders, Trustees, officers, employees and agents of the Trust or to permit assessments upon Shareholders.
31
(c) Any amendment required or permitted to be submitted to the Shareholders that, as the Trustees determine, shall affect the Shareholders of one or more Series or Classes shall be authorized by a vote of the Shareholders of each Series or Class affected and no vote of Shareholders of a Series or Class not affected shall be required. Notwithstanding anything else herein, no amendment hereof shall limit the rights to insurance provided by Article VII, Section 5 hereof with respect to any acts or omissions of Persons covered thereby prior to such amendment nor shall any such amendment limit the rights to indemnification referenced in Article VII, Section 3 hereof as provided in the By-Laws with respect to any actions or omissions of Persons covered thereby prior to such amendment. The Trustees may, without Shareholder vote, restate, amend, or otherwise supplement the Certificate of Trust as they deem necessary or desirable.
Section 7. Filing of Copies, References, Headings
The original or a copy of this Declaration of Trust and of each restatement and/or amendment hereto shall be kept at the office of the Trust where it may be inspected by any Shareholder. Anyone dealing with the Trust may rely on a certificate by an officer of the Trust as to whether or not any such restatements and/or amendments have been made and as to any matters in connection with the Trust hereunder; and, with the same effect as if it were the original, may rely on a copy certified by an officer of the Trust to be a copy of this Declaration of Trust or of any such restatements and/or amendments. In this Declaration of Trust and in any such restatements and/or amendments, references to this Declaration of Trust, and all expressions such as “herein,” “hereof,” and “hereunder,” shall be deemed to refer to this Declaration of Trust as amended or affected by any such restatements and/or amendments. Headings are placed herein for convenience of reference only and shall not be taken as a part hereof or control or affect the meaning, construction or effect of this Declaration of Trust. Whenever the singular number is used herein, the same shall include the plural; and the neuter, masculine and feminine genders shall include each other, as applicable. This Declaration of Trust may be executed in any number of counterparts each of which shall be deemed an original.
Section 8. Applicable Law
(a) This Declaration of Trust and the Trust created hereunder are to be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware. The Trust shall be of the type commonly called a statutory trust, and without limiting the provisions hereof, the Trust specifically reserves the right to exercise any of the powers or privileges afforded to statutory trusts or actions that may be engaged in by statutory trusts under the Delaware Act, and the absence of a specific reference herein to any such power, privilege, or action shall not imply that the Trust may not exercise such power or privilege or take such actions.
(b) Notwithstanding the first sentence of Section 8(a) of this Article VIII, there shall not be applicable to the Trust, the Trustees, or this Declaration of Trust either the provisions of Section 3540 of Title 12 of the Delaware Code or any provisions of the laws (statutory or common) of the State of Delaware (other than the Delaware Act) pertaining to trusts that relate to or regulate: (i) the filing with any court or governmental body or agency of trustee accounts or schedules of trustee fees and charges; (ii) affirmative requirements to post bonds for trustees, officers, agents, or employees of a trust; (iii) the necessity for obtaining a court or other
32
governmental approval concerning the acquisition, holding, or disposition of real or personal property; (iv) fees or other sums applicable to trustees, officers, agents or employees of a trust; (v) the allocation of receipts and expenditures to income or principal; (vi) restrictions or limitations on the permissible nature, amount, or concentration of trust investments or requirements relating to the titling, storage, or other manner of holding of trust assets; or (vii) the establishment of fiduciary or other standards or responsibilities or limitations on the acts or powers or liabilities or authorities and powers of trustees that are inconsistent with the limitations or liabilities or authorities and powers of the Trustees set forth or referenced in this Declaration of Trust.
Section 9. Provisions in Conflict with Law or Regulations
(a) The provisions of this Declaration of Trust are severable, and if the Trustees shall determine, with the advice of counsel, that any such provision is in conflict with the 1940 Act, the regulated investment company provisions of the Code, and the regulations thereunder, the Delaware Act or with other applicable laws and regulations, the conflicting provision shall be deemed never to have constituted a part of this Declaration of Trust; provided, however, that such determination shall not affect any of the remaining provisions of this Declaration of Trust or render invalid or improper any action taken or omitted prior to such determination.
(b) If any provision of this Declaration of Trust shall be held invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall attach only to such provision in such jurisdiction and shall not in any manner affect such provision in any other jurisdiction or any other provision of this Declaration of Trust in any jurisdiction.
Section 10. Statutory Trust Only
It is the intention of the Trustees to create a statutory trust pursuant to the Delaware Act. It is not the intention of the Trustees to create a general partnership, limited partnership, joint stock association, corporation, bailment, or any form of legal relationship other than a statutory trust pursuant to the Delaware Act. Nothing in this Declaration of Trust shall be construed to make the Shareholders, either by themselves or with the Trustees, partners, or members of a joint stock association.
Section 11. Writings
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations:
(a) all requirements in this Declaration of Trust or in the By-Laws that any action be taken by means of any writing, including, without limitation, any written instrument, any written consent or any written agreement, shall be deemed to be satisfied by means of any electronic record in such form that is acceptable to the Trustees; and
(b) all requirements in this Declaration of Trust or in the By-Laws that any writing be signed shall be deemed to be satisfied by any electronic signature in such form that is acceptable to the Trustees.
33
Section 12. Trustees May Resolve Ambiguities
The Trustees may construe any of the provisions of this Declaration of Trust insofar as the same may appear to be ambiguous or inconsistent with any other provisions hereof, and any such construction hereof by the Trustees in good faith shall be conclusive as to the meaning to be given to such provisions.
[Signature Page Follows]
34
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Trustee named below, being the sole initial Trustee of Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund, has executed this Declaration of Trust as of the 4th day of November, 2022.
/s/ Thomas R. Phillips
Thomas R. Phillips
Trustee
35
Exhibit 2.b
BY-LAWS
of
Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund
(a Delaware Statutory Trust)
Effective November 4, 2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BY-LAWS
Page | |
ARTICLE I Introduction | 1 |
Section 1. Declaration of Trust | 1 |
Section 2. Definitions | 1 |
ARTICLE II Offices | 1 |
Section 1. Principal Office | 1 |
Section 2. Delaware Office | 1 |
Section 3. Other Offices | 1 |
ARTICLE III Meetings of Shareholders | 1 |
Section 1. Place of Meetings | 1 |
Section 2. Call of Meetings | 2 |
Section 3. Notice of Meetings of Shareholders | 2 |
Section 4. Communications with Shareholders | 2 |
Section 5. Conduct of Meetings of Shareholders | 3 |
Section 6. Meetings by Remote Communication | 3 |
Section 7. Quorum | 3 |
Section 8. Postponement and Change of Place of Meeting | 3 |
Section 9. Adjourned Meeting; Notice | 4 |
Section 10. Voting | 4 |
Section 11. Waiver of Notice; Consent of Absent Shareholders | 4 |
Section 12. Shareholder Action by Written Consent Without a Meeting | 4 |
Section 13. Record Date for Shareholder Notice, Voting and Giving Consents | 5 |
Section 14. Proxies | 5 |
Section 15. Inspectors of Election | 6 |
ARTICLE IV Trustees | 7 |
Section 1. Chair | 7 |
Section 2. Powers | 7 |
Section 3. Number of Trustees | 7 |
Section 4. Vacancies | 7 |
Section 5. Retirement of Trustees | 7 |
Section 6. Place of Meetings and Meetings by Telephone | 7 |
Section 7. Regular Meetings | 7 |
Section 8. Special Meetings | 8 |
Section 9. Quorum | 8 |
Section 10. Waiver of Notice | 8 |
i |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
Page | |
Section 11. Adjournment | 8 |
Section 12. Action Without a Meeting | 8 |
Section 13. Fees and Compensation of Trustees | 8 |
ARTICLE V Committees | 9 |
Section 1. Committees of Trustees | 9 |
Section 2. Proceedings and Quorum | 9 |
Section 3. Compensation of Committee Members | 9 |
ARTICLE VI Officers | 9 |
Section 1. Officers | 9 |
Section 2. Election of Officers | 9 |
Section 3. Powers | 9 |
Section 4. Removal and Resignation of Officers | 10 |
Section 5. Vacancies in Offices | 10 |
Section 6. President | 10 |
Section 7. Vice Presidents | 10 |
Section 8. Secretary | 10 |
Section 9. Treasurer | 10 |
Section 10. Chief Compliance Officer | 10 |
ARTICLE VII Inspection of Records and Reports | 11 |
Section 1. Inspection by Shareholders | 11 |
Section 2. Inspection by Trustees | 11 |
Section 3. Financial Statements | 11 |
ARTICLE VIII General Matters | 11 |
Section 1. Checks, Drafts, Evidence of Indebtedness | 11 |
Section 2. Contracts and Instruments; How Executed | 11 |
Section 3. Fiscal Year | 11 |
Section 4. Seal | 12 |
Section 5. Writings | 12 |
Section 6. Severability | 12 |
Section 7. Headings | 12 |
ARTICLE IX Control Share Acquisitions | 12 |
Section 1. Definitions | 12 |
Section 2. Delivery of Control Share Acquisition Statement | 15 |
Section 3. Meeting of Shareholders | 15 |
ii |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
Page | |
Section 4. Authorization of Voting Rights | 17 |
Section 5. No Appraisal Rights | 18 |
Section 6. Persons Required to Provide Information | 18 |
Section 7. Interpretation | 18 |
Section 8. Amendment | 18 |
ARTICLE X Amendments | 18 |
iii |
BY-LAWS
of
Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund
(a Delaware Statutory Trust)
ARTICLE
I
Introduction
Section 1. Declaration of Trust. These By-Laws (these “By-Laws”) shall be subject to the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, as in effect from time to time (the “Declaration of Trust”), of Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Trust”). In the event of any inconsistency between the terms hereof and the terms of the Declaration of Trust, the terms of the Declaration of Trust shall control.
Section 2. Definitions. Capitalized terms used herein and not herein defined are used as defined in the Declaration of Trust.
ARTICLE
II
Offices
Section 1. Principal Office. The principal executive office of the Trust shall be 690 Lee Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, until such time as the Trustees may change the location of the principal executive office of the Trust to any other place within or outside the State of Delaware.
Section 2. Delaware Office. The Trustees shall establish a registered office in the State of Delaware and shall appoint as the Trust’s registered agent for service of process in the State of Delaware a Delaware corporation or a corporation authorized to transact business in the State of Delaware; in each case the business office of such registered agent for service of process shall be identical with the registered Delaware office of the Trust. The Trustees may designate a successor resident agent, provided, however, that such appointment shall not become effective until written notice thereof is delivered to the Office of the Secretary of the State of Delaware.
Section 3. Other Offices. The Trustees may at any time establish branch or subordinate offices at any place or places within or outside the State of Delaware as the Trustees may from time to time determine.
ARTICLE
III
Meetings of Shareholders
Section 1. Place of Meetings. Meetings of Shareholders shall be held at any place (including held by remote communication) designated by the Trustees. In the absence of any such designation, Shareholders’ meetings shall be held at the principal executive office of the Trust.
Section 2. Call of Meetings. There shall be no annual Shareholders’ meetings except as required by law. Special meetings of the Shareholders of the Trust or of any Series or Class may be called at any time by the Trustees or by the President or the Secretary for the purpose of taking action upon any matter requiring the vote or authority of the Shareholders of the Trust or of any Series or Class as herein provided or provided in the Declaration of Trust or upon any other matter as to which such vote or authority is deemed by the Trustees or the President to be necessary or desirable. Meetings of the Shareholders of the Trust or of any Series or Class may be called for any purpose deemed necessary or desirable upon the written request of the Shareholders holding at least a majority of the outstanding Shares of the Trust entitled to vote at such meeting, provided that: (1) such request shall state the purposes of such meeting and the matters proposed to be acted on, and (2) the Shareholders requesting such meeting shall have paid to the Trust the reasonably estimated cost of preparing and mailing the notice thereof, which the Secretary shall determine and specify to such Shareholders. If the Secretary fails for more than thirty (30) calendar days to call a special meeting, the Trustees or the Shareholders requesting such a meeting may, in the name of the Secretary, call the meeting by giving the required notice. If the meeting is a meeting of Shareholders of any Series or Class, but not a meeting of all Shareholders of the Trust, then only a special meeting of Shareholders of such Series or Class need be called and, in such case, only Shareholders of such Series or Class shall be entitled to notice of and to vote at such meeting.
Section 3. Notice of Meetings of Shareholders. All notices of meetings of Shareholders shall be sent or otherwise given to Shareholders in accordance with Section 4 of this Article III not less than seven (7) calendar days before the date of the meeting. The notice shall specify: (i) the place (including that the meeting will be held by remote communication, as applicable), date and hour of the meeting, and (ii) the general nature of the business to be transacted.
Section 4. Communications with Shareholders. Any notices, reports, statements or other communications with Shareholders of any kind required under the Declaration, these By-Laws or applicable law may be sent, delivered or made available in any reasonable manner as may be determined by the Trustees if not otherwise prohibited by applicable law, including, without limitation, by email or other electronic means or by posting on a website; and such communications may be sent, delivered or otherwise made available to Shareholders in accordance with householding or other similar rules under which a single copy of such notice or report may be sent to Shareholders who reside at the same address. No communication need be given to any Shareholder who shall have failed to inform the Trust of the Shareholder’s current address and the Trustees may from time to time adopt, or may authorize the officers or agents of the Trust to adopt, procedures or policies with respect to communications to Shareholders that are returned to the Trust or its agents as undeliverable and similar matters. Any Shareholder may waive receipt of any notice or other communication. Communications shall be deemed to have been given at the time when delivered personally or deposited in the mail or with another carrier or sent by any means of written or electronic communication or, where notice is given by posting on a website or by publication, on the date of posting or publication. An affidavit of the mailing or other means of giving any notice of any meeting of Shareholders shall be filed and maintained with the records of the Trust.
2 |
Section 5. Conduct of Meetings of Shareholders. The meetings of Shareholders shall be presided over by the President, or if he or she is not present, by the Chair, or if he or she is not present, by any Vice President, unless there is a Senior Vice President, or if none of them is present, then any officer of the Trust appointed by the President to act on his or her behalf shall preside over such meetings. The Secretary, if present, shall act as a Secretary of such meetings, or if he or she is not present or is otherwise presiding over the meeting in another capacity, an Assistant Secretary, if any, shall so act. If neither the Secretary nor the Assistant Secretary is present or, if present, the Secretary is otherwise presiding over the meeting in another capacity, then any such person appointed by the Secretary to act on his or her behalf shall act as Secretary of such meetings.
Section 6. Meetings by Remote Communication. The Trustees may, in their sole discretion, determine that a meeting of Shareholders may be held solely by means of remote communication. If authorized by the Trustees, in their sole discretion, and subject to such guidelines and procedures as the Trustees may adopt, Shareholders and proxyholders not physically present at a meeting of Shareholders may, by means of remote communication: (a) participate in a meeting of Shareholders; and (b) be deemed present in person and vote at a meeting of Shareholders whether such meeting is to be held at a designated place or solely by means of remote communication, provided that: (i) the Trust shall implement such measures as the Trustees deem to be reasonable (A) to verify that each person deemed present and permitted to vote at the meeting by means of remote communication is a Shareholder or proxyholder; and (B) to provide such Shareholders and proxyholders a reasonable opportunity to participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted to the Shareholders; and (ii) if any Shareholder or proxyholder votes or takes other action at the meeting by means of remote communication, a record of such vote or other action shall be maintained by the Trust.
Section 7. Quorum. The holders of thirty-three and one-third percent (33 1/3%) of the Outstanding Shares entitled to vote and present in person or by proxy at the meeting shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Shareholders, except that where pursuant to any provision of law, the Declaration or these By-Laws a vote shall be taken by individual Series, then holders of thirty-three and one-third percent (33 1/3%) of the Outstanding Shares of that Series entitled to vote and present in person or by proxy shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by that Series. For the purposes of establishing whether a quorum is present, all Shares present and entitled to vote, including abstentions and broker non-votes, shall be counted.
Section 8. Postponement and Change of Place of Meeting. Prior to the date upon which any meeting of Shareholders is to be held, the Board of Trustees may, in its sole discretion, which may be delegated to the officers of the Trust, postpone or change the place of such meeting (including by specifying that the meeting will be held by remote communication) one or more times for any reason by giving notice to each Shareholder entitled to vote at the meeting so postponed or changed of the place (including that the meeting will be held by remote communication, as applicable), date and hour at which such meeting will be held. Such notice shall be given not fewer than two (2) days before the date of such meeting and otherwise in accordance with Sections 3 and 4 of this Article III.
3 |
Section 9. Adjourned Meeting; Notice. Any meeting of Shareholders may, by action of the person presiding thereat, be adjourned without further notice with respect to one or more matters to be considered at such meeting to a designated time and place, if a quorum is not present with respect to such matter; any meeting of Shareholders may, by motion of the person presiding thereat, be adjourned with respect to one or more matters to be considered at such meeting, even if a quorum is present with respect to such matters, to a designated time and place, when such adjournment is approved by the vote of holders of Shares representing a majority of the voting power of the Shares present and entitled to vote with respect to the matter or matters adjourned, and without further notice. Unless a proxy is otherwise limited in this regard, any Shares present and entitled to vote at a meeting that are represented by broker non-votes, may, at the discretion of the proxies named therein, be voted in favor of such an adjournment. Any adjourned meeting may be held as adjourned without further notice, even if the date of such adjourned meeting is more than 120 days after the notice of the original meeting or the postponement thereof, was mailed or sent. Where separate meetings are held for Shareholders of one or more individual Series to vote on a matter required to be voted on by Shareholders of the Trust in the aggregate, notice of each such separate meeting shall be provided in the manner described above in this Article III.
Section 10. Voting. The Shareholders entitled to vote at any meeting of Shareholders shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of the Declaration of Trust, as in effect as of such time. The Shareholders’ vote may be by voice vote or by ballot, provided, however, that any election for Trustees must be by ballot if demanded by any Shareholder before the voting has begun. On any matter other than election of Trustees, any Shareholder may vote part of the Shares in favor of the proposal and refrain from voting the remaining Shares or vote them against the proposal, but if the Shareholder fails to specify the number of Shares which the Shareholder is voting affirmatively, it will be conclusively presumed that the Shareholder’s approving vote is with respect to all of the Shares that such Shareholder is entitled to vote on such proposal.
Section 11. Waiver of Notice; Consent of Absent Shareholders. The transaction of business and any actions taken at a meeting of Shareholders, however called and noticed and wherever held, shall be as valid as though taken at a meeting duly held after regular call and notice provided a quorum is present either in person or by proxy at the meeting of Shareholders and if either before or after the meeting, each Shareholder entitled to vote who was not present in person or by proxy at the meeting of the Shareholders signs a written waiver of notice or a consent to a holding of the meeting or an approval of the minutes. The waiver of notice or consent need not specify either the business to be transacted or the purpose of any meeting of Shareholders.
Attendance by a Shareholder at a meeting of Shareholders shall also constitute a waiver of notice of that meeting, except if the Shareholder objects at the beginning of the meeting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened and except that attendance at a meeting of Shareholders is not a waiver of any right to object to the consideration of matters not included in the notice of the meeting of Shareholders if that objection is expressly made at the beginning of the meeting.
Section 12. Shareholder Action by Written Consent Without a Meeting. Except as provided in the Declaration of Trust, any action that may be taken at any meeting of
4 |
Shareholders may be taken without a meeting and without prior notice if a consent in writing setting forth the action to be taken is signed by the holders of outstanding Shares having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take that action at a meeting at which all Shares entitled to vote on that action were present and voted provided, however, that the Shareholders receive any necessary Information Statement or other necessary documentation in conformity with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or the rules or regulations thereunder. Any such written consent may be executed and given by facsimile or other electronic means. All such consents shall be filed with the Secretary of the Trust and shall be maintained in the Trust’s records. Any Shareholder giving a written consent or the Shareholder’s proxy holders or a transferee of the Shares or a personal representative of the Shareholder or their respective proxy holders may revoke the Shareholder’s written consent by a writing received by the Secretary of the Trust before written consents of the number of Shares required to authorize the proposed action have been filed with the Secretary.
If the consents of all Shareholders entitled to vote have not been solicited in writing and if the unanimous written consent of all such Shareholders shall not have been received, the Secretary shall give prompt notice of the action approved by the Shareholders without a meeting. This notice shall be given in the manner specified in Section 4 of this Article III.
Section 13. Record Date for Shareholder Notice, Voting and Giving Consents.
(a) For the purpose of determining the Shareholders of the Trust or any Series who are entitled to vote or act at any meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, the Trustees may from time to time fix a time, or may authorize the officers to fix a time, which shall be not more than 120 days before the date set for any meeting of Shareholders (without regard to any adjournments or postponements thereof), as the record date for determining the Shareholders of the Trust or such Series having the right to notice of and to vote at such meeting and any adjournment or postponements thereof, and in such case only Shareholders on such record date shall have such right notwithstanding any transfer of shares on the books of the Trust after the record date; or without fixing such record date the Trustees may for any such purposes close the register or transfer books for all or part of such period.
(b) The record date for determining Shareholders entitled to give consent to action in writing without a meeting, (a) when no prior action of the Trustees has been taken, shall be the day on which the first written consent is given, or (b) when prior action of the Trustees has been taken, shall be (i) such date as determined for that purpose by the Trustees, or (ii) if no record date is fixed by the Trustees, the record date shall be the close of business on the day on which the Trustees adopt the resolution relating to that action.
(c) Nothing in this Section shall be construed as precluding the Trustees from setting different record dates for different Series or Classes. Only Shareholders of record on the record date as herein determined shall have any right to vote or to act at any meeting or give consent to any action relating to such record date, notwithstanding any transfer of Shares on the books of the Trust after such record date.
Section 14. Proxies. Subject to the provisions of the Declaration of Trust, Shareholders entitled to vote for Trustees or on any other matter shall have the right to do so either in person
5 |
or by proxy, provided that either (i) a written instrument authorizing such a proxy to act is executed by the Shareholder or his or her duly authorized attorney-in-fact and dated not more than eleven (11) months before the meeting, unless the instrument specifically provides for a longer period, or (ii) the Trustees adopt an electronic, telephonic, computerized or other alternative to the execution of a written instrument authorizing the proxy to act, and such authorization is received not more than eleven (11) months before the meeting. A proxy shall be deemed executed by a Shareholder if the Shareholder’s name is placed on the proxy (whether by manual signature, typewriting, telegraphic transmission or otherwise) by the Shareholder or the Shareholder’s attorney-in-fact. A valid proxy which does not state that it is irrevocable shall continue in full force and effect unless (i) revoked by the Person executing it before the vote pursuant to that proxy is taken, (a) by a writing delivered to the Trust stating that the proxy is revoked, or (b) by a subsequent proxy executed by such Person, or (c) attendance at the meeting and voting in person by the Person executing that proxy, or (d) revocation by such Person using any electronic, telephonic, computerized or other alternative means authorized by the Trustees for authorizing the proxy to act; or (ii) written notice of the death or incapacity of the maker of that proxy is received by the Trust before the vote pursuant to that proxy is counted. A proxy with respect to Shares held in the name of two or more Persons shall be valid if executed by any one of them unless at or prior to exercise of the proxy the Trust receives a specific written notice to the contrary from any one of the two or more Persons. A proxy purporting to be executed by or on behalf of a Shareholder shall be deemed valid unless challenged at or prior to its exercise and the burden of proving invalidity shall rest on the challenger. Unless otherwise specifically limited by their terms, proxies shall entitle the Shareholder to vote at any adjournment or postponement of a Shareholders meeting. At every meeting of Shareholders, unless the voting is conducted by inspectors, all questions concerning the qualifications of voters, the validity of proxies, and the acceptance or rejection of votes, shall be decided by the chair of the meeting. Subject to the provisions of the Declaration of Trust or these By-Laws, all matters concerning the giving, voting or validity of proxies shall be governed by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware relating to proxies, and judicial interpretations thereunder, as if the Trust were a Delaware corporation and the Shareholders were shareholders of a Delaware corporation.
Section 15. Inspectors of Election. Before any meeting of Shareholders, the Trustees may appoint any persons other than nominees for office to act as inspectors of election at the meeting or its adjournment or postponement. If no inspectors of election are so appointed, the Chair or other presiding officer of the meeting may appoint inspectors of election at the meeting. If any person appointed as inspector fails to appear or fails or refuses to act, the Chair or other presiding officer of the meeting may appoint a person to fill the vacancy.
These inspectors shall:
(a) Determine the number of Shares outstanding and the voting power of each, the Shares represented at the meeting, the existence of a quorum and the authenticity, validity and effect of proxies;
(b) Receive votes, ballots or consents;
(c) Hear and determine all challenges and questions in any way arising in connection with the right to vote;
6 |
(d) Count and tabulate all votes or consents;
(e) Determine when the polls shall close;
(f) Determine the result; and
(g) Do any other acts that may be proper to conduct the election or vote with fairness to all Shareholders.
ARTICLE
IV
Trustees
Section 1. Chair. The Trustees may elect from their own number a Chair to hold office until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation, removal or disqualification. The Chair (or, if the Chair is unable to attend any such meeting, the Chair’s designee) shall preside at all meetings of the Trustees and the Shareholders. The Chair shall have such other duties and powers as the Trustees may from time to time determine.
Section 2. Powers. Subject to the applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), the Declaration of Trust and these By-Laws relating to action required to be approved by the Shareholders, the business and affairs of the Trust shall be managed and all powers shall be exercised by or under the direction of the Trustees.
Section 3. Number of Trustees. The exact number of Trustees within the limits specified in the Declaration of Trust shall be fixed from time to time by a resolution of the Trustees.
Section 4. Vacancies. Vacancies in the authorized number of Trustees may be filled as provided in the Declaration of Trust.
Section 5. Retirement of Trustees. The Board may adopt a written policy regarding the retirement of its members, which policy may require Trustees to retire or tender their resignation for the consideration of the remaining Trustees or a committee thereof upon reaching a certain age. Absent such a written policy, the tenure of each Trustee shall be determined in accordance with the Declaration of Trust.
Section 6. Place of Meetings and Meetings by Telephone. All meetings of the Trustees may be held at any place, including by remote communication, that has been selected from time to time by the Trustees. In the absence of such a selection, regular meetings shall be held at the principal executive office of the Trust. Subject to any applicable requirements of the 1940 Act, any meeting, regular or special, may be held by conference telephone or similar communication equipment, so long as all Trustees participating in the meeting can hear one another and all such Trustees shall be deemed to be present in person at the meeting.
Section 7. Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Trustees shall be held without call at such time as shall from time to time be fixed by the Trustees. Such regular meetings may be held without notice.
7 |
Section 8. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Trustees may be held at any time or place for any purpose when called by the President, the Secretary or by written request of two (2) or more of the Trustees. Notice of the time and place of special meetings shall be communicated to each Trustee orally in person or by telephone or transmitted to him or her by first-class or overnight mail, electronic mail, telegram, telecopy or other electronic means addressed to each Trustee at that Trustee’s address as it is shown on the records of the Trust, at least one calendar day before the meeting. Notice may be provided on the day of the special meeting by telephone, electronic mail, telegram, telecopy, or other electronic means, if, under the circumstances, the party calling the meeting deems more immediate action to be necessary or appropriate. Oral notice shall be deemed to be given when given directly to the person required to be notified and all other notices shall be deemed to be given when sent. The notice need not specify the purpose of the meeting or the place of the meeting, if the meeting is to be held at the principal executive office of the Trust.
Section 9. Quorum. At any meeting of the Trustees a majority of the Trustees then in office shall constitute a quorum. A meeting at which a quorum is initially present may continue to transact business notwithstanding the withdrawal from the meeting of one or more Trustees if any action taken is approved by at least a majority of the required quorum for that meeting.
Section 10. Waiver of Notice. Notice of any meeting need not be given to any Trustee who either before or after the meeting signs a written waiver of notice, a consent to holding the meeting, or an approval of the minutes. The waiver of notice or consent need not specify the purpose of the meeting. All such waivers, consents, and approvals shall be filed with the records of the Trust or made a part of the minutes of the meeting. Notice of a meeting shall also be deemed given to any Trustee who attends the meeting without protesting, prior to or at its commencement, the lack of notice to that Trustee.
Section 11. Adjournment. A majority of the Trustees present, whether or not constituting a quorum, may adjourn any meeting to another time and place.
Section 12. Action Without a Meeting. Unless the 1940 Act requires that a particular action be taken only at a meeting at which the Trustees are present in person, any action to be taken by the Trustees at a meeting may be taken without such meeting by the written consent of a majority of the Trustees then in office. Any such written consent may be executed and given by facsimile or other electronic means. Such written consents shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Trustees. If any action is so taken by the Trustees by the written consent of less than all of the Trustees prompt notice of the taking of such action shall be furnished to each Trustee who did not execute such written consent, provided that the effectiveness of such action shall not be impaired by any delay or failure to furnish such notice.
Section 13. Fees and Compensation of Trustees. Subject to the provisions of the Declaration of Trust, Trustees and members of committees may receive such compensation, if any, for their services and such reimbursement of expenses as may be fixed or determined by resolution of the Trustees. This Section 13 of Article IV shall not be construed to preclude any Trustee from serving the Trust in any other capacity as an officer, agent, employee, or otherwise and receiving compensation for those services.
8 |
ARTICLE V
Committees
Section 1. Committees of Trustees. The Trustees may by resolution designate one or more committees, each consisting of any number of (or no) Trustees and any number of other individuals, to serve at the pleasure of the Trustees. The number composing such committees and the powers conferred upon the same shall be determined by the vote of a majority of the Trustees. The Trustees may abolish any such committee at any time in their sole discretion. Any committee to which the Trustees delegate any of their powers shall maintain records of its meetings and shall report its actions to the Trustees. The Trustees shall have the power to rescind any action of any committee, but no such rescission shall have retroactive effect. The Trustees shall have the power at any time to fill vacancies in the committees. The Trustees may delegate to these committees any of their powers, subject to the limitations of applicable law. The Trustees may designate one or more Trustees or other individuals as alternate members of any committee who may replace any absent member at any meeting of the committee.
Section 2. Proceedings and Quorum. In the absence of an appropriate resolution of the Trustees, each committee may adopt such rules and regulations governing its proceedings, quorum and manner of acting as it shall deem proper and desirable. In the event fewer than a majority of the committee’s members are present at any meeting, the members present at the meeting, whether or not they constitute a quorum, may appoint a Trustee to act in the place of such absent member(s).
Section 3. Compensation of Committee Members. Subject to the provisions of the Declaration of Trust, each committee member may receive such compensation from the Trust for his or her services and reimbursement for his or her expenses as may be fixed from time to time by the Trustees.
ARTICLE
VI
Officers
Section 1. Officers. The officers of the Trust shall be a President, a Treasurer, a Secretary, and such other officers as the Trustees from time to time may in their discretion elect, appoint or authorize in accordance with Section 2 of this Article VI. Any officer of the Trust may but need not be a Trustee or a Shareholder. Any two or more offices, except those of President and Vice-President, may be held by the same person.
Section 2. Election of Officers. The President, the Treasurer and the Secretary shall be elected by the Trustees upon the occurrence of a vacancy in any such office. Other officers, if any, may be elected or appointed by the Trustees at any time, or the Trustees may delegate to the President the power to appoint such other officers as the Trustees shall at any time or from time to time deem advisable. Vacancies in any such other office may be filled at any time. Each officer shall hold office at the pleasure of the Trustees.
Section 3. Powers. Subject to the other provisions of these By-Laws, each officer shall have, in addition to the duties and powers herein and in the Declaration set forth, such duties and powers as are commonly incident to the office occupied by him or her as if the Trust were
9 |
organized as a Delaware statutory trust and such other duties and powers as the Trustees may from time to time designate.
Section 4. Removal and Resignation of Officers. Any officer may resign at any time by written instrument signed by him or her and delivered to the Chair, the President or the Secretary or to a meeting of the Trustees. Such resignation shall be effective upon receipt unless specified to be effective at some other time. The Trustees may by action of a majority of the Trustees then in office, remove any officer with or without cause. Except to the extent expressly provided in a written agreement with the Trust, no officer resigning and no officer removed shall have any right to any compensation for any period following his or her resignation or removal, or any right to damages on account of such removal.
Section 5. Vacancies in Offices. A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification or other cause shall be filled in the manner prescribed in these By-Laws for regular appointment to that office. The President may make temporary appointments to a vacant office pending action by the Trustees.
Section 6. President. The President shall be the chief executive officer of the Trust and shall, subject to the control of the Trustees, have general supervision, direction and control of the business and the officers of the Trust. He or she shall have the general powers and duties of a president of a corporation and shall have such other powers and duties as may be prescribed by the Trustees, the Declaration of Trust or these By-Laws.
Section 7. Vice Presidents. In the absence or disability of the President, any Vice President, unless there is a Senior Vice President, shall perform all the duties of the President and when so acting shall have all powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President. The Senior Vice President or Vice Presidents, whichever the case may be, shall have such other powers and shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be prescribed for them respectively by the Trustees or the President or by these By-Laws.
Section 8. Secretary. The Secretary shall record all proceedings of the Shareholders and the Trustees in books to be kept therefor. In the absence of the Secretary from any meeting of the shareholders or Trustees, an Assistant Secretary, or if there be none or if he or she is absent, a temporary Secretary chosen at such meeting shall record the proceedings thereof in the aforesaid books.
Section 9. Treasurer. Unless the Trustees provide otherwise, the Treasurer shall be the principal financial and accounting officer of the Trust, and shall, subject to the provisions of the Declaration and to any arrangement made by the Trustees with a custodian, investment adviser or manager, or transfer, shareholder servicing or similar agent, be in charge of the valuable papers, books of account and accounting records of the Trust, and shall have such other duties and powers as may be designated from time to time by the Trustees or by the President.
Section 10. Chief Compliance Officer. The Chief Compliance Officer shall be responsible for administering the Trust’s policies and procedures adopted pursuant to Rule 38a-1(a) under the 1940 Act or any successor provision thereto. The Chief Compliance
10 |
Officer shall have such other powers and duties as from time to time may be conferred upon or assigned to him by the Trustees.
ARTICLE
VII
Inspection of Records and Reports
Section 1. Inspection by Shareholders. The Trustees shall from time to time determine whether and to what extent, and at what times and places, and under what conditions and regulations the accounts and books of the Trust or any Series shall be open to the inspection of the Shareholders; and no Shareholder shall have any right to inspect any account or book or document of the Trust except as conferred by law or otherwise by the Trustees or by resolution of the Shareholders.
Section 2. Inspection by Trustees. Every Trustee shall have the absolute right at any reasonable time to inspect all books, records, and documents of every kind and the physical properties of the Trust. This inspection by a Trustee may be made in person or by an agent or attorney and the right of inspection includes the right to copy and make extracts of documents.
Section 3. Financial Statements. A copy of any financial statements and any income statement of the Trust for each semi-annual period of each fiscal year and accompanying balance sheet of the Trust as of the end of each such period that has been prepared by the Trust shall be kept on file in the principal executive office of the Trust for at least twelve (12) months and each such statement shall be exhibited at all reasonable times to any Shareholder demanding an examination of any such statement or a copy shall be mailed to any such Shareholder. The semi-annual income statements and balance sheets referred to in this Section shall be accompanied by the report, if any, of any independent accountants engaged by the Trust or the certificate of an authorized officer of the Trust that the financial statements were prepared without audit from the books and records of the Trust.
ARTICLE
VIII
General Matters
Section 1. Checks, Drafts, Evidence of Indebtedness. All checks, drafts, or other orders for payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of or payable to the Trust shall be signed or endorsed in such manner and by such person or persons as shall be designated from time to time in accordance with the resolution of the Board of Trustees.
Section 2. Contracts and Instruments; How Executed. The Trustees, except as otherwise provided in these By-Laws, may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents, to enter into any contract or execute any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Trust (or any Series) and this authority may be general or confined to specific instances; and unless so authorized or ratified by the Trustees or within the agency power of an officer, no officer, agent, or employee shall have any power or authority to bind the Trust by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to render it liable for any purpose or for any amount.
Section 3. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Trust and each Series shall be fixed and may be refixed or changed from time to time by the Trustees.
11 |
Section 4. Seal. The Trustees may adopt a seal of the Trust which shall be in such form and shall have such inscription thereon as the Trustees may from time to time prescribe, but unless otherwise required by the Trustees, the seal shall not be necessary to be placed on, and its absence shall not impair the validity of, any document, instrument or other paper executed and delivered by or on behalf of the Trust.
Section 5. Writings. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations:
(a) all requirements in these By-Laws that any action be taken by means of any writing, including, without limitation, any written instrument, any written consent or any written agreement, shall be deemed to be satisfied by means of any electronic record in such form that is acceptable to the Trustees; and
(b) all requirements in these By-Laws that any writing be signed shall be deemed to be satisfied by any electronic signature in such form that is acceptable to the Trustees.
Section 6. Severability. The provisions of these By-Laws are severable. If the Trustees determine, with the advice of counsel, that any provision hereof conflicts with the 1940 Act, the regulated investment company or other provisions of the Internal Revenue Code or with other applicable laws and regulations, the conflicting provision shall be deemed never to have constituted a part of these By-Laws; provided, however, that such determination shall not affect any of the remaining provisions of these By-Laws or render invalid or improper any action taken or omitted prior to such determination. If any provision hereof shall be held invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall attach only to such provision only in such jurisdiction and shall not affect any other provision of these By-Laws.
Section 7. Headings. Headings are placed in these By-Laws for convenience of reference only and in case of any conflict, the text of these By-Laws rather than the headings shall control.
ARTICLE
IX
Control Share Acquisitions
Section 1. Definitions. As used in this Article IX, the following terms have the meanings specified below:
(a) “Associate” shall mean, with respect to any Person, (i) any Person who directly or indirectly controls or is controlled by, or is under common control with such Person, “control,” as used in this subsection meaning the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; (ii) any Person who is acting or intends to act jointly or in concert with such Person in connection with a Control Share Acquisition; (iii) any corporation or organization of which such Person is an officer, director or partner or in which such Person performs a similar function; (iv) any direct or indirect beneficial owner of ten percent (10%) or more of any class of equity securities of such Person; (v) any trust or estate in which such Person has a beneficial interest not represented by transferable shares or as to which such Person serves as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity; and (vi) any relative or spouse of
12 |
such Person, or any relative of such spouse, any one of whom has the same residence as such Person.
(b) “Beneficial ownership” shall mean the sole or shared power to dispose or direct the disposition of Shares or the sole or shared power to vote or to direct the voting of Shares, whether such power is direct or indirect or through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise. A Person shall not be deemed to be a beneficial owner of Shares as to which such Person may exercise voting power solely by virtue of a revocable proxy conferring the right to vote. A member of a national securities exchange shall not be deemed to be a beneficial owner of Shares held directly or indirectly by it on behalf of another Person solely because such member is the record holder of such securities and, pursuant to the rules of such exchange, may direct the vote of such shares, without instruction, on other than contested matters or matters that may affect substantially the rights or privileges of the holders of the Shares to be voted but is otherwise precluded by the rules of such exchange from voting without instructions.
(c) (1) “Control Share Acquisition” shall mean the acquisition by any Person of beneficial ownership of Shares which, but for the provisions of this Article IX, would have voting rights and which, when added to all other Shares beneficially owned by such Person (including Shares otherwise included in the categories enumerated in Section 1(c)(3) of this Article IX below), would entitle such Person, upon acquisition of such Shares, to vote or direct the voting of Shares having voting power in the election of Trustees (except for any elections of Trustees by holders of preferred shares voting as a separate class) within any of the following ranges of such voting power:
(i) one-tenth or more but less than one-third of all voting power;
(ii) one-third or more but less than a majority of all voting power; or
(iii) a majority or more of all voting power.
(2) All Shares the beneficial ownership of which is acquired by such Person within ninety days before or after the date on which such Person makes an acquisition of beneficial ownership of Shares which results in such Control Share Acquisition, and all Shares acquired by such Person pursuant to a plan to make a Control Share Acquisition, shall be deemed to have been acquired in the same Control Share Acquisition for purposes of this Article IX.
(3) Subject to the provisions of Section 1(c)(2) of this Article IX, a Control Share Acquisition shall not include the acquisition of beneficial ownership of Shares acquired:
(i) by a sole initial shareholder prior to the Trust’s commencement of investment operations;
(ii) by will or pursuant to the laws of descent and distribution;
(iii) pursuant to the satisfaction of a pledge or other security interest created in good faith and not for the purpose of circumventing the provisions of this Article IX;
13 |
(iv) pursuant to a tender offer, merger or consolidation, but only if such tender offer, merger or consolidation is pursuant to an agreement of merger or consolidation to which the Trust is a party; and
(v) directly from the Trust or a wholly-owned subsidiary thereof.
(4) The acquisition of beneficial ownership of Shares does not constitute a Control Share Acquisition if the acquisition is made by or from:
(i) a Person whose voting rights with respect to Shares were previously authorized by the Shareholders of the Trust in compliance with this Article IX, unless such acquisition, when added to all other Shares beneficially owned by the Person making such acquisition, would entitle such acquiring Person to vote or direct the voting of Shares having voting power in the election of Trustees in excess of the range of voting power within which all Shares beneficially owned by such Person whose voting rights were previously so authorized had voting power immediately following such authorization; or
(ii) a Person whose previous acquisition of beneficial ownership of Shares would have constituted a Control Share Acquisition but for the provisions of Section 1(c)(3) of this Article IX, unless such later acquisition, when added to all other Shares beneficially owned by the Person making such acquisition, would entitle such acquiring Person to vote or direct the voting of Shares having voting power in the election of Trustees in excess of the range of voting power within which the Person who made such previous acquisition could exercise voting power immediately following such previous acquisition.
(d) “Control Share Acquisition Statement” shall mean a statement satisfying the requirements of Section 2 of this Article IX below.
(e) “Interested Shares” shall mean Shares that are beneficially owned by:
(1) any Person who has acquired Beneficial Ownership of Shares in a Control Share Acquisition;
(2) any officer of the Trust; or
(3) any Trustee of the Trust who is an Interested Person of the Trust.
For the avoidance of doubt, any Person whose voting rights in connection with a Control Share Acquisition are subject to a Shareholder vote at a meeting of Shareholders pursuant to Section 3 of this Article IX shall be deemed to hold Interested Shares with respect to any Shareholder vote at such meeting on voting rights in connection with a Control Share Acquisition by any other Person.
(f) “Person” shall mean and include individuals, corporations, partnerships, trusts, limited liability companies, associations, joint ventures and other entities, whether or not legal entities, and governments and agencies and political subdivisions thereof and any Associate of such Person.
14 |
Section 2. Delivery of Control Share Acquisition Statement. Any Person who has made a Control Share Acquisition or has made a bona fide written offer to make a Control Share Acquisition may deliver to the Trust, personally or by registered or certified mail at its principal executive office, a Control Share Acquisition Statement which shall contain the following: the identity of such Person and any Associate of such Person who intends to acquire or has acquired beneficial ownership of Shares;
(a) a statement that such Control Share Acquisition Statement is being made and delivered pursuant to the provisions of this Article IX;
(b) the number and class or series of Shares of the Trust beneficially owned by such Person and each Associate of such Person prior to the Control Share Acquisition;
(c) the number and class or series of Shares acquired or proposed to be acquired by such Person pursuant to the Control Share Acquisition and the range of voting power to which the Control Share Acquisition is or, if consummated, would be subject pursuant to the provisions of Section 1(c)(2) of this Article IX; and
(d) a description of the terms and conditions of the proposed or completed Control Share Acquisition, including but not limited to the prices paid by such Person in the Control Share Acquisition and the dates upon which the Shares were acquired.
Section 3. Meeting of Shareholders.
(a) If the Person delivering the Control Share Acquisition Statement so demands in writing contemporaneously with the delivery of such Control Share Acquisition Statement, the Trustees, within ten (10) days after the receipt of the demand, shall call a special meeting of Shareholders for the purpose of considering whether voting rights of such Person shall be authorized for the Shares acquired or to be acquired in the Control Share Acquisition. The demand shall not be effective unless accompanied by an undertaking by such Person to pay the Trust’s reasonable expenses in connection with the special meeting but not including the expenses of the Trust incurred in opposing a vote to authorize voting rights of such Person for the Shares acquired or proposed to be acquired in the Control Share Acquisition. The Trustees may require the Person making the demand to give bond, with sufficient surety, or may require such Person to deposit cash in escrow to reasonably assure the Trust that this undertaking will be satisfied. As promptly as reasonably practicable after the Trustees have called the special meeting of Shareholders, the Trust shall give written notice of the special meeting to Shareholders. Such notice shall be given not less than twenty (20) days before the date of the special meeting. Unless the Person delivering the Control Share Acquisition statement and the Trust shall agree in writing to a later date, the special meeting of Shareholders shall be held not more than fifty (50) days after the receipt by the Trust of the demand. If the Person delivering the Control Share Acquisition Statement so requests in the demand, the special meeting of Shareholders shall be held no sooner than thirty (30) days after receipt by the Trust of the demand.
(1) A demand delivered pursuant to Section 3(a) of this Article IX shall not be considered a notice of Shareholder proposal for purposes of Article III of these By-Laws and
15 |
shall not be subject to the informational requirements or deadlines associated therewith and shall not be considered a special meeting request for purposes of Section 2 of Article III of these By-Laws and shall not be subject to the informational requirements or deadlines associated therewith.
(2) For the avoidance of doubt, a demand delivered pursuant to this Section 3 of this Article IX shall be limited to the consideration of the voting rights of the Person making or proposing to make the Control Share Acquisition to be authorized for only those Shares acquired within the range of voting power to which the Control Share Acquisition is subject pursuant to the provisions of Section 1(c)(1) of this Article IX, and any Shares acquired in excess of such range shall constitute a separate Control Share Acquisition with respect to the next range of voting power and, therefore, shall be treated separately for purposes of applying the provisions of this Article IX.
(b) If no demand respecting a special meeting of Shareholders is made in accordance with Section 3(a) of this Article IX, consideration of the authorization of the voting rights of the Person making or proposing to make the Control Share Acquisition for the Shares acquired or proposed to be acquired in the Control Share Acquisition may, in the sole discretion of the Board, be presented at any meeting of Shareholders notice of which has not been given prior to the receipt by the Trust of the Control Share Acquisition Statement. The Trust shall provide the Person making or proposing to make the Control Share Acquisition for the Shares acquired or proposed to be acquired in the Control Share Acquisition with written notice of the proposal not less than twenty (20) days before the date on which notice of such meeting is given.
(c) The notice to Shareholders of any meeting at which the authorization of voting rights of the Person making or proposing to make the Control Share Acquisition for the Shares acquired or proposed to be acquired in the Control Share Acquisition is to be considered shall be directed to all Shareholders as of the record date set for such meeting. Such notice shall include or be accompanied by a copy of the Control Share Acquisition Statement received by the Trust pursuant to this Section 3 of this Article IX and such other information as the Trust deems appropriate.
(d) A Person whose voting rights with respect to Shares acquired or proposed to be acquired in a Control Share Acquisition are considered at a meeting of Shareholders with respect to one of the three ranges of voting power specified in Section 1(c)(1) of this Article IX above and not approved may not demand Shareholder consideration of its voting rights in connection with Shares acquired or proposed to be acquired in a Control Share Acquisition with respect to the same range of voting power at any subsequent Shareholder meeting held within two calendar years of the initial meeting at which such Person’s voting rights were considered with respect to such range. For the avoidance of doubt, such Person shall not have voting rights with respect to such Shares acquired in such Control Share Acquisition except to the extent approved at a future meeting held after the expiration of such two-year period and, after the expiration of such two-year period, such Person may deliver a Control Share Acquisition Statement (in accordance with Section 2 of this Article IX above) with respect to such Shares (and/or any other Shares acquired or proposed to be acquired in a Control Share Acquisition with respect to the same range of voting power) and may demand Shareholder consideration of the voting rights to be authorized
16 |
for such Person with respect to such Shares (in accordance with Section 3(a) of this Article IX above).
Section 4. Authorization of Voting Rights.
(a) The beneficial owner of Shares of the Trust acquired in any Control Share Acquisition shall have only such voting rights with respect to such Shares as are authorized pursuant to this Section 4 of Article IX.
(b) The beneficial owner of Shares acquired in a Control Share Acquisition shall have the same voting rights with respect to those Shares as the beneficial owners of all other Shares of the Trust only to the extent authorized by vote of Shareholders at a meeting of Shareholders. Such authorization shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of all of the Shares entitled to vote on this matter, excluding Interested Shares. Interested Shares shall be disregarded for determining a quorum and shall not be entitled to vote with respect to such authorization.
(c) If voting rights of the beneficial owners of Shares acquired in a Control Share Acquisition are not authorized pursuant to Section 4(b) of Article IX:
(1) such beneficial owner shall not be “entitled to vote” such Shares and such Shares held by such beneficial owner shall not be “entitled to vote” on any matters within the meaning of Article V of the Declaration of Trust and Article III of these By-Laws;
(2) such beneficial owner shall be entitled to vote such Shares in connection with any matter with respect to which the Declaration of Trust requires action by or approval or affirmative vote of a percentage of outstanding Shares; provided that action or approval with respect to any such matter shall also require the action by or approval or affirmative vote of the same percentage of the outstanding Shares, excluding such Shares held by such beneficial owner, which Shares for the purpose of such vote such beneficial owner shall not be entitled to vote and shall not be considered “outstanding;”
(3) the beneficial owner of such Shares shall not otherwise have voting rights with respect to such Shares with respect to any matter pursuant to the Declaration of Trust or these By-Laws; and
(4) if such Shares held by such beneficial owner shall not be entitled to vote on a matter pursuant to this Section 4(c) of Article IX, such Shares shall not be considered “present” or “entitled to vote” for purposes of determining quorum pursuant to Article V, Section 2 of the Declaration of Trust and Article III of these By-Laws.
(d) Such Shares may be voted upon transfer of beneficial ownership of such Shares to another Person unless such transfer constitutes a Control Share Acquisition by the acquirer, in which event the ability of the acquirer to vote such Shares shall be subject to the provisions of this Article IX.
17 |
Section 5. No Appraisal Rights. No holder of Shares of any class or series shall have appraisal rights with respect to their Shares as a result of any Control Share Acquisition or the authorization of voting rights with respect to any Control Share Acquisition.
Section 6. Persons Required to Provide Information. Each Person who owns Shares of the Trust either beneficially or of record shall provide to the Trust such information as the Trust may request as is necessary for the Trust to apply the provisions in this Article IX.
Section 7. Interpretation. The Trustees may adopt policies, procedures or resolutions to supply any omission, cure any ambiguity or correct or supplement any defective or inconsistent provisions contained in this Article IX. Any interpretation of any term or provision contained in this Article IX made by the Trustees in good faith shall be conclusive and binding upon all Shareholders.
Section 8. Amendment. Except pursuant to Section 7 of this Article IX, any waiver, amendment, repeal or modification of, or adoption of any provision inconsistent with, this Article IX (or any provision hereof) shall not waive, amend, repeal or modify the application of this Article IX to any Control Share Acquisition that occurred prior to the time of such waiver, amendment, repeal, modification or adoption.
ARTICLE
X
Amendments
These By-Laws may be amended, supplemented, amended and restated, or repealed, in whole or in part, by a majority of the Trustees then in office at any meeting of the Trustees, or by one or more writings signed by such a majority.
18 |
Exhibit 2.d
THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS II, INC.
HARTFORD SCHRODERS PRIVATE OPPORTUNITIES FUND
Form of
Amended and Restated Multiple Class Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3
[ ], 2022
The Board of Directors of The Hartford Mutual Funds, Inc., and The Hartford Mutual Funds II, Inc. (each a “Company” and collectively, the “Companies”) and the Board of Trustees of the Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund (the “Trust” and a “Fund”) (collectively, the “Board of Directors/Trustees”) may determine in the future that other distribution arrangements, allocations of expenses (whether ordinary or extraordinary) or services to be provided to a class of shares are appropriate and amend this Plan accordingly without the approval of shareholders of any class. Each class of shares of the funds of each Company and the Trust (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) will have the same relative rights and privileges, except as set forth below.
Each class of shares of a Fund: (1) shall be subject to such minimum purchase requirements, sales charges and other conditions of eligibility as are set forth in the applicable Fund’s prospectus and/or Statement of Additional Information on Form N-1A or Form N-2, as the case may be (“Registration Statement”); (2) may be convertible into other share classes of the Fund if, and to the extent, set forth in the Fund’s Registration Statement; and (3) shall be entitled to the shareholder services set forth from time to time in the Fund’s Registration Statement with respect to such class of shares. Except as set forth in a Fund’s prospectus, shares may be exchanged only for shares of the same class of another Fund.
ARTICLE I
Class A Shares
Class A Shares are sold subject to distribution/service fees under the Companies’ and the Trust’s Amended and Restated Distribution Plan, as such Plan may be further amended or amended and restated from time to time (the “Distribution Plan”), calculated as a stated percentage of the net assets attributable to Class A Shares as set forth in the relevant Fund’s prospectus. The Class A shareholders of a Fund have exclusive voting rights, if any, with respect to the Distribution Plan as it applies to each Fund. Transfer agency fees, expenses related to transfer agency activities and state and federal registration fees applicable to Class A Shares are allocated to Class A Shares.
ARTICLE II
Class A2 Shares
Class A2 Shares are sold subject to distribution/service fees under the Distribution Plan, calculated as a stated percentage of the net assets attributable to Class A2 Shares as set forth in the relevant Fund’s prospectus. The Class A2 shareholders of a Fund have exclusive voting rights, if any, with respect to the Distribution Plan as it applies to each Fund. Transfer agency fees, expenses related to transfer agency activities and state and federal registration fees applicable to Class A2 Shares are allocated to Class A2 Shares.
ARTICLE III
Class T Shares
Class T Shares are sold subject to distribution/service fees under the Distribution Plan, calculated as a stated percentage of the net assets attributable to Class T Shares as set forth in the relevant Fund’s prospectus. The Class T shareholders of a Fund have exclusive voting rights, if any, with respect to the Distribution Plan as it applies to each Fund. Transfer agency fees, expenses related to transfer agency activities and state and federal registration fees applicable to Class T Shares are allocated to Class T Shares.
ARTICLE IV
Class B Shares
Class B Shares were are sold subject to distribution/service fees under the Distribution Plan, calculated as a stated percentage of the net assets attributable to Class B Shares as set forth in the relevant Fund’s prospectus. The Class B shareholders of a Fund have exclusive voting rights, if any, with respect to the Distribution Plan as it applies to each Fund. Transfer agency fees, expenses related to transfer agency activities and state and federal registration fees applicable to Class B Shares are allocated to Class B Shares.
Effective October 3, 2009, Class B Shares ceased to be available for purchase (except as explicitly permitted by the relevant prospectus) and there are no outstanding Class B shares as of the date hereof.
ARTICLE V
Class C Shares
Class C Shares are sold subject to distribution/service fees under the Distribution Plan, calculated as a stated percentage of the net assets attributable to Class C Shares as set forth in the relevant Fund’s prospectus. The Class C shareholders of a Fund have exclusive voting rights, if any, with respect to the Distribution Plan as it applies to each Fund. Transfer agency fees, expenses related to transfer agency activities and state and federal registration fees applicable to Class C Shares are allocated to Class C Shares.
2 |
Effective October 1, 2018, Class C Shares shall automatically convert to Class A Shares after a certain holding period or under other circumstances in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Funds’ prospectuses.
ARTICLE VI
Class I Shares
Class I Shares are not sold subject to distribution/service fees. Transfer agency fees, expenses related to transfer agency activities and state and federal registration fees applicable to Class I Shares are allocated to Class I Shares.
ARTICLE VII
Class R3 Shares
Class R3 Shares are sold subject to distribution/service fees under the Distribution Plan, calculated as a stated percentage of the net assets attributable to Class R3 Shares as set forth in the relevant Fund’s prospectus. The Class R3 shareholders of a Fund have exclusive voting rights, if any, with respect to the Distribution Plan as it applies to each Fund. Transfer agency fees, expenses related to transfer agency activities, administrative services fees and state and federal registration fees applicable to Class R3 Shares are allocated to Class R3 Shares.
ARTICLE VIII
Class R4 Shares
Class R4 Shares are sold subject to distribution/service fees under the Distribution Plan, calculated as a stated percentage of the net assets attributable to Class R4 Shares as set forth in the relevant Fund’s prospectus. The Class R4 shareholders of a Fund have exclusive voting rights, if any, with respect to the Distribution Plan as it applies to each Fund. Transfer agency fees, expenses related to transfer agency activities, administrative services fees and state and federal registration fees applicable to Class R4 Shares are allocated to Class R4 Shares.
ARTICLE IX
Class R5 Shares
Class R5 Shares are not sold subject to distribution/service fees. Transfer agency fees, expenses related to transfer agency activities, administrative services fees and state and federal registration fees applicable to Class R5 Shares are allocated to Class R5 Shares.
ARTICLE X
Class R6 Shares
Class R6 Shares are not sold subject to distribution/service fees. Transfer agency fees, expenses related to transfer agency activities and state and federal registration fees applicable to Class R6 Shares are allocated to Class R6 Shares.
3 |
ARTICLE XI
Class Y Shares
Class Y Shares are not sold subject to distribution/service fees. Transfer agency fees, expenses related to transfer agency activities and state and federal registration fees applicable to Class Y Shares are allocated to Class Y Shares.
ARTICLE XII
Class F Shares
Class F Shares are not sold subject to distribution/service fees. Transfer agency fees, expenses related to transfer agency activities and state and federal registration fees applicable to Class F Shares are allocated to Class F Shares.
ARTICLE XIII
Class SDR
Class SDR Shares are not sold subject to distribution/service fees. Transfer agency fees, expenses related to transfer agency activities and state and federal registration fees applicable to Class SDR Shares are allocated to Class SDR Shares.
ARTICLE XIV
ALLOCATION OF EXPENSES
Expenses shall be allocated among classes in a manner that is fair and equitable. Expenses relating to a Fund generally will be allocated among each class based upon the relative net assets of each such class. Expenses relating only to a particular class shall be allocated to that class.
ARTICLE XV
APPROVAL BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS/TRUSTEES
This Plan shall not take effect with respect to the Companies or any of their Funds or the Trust until it has been approved by the vote of a majority (or whatever greater or lesser percentage may, from time to time, be required under Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”)) of (a) all of the Directors of the Companies, on behalf of the Companies or its applicable Funds and all of the Trustees of the Trust, and (b) those of the Directors and Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Companies or Trust, as such term may be from time to time defined under the Act.
ARTICLE XVI
SEVERABILITY
4 |
This Plan is severable as to each Fund. The Board of Directors/Trustees may amend this Plan on behalf of one or more Funds, in which case a new Plan would be adopted in respect of any such Fund. In such event, this Plan would remain in full force and effect as to all other Funds.
ARTICLE XVII
AMENDMENTS
No material amendment to the Plan shall be effective unless the Board of Directors/Trustees approves it in the same manner as is provided for approval of this Plan in Article XV.
Document Revision History:
Last Amended: [ ], 2022
Previously Amended on: November 12, 2021, September 24, 2021, March 30, 2020, January 8, 2020, September 30, 3019, May 29, 2019, February 28, 2019, October 1, 2018, July 16, 2018
Initially Approved on: January 11, 2017
5 |
Exhibit 2.e
HARTFORD SCHRODERS PRIVATE OPPORTUNITIES FUND
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Fund”), hereby adopts the following Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Plan”) with respect to distributions declared by its Board of Trustees (the “Board”) on its shares of beneficial interest (the “Shares”):
1. Participation; Agent. The Fund’s Plan is available to shareholders of record of the Shares. DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc. (“DST”) acting as agent for each participant in the Plan, will apply income dividends or capital gains or other distributions (each, a “Distribution” and collectively, “Distributions”), net of any applicable U.S. withholding tax, that become payable to such participant on Shares (including shares held in the participant’s name and shares accumulated under the Plan), to the purchase of additional whole and fractional Shares for such participant.
2. Eligibility and Election to Participate. Participation in the Plan is limited to registered owners of Shares. The Fund’s Board reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan. Shareholders automatically participate in the Plan, unless and until an election is made to withdraw from the Plan on behalf of such participating shareholder. If participating in the Plan, a shareholder is required to include all of the Shares owned by such shareholder in the Plan.
3. Share Purchases. When the Fund declares a Distribution, DST, on the shareholder’s behalf, will receive additional authorized shares from the Fund either newly issued or repurchased from shareholders by the Fund and held as treasury stock. The number of shares to be received when Distributions are reinvested will be determined by dividing the amount of the Distribution by the Fund’s net asset value per share. There will be no sales load charged on Shares issued to a shareholder under the Plan. In making purchases for the accounts of participants, DST may commingle the funds of one participant with those of other participants in the Plan. All shares purchased under the Plan will be held in the name of each participant. In the case of shareholders, such as banks, brokers or nominees, that hold shares for others who are beneficial owners participating under the Plan, DST will administer the Plan on the basis of the number of shares certified from time to time by the record shareholder as representing the total amount of shares registered in the shareholder’s name and held for the account of beneficial owners participating under the Plan.
4. Timing of Purchases. The Fund expects to issue Shares pursuant to the Plan, immediately following each Distribution payment date and DST will make every reasonable effort to reinvest all Distributions on the day the Distribution is paid (except where necessary to comply with applicable securities laws) by the Fund. If, for any reason beyond the control of DST, reinvestment of the Distributions cannot be completed within 30 days after the applicable Distribution payment date, funds held by DST on behalf of a participant will be distributed to that participant.
5. Account Statements. DST will maintain all shareholder accounts and furnish or cause to be furnished written confirmations of all transactions in the accounts, including information needed by shareholders for personal and tax records. DST will hold shares in the account of the shareholders in non-certificated form in the name of the participant, and each shareholder’s proxy, if any, will include those shares purchased pursuant to the Plan. DST will confirm to each participant each acquisition made pursuant to the Plan as soon as practicable but not later than 10 business days after the date thereof. No less frequently than quarterly, DST will provide to each participant an account statement showing the Distribution, the number of shares purchased with the Distribution, and the year-to-date and cumulative Distributions paid. DST will distribute or cause to be distributed all proxy solicitation materials, if any, to participating shareholders.
6. Expenses. There will be no direct expenses to participants for the administration of the Plan. There is no direct service charge to participants with regard to purchases under the Plan; however, the Fund reserves the right to amend the Plan to include a service charge payable by the participants. Administrative fees associated with the Plan will be paid by the Fund.
7. Taxation of Distributions. The reinvestment of Distributions does not relieve the participant of any taxes which may be payable on such Distributions.
8. Share Certificates. DST will hold shares in the account of the shareholders in non-certificated form in the name of the participant.
9. Voting of Shares. Shares issued pursuant to the Plan will have the same voting rights as the Shares issued pursuant to the Fund’s public offering.
10. Absence of Liability. Neither the Fund nor DST shall have any responsibility or liability beyond the exercise of ordinary care for any action taken or omitted pursuant to the Plan, nor shall they have any duties, responsibilities or liabilities except such as expressly set forth herein. Neither the Fund nor DST shall be liable for any act done in good faith or for any good faith omission to act, including, without limitation, any claims of liability: (a) arising out of the failure to terminate a participant’s account prior to receipt of written notice of such participant’s death, or (b) with respect to prices at which shares are purchased or sold for the participant’s account and the terms on which such purchases and sales are made. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, LIABILITY UNDER THE U.S. FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS CANNOT BE WAIVED.
11. Termination of Participation. A shareholder who does not wish to have Distributions automatically reinvested may terminate participation in the Plan at any time by written instructions to that effect to DST. Such written instructions must be received by DST at least one business (1) day prior to the record date of the Distribution (or the date the Distribution is declared, if different from the record date) or the shareholder will receive such Distribution in Shares through the Plan.
12. Amendment, Supplement, Termination, and Suspension of Plan. This Plan may be amended, supplemented, or terminated by the Fund at any time in its sole and absolute discretion. The amendment or supplement shall be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to a subsequent appropriate filing made by the Fund and shall be deemed to be accepted by each participant unless, prior to its effective date thereof, DST receives written notice of termination of the participant’s account. Amendment may include an appointment by the Fund or DST with the approval of the Fund of a successor agent, in which event such successor shall have all of the rights and obligations of DST under this Plan. The Fund may suspend the Plan at any time without notice to the participants.
13. Governing Law. This Plan and the authorization form signed by the participant (which is deemed a part of this Plan) and the participant’s account shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
Last Approved:
Approved:
Revised:
Exhibit 2.g.1
FORM OF
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
This Agreement is made by and between Hartford Funds Management Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Adviser”), and the Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Fund”), on its own behalf.
WHEREAS, the Adviser has agreed to furnish investment advisory, management and administrative services to the Fund, a closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”); and
WHEREAS, the Fund and the Adviser wish to enter into this Agreement setting forth the investment advisory, management and administrative services to be performed by the Adviser for the Fund and the terms and conditions under which such services will be performed; and
WHEREAS, this Agreement has been approved in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act, and the Adviser is willing to furnish such services upon the terms and conditions herein set forth.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and the mutual agreements herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. General Provision
The Fund hereby employs the Adviser and the Adviser hereby undertakes to act as the investment manager of the Fund and to perform for the Fund such other duties and functions as are hereinafter set forth and such other duties as may be necessary or appropriate in connection with its services as investment manager. The Adviser shall, in all matters, give to the Fund and its Board of Trustees the benefit of its best judgment, effort, advice and recommendations and shall at all times conform to, and use its best efforts to enable the Fund to conform to (i) the provisions of the 1940 Act and any rules or regulations thereunder; (ii) any other applicable provisions of state or federal law; (iii) the provisions of the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the Fund as amended from time to time; (iv) the policies and determinations of the Board of Trustees of the Fund; (v) the fundamental policies and investment restrictions of the Fund as reflected in the Fund’s registration statement [on Form N-2] under the 1940 Act or as such policies may, from time to time, be amended by the Fund’s shareholders; (vi) the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of the Fund in effect from time to time; and (vii) any exemptive relief granted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The appropriate officers and employees of the Adviser shall be available upon reasonable notice for consultation with any of the Trustees and officers of the Fund with respect to any matters dealing with the business and affairs of the Fund including the valuation of any securities.
2. Investment Management Services
In its capacity as investment manager to the Fund, the Adviser shall have the following duties:
(a) Subject to the direction and control by the Fund’s Board of Trustees, the Adviser shall regularly provide, or shall cause to be provided, the Fund with investment research, advice and supervision and will furnish continuously an investment program for the Fund consistent with the investment objectives and policies of the Fund, including but not limited to:
1. Providing and, as necessary, re-evaluating and updating the investment objectives and parameters, asset classes, and risk profile of the Fund;
2. Determining, from time to time and subject to the provisions of Section 4 hereof, what securities and other financial instruments shall be purchased for the Fund, what securities or other financial instruments shall be held or sold by the Fund, and what portion of the Fund’s assets shall be held uninvested, subject always to the provisions of the Fund’s Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and By-Laws and of the 1940 Act, and to the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund, each as shall be from time to time in effect, and subject, further, to such policies and restrictions as the Fund’s Board of Trustees may from time to time establish;
3. [Monitoring the Fund’s performance and examining and recommending ways to improve the performance of the Fund, including by scrutinizing security selection, style focus, sector concentration, market cap preference, and prevailing market conditions;]
4. Monitoring subadvisers to confirm their compliance with the Fund’s investment strategies and policies, for any changes that may impact the Fund or the subadvisers’ operations or overall business continuity, for their adherence to legal and compliance procedures, for any litigation enforcement or regulatory matters relating to the subadvisers, and with respect to the subadvisers’ brokerage practices and trading quality;
5. Conducting periodic on-site due diligence meetings as well as other meetings with subadvisers; and
6. Researching, selecting, and making recommendations to replace subadvisers or portfolio managers, and assisting in managing the transition process when subadvisers or portfolio managers are appointed, terminated, or replaced.
(b) The Adviser shall provide, or shall cause to be provided, such economic and statistical data relating to the Fund and such information concerning important economic, political and other developments as the Adviser shall deem appropriate or as shall be requested by the Fund’s Board of Trustees.
(c) The Adviser shall advise and assist the officers of the Fund in taking such steps as are necessary or appropriate to carry out the decisions of the Fund’s Board of Trustees and the appropriate committees of the Board regarding the conduct of the business of the Fund insofar as it relates to the Fund.
3. Administrative and Management Services
(a) In addition to the performance of investment advisory services and subject to the supervision of the Fund’s Board of Trustees, the Adviser shall regularly provide, or shall cause to be provided, such administrative and management services as may from time to time be requested by the Fund as necessary for the operation of the Fund including, but not limited to:
1. assisting in the supervision of all aspects of the Fund’s operation, including the supervision and coordination of all matters relating to the functions of the custodian, transfer agent or other shareholder servicing agents (if any), accountants, attorneys and other parties performing
2
services or operational functions for the Fund, including serving as the liaison between such service providers and the Fund’s Board of Trustees;
2. drafting and negotiating all aspects of agreements and amendments with the custodian, transfer agent or other shareholder servicing agents (if any) for the Fund;
3. providing the Fund with the services of persons, who may be the Adviser’s officers or employees, competent to serve as officers of the Fund and to perform such administrative and clerical functions as are necessary in order to provide effective administration for the Fund, including the preparation and maintenance of required reports, books and records of the Fund;
4. providing the Fund with adequate office space, facilities, equipment, personnel and related services for the effective administration of the affairs of the Fund as contemplated in this Agreement;
5. preparation and production of meeting materials for the Fund’s Board of Trustees, as well as such other materials as the Board of Trustees may from time to time reasonably request, including in connection with the Board’s annual review of the Fund’s investment management agreement, the subadvisory agreements, and related agreements;
6. coordinating and overseeing the preparation and filing with the SEC of registration statements, notices, shareholder reports, proxy statements and other material for the Fund required to be filed under applicable law;
7. developing and implementing compliance programs for the Fund, developing and implementing procedures for monitoring compliance with the Fund’s investment objectives, policies and guidelines and with applicable regulatory requirements, and preparing reports to the Board concerning compliance matters;
8. providing day-to-day legal and regulatory support for the Fund in connection with the administration of the affairs of the Fund, including but not limited to providing advice on legal, compliance, regulatory and operational issues, advice relating to litigation involving the Fund and/or its trustees or officers, and procuring legal services for the Fund and supervising the work of outside legal counsel;
9. assisting the Fund in the handling of regulatory examinations and working with the Fund’s legal counsel in response to non-routine regulatory matters;
10. making reports to the Board of the Adviser’s performance of its obligations hereunder and furnish advice and recommendations with respect to such other aspects of the business and affairs of the Fund as the Adviser shall determine to be desirable;
3
11. preparing Board materials and Board reports generally and provide such other information or assistance to the Board as may be necessary from time to time;
12. maintaining and preserving or overseeing the maintenance and preservation of, as applicable, the records specified in the Fund agreements not maintained by other Fund service providers and any other records related to the Fund’s transactions as are required under any applicable state or federal securities;
13. preparing such information and reports as may be required by any banks from which the Fund borrows funds;
14. performing due diligence on third-party service providers and negotiating service agreements with those third-parties; and
15. providing such other services as the parties hereto may agree upon from time to time for the efficient operation of the Fund.
4. Sub-Advisers and Sub-Contractors
The Adviser, upon approval of the Board of Trustees, may engage one or more investment advisers that are registered as such under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, to act as sub-adviser and provide certain services set forth in Section 2 hereof with respect to the Fund, all as shall be subject to approval in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act and as such requirements may be modified by rule, regulation or order of the SEC. Each sub-adviser shall perform its duties subject to the direction and control of the Adviser. Subject to the discretion and control of the Fund’s Board of Trustees, the Adviser will monitor, supervise and oversee each sub-adviser’s management of the Fund’s investment operations in accordance with the investment objectives and related investment policies of the Fund, as set forth in the Fund’s registration statement with the SEC, and review and report to the Board of Trustees periodically on the performance of each sub-adviser and recommend action as appropriate. In addition, the Adviser may engage other parties to assist it with any of the administrative and management services set forth in Section 3 above.
5. Brokerage Transactions
In connection with the purchases or sales of portfolio securities or other financial instruments for the account of the Fund, neither the Adviser, nor any of its partners, trustees, officers or employees nor any sub-adviser engaged by the Adviser pursuant to Section 4 hereof will act as principal or agent or receive any commission. The Adviser, a sub-adviser engaged by the Adviser, or the agent of the Adviser or a sub-adviser, shall arrange for the placing of all orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities and other financial instruments for the Fund’s account with brokers or dealers selected by the Adviser or a sub-adviser, as applicable. In the selection of such brokers or dealers and the placing of such orders, the Adviser or a sub-adviser, as applicable, will use its best efforts to obtain the most favorable execution and net security price available for the Fund. It is understood that it is desirable for the Fund that the Adviser or sub-adviser have access to supplemental investment and market research and security and economic analyses provided by certain brokers who may execute brokerage transactions at a higher cost to the Fund than may result when allocating brokerage to other brokers on the basis of seeking the most favorable price and efficient execution. It is also understood that the services provided by such brokers may be useful to the Adviser or sub-adviser in connection with Adviser’s or sub-adviser’s services to other clients. Subject to and in accordance with any directions that the Fund’s Board of Trustees may issue from time to time the Adviser or a sub-adviser, as applicable, may also be authorized to effect individual securities transactions at commission rates in excess of the minimum commission rates available, if the Adviser or the sub-adviser, as applicable, determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in
4
relation to the value of the brokerage or research services provided by such broker or dealer, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the Adviser’s or the sub-adviser’s overall responsibilities with respect to the Fund and other advisory clients. The Adviser’s services to the Fund pursuant to this Agreement are not deemed to be exclusive and it is understood that the Adviser may render investment advice, management and other services to others.
6. Allocation of Charges and Expenses
The Adviser will pay all costs incurred by the Adviser in connection with the performance of its duties under Section 2 of this Agreement. The Adviser will not be required to bear any expenses of the Fund other than those specifically allocated to the Adviser in this Section 6. In particular, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Adviser will not be required to pay expenses related to: (i) interest and taxes; (ii) brokerage commissions; (iii) premiums for fidelity and other insurance coverage requisite to the Fund’s operations; (iv) the fees and expenses of its non-interested trustees; (v) legal, audit and fund accounting expenses; (vi) custodian and transfer agent fees and expenses; (vii) expenses incident to the repurchase of its shares; (viii) fees and expenses related to the registration under federal and state securities laws of shares of the Fund for public sale; (ix) expenses of printing and mailing prospectuses, reports, notices and proxy material to shareholders of the Fund; (x) all other expenses incidental to holding meetings of the Fund’s shareholders; and (xi) such extraordinary non-recurring expenses as may arise, including litigation affecting the Fund and any obligation which the Fund may have to indemnify its officers and Trustees with respect thereto. Any officer or employee of the Adviser or of any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Adviser, who may also serve as officers, trustees or employees of the Fund shall not receive any compensation from the Fund for their services, with the exception of the chief compliance officer of the Fund, who may be compensated by the Fund for services provided to the Fund.
7. Compensation of the Adviser
For all services to be rendered, the Fund shall pay to the Adviser as promptly as possible after the last day of each month during the term of this Agreement, a fee accrued daily and paid monthly, as set forth in Schedule A to this Agreement, as it may be amended from time to time:
The Adviser, or an affiliate of the Adviser, may agree to subsidize the Fund to any level that the Adviser, or any such affiliate, may specify. Any such undertaking may be modified or discontinued at any time except to the extent the Adviser explicitly agrees to maintain such undertaking for a specified period.
If it is necessary to calculate the fee for a period of time that is less than a month, then the fee shall be (i) calculated at the annual rates provided in Schedule A but prorated for the number of days elapsed in the month in question as a percentage of the total number of days in such month, (ii) based upon the average of the Fund’s daily net asset value for the period in question, and (iii) paid within a reasonable time after the close of such period. The “daily net asset value” of the Fund shall be determined on the basis set forth in the Fund’s prospectus(es) or otherwise consistent with the 1940 Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
8. Liability of the Adviser
(a) The Adviser shall not be liable for any loss or losses sustained by reason of any investment including the purchase, holding or sale of any security, or with respect to the administration of the Fund, as long as the Adviser shall have acted in good faith and with due care; provided, however, that no provision in this Agreement shall be deemed to protect the Adviser against any liability to the Fund or its shareholders by reason of its willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.
5
(b) The rights of exculpation and indemnification are not to be construed so as to provide for exculpation or indemnification provided under 8(a) of any person for any liability (including liability under U.S. federal securities laws that, under certain circumstances, impose liability even on persons that act in good faith) to the extent (but only to the extent) that exculpation or indemnification would be in violation of applicable law, but will be construed so as to effectuate the applicable provisions of this section to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.
9. Duration of Agreement
(a) This Agreement shall be effective with respect to the Fund as of [ ], and shall continue through the period ending two years from such date. This Agreement, unless sooner terminated in accordance with 9(b) below, shall continue in effect from year to year thereafter provided that its continuance is specifically approved at least annually (1) by a vote of a majority of the members of the Board of Trustees of the Fund or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, and (2) in either event, by the vote of a majority of the members of the Fund’s Board of Trustees who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Agreement.
(b) This Agreement (1) may be terminated at any time without the payment of any penalty either by a vote of a majority of the members of the Board of Trustees of the Fund or by a vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities, on sixty days’ prior written notice to the Adviser; (2) shall immediately terminate in the event of its assignment; and (3) may be terminated by the Adviser on sixty days’ prior written notice to the Fund, but such termination will not be effective until the Fund shall have contracted with one or more persons to serve as a successor investment adviser for the Fund and such person(s) shall have assumed such position.
(c) As used in this Agreement, the terms “assignment,” “interested person” and “vote of majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities” shall have the meanings set forth for such terms in the 1940 Act, as amended.
(d) Any notice under this Agreement shall be given in writing, addressed and delivered, or mailed postpaid, to the other party to this Agreement to whom such notice is to be given at such party’s current address.
10. Other Activities
Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the right of any trustee, officer, or employee of the Adviser to engage in any other business or to devote his or her time and attention in part to the management or other aspects of any other business, whether of a similar nature or a dissimilar nature, nor to limit or restrict the right of the Adviser to engage in any other business or to render services of any kind to any other corporation, firm individual or association.
11. Invalid Provisions
If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
12. Governing Law
To the extent that federal securities laws do not apply, this Agreement and all performance hereunder shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, which apply to contracts made and to
6
be performed in the State of Delaware. To the extent that the applicable laws of the State of Delaware conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control.
13. Amendments
No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged, or terminated orally, but only by an instrument in writing signed by the party against whom enforcement of the change, waiver, discharge, or termination is sought, and no amendment of this Agreement will be effective until approved in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act and rules and regulations under the 1940 Act and any applicable SEC exemptive order from such rules and regulations. Any such instrument signed by the Fund must be (a) approved by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to this Agreement or “interested persons” of any party to this Agreement, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, and (b) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Fund, or by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. The amendment of Schedule A to this Agreement for the sole purpose of making non-material changes to the information included in the Schedule shall not be deemed an amendment of this Agreement.
14. No Third Party Beneficiaries
This Agreement is not intended and shall not convey any rights, privileges, claims or remedies to any person other than a party to this Agreement and its respective successors and permitted assigns.
15. Entire Agreement
This Agreement, including the schedule hereto, constitutes the entire understanding between the parties pertaining to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any prior agreement between the parties on this subject matter.
[The remainder of this page left intentionally blank.]
7
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as of [ ].
Hartford Funds Management Company, LLC | |
By: Gregory A. Frost Title: Chief Financial Officer | |
Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund | |
By: Thomas R. Phillips Title: Vice President and Secretary |
8
Schedule A
Fees
This Schedule A to that certain Investment Management Agreement by and between Hartford Funds Management Company, LLC and Harford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund dated [ ], is effective as of [ ].
Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund | |
Annual Rate | |
1.50% |
Exhibit 2.g.2
FORM OF
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
THIS SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made as of [ ] by and between Hartford Funds Management Company, LLC (“Adviser”), a Delaware limited liability company, and Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“Sub-Adviser”).
WHEREAS, Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”), a Delaware statutory trust, is a closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”);
WHEREAS, the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser are investment advisers registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (“Advisers Act”);
WHEREAS, the Fund has retained the Adviser to render investment advisory services to the Fund pursuant to an Investment Management Agreement dated [ ], as may be amended from time to time (“Advisory Agreement”);
WHEREAS, the Advisory Agreement authorizes the Adviser to engage one or more other investment advisers to assist with any or all of the Adviser’s duties and obligations under the Advisory Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Adviser wishes to retain the Sub-Adviser to render certain investment advisory services to the Fund, with respect to the portions of the Fund’s assets allocated to the Sub-Adviser, as determined from time to time by the Adviser, and the Sub-Adviser is willing to render such services.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants herein contained, it is agreed between the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser as follows:
1. Appointment; Investment Adviser Registration.
(a) Subject to the monitoring, supervision, and oversight of the Adviser and the Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board”) and in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Adviser hereby appoints the Sub-Adviser to act as investment sub-adviser to the Fund, for the periods and on the terms set forth herein. The Sub-Adviser accepts the appointment and agrees to furnish the services set forth herein for the compensation provided in Section 7 of this Agreement.
(b) The Sub-Adviser (i) represents and warrants that it is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act, and (ii) shall continue to be so registered for so long as this Agreement remains in effect.
2. Services and Duties of Investment Sub-Adviser. Subject to the monitoring, supervision, oversight, control and direction of the Adviser and the Board, the Sub-Adviser will:
(a) manage the investment and reinvestment of assets of the Fund and provide the Fund with investment research and advice in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective
and policies as stated in the Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on Form N-2, as amended and supplemented from time to time (the “Registration Statement”), and such other limitations as the Fund, the Adviser or the Board may impose with respect to the Fund by advance written notice to the Sub-Adviser;
(b) in consultation with the Adviser when appropriate, make determinations with respect to the investment of the assets of the Fund and the purchase and sale of a Fund’s securities and other instruments, and take such steps as may be necessary to implement the same;
(c) oversee the placement of purchase and sale orders on behalf of the Fund;
(d) engage portfolio managers to make investment decisions and securities analysts to provide research services to the Fund;
(e) subject to the understanding set forth in Section 10(a)(1) of this Agreement, vote all proxies solicited by or with respect to the issuers of securities in which the assets of the Fund may be invested in accordance with the Sub-Adviser’s proxy voting policies and procedures and in a manner that complies with applicable law; maintain records of all proxies voted on behalf of the Fund; and provide information to the Fund, the Adviser or their designated agent in a manner that is sufficiently complete and timely to ensure the Fund’s compliance with its filing obligations under Rule 30b1-4 of the 1940 Act;
(f) maintain books and records with respect to the Fund’s transactions, in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations; and
(g) to the extent requested by the Adviser or officers of the Fund, cooperate with and provide reasonable assistance to the Adviser and the Fund’s other service providers by (i) keeping them fully informed as to such matters that they may reasonably deem necessary with respect to the performance of their obligations to the Fund, (ii) providing prompt responses to reasonable requests for information or assistance, and (iii) establishing agreed processes to promote the efficient exchange of information.
In providing those services and in consultation with the Adviser, the Sub-Adviser will regularly furnish reports with respect to the Fund at periodic meetings of the Board and at such other times as may be reasonably requested by the Adviser or the Board, which reports shall include the Sub-Adviser’s economic outlook and investment strategy and a discussion of the portfolio activity and the performance of the Fund since the last report. Copies of all such reports shall be furnished to the Adviser for examination and review within a reasonable time prior to the presentation of such reports to the Board.
The Sub-Adviser further agrees that, in performing its duties hereunder, it will:
(h) comply in all material respects with the applicable sections of (i) the 1940 Act and the Advisers Act and all rules and regulations thereunder and any other applicable federal and state laws and regulations, (ii) the compliance policies and procedures with respect to the Fund promulgated by the Adviser; (iii) the Sub-Adviser’s compliance policies and procedures, (iv) the rules and regulations of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), (v) the
2
investment objectives, strategies, policies, limitations and restrictions of the Fund as described in the Registration Statement as applicable to the Fund, (vi) the Fund’s Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and by-laws or other organizational documents of the Fund, and (vii) any investment guidelines or other instructions received in writing from the Adviser or the Board;
(i) manage the assets of the Fund in a manner such that the Fund will comply with the following requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and regulations issued thereunder: section 851(b)(2) and section 851(b)(3) (and, if applicable, section 817(h)) solely with respect to the assets of the Fund which are under its management and based solely on (x) information and methodologies in Sub-Adviser’s compliance systems, which Adviser acknowledges are not the official books and records of the Fund and (y) diversification testing protocols provided by the Adviser to the Sub-Adviser in writing; provided, however, that with respect to the 10% voting securities test contained in section 851(b)(3)(A)(ii), the Sub-Adviser will also comply with such additional requirements as the Fund or the Adviser shall furnish to the Sub-Adviser from time to time (if any); provided, further, Adviser acknowledges that (aa) the Sub-Adviser shall not be responsible or liable for preparing or filing any tax returns for the Fund, (bb) while the Sub-Adviser will conduct portfolio compliance testing with Sections 851(b)(2) and (3) and 817(h) of the Code as described above, the Sub-Adviser and Adviser will discuss together any actions required to be taken by Sub-Adviser with respect to compliance with Sections 851(b)(2) and (3) and 817(h) of the Code by the 20th calendar day following quarter end based on the official books and records of the Fund (but any such discussion shall in no way be deemed Adviser’s waiver of Sub-Adviser’s obligation to deliver the quarterly tax compliance certificate in accordance with the time frames set forth under Section 10(a)(3) of this Agreement) and (cc) Sub-Adviser is not the tax agent for the Fund;
(j) keep the Adviser and/or the Board informed of developments materially affecting the Fund ;
(k) make available to the Board, the Adviser, the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer(s) (“CCO”) and the Fund’s administrator, promptly upon their request, such copies of its records with respect to the Fund as may be required to assist in their compliance with applicable laws and regulations. As reasonably requested by the Board or the Adviser, the Sub-Adviser will complete periodic or special questionnaires and furnish to the Board and/or the Adviser such periodic and special reports regarding the Fund and the Sub-Adviser including, but not limited to, reports concerning transactions and performance of the Fund, quarterly and annual compliance reports and certifications, quarterly tax compliance certifications, reports regarding compliance with the Fund’s procedures pursuant to Rules 17e-1, 17a-7, 10f-3 and 12d3-1 under the 1940 Act (as applicable), quarterly reports identifying any Material Compliance Matters (as defined under Rule 38a-1 of the 1940 Act) and any material changes to the Sub-Adviser’s compliance program (including material revisions to compliance policies and procedures), fundamental investment restrictions, procedures for opening brokerage accounts and commodity trading accounts, liquidity determinations for securities or other instruments held by the Fund such as, among others, securities purchased pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 4(a)(2) commercial paper, compliance with the Sub-Adviser’s Code of Ethics, and such other procedures or requirements that the Adviser may reasonably request from time to time;
3
(l) make available to the Board and the Adviser at reasonable times its portfolio managers and other appropriate personnel as mutually agreed by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser, either in person or, at the mutual convenience of the Board, the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser, by telephone, in order to review the investment policies, performance and other matters relating to the management of the Fund;
(m) provide certifications or sub-certifications to the Adviser on a timely basis as to the accuracy of the information contained in draft reports to shareholders, registration statements or portions thereof or other documents solely as it relates to the Sub-Adviser or the Fund;
(n) use no material, non-public information concerning portfolio companies that may be in its possession or the possession of any of its affiliates, nor will the Sub-Adviser seek to obtain any such information, in providing investment advice or investment management services to the Fund;
(o) promptly notify the Adviser, the Fund and the Board in the event that the Sub-Adviser or any of its affiliates becomes aware that the Sub-Adviser: (i) is subject to a statutory disqualification that prevents the Sub-Adviser from serving as investment adviser pursuant to this Agreement; (ii) fails to be registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act or under the laws of any jurisdiction in which the Sub-Adviser is required to be registered as an investment adviser in order to perform its obligations under this Agreement; (iii) is the subject of an administrative proceeding or enforcement action by the SEC or other regulatory authority; provided, however, such notice to be provided with respect to this item (iii) may be in the form of a quarterly certificate whereby Sub-Adviser (or any of its affiliates) certifies that it is either aware, or not aware, of any proceeding or enforcement action as described in this item (iii); (iv) is served or otherwise receives notice of any action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation, at law or in equity, before or by any court, public board or body, or governmental authority, involving the affairs of the Fund or the Adviser or their affiliates; or (v) is involved in any pending litigation or administrative proceeding brought against the Sub-Adviser or any of its management persons (as defined by Form ADV) that is related to or could affect the management of the Fund. The Sub-Adviser further agrees to notify the Adviser and the Fund promptly of any material fact known to the Sub-Adviser respecting or relating to the Sub-Adviser that is not contained in the Fund’s Registration Statement, as amended and supplemented from time to time, regarding the Fund, and of any statement contained therein that becomes untrue in any material respect. The Sub-Adviser will promptly notify the Adviser, the Fund and the Board if its chief executive officer or any member of the portfolio management team named in the Registration Statement for the Fund changes, or if there is an actual change in control or management of the Sub-Adviser within the meaning of Rules 2a-6 and 202(a)(1)-1 under the 1940 Act and Advisers Act, respectively;
(p) subject to Section 14, not disclose non-public information regarding the Fund characteristics, trading history portfolio holdings or individual holding or sector performance information to any third-party, except in compliance with the Fund’s policies on disclosure of portfolio holdings and any exceptions therein; provided, however, that nothing herein shall restrict the Sub-Adviser from using information in respect of the Fund (without attribution to the Fund) in composite performance data or similar aggregated information;
4
(q) provide the Adviser, the Fund or the Board with such information and assurances (including certifications and sub-certifications) as the Adviser, the Fund or the Board may reasonably request from time to time in order to assist the Adviser, the Fund or the Board in complying with applicable laws, rules and regulations, including requirements in connection with the preparation and/or filing of the Fund’s shareholder reports (e.g. Form N-CSRs), census reporting forms (e.g. Form N-CEN) and portfolio holdings reporting forms (e.g. Forms N-PORT) or the financial reports contained therein;
(r) provide assistance (as required by the Fund’s valuation policy, as amended from time to time) to the Adviser, custodian or recordkeeping agent for the Fund in determining or confirming, the value of any portfolio securities or other assets of the Fund for which the Adviser, custodian or recordkeeping agent seeks assistance from the Sub-Adviser or identifies for review by the Sub-Adviser (which valuation shall be based on Sub-Adviser’s fair valuation procedures). This assistance includes (but is not limited to): (i) designating and providing access to one or more employees of the Sub-Adviser or its affiliates who are knowledgeable about the security/issuer, its financial condition, trading and/or other relevant factors for valuation that could be available for consultation when the Adviser’s Valuation Committee convenes; (ii) assisting the Adviser or the custodian in obtaining bids and offers or quotes from broker/dealers or market-makers with respect to securities held by the Fund, upon the reasonable request of the Adviser or custodian; (iii) upon the request of the Adviser or the custodian, providing pricing information for fair valuations if available; and (iv) maintaining a record with respect to the securities valuation assistance provided hereunder consistent with Sub-Adviser’s retention policies and in accordance with Section 4(a) of this Agreement, to the extent applicable, and providing such information to the Adviser or the Fund upon request;
(s) not consult with any other investment sub-adviser of the Fund (if any), or with the sub-adviser to any other investment company (or separate series thereof) managed by the Adviser concerning a Fund’s transactions in securities or other assets, except for purposes of complying with the conditions of Rule 12d3-1(a) and (b) under the 1940 Act, and, to the extent that multiple sub-advisers may be engaged to provide services to the Fund, the Sub-Adviser shall be responsible for providing investment advisory services only with respect to the portion of the Fund allocated to the Sub-Adviser by the Adviser; and
(t) provide the Adviser and the Fund with a copy of its Form ADV as most recently filed with the SEC, notify the Adviser promptly with respect to any material amendment to the Sub-Adviser’s ADV and notify the Adviser on a timely basis (which shall be no later than the quarterly certification provided pursuant to Section 10(a)(3) of this Agreement) of any other amendments to the Sub-Adviser’s Form ADV and, in each case, furnish a copy of such amendments to the Fund and the Adviser.
(u) The Sub-Adviser further agrees that it may perform any or all the services contemplated by this Agreement directly or through such of its subsidiaries or other affiliated persons as it believes reasonably necessary to assist it in carrying out its obligations under this Agreement. Specifically, the Sub-Adviser is authorized to and may engage its affiliate, Schroders Capital Management (US) Inc. (the "Sub-advisory Affiliate") to perform investment advisory services for the Fund. It is acknowledged that the Sub-Adviser may not retain the services of any entity that would be an “investment adviser”, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act, to the Fund
5
unless any agreement with such entity, including the Sub-advisory Affiliate, has been approved by (i) a majority of the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, and (ii) to the extent necessary, the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.
3. Brokerage. The Sub-Adviser may place orders pursuant to its investment determinations for the Fund directly with the issuers of the securities, or with brokers or dealers selected by the Sub-Adviser. Neither the Sub-Adviser, nor any of its directors, officers, or employees, as applicable, may act as principal or agent or receive any commissions in connection with the foregoing transactions. The Sub-Adviser may, in respect of the Fund, open and maintain brokerage accounts of all types on behalf of and in the name of the Fund. The Sub-Adviser may enter into standard customer agreements with brokers and direct payments of cash, cash equivalents and securities and other property into such brokerage accounts as the Sub-Adviser deems desirable or appropriate. In selecting brokers or dealers to execute transactions on behalf of the Fund, the Sub-Adviser shall seek and obtain the most favorable execution and net security price available for the Fund. In assessing the best overall terms available for the Fund transaction, the Sub-Adviser will consider all factors it deems relevant, including, but not limited to, 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 broker-dealers to execute a particular transaction, and in evaluating the best overall terms available, the Sub-Adviser is authorized to consider the brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”)) provided to the Fund and/or other accounts over which the Sub-Adviser or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. The parties hereto acknowledge that it is desirable for the Fund that the Sub-Adviser have access to supplemental investment and market research and security and economic analysis provided by broker-dealers who may execute brokerage transactions at a higher cost to the Fund than may result when allocating brokerage to other brokers on the basis of seeking the most favorable price and efficient execution. Therefore, the Sub-Adviser may cause the Fund to pay a broker-dealer that furnishes brokerage and research services a higher commission than that which might be charged by another broker-dealer for effecting the same transaction, provided that the Sub-Adviser determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker-dealer, viewed in terms of either the particular transaction or the overall responsibilities of the Sub-Adviser to the Fund in accordance with Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act. It is understood that the services provided by such brokers may be useful to the Sub-Adviser in connection with the Sub-Adviser’s services to other clients. In accordance with Section 11(a) of the 1934 Act and Rule 11a2-2(T) thereunder and subject to any other applicable laws and regulations, the Sub-Adviser and its affiliates are authorized to effect portfolio transactions for the Fund and to retain brokerage commissions on such transactions. The Sub-Adviser may, but shall not be obligated to, aggregate or bunch orders for the purchase or sale of securities for the Fund with orders for its other clients where: (i) such aggregation or bunching of orders is not inconsistent with the Fund’s investment objectives, policies and procedures and (ii) the allocation of the securities so purchased or sold, as well as the allocation of expenses incurred in any such transaction, shall be made by the Sub-Adviser in a manner that complies with the Sub-Adviser’s trade allocation policies and procedures and is fair and equitable in the judgment of the Sub-Adviser and is consistent with the Sub-Adviser’s fiduciary obligations to the Fund and each of its other clients.
6
4. Books, Records and Regulatory Filings.
(a) The Sub-Adviser agrees to maintain and to preserve for the applicable periods any such records as are required to be maintained by the Sub-Adviser with respect to the Fund by the 1940 Act and rules adopted thereunder, and by any other applicable laws, rules and regulations. The Sub-Adviser further agrees that all records that it maintains for the Fund are the property of the Fund and it will promptly surrender any of such records upon request; provided, however, that the Sub-Adviser may retain copies of such records for the applicable periods they are required by law to be retained.
(b) The Sub-Adviser agrees that it shall furnish to regulatory authorities having the requisite authority any information or reports in connection with its services hereunder that may be requested by such regulatory authorities in order to determine whether the operations of the Fund are being conducted in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations.
(c) The Sub-Adviser shall make all filings with the SEC required of it pursuant to Section 13 of the 1934 Act with respect to its duties as are set forth herein. The Sub-Adviser also shall make all required filings on Schedule 13D or 13G and Form 13F (as well as other filings triggered by ownership in securities under other applicable laws, rules and regulations) in respect of the Fund as may be required of the Fund due to the activities of the Sub-Adviser. The Sub-Adviser shall file the Form 13F with respect to securities held in the Funds, as applicable.
5. Class Action Filings. The Sub-Adviser is not responsible for making any class action filings on behalf of the Fund.
6. Standard of Care, Limitation of Liability; Indemnification and Insurance.
(a) The Sub-Adviser shall exercise its best judgment in rendering the services under this Agreement. The Sub-Adviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund, the Adviser, or affiliated persons of the Adviser or the Fund in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates except a loss resulting from the Sub-Adviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of its obligations and duties, or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties, under this Agreement; provided, however, that nothing herein shall be deemed to protect or purport to protect the Sub-Adviser against any liability to the Adviser or its affiliates for, and the Sub-Adviser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Adviser and its affiliates from, any and all claims, losses, expenses, obligations and liabilities (including reasonable attorney’s fees) to which any of the Adviser or its affiliates may become subject arising out of or resulting from (i) the Sub-Adviser causing a Fund to be in material violation of any applicable federal or state law, rule or regulation or in violation of any investment policy or restriction set forth in such Fund’s current Registration Statement or the most current written guidelines, investment policies or instruction provided in writing by the Board or the Adviser in advance to Sub-Adviser, (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Sub-Adviser or the Fund managed by the Sub-Adviser or the omission to state therein a material fact known to the Sub-Adviser that was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Adviser or the Fund by the Sub-Adviser
7
in writing for use therein; (iii) a material breach of a material term of this Agreement by the Sub-Adviser; or (iv) any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard on the part of the Sub-Adviser in the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement (except to the extent such loss results from Adviser’s or the Fund’s own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard in the performance of their respective duties and obligations under the Advisory Agreement or this Agreement). Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained in this Agreement shall constitute a waiver or limitation of rights that the Fund may have under federal or state securities laws.
(b) The Sub-Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any obligation from the Fund or its shareholders. Nor shall the Sub-Adviser seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the trustees of the Fund (each, a “Trustee” and, together, the “Trustees”) or any individual Trustee or any officers.
(c) As used in this Section 6, the term “Sub-Adviser” shall include any officers, directors, employees, independent contractors or other affiliates of the Sub-Adviser performing services with respect to the Fund.
(d) The Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Sub-Adviser from and against any and all claims, losses, expenses, obligations and liabilities (including reasonable attorney’s fees) to which the Sub-Adviser may become subject arising out of or resulting from, the Adviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement (except to the extent such loss results from the Sub-Adviser’s own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard in the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement), or a material breach of a material term of this Agreement by the Adviser; provided, however, that nothing herein shall be deemed to protect or purport to protect the Adviser against any liability to the Sub-Adviser or its affiliates for, and the Adviser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Sub-Adviser and its affiliates from, any and all claims, losses, expenses, obligations and liabilities (including reasonable attorney’s fees) to which any of the Sub-Adviser or its affiliates may become subject arising out of or resulting from (i) the Adviser causing a Fund to be in material violation of any applicable federal or state law, rule or regulation, (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Fund or the omission to state therein a material fact known to the Adviser that was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was not made in reliance upon information furnished to the Adviser or the Fund by the Sub-Adviser in writing for use therein; or (iii) any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard on the part of the Adviser in the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement (except to the extent such loss results from Sub-Adviser’s own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard in the performance of their respective duties and obligations under the Advisory Agreement or this Agreement). Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained in this Agreement shall constitute a waiver or limitation of rights that the Sub-Adviser may have under federal or state securities laws.
(e) In connection with the liability and indemnification provisions contained in this Section 6 of the Agreement, the parties hereby acknowledge and agree that the other party
8
shall not be liable nor indemnify for any indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages or other indirect losses, or for any action or omission of any unaffiliated third party, including any broker or dealer or other entity not within the parties' direct supervision or control.
(f) The Sub-Adviser shall maintain errors and omissions insurance coverage and fidelity insurance coverage, each in the amounts as reasonably necessary to meet obligations under this Agreement, and from insurance providers that are in the business of regularly providing insurance coverage to investment advisers. The Sub-Adviser shall provide written notice to the Adviser (i) of any material changes in its insurance policies or insurance coverage that will directly affect the Fund or the Adviser; or (ii) if any material claims will be made on its insurance policies with respect to the Fund. Furthermore, it shall upon request provide to the Adviser any information it may reasonably require concerning the amount of or scope of such insurance.
7. Compensation. The Sub-Adviser shall be compensated for the services rendered pursuant to this Agreement as follows: the Adviser shall pay the Sub-Adviser, no later than the sixtieth (60th) day following the end of each quarter, a fee based on the net assets attributable to the Fund, in accordance with the terms set forth on Schedule A attached hereto, as may be amended from time to time. Subject to Section 2(u), the Sub-Adviser has engaged the Sub-advisory Affiliate to perform investment advisory services for the Fund. The Sub-Adviser (and not the Adviser or the Fund) shall pay the Sub-advisory Affiliate a portion of the compensation the Sub-Adviser receives for services rendered pursuant to this Agreement. Subject to Board approval, the Sub-Adviser may update the portion of fees that is paid to the Sub-advisory Affiliate.
8. Expenses. The Sub-Adviser will bear all expenses in connection with the performance of its services under this Agreement; provided, however, the Sub-Adviser shall not be responsible for the following expenses: (a) interest expenses, dividend expenses and acquired fund fee expenses, (b) taxes, (c) brokerage commissions and other costs in connection with purchase or sale of securities or other investments, and (d) custodian fees and expenses. In addition, the Sub-Adviser shall bear all expenses and costs of the Fund (including reasonable attorney’s fees), if any, arising out of an assignment of this Agreement caused by a change of control or management of the Sub-Adviser, including the preparation and mailing of any information statement to shareholders required pursuant to guidance or regulatory action from the SEC, or the preparation, mailing, solicitation and other costs associated with the use of a proxy statement relating to a shareholder vote in respect of a new sub-advisory agreement. The foregoing obligations of the Sub-Adviser shall apply in any circumstance in which the Adviser, in consultation with internal or outside counsel to the Fund, deems that an actual or possible assignment of this Agreement has or may occur, and determines that an information statement should be used, or a vote of shareholders should be obtained, as the case may be.
9. Services to Other Companies or Accounts. The investment advisory services of the Sub-Adviser to the Fund under this Agreement are not to be deemed exclusive, and the Sub-Adviser shall be free to render similar services to other investment companies and clients (whether or not their investment objective and policies are similar those of the Fund) and to engage in other activities. If the Sub-Adviser provides any advice to its clients concerning investment in the shares of the Fund, the Sub-Adviser shall act solely for such clients in that regard and not in any way on behalf of the Adviser or the Fund.
9
10. Compliance Matters.
(a) The Sub-Adviser understands and agrees that it is a “service provider” to the Fund as contemplated by Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act. As such, the Sub-Adviser agrees to cooperate fully with the Adviser and the Fund and its Trustees and officers, including the Fund’s CCO, with respect to (i) any and all compliance-related matters, and (ii) the Fund’s efforts to assure that each of its service providers adopts and maintains policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to prevent violation of the “federal securities laws” (as that term is defined by Rule 38a-1) by the Fund, the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser. In this regard, the Sub-Adviser shall:
(1) as reasonably requested and after consultation with the Adviser, submit to the Board for its consideration and approval, the Sub-Adviser’s compliance program, it being understood that the Sub-Adviser’s obligation under Section 2(e) of this Agreement to vote all proxies solicited by or with respect to the issuers of securities in which the assets of the Fund may be invested shall be subject to the fulfillment of the condition that the Board approve the Sub-Adviser’s proxy voting policies and procedures;
(2) submit annually (and at such other times as the Fund may reasonably request) to the Fund’s CCO and the Adviser for consideration by the Board, the Sub-Adviser’s Annual Compliance Report discussing the adequacy and effectiveness of the Sub-Adviser’s compliance program, and fully describing any material amendments to such compliance program since the most recent such report;
(3) provide periodic reports, certifications and information concerning the Sub-Adviser’s compliance program to the Adviser including, but not limited to, the following:
(i) Quarterly Compliance Certifications, including any required attachments, no later than the tenth (10th) business day after each calendar quarter;
(ii) Annual Survey to Sub-Advisers, including any required attachments, no later than the twentieth (20th) business day of February each year, provided that Adviser has provided Sub-Adviser the documentation sufficiently in advance for Sub-Adviser to comply with the timing requirement under this item (ii); and
(iii) Annual Report on Code of Ethics Matters, including any required attachments, no later than the tenth (10th) business day of February each year.
(4) provide the Adviser and the Fund and its Trustees and officers with reasonable access to information regarding the Sub-Adviser’s compliance program, which access shall include on-site visits with the Sub-Adviser as may be reasonably requested from time to time;
(5) permit the Adviser and the Fund and its Trustees and officers to maintain an active working relationship with the Sub-Adviser’s compliance personnel by, among other things, providing the Adviser and the Fund’s CCO and other officers with
10
reasonable access to individuals within the Sub-Adviser’s organization to discuss and address compliance-related matters;
(6) provide the Adviser and its chief compliance officer and the Fund and its Trustees and officers, including the Fund’s CCO, with such certifications as may be reasonably requested; and
(7) reasonably cooperate with any independent registered public accounting firm engaged by the Fund or the Adviser, ensure that all reasonably necessary information and the appropriate personnel are made available to such independent registered public accounting firm, to support the expression of the independent registered public accounting firm’s opinion, and each year provide the Adviser and such independent registered public accounting firm with a copy of the most recent SSAE 16 Report, if any, or its equivalent, prepared by the Sub-Adviser’s independent auditors regarding the Sub-Adviser’s internal controls.
(b) The Sub-Adviser represents, warrants and covenants that it has implemented and shall maintain a compliance program to meet the requirements of Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act.
11. Representations and Warranties and Agreements. The Adviser represents and warrants to the Sub-Adviser, on an on-going basis, that:
(a) The Fund is a “Qualified Purchaser” within the meaning of Investment Company Act of 1940; and
(b) The Fund is a “Qualified Eligible Person” as defined in CFTC Rule 4.7, and is either a member of, or exempt from any requirement to become a member of, the National Futures Association, and will maintain and renew such membership or exemption during the term of this Agreement.
Further, the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser agree as follows:
(c) The Adviser acknowledges that the Sub-Adviser has been authorized to invest in derivatives for the Fund in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies as stated in the Registration Statement. To the extent so authorized, the Adviser agrees that the Sub-Adviser, on the Fund’s behalf, and on such terms as the Sub-Adviser deems appropriate, with prior telephonic or email notice to and in consultation with the Adviser, may take any all such steps as may be required or permitted by the rules and regulations and/or by appropriate market practice to engage in derivatives transactions, including entering into ISDA agreements, clearing agreements, completing documentation, including documentation for clearing facilities, making representations and granting, and providing or executing counterparty documentation and account opening documentation on the Fund’s behalf, on such terms as the Sub-Adviser deems appropriate, in consultation with the Adviser.
(d) Further, subject to the limitations under the 1940 Act, the Adviser on request of the Sub-Adviser or the Sub-Adviser may, acting as agent on the Fund’s behalf, agree to a collateral mechanism with counterparties in the market and instruct the custodian to advance
11
cash or securities as collateral to an account designated by the Fund’s custodian and counterparty, broker and/or futures commission merchant (“FCM”) (as applicable) to meet margin/collateral payments if and to the extent required by the rules of exchanges or markets on which such instruments are dealt or as may have been agreed in any master agreement or other contract with a counterparty, including with respect to agency MBS collateral. The Adviser authorizes the Sub-Adviser, to the extent required by regulatory agencies or market practice, to reveal its and/or the Fund’s identity and address to any counterparty, broker or FCM through which or with which financial derivatives and foreign exchange instruments are traded or cleared. The Sub-Adviser may use such clearing firm as it deems appropriate to clear its derivatives transactions. The Adviser covenants that the Fund has full capacity to invest in financial derivatives and foreign exchange instruments.
(e) The Sub-Adviser (which is registered with the CFTC as a Commodity Trading Adviser) intends to operate the Fund as an exempt account under CFTC Rule 4.5.
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 COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING 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 AGREEMENT.
12. Duration and Termination.
(a) This Agreement shall be effective immediately as of the date set forth above and shall continue in effect for two years thereafter, unless sooner terminated as provided herein, and shall continue year to year thereafter, provided each continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the vote of a majority of the Trustees or (ii) a vote of a “majority” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities, provided that in either event the continuance is also approved by a majority of the Trustees who are neither (A) parties to this Agreement nor (B) “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any party to this Agreement, by vote cast in person (to the extent required by the 1940 Act) at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
(b) This Agreement is terminable with respect to the Fund, without penalty, on sixty (60) days’ written notice to the Sub-Adviser: (i) by the Fund, pursuant to (A) action by the Board or (B) the vote of the holders of a “majority” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the shares of the Fund or (ii) by the Adviser. This Agreement is terminable with respect to the Fund, without penalty, by the Sub-Adviser upon ninety (90) days’ written notice to the Adviser and the Fund. In addition, this Agreement will terminate with respect to the Fund in the event of the termination of the Advisory Agreement with respect to the Fund. This Agreement will be terminated automatically in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act).
12
(c) In the event of a termination of this Agreement for any reason with respect to the Fund, the Sub-Adviser shall reasonably cooperate with any transition manager or successor investment sub-adviser and with the Adviser in transitioning the management of that portion of the Fund to one or more new sub-advisers or to the Adviser, including, without limitation, providing the transition manager, at such intervals as the transition manager may request, with a list of holdings for such portion of the Fund and such other information as required by the transition management agreement, into which the Adviser and the transition manager will, at that time, enter. The Sub-Adviser shall deliver to Adviser all periodic compliance reports, certifications and information applicable to the period of Sub-Adviser’s services provided under this Agreement, including annual compliance reports and certifications.
(d) Termination of this Agreement shall not affect the rights or obligations of the Adviser, the Adviser Indemnitees and the Sub-Adviser under Section 6 of this Agreement.
13. Use of Name.
(a) Subject to the terms of a license agreement between the Adviser and Schroders plc, which shall be dispositive, the Sub-Adviser hereby consents to the use of its name and the names of its affiliates in the Fund’s name and the Fund’s disclosure documents, shareholder communications, advertising, sales literature and similar communications; provided that Adviser shall provide Sub-Adviser a copy of any such materials for its prior approval; provided, however, that the Sub-Adviser shall approve all uses of its name and that of its affiliates which merely refer in accurate terms to its appointment hereunder or which are required by the SEC or other regulatory body; and provided, further, that in no event shall such approval be unreasonably withheld. The Sub-Adviser shall not use the name or any tradename, trademark, trade device, service mark, symbol or any abbreviation, contraction or simulation thereof of the Adviser, the Fund, or any of their affiliates (“Adviser Marks”) in its marketing materials unless it first receives prior written approval of the Fund and the Adviser; provided, that Sub-Adviser shall be permitted to use the Adviser Marks once prior written approval is obtained as long as the marketing materials and use of such Adviser Marks does not differ materially from what was previously approved by Adviser.
(b) It is understood that the name of each party to this Agreement, and any derivatives thereof or logos associated with that name, is the valuable property of the party in question and its affiliates, and that each other party has the right to use such names pursuant to the relationship created by, and in accordance with the terms of, this Agreement only so long as this Agreement shall continue in effect. Upon termination of this Agreement, the parties shall forthwith cease to use the names of the other parties (or any derivative or logo) as appropriate and to the extent that continued use is not required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.
14. Confidential Information.
(a) Each party agrees that, from and after the date of this Agreement, it will treat confidentially all information provided by any other party (the “Discloser”) regarding the Discloser’s businesses and operations, including without limitation the investment activities or holdings of the Fund (“Confidential Information”), subject to the Fund’s policies on disclosure of portfolio holdings and exceptions thereto. All Confidential Information provided by the Discloser shall be used by the other party hereto (the “Recipient”) solely for the purposes of rendering
13
services pursuant to this Agreement, and shall not be disclosed to any third party, without the prior consent of the Discloser, except for a limited number of employees, attorneys, accountants and other advisers of the Recipient and its affiliates on a need-to-know basis and solely for the purposes of rendering services under this Agreement.
(b) Confidential Information shall not include any information that: (i) is public when provided or thereafter becomes public through no wrongful act of the Recipient; (ii) is demonstrably known to the Recipient prior to the date of this Agreement and is not otherwise subject to a contractual, fiduciary or other legal obligation of confidentiality to Discloser; (iii) is independently developed by the Recipient through no wrongful act of the Recipient in the ordinary course of business outside of this Agreement; or (iv) has been rightfully and lawfully obtained by the Recipient from any third party, unless such third party owes a duty of confidentiality to the discloser.
In the event that the Recipient is requested or required (by deposition, interrogatories, requests for information or documents in legal proceedings, subpoenas, civil investigative demand or similar process), in connection with any proceeding, to disclose any of the Discloser’s Confidential Information, the Recipient will give the Discloser prompt written notice of such request or requirement to allow the Discloser an opportunity to obtain a protective order or otherwise obtain assurances that confidential treatment will be accorded to such Confidential Information. In the event that such protective order or other remedy is not obtained, disclosure shall be made of only that portion of the Confidential Information that is legally required to be disclosed. All Confidential Information disclosed as required by law shall nonetheless continue to be deemed Confidential Information. The above provisions shall not apply if the disclosure is made to a regulatory examiner or self-regulatory examiner in the course of such examiner’s routine examination or inspection of the Recipient, provided that Recipient gives the Discloser prompt notice of such disclosure after it is made to the examiner.
15. Amendment. This Agreement may only be amended in writing signed by the parties to this Agreement in a manner that is in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, as modified or interpreted by any applicable order, exemptive relief or interpretative release issued by the SEC. The amendment of Schedule A to this Agreement for the sole purpose of making non-material changes to the information included in the Schedule shall not be deemed an amendment of this Agreement requiring the approval of shareholders of the Fund.
16. Notices. All notices hereunder shall be provided in writing. Notices shall be deemed given if delivered in person or by messenger, certified mail with return receipt, or by a reputable overnight delivery service that provides evidence of receipt to the parties; upon receipt if sent by fax; or upon read receipt or reply if delivered by email, at the following addresses:
If to the Adviser: | Hartford Funds Management Company LLC |
690 Lee Road | |
Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087 | |
Attention: Legal Department |
14
If to the Fund: | Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund |
690 Lee Road | |
Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087 | |
Attention: Legal Department | |
If to the Sub-Adviser: | Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. |
7 Bryant Park | |
New York, New York 10018 | |
Attention: Legal Department | |
uslegal@schroders.com |
17. Miscellaneous.
(a) This Agreement constitutes the full and complete agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.
(b) Titles or captions of sections in this Agreement are inserted only as a matter of convenience and for reference, and in no way define, limit, extend or describe the scope of this Agreement or the intent of any provisions thereof.
(c) This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, all of which together shall for all purposes constitute one Agreement, binding on all the parties.
(d) This Agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall be governed by, and interpreted, construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the choice of law provisions of that or any other jurisdiction. 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. The parties irrevocably consent to submit to the jurisdiction of any federal or state court sitting in the State of New York.
(e) If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected hereby and, to this extent, the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to be severable.
(f) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Sub-Adviser shall be an independent contractor. Nothing herein shall be construed as constituting the Sub-Adviser as an agent of the Adviser, the Fund, except to the extent expressly authorized by this Agreement.
18. Third-Party Beneficiaries. The sole parties to this Agreement are the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser, and the Adviser and the Fund are the sole beneficiaries of the Sub-Adviser’s services hereunder. The parties to this Agreement do not intend for this Agreement to benefit any other third party, including without limitation a record owner or beneficial owner of the Fund’s shares that is not expressly identified as a party to this Agreement. The terms of this Investment Management Agreement may be enforced solely by a party to this Agreement.
[Signature page follows]
15
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed by their officers designated below as of the date first set forth above.
HARTFORD FUNDS MANAGEMENT COMPANY, LLC | |||
By: | |||
Name: | |||
Title: | |||
SCHRODER INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT NORTH AMERICA INC. | |||
By: | |||
Name: | |||
Title: | |||
By: | |||
Name: | |||
Title: |
16
SCHEDULE A
Fees Paid to the Sub-Adviser
[REDACTED]
17
Exhibit 2.g.3
FORM OF
SUB-SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made as of this [ ] day of [ ], 2022, among SCHRODER INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT NORTH AMERICA INC., (“SIMNA”) a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware with its principal place of business at 7 Bryant Park, 19th Floor, New York, New York 10018, and SCHRODERS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT (US) INC. (“Schroders Capital”), a corporation organized under the laws of the State of [Delaware] with its principal place of business at 7 Bryant Park, 19th Floor, New York, New York 10018.
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, Hartford Funds Management Company, LLC (“Hartford”), a Delaware limited liability company, has retained SIMNA as a sub-adviser to render investment advisory services to the Funds set forth on Exhibit A (each, a “Fund”) pursuant to a Sub-Advisory Agreement dated as of the date hereof (the “Hartford Advisory Agreement”); and
WHEREAS, SIMNA Limited is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended; and
WHEREAS, SIMNA desires to employ Schroders Capital as its investment sub-adviser, and Schroders Capital is willing to render investment sub-advisory services to SIMNA, subject to and in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and undertakings set forth in this Agreement, SIMNA and Schroders Capital hereby agree as follows:
1. Appointment of Schroders Capital. SIMNA hereby appoints Schroders Capital as investment sub-adviser for the assets of the Funds, on the terms and conditions set forth herein, and subject to the direction of SIMNA. Schroders Capital accepts such appointment and agrees to render the services herein set forth, for the compensation herein provided.
2. Duties of Schroders Capital.
SIMNA employs Schroders Capital to act as its sub-advisor in managing the investment and reinvestment of all or a portion (which at times, may be none) of the assets of each Fund in accordance with the Hartford Advisory Agreement and with respect to such allocation; to continuously review, supervise, and administer an investment program for each Fund; to determine in its discretion the securities to be purchased or sold and the portion of such assets to be held uninvested; to provide each Fund (either directly or through SIMNA) with all records concerning the activities of Schroders Capital that the Fund is required to maintain; and to render or assist SIMNA in rendering regular reports to the Fund’s officers and the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) concerning the discharge of Schroders Capital’s responsibilities hereunder. Schroders Capital will discharge the foregoing responsibilities subject to the supervision and oversight of SIMNA, Hartford, the Fund’s officers and the Board and in compliance with the objective, policies, and limitations set forth in each Fund’s prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information, any additional operating policies or procedures that a Fund communicates to Schroders Capital in writing (either directly or through SIMNA), and Applicable Law. Schroders Capital agrees to provide, at its own expense, the office space, furnishings and equipment, and the personnel required by it to perform the services on the terms and for the compensation provided herein. “Applicable Law” means (i) the “federal securities laws” as defined in Rule 38a-l(e)(l) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as amended from time to time, and (ii) any and all other laws, rules, and regulations, whether foreign or domestic, in each case applicable at any time and from time to time to the investment management operations of Schroders Capital in relation to the Funds.
Schroders Capital acknowledges and agrees that SIMNA is ultimately responsible for all aspects of providing to the Funds the services required of SIMNA under the Hartford Advisory Agreement. Accordingly, Schroders Capital shall discharge its duties and responsibilities specified in paragraph (a) of this Section 2 and elsewhere in this Agreement subject at all times to the direction, control, supervision, and oversight of SIMNA. In furtherance thereof, Schroders Capital shall, without limitation, (i) make its offices available to representatives of SIMNA for on-site inspections and consultations with the officers and applicable portfolio managers of Schroders Capital responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds, (ii) upon request, provide SIMNA with copies of all records it maintains regarding its management of the Funds and (iii) report to SIMNA each calendar quarter and at such other times as SIMNA may reasonably request regarding (A) Schroders Capital’s implementation of each Fund’s investment program and each Fund’s portfolio composition and performance, (B) any policies and procedures implemented by Schroders Capital to ensure compliance with Applicable Law, (C) each Fund’s compliance with the objective, policies, and limitations set forth in each Fund’s prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and any additional operating policies or procedures that the Fund communicates to Schroders Capital in writing (either directly or through SIMNA) and (D) such other matters as SIMNA may reasonably request.
3. Securities Transactions. Among its responsibilities, Schroders Capital shall select the brokers or dealers that will execute purchases and sales of securities for the Funds, and is directed to use its best efforts to obtain the best available price and most favorable execution for such transactions, subject to written policies and procedures provided to Schroders Capital (either directly or through SIMNA), and, to the extent applicable, consistent with Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Schroders Capital will promptly communicate or assist SIMNA in communicating to Hartford, the Funds’ officers and the Board such information relating to the portfolio transactions Schroders Capital has directed on behalf of the Funds as SIMNA or such officers or the Board may reasonably request.
4. Compensation of Schroders Capital. For the services to be rendered by Schroders Capital as provided in this Agreement, SIMNA (and not Hartford or the Funds) will pay to Schroders Capital at the end of each of month a fee equal to the amount set forth on Exhibit A. For clarity, SIMNA (and not Hartford or the Funds) shall be obligated to pay Schroders Capital fees hereunder for any period only out of and following SIMNA’s receipt from Hartford of advisory fees pursuant to Section [ ] of the Hartford Advisory Agreement for such period. If this Agreement becomes effective or terminates before the end of any month, the fee for the period from the effective date to the end of the month or from the beginning of such month to the date of termination, as the case may be, shall be prorated according to the proportion that such partial month bears to the full month in which such effectiveness or termination occurs.
2
5. Compliance. Schroders Capital agrees to comply with all policies, procedures, or reporting requirements that the Board reasonably adopts and communicates to Schroders Capital in writing (either directly or through SIMNA), including, without limitation, any such policies, procedures, or reporting requirements relating to soft dollar or other brokerage arrangements.
6. Status of Schroders Capital. The services of Schroders Capital to SIMNA under this Agreement are not to be deemed exclusive, and Schroders Capital will be free to render similar services to others so long as its services to SIMNA under this Agreement are not impaired thereby. Schroders Capital will be deemed to be an independent contractor and will, unless otherwise expressly provided or authorized, have no authority to act for or represent the Funds in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of a Fund.
7. Liability of Schroders Capital. No provision of this Agreement will be deemed to protect Schroders Capital against any liability to SIMNA or to a Fund or its shareholders to which it might otherwise be subject by reason of any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.
8. Duration; Termination; Notices; Amendment. Unless sooner terminated as provided herein, this Agreement shall continue in effect for so long as the Hartford Advisory Agreement remains in effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may also be terminated, without the payment of any penalty, by SIMNA (i) upon 60 days’ written notice to Schroders Capital; or (ii) upon material breach by Schroders Capital of any representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement, if such breach has not been cured within 20 days after written notice of such breach; Schroders Capital may terminate this Agreement at any time, without payment of any penalty, (1) upon 60 days’ written notice to SIMNA; or (2) upon material breach by SIMNA of any representations and warranties set forth in the Agreement, if such breach has not been cured within 20 days after written notice of such breach. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) or upon the termination of the Hartford Advisory Agreement. Any notice under this Agreement will be given in writing, addressed and delivered, or mailed postpaid, to the other party as follows:
If to SIMNA, at:
Schroder Investment Management North America Inc.
7 Bryant Park
19th Floor
New York, NY 10018
Attention: Legal Department
Email: USLegal@schroders.com
If to Schroders Capital, at:
Schroders Capital Management (US) Inc.
7 Bryant Park
New York, NY 10018
3
Attention: Legal Department
Email: [pe_legal@schroders.com]
This Agreement may be amended by mutual consent of the parties hereto.
9. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement will be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule, or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement will not be affected thereby.
10. Confidentiality. Schroders Capital shall keep confidential any and all information obtained in connection with the services rendered hereunder and shall not disclose any such information to any person other than SIMNA, the Funds, the Board, Hartford, and any director, officer, or employee of SIMNA, the Funds, or Hartford, except (i) with the prior written consent of a Fund, (ii) as required by law, regulation, court order, or the rules or regulations of any self-regulatory organization, governmental body, or official having jurisdiction over SIMNA or Schroders Capital, or (iii) for information that is publicly available other than due to disclosure by Schroders Capital or its affiliates or becomes known to Schroders Capital from a source other than SIMNA, the Funds, the Board, or Hartford.
11. Proxy Policy. Schroders Capital acknowledges that unless Hartford or a Fund gives written instructions to SIMNA to the contrary, SIMNA, and Schroders Capital by delegation from SIMNA, is responsible for voting, or abstaining from voting, all proxies with respect to companies whose securities are held in a Fund using its best good faith judgment to vote, or abstain from voting, such proxies in the manner that best serves the interests of the Fund’s shareholders.
12. Governing Law. All questions concerning the validity, meaning, and effect of this Agreement shall be determined in accordance with the laws (without giving effect to the conflict-of-interest law principles thereof) of the State of New York.
13. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument.
4
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Sub-Advisory Agreement to be executed as of the date first set forth herein.
SCHRODER INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
NORTH AMERICA INC.
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: Authorized Signatory |
SCHRODER INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
NORTH AMERICA INC.
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: Authorized Signatory |
SCHRODERS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT (US) INC.
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: Authorized Signatory |
SCHRODERS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT (US) INC.
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: Authorized Signatory |
5
EXHIBIT A
Compensation of Schroders Capital
and
List of Funds
[REDACTED]
6
Exhibit 2.h.1.i
FORM OF
AMENDMENT NUMBER [ ]
TO THE
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
This Amendment Number [ ] (the “Amendment”) to the Principal Underwriting Agreement is made as of this [ ]th day of [ ] [ ], by and between Hartford Funds Distributors, LLC (formerly known as Hartford Investment Financial Services, LLC), The Hartford Mutual Funds, Inc. and The Hartford Mutual Funds II, Inc. on behalf each fund listed on Schedule A.
WHEREAS, the parties hereto have entered into a Principal Underwriting Agreement dated as of January 1, 2013, as amended and restated August 7, 2013 (as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Agreement”); and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto wish to amend the Agreement in order to revise the list of Funds covered by the Agreement and to add Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund as a party to the Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and adequate consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. | Effective as of the date on which it commences operations, Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund, a Delaware statutory trust, is added as a party to the Agreement. |
2. | Schedule A of the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the Amended and Restated Schedule A attached hereto. |
3. | Except as modified hereby, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. |
[signatures follow on next page]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS II, INC. | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
HARTFORD SCHRODERS PRIVATE OPPORTUNITIES FUND | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
HARTFORD FUNDS DISTRIBUTORS, LLC | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
AMENDED AND RESTATED SCHEDULE A
This Amended and Restated Schedule A to that certain Amended and Restated Principal Underwriting Agreement dated January 1, 2013, as amended and restated August 7, 2013, is effective as of [ ].
THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
Hartford AARP Balanced Retirement Fund
The Hartford Balanced Income Fund
The Hartford Capital Appreciation Fund
The Hartford Checks and Balances Fund
Hartford Climate Opportunities Fund
The Hartford Conservative Allocation Fund
Hartford Core Equity Fund
The Hartford Dividend and Growth Fund
Hartford Dynamic Bond Fund
Hartford Emerging Markets Equity Fund
The Hartford Emerging Markets Local Debt Fund
The Hartford Equity Income Fund
The Hartford Floating Rate Fund
The Hartford Floating Rate High Income Fund
Hartford Global Impact Fund
The Hartford Growth Allocation Fund
The Hartford Healthcare Fund
The Hartford High Yield Fund
The Hartford Inflation Plus Fund
Hartford International Equity Fund
The Hartford International Growth Fund
The Hartford International Opportunities Fund
The Hartford International Value Fund
The Hartford MidCap Fund
The Hartford MidCap Value Fund
Hartford Moderate Allocation Fund
Hartford Multi-Asset Income Fund
The Hartford Municipal Opportunities Fund
Hartford Municipal Short Duration Fund
Hartford Real Asset Fund
The Hartford Short Duration Fund
The Hartford Small Cap Value Fund
The Hartford Small Company Fund
The Hartford Strategic Income Fund
Hartford Sustainable Municipal Bond Fund
The Hartford Total Return Bond Fund
The Hartford World Bond Fund
THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS II, INC.
The Hartford Growth Opportunities Fund
Hartford Quality Value Fund
Hartford Schroders China A Fund
Hartford Schroders Diversified Emerging Markets Fund
Hartford Schroders Emerging Markets Equity Fund
Hartford Schroders Emerging Markets Multi-Sector Bond Fund
Hartford Schroders International Contrarian Value Fund
Hartford Schroders International Multi-Cap Value Fund
Hartford Schroders International Stock Fund
Hartford Schroders Sustainable Core Bond Fund
Hartford Schroders Sustainable International Core Fund
Hartford Schroders Securitized Income Fund
Hartford Schroders Tax-Aware Bond Fund
Hartford Schroders US MidCap Opportunities Fund
Hartford Schroders US Small Cap Opportunities Fund
The Hartford Small Cap Growth Fund
HARTFORD SCHRODERS PRIVATE OPPORTUNITIES FUND
Exhibit 2.h.2
HARTFORD SCHRODERS PRIVATE OPPORTUNITIES FUND
FORM OF
DISTRIBUTION PLAN
CLASS A SHARES
[ ], 2022
ARTICLE I. THE PLAN
This Distribution Plan (the "Plan") sets forth the terms and conditions on which Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund (the "Trust"), will pay certain amounts to Hartford Funds Distributors, LLC (the "Distributor") in connection with the provision by the Distributor, of certain services to the Trusts, as set forth herein. Certain of such payments the Trust may, under Rule 12b-1 (the "Rule") under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"), be deemed to constitute the financing of distribution by the Trust. This Plan describes all material aspects of such financing as contemplated by the Rule and shall be administered and interpreted, and implemented and continued, in a manner consistent with the Rule. The Trust and each Class of the Trust that currently have adopted this Plan, and the effective dates of such adoption, are as follows:
SERIES | CLASS | EFFECTIVE DATE |
Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund | A |
ARTICLE II. DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE EXPENSES
The Trust shall pay to the Distributor a fee in the amount specified in Article III hereof. Such fee may be spent by the Distributor on any activities or expenses primarily intended to result in the sale of the applicable Class of shares of the Trust, including, but not limited to the payment of Distribution Expenses (as defined below) and Service Expenses (as defined below). Distribution Expenses include, but are not limited to, (a) payment of initial and ongoing commissions and other payments to brokers, dealers, financial institutions or others who sell the Trust’s shares; (b) compensation to employees of the Distributor; (c) compensation to and expenses, including overhead such as communications and telephone, training, supplies, photocopying and similar types of expenses, of the Distributor incurred in the printing and mailing or other dissemination of all prospectuses and statements of additional information; (d) the costs of preparation, printing and mailing of reports used for sales literature and related expenses, advertisements and other distribution-related expenses (including personnel of the Distributor).
Service Expenses shall mean fees for activities covered by the definition of "service fee" contained in Article III, Section 26(b) of the Rules of Fair Practice of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., (or any successor rule or regulation adopted by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) which provides that service fees shall mean payments by an investment company for personal service and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts.
ARTICLE III. MAXIMUM EXPENDITURES
CLASS A SHARES
The expenditures to be made by the Trust pursuant to this Plan, and the basis upon which such expenditures will be made, shall be determined by the Trust, and in no event shall such expenditures exceed 0.25% of the average daily net asset value of the Class A shares, of the Trust (determined in accordance with the Trust’s prospectus as from time to time in effect) on an annual basis to cover Distribution Expenses and Service Expenses. Up to 0.25% may be used to cover Service Expenses. All such expenditures shall be calculated and accrued daily and paid monthly or at such other intervals as the Board of Trustees shall determine.
ARTICLE IV. EXPENSES BORNE BY THE TRUST
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan the Trust and its administrator, may bear the respective expenses to be borne by them under any administrative services agreement, as from time to time in effect under the Trust’s current prospectus. Except as otherwise contemplated by this Plan, the Trust shall not, directly or indirectly, engage in financing any activity which is primarily intended to or should reasonably result in the sale of shares of the Trust.
It is recognized that the costs of distributing Trust’s shares may exceed the sum of all sales charges collected on sales of the Trust shares. In view of this, if and to the extent that any investment management and administration fees paid by a fund might be considered as indirectly financing any activity which is primarily intended to result in the sale of the Trust’s shares, the payment by the Trust of such fees hereby is authorized under this Plan.
ARTICLE V. APPROVAL BY BOARD OF TRUSTEES, SHAREHOLDERS
This Plan shall not be effective with respect to any class of shares of the Trust unless: (a) this Plan has been approved by the vote of the majority of the outstanding voting shares of such class, if this Plan is adopted for such class after any public offering of the shares of such class or the sale of shares of such class to persons who are not affiliated persons of the Trust, affiliated persons of such person, a promoter of the Trust, or affiliated persons of such promoters; and (b) this Plan, together with any related agreements, has been approved for such class, by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan and any such related agreements, of a majority of both (i) the Trustees of the Trust and (ii) those trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or any agreements related to it (the "Independent Trustees").
ARTICLE VI. CONTINUANCE
This Plan and any related agreement shall continue in effect with respect to the Trust from year to year provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in the manner provided for in Article V, clause (b).
ARTICLE VII. INFORMATION
The Distributor shall provide the Board of Trustees and the Board of Trustees, and, in particular, the Independent Trustees, shall review, in the exercise of their fiduciary duties, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts expended with respect to the Class A shares of the Trust by the Distributor under this Plan and the Principal Underwriting Agreement and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
ARTICLE VIII. TERMINATION
This Plan may be terminated with respect to any class of shares of the Trust (a) at any time by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees, or a majority of the applicable Trust’s outstanding voting Class A shares, as applicable, or (b) by the Distributor on 60 days' notice in writing to the Trust.
Termination or discontinuance of the Plan with respect to the Trust shall not affect the continued effectiveness of this Plan with respect to the shares or classes of the Trust.
ARTICLE IX. AGREEMENTS
Each agreement with any person relating to implementation of this Plan shall be in writing, and each agreement related to this Plan shall provide:
(a) That, with respect to the Trust, such agreement may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by vote of a majority of the Trust’s then outstanding voting Class A shares.
(b) That such agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
2 |
ARTICLE X. AMENDMENTS
This Plan may not be amended to increase materially the maximum amount of the fees payable by the Trust hereunder without the approval of a majority of the outstanding voting Class A shares. No material amendment to the Plan shall, in any event, be effective unless it is approved by the Board of Trustees in the same manner as is provided for in Article V.
ARTICLE XI. PRESERVATION OF DOCUMENTS
The Trust shall preserve copies of this Plan (including any amendments thereto) and any related agreements and all reports made to the Board for a period of not less than six years from the date of this Plan, the first two years in an easily accessible place.
ARTICLE XII. SELECTION OF TRUSTEES
While this Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust shall be committed to the discretion of the Board of Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust.
ARTICLE XII. DEFINED TERMS
As used in this Plan, the terms "majority of the outstanding voting shares" shall have the same meaning as the phrase "majority of the outstanding voting securities" has in the Act, and the phrases "interested person" and "assignment" shall have the same meaning as those phrases have in the Act.
Last Approved:
Approved:
Last Revised:
Revised:
3 |
Exhibit 2.j.i
AMENDMENT TO CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
This Amendment (the “Amendment”) to the Custodian Agreement is made as of the 29th day of November, 2022, and amends that certain Custodian Agreement (the “Agreement”), made as of December 31, 2014, and effective as of January 1, 2015, as amended, modified, or supplemented from time to time by and among each registered investment company party thereto (the “Hartford Parties,” each referred to herein as a “Client”) and State Street Bank and Trust Company (“Custodian”).
WHEREAS, the Hartford Parties and Custodian are parties to the Agreement;
WHEREAS, the Hartford Parties and Custodian desire to amend certain provisions of the Agreement, as more fully set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter contained, the parties hereby agree to amend the Agreement, pursuant to the terms thereof, as follows:
1. Amendments to Agreement.
(a) The following new defined terms are added:
Section 1.03(a). “Alternative Assets” means derivatives, real estate, commodities, private placements, loans, infrastructure holdings, private equity holdings, hedge fund holdings or such other assets (i) not typically held in book-entry form and (ii) not typically held in accounts registered in the name of the Custodian or a Subcustodian, in each case as determined by the Custodian.
Section 1.18(a). “Investment Document” means any agreement, subscription, assignment or other document evidencing in physical form an investment of the Client, or providing for the ownership by the Client. For the avoidance of doubt, it does not include any Security, instrument, certificate, title, agreement or other document that is accompanied by a stock power or instrument of assignment, endorsed to the Custodian or in blank.
(b) In “ARTICLE III – POWERS AND DUTIES OF CUSTODIAN”, the following new sections, Section 3.34 and Section 3.35 are added:
Section 3.34. Alternative Asset Servicing. The Custodian may agree to reflect the Client’s Alternative Assets on its books, records or statements. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the Custodian will not perform any other services or assume any obligations in relation to Alternative Assets. The Custodian may, in limited cases, agree to register the Client’s interests in Alternative Assets in the name of the Custodian, subject to additional documentation and other requirements as the Custodian may specify from time to time.
Section 3.35. Physical Safekeeping of Investment Documents. The Custodian may agree to provide physical safekeeping for Investment Documents delivered to it and will return such Investment Documents to the Client upon receipt of Proper Instructions, subject to additional documentation and other requirements as the Custodian may specify from time to time.
2. Miscellaneous.
(a) All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement.
(b) Except as specifically amended or modified herein, the terms and provisions of the Agreement shall continue to apply with fully force and effect. In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Agreement prior to this Amendment and this Amendment, the terms of this Amendment shall prevail.
(c) This Amendment may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Counterparts may be executed in either original or electronically transmitted form (e.g. emailed portable document format (PDF) form), and the parties hereby adopt as original any signatures received via electronically transmitted form.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank.]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has caused this Amendment to be executed in its name and on its behalf by a duly authorized officer as of the date set forth above.
EACH OF THE INVESTMENT COMPANIES LISTED ON APPENDIX A TO THE AGREEMENT | |||
By: | /s/ David Naab | ||
Name: David Naab | |||
Title: Vice President |
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY | |||
By: | /s/ Michael A Foutes | ||
Name: Michael A Foutes | |||
Title: Senior Vice President |
Exhibit 2.k.1.i
FORM OF AMENDMENT
TO THE
AMENDED AND RESTATED TRANSFER AGENCY AND SERVICE AGREEMENT
This AMENDMENT NUMBER [ ] (this “Amendment”), dated [ ], [ ] amends that certain Amended and Restated Transfer Agency Agreement (the “Agreement”), dated February 28, 2020, by and among The Hartford Mutual Funds, Inc. and The Hartford Mutual Funds II, Inc., each, a Maryland corporation, (the “Registrants”).
WHEREAS, the Funds and HASCO desire to add Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund as a party to the Agreement subject to certain terms set forth herein;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, the Funds and HASCO agree as follows:
1. | Effective as of the date on which it commences operations, Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund, a Delaware statutory trust, is added as a party to the Agreement (the “Effective Date”). |
2. | Effective as of the Effective Date, Section 2 of Schedule B is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
2. | Exclusions from Sub-TA Payments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary under the Agreement, for purposes of this Schedule B, the term Sub-TA Payments with respect to payments made with respect to any class of shares, other than Class R3, Class R4, or Class R5, to any Financial Intermediary shall exclude the portion of such payments that are: (i) more than $18 per account where the Financial Intermediary invoices HASCO based on the number of accounts for which the Financial Intermediary provides Financial Intermediary Services; or (ii) for all Funds other than Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund, more than 0.12% (12 basis points) per annum of the average daily net asset value of the Shares held by the Financial Intermediary, and for Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund, more than 0.15% (15 basis points) per annum of the average monthly net asset value of the Shares held by the Financial Intermediary, where, in each case, the Financial Intermediary invoices HASCO based on a percentage of assets held by the Financial Intermediary for providing Financial Intermediary Services. For the avoidance of doubt, in all cases and regardless of share class, Financial Intermediary Services expressly exclude distribution-related services and Sub-TA Payments expressly exclude any payments that directly or indirectly finance distribution-related services or activities. |
3. | Effective as of the Effective Date, the following is added as Section 4 to Schedule C of the Agreement: |
4. | Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund: The Specified Amounts listed on this Schedule C shall not apply to Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund. |
4. | All other terms of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. |
[Signatures follow on next page]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment as of the date first above written.
THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS II, INC. HARTFORD SERIES FUND, INC. HARTFORD HLS SERIES FUND II, INC. HARTFORD FUNDS EXCHANGE-TRADED TRUST LATTICE STRATEGIES TRUST HARTFORD SCHRODERS PRIVATE OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
__________________________________ | |
Name: | |
Title: | |
HARTFORD ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES COMPANY | |
__________________________________ | |
Name: | |
Title: |
Exhibit 2.k.2.i
FORM OF
AMENDMENT NUMBER [ ]
TO
FUND ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT
This Amendment Number [ ] (the “Amendment”) to that certain Fund Accounting Agreement, dated December 31, 2014, by and between Hartford Funds Management Company, LLC and the Registrants listed on Schedule A with respect to each series thereof (the “Agreement”) is made as of this [ ]th day of [ ] [ ].
WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to amend Agreement to add Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund as a party to the Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and adequate consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties to the Agreement agree as follows:
1. | Effective as of the date on which it commences operations, Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund, a Delaware statutory trust, is added as a party to the Agreement. |
2. | Schedule A is deleted in its entirety and is replaced by Schedule A attached to this Amendment. |
3. | Except as modified hereby, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment as of the date first above written.
THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS II, INC. HARTFORD SERIES FUND, INC. HARTFORD HLS SERIES FUND II, INC. HARTFORD FUNDS EXCHANGE-TRADED TRUST LATTICE STRATEGIES TRUST HARTFORD SCHRODERS PRIVATE OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
__________________________________ | |
Name: | |
Title: | |
HARTFORD FUNDS MANAGEMENT COMPANY, LLC | |
__________________________________ | |
Name: | |
Title: |
1 |
Schedule A
to the Fund Accounting Agreement
List of Funds
The Fund Accounting Agreement applies to the following Registrants on behalf of each of their current series (if any), each of which is referred to as a “Fund” and collectively are referred to as the “Funds,” as the context requires. This Schedule A is effective as of [ ].
THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
THE HARTFORD MUTUAL FUNDS II, INC.
HARTFORD SERIES FUND, INC.
HARTFORD HLS SERIES FUND II, INC.
HARTFORD SCHRODERS PRIVATE OPPORTUNITIES FUND
Exhibit 2.k.3
FORM OF
EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT
THIS EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT, dated [ ], is between Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”) and Hartford Funds Management Company, LLC (the “HFMC”).
WHEREAS, the Fund’s Board of Trustees has appointed HFMC to serve as the investment manager of the Fund pursuant to that certain Investment Management Agreement between the Fund and HFMC, dated [ ] (the “Investment Management Agreement”); and
WHEREAS, the Fund and HFMC desire to enter into the arrangements described herein to limit certain operating expenses of the Fund;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Fund and HFMC hereby agree as follows:
1. | HFMC hereby agrees to reimburse Fund expenses to the extent necessary to limit the total net annual operating expenses, exclusive of “Excluded Expenses,” as that term is defined under Section 3 below, to not exceed 0.75% of the Fund’s average monthly net assets (the “Expense Cap”). |
2. | The Expense Cap shall become effective upon the Fund’s commencement of operations and shall continue through September 30, 2024 (the “Effective Period”).. |
3. | For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Excluded Expenses” shall mean: (i) the investment management fee; (ii) Rule 12b-1 fee; (iii) sub-transfer agency fees payable by Hartford Administrative Services Company (“HASCO”) to the extent that such sub-transfer agency fees are a component of the transfer agency fee payable by the Fund to HASCO; (iv) acquired fund fees and expenses; (v) interest expense; (vi) brokerage expenses; and (vii) extraordinary expenses. For the avoidance of doubt, transactional or professional services fees and expenses incurred in connection with a private equity investment are not Excluded Expenses and, therefore, are not subject to the Expense Cap. |
4. | The Expense Cap described in Section 1 above is irrevocable an not subject to any recoupment by HFMC. |
5. | HFMC acknowledges that the Fund will rely on this Agreement (i) in preparing and filing amendments to the registration statement for the Fund on Form N-2 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, (ii) in accruing the Fund’s expenses for purposes of calculating its net asset value per share and (iii) for certain other purposes and expressly permits the Fund to do so. |
6. | This Agreement may be amended or terminated prior to September 30, 2024, by written agreement between Fund and HFMC upon the approval of such amendment or termination by the Board of Trustees. |
[signatures follow on next page]
1 |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
HARTFORD SCHRODERS PRIVATE OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
__________________________________ | |
Name: | |
Title: | |
HARTFORD FUNDS MANAGEMENT COMPANY, LLC | |
__________________________________ | |
Name: | |
Title: |
Document Revision History:
Initially Approved on: [November 10, 2022]
2 |
Exhibit 2.k.4
FORM OF
MANAGEMENT FEE WAIVER AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of [ ], between Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”), and Hartford Funds Management Company, LLC (“HFMC”).
WHEREAS, the Fund’s Board of Trustees has appointed HFMC to serve as the investment manager of the Fund pursuant to that certain Investment Management Agreement between the Fund and HFMC, dated [ ] (the “Investment Management Agreement”); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Investment Management Agreement, the Fund is obligated to pay HFMC a management fee equal to an annual rate of 1.50% of the Fund’s average monthly net assets (the “Management Fee”); and
WHEREAS, the Fund and HFMC desire to enter into the arrangements described herein relating to HFMC’s contractual waiver of a portion of the Management Fee;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Fund HFMC hereby agree as follows:
1. | HFMC hereby agrees to waive a portion of its Management Fee in the amount of 1.25% (the “Fee Waiver”) and further agrees to accept a Management Fee payable by the Fund an annual rate 0.25% of the Fund’s average monthly net assets for the Effective Period (as defined below). |
2. | The Fee Waiver shall become effective upon the Fund’s commencement of operations and shall continue through the last day of the twelfth full month of the Fund’s operations (the “Effective Period”). |
3. | The Fee Waiver described in Section 1 above is irrevocable an not subject to any recoupment by HFMC. |
4. | HFMC acknowledges that the Fund will rely on this Agreement (i) in preparing and filing amendments to the registration statement for the Fund on Form N-2 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, (ii) in accruing the Fund’s expenses for purposes of calculating its net asset value per share and (iii) for certain other purposes and expressly permits the Fund to do so. |
5. | This Agreement may be amended or terminated prior to September 30, 2024, by written agreement between Fund and HFMC upon the approval of such amendment or termination by the Board of Trustees. |
[Signatures follow on next page]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
HARTFORD SCHRODERS PRIVATE OPPORTUNITIES FUND | |
__________________________________ | |
Name: | |
Title: | |
HARTFORD FUNDS MANAGEMENT COMPANY, LLC | |
__________________________________ | |
Name: | |
Title: |
Document Revision History:
Initially Approved on: [November 10, 2022]
Exhibit 2.n
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form N-2 of Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund of our report dated January 11, 2023, relating to the financial statements of Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund, which appears in this registration statement. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in such Registration Statement.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 10, 2023
Page 1 of 9 HF-10112_d (Rev. 12/22) Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund Investor Application This Investor Application is utilized for the offering of shares of beneficial interest (the ‘‘Shares’’) of the Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund (the ‘‘Fund’’). This Investor Application may be used only by investors that are accredited investors within the meaning given to such term in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the ‘‘Securities Act’’). The Fund will accept initial and additional purchases of Class A Shares, Class I Shares, and Class SDR Shares commencing the first day of each month. All Investor Applications must be received no later than five business days before the last business day of the same month for a subscription to be accepted. Purchases of Fund Shares must be made by wire. All wired amounts must be received no later than three business days before the last business day of the same month for a subscription to be accepted and effective as of the beginning of the month immediately following such receipt. Note that subscriptions by individual retirement accounts (IRAs) require the signature of the qualified IRA custodian or trustee of the IRA. For more information, please call us toll-free at (888) 843-7824 Fax number: (816) 569-9263 or toll-free at (833) 967-4133 Completed applications including custodial section, if applicable, can be sent to: U.S. Mailing Address: Overnight Address: Hartford Funds Hartford Funds P.O. Box 219572 430 W 7th Street Suite 219572 Kansas City, MO 64121-9572 Kansas City, MO 64105-1407 Wiring Instructions: UMB Bank N.A. 1055 Broadway Blvd, Ste 311 Kansas City, Mo 64105-1575 ABA: 1010-0069-5 Account Number:9872654757 Account Name: DST Systems Inc., As Agent for Hartford Funds FBO: (Insert Investor Name) Acknowledgement A. I agree to become a shareholder of the Fund and in connection therewith subscribe for and agree to purchase Shares of the Fund on the terms provided for herein, in the Prospectus, the Statement of Additional Information, the Agreement and Declaration of Trust, and the By-Laws (collectively, the ‘‘Fund Agreements’’) and in the Privacy Policy of the Fund in which I am investing and agree to be bound by their terms and conditions. I certify that I have the authority and legal capacity to make this purchase and that I am of legal age in my state of residence. B. I authorize the Fund and its agents to act upon instructions (by phone, in writing or other means) believed to be genuine and in accordance with the procedures described in the Prospectus for this account. I agree that neither the Fund nor the transfer agent will be liable for any loss, cost or expense for acting on such instructions. C. I am aware that an investment in the Fund involves substantial risks and have determined that a subscription is a suitable investment for me and that, at this time, I can bear a complete loss of my entire investment therein. I also understand that the Fund has limited liquidity and that the investment should be deemed to be illiquid. D. I understand that under the Fund Agreements, shareholders cannot redeem Shares from the Fund and Shares cannot be transferred, except as provided in the Fund Agreements. I understand that liquidity will generally only be available through periodic tender offers by the Fund, and I understand that the Fund is under no legal obligation to conduct any such tender offers. Consequently, I acknowledge that I am aware that I may have to bear the economic risk of investment in the Fund indefinitely. E. I will acquire Shares of the Fund for my own account for investment purposes only, and not with a view to or for the re-sale, distribution or fractionalization thereof, in whole or in part. I agree not to offer, sell, transfer, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, all or any number of the Shares or any interest therein, except in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Fund Agreements and applicable law. F. I certify that I am not a Foreign Financial Institution as defined in the U.S.A. Patriot Act. G. ERISA Plans and Individual Retirement Accounts (“IRA”) 1. I certify that if I am a Fiduciary executing this investor certification on behalf of an employee benefit plan as defined |
Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund Investor Application Page 2 of 9 HF-10112_d (Rev. 12/22) in Section 3(3) of the United States Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (‘‘ERISA’’), that is subject to ERISA (a ‘‘Plan’’), such as 401(k) plans and Keogh plans, I represent and warrant that Hartford Funds Management Company, LLC (the ‘‘Investment Manager’’), Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. and Schroders Capital Management (US) Inc. (the “Sub-Advisers”), Hartford Funds Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), and their affiliates or agents have not acted as a Fiduciary under ERISA with respect to the purchase, holding or disposition of Shares, and that no advice provided by the Investment Manager, Sub-Advisers or any of their affiliates has formed a basis for any investment decision by the Plan or me in connection with such purchase, holding or disposition. 2. I further represent and warrant that the investment by the Plan in the Fund is prudent for the Plan (taking into account any applicable liquidity and diversification requirements of ERISA), and that the investment in the Fund is permitted under ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, other applicable law and the governing plan documents of the Plan. 3. I further represent and warrant that the Plan’s purchase of the Shares does not, and will not (to the best of the Plan’s knowledge and assuming compliance by the Fund with its governing agreements), result in a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code (or in the case of any governmental plan or other plan that is not subject to the foregoing-referenced Section 406 or Section 4975, any Federal, state or local law that is substantially similar thereto). 4. I acknowledge that if I require minimum annual distributions from a retirement account through which I hold shares of the Fund, I am responsible for coordinating such minimum distributions with the Fund’s schedule for repurchase offers and I must submit requests accordingly. I acknowledge that the Fund may not make one or more tender offers and, therefore, proceeds from the repurchase of Fund shares may not be available to meet any applicable required minimum distributions. H. In connection with the Fund’s efforts to comply with applicable laws concerning money laundering and related activities, I represent, warrant and agree that to the best of my knowledge based upon reasonable diligence and investigation: 1. I am not (nor is any person or entity controlled by, controlling or under common control with me, or any of my beneficial owners) any of the following: a. A person or entity listed in the Annex to Executive Order 13224 (2001) issued by the President of the United States, which is posted on the website of the U.S. Department of Treasury (http://www.treas.gov). b. Named on the List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control, which is posted on the website of the U.S. Department of Treasury (http://www.treas.gov). c. A person or entity resident in, or whose subscription funds are transferred from or through an account in, any country or territory other than the United States. d. A person or entity resident in, or in the case of an entity organized or chartered under the laws of, a jurisdiction that has been designated by the Secretary of the U.S. Treasury under Sections 311 or 312 of the U.S.A. Patriot Act, and the regulations promulgated thereunder as warranting special measures due to money laundering concerns. For updates, see the website of the U.S. Department of Treasury (http://www.treas.gov). e. A foreign shell bank (See U.S.A. Patriot Act and related regulations for definition). f. A senior foreign political Figure. This restriction on senior foreign political Figures also applies to any immediate family member of such Figure or close associate of such Figure (See U.S.A. Patriot Act and related regulations for definition). 2. No proceeds that I have used to purchase shares of the Fund: a. Shall originate from, nor will they be routed through, a foreign shell bank or a bank organized or chartered under the laws of a foreign country or territory that has been designated as a “Non-Cooperative Jurisdiction” by the Financial Action Task Force. b. Have been or shall be derived from, or related to, any activity that is deemed criminal under U.S. law. c. Shall cause the Fund or the Investment Manager to be in violation of the U.S. Bank Secrecy Act and all other federal anti-money laundering regulations. 3. I understand and agree that if at any time it is discovered that any of the representations in this Section H are incorrect, or if otherwise required by applicable law related to money laundering and similar activities, the Investment Manager, in its sole discretion and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Fund’s Fund Agreements, as they may be amended or modified from time to time, undertake appropriate actions to ensure compliance with applicable law, including but not limited to freezing, segregating or redeeming my subscription in the Fund. |
Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund Investor Application Page 3 of 9 HF-10112_d (Rev. 12/22) 4. I further understand that the Fund or the Investment Manager or its agent may release confidential information about me and, if applicable, any underlying beneficial ownership, to proper authorities if the Fund or the Investment Manager or its agent, in their sole discretion, determines that it is in the best interests of the Fund in light of applicable law concerning money laundering and similar activities. 5. I agree to provide to the Fund any additional information that the Fund deems necessary or appropriate to ensure compliance with all applicable laws concerning money laundering and similar activities. I shall promptly notify the Fund if any of the representations in this Section H cease to be true and accurate. I agree to call the Fund if I need more information about Section H or if I am unsure whether any of the categories apply to me. I. I understand that the Fund and its affiliates are relying on the certification and agreements made herein regarding my status as an Accredited Investor and my eligibility to invest in the Fund. I understand that an investment in the Fund is not appropriate for, and may not be acquired by, any person who cannot make this certification, and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, agree to indemnify the Fund, the Investment Manager and its affiliates, and their respective directors, trustees, managers, members, shareholders, partners, officers, and employees and hold each of them harmless from any liability that they may incur as a result of this certification being untrue in any respect. J. The representations, warranties, agreements, undertakings and acknowledgments made by me in this Investor Application are made with the intent that they be relied upon by the Fund in determining my suitability as an investor in the Fund and shall survive my investment. I agree to provide, if requested, any additional information that may reasonably be required to determine eligibility to invest in the Fund or to enable the Fund to determine the Fund’s compliance with applicable regulatory requirements or tax status. In addition, I undertake to notify the Fund immediately of any change with respect to any of the information or representations made herein and to provide the Fund with such further information as the Fund may reasonably require. K. I acknowledge that this Investor Application shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware with all rights being governed by Delaware law without regard to any applicable rules relating to conflicts of laws. Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund Subscription Agreement The Fund accepts investments from individuals or entities with a U.S. Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number. Please note that the value of your account may be transferred to the appropriate state if no activity occurs in the account within the time period specified by state law. Initial Investment Subsequent Investment (Please complete Sections 1, 2, 6, 9, 10, and 11 only, unless changes to other Sections are needed) 1. Investment Instructions Initial Investment minimum for Class A and Class I Shares is $25,000. Subsequent investment minimum for Class A and Class I Shares is $10,000. Initial Investment minimum for Class SDR Shares is $5,000,000. Subsequent investments for Class SDR Shares may be made in any amount. $ ____________________Class A Shares purchase amount Sales Load: Yes No Amount ___________% The Investor acknowledges that a sales load of up to 3.5% of the Subscription Amount specified above may be charged by the Sales Agent in connection with this investment and that only the net amount, after deduction of the sales load, will be invested in the Fund. $ ____________________Class I Shares purchase amount $ ____________________Class SDR Shares purchase amount 2. Account Registration (check only one type below; may not be a minor) Section A Individual Joint* Individual Retirement Account (IRA) Owner’s Name (first, middle, last) Social Security Number Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy) Joint Owner’s Name (first, middle, last) Social Security Number Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy) *Joint tenants with rights of survivorship, unless otherwise noted. |
Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund Investor Application Page 4 of 9 HF-10112_d (Rev. 12/22) Notes: All legal entities are required to complete the Corporate Resolution Form (HF-10103). If you are opening an account for a Limited Liability Company, C Corporation, S Corporation, Partnership, Statutory Trust, or Non-Profit, you must also complete the Legal Entity Beneficial Ownership Certification Form, (HF-10098) and provide a formation document (e.g. Articles of Incorporation) that proves the legal existence of the entity. If the legal entity is a Sole Proprietorship, the Sole Proprietor must provide their date of birth and SSN. Name of Entity Tax Identification Number (TIN) Address (P.O. Boxes not allowed) City State ZIP Code Name of Primary Contact Person Telephone Phone Number of Primary Contact Person Sole Proprietor Social Security Number (if applicable) Sole Proprietor Date of Birth (if applicable) Section B Limited Liability Company C Corporation S Corporation Partnership Non-Profit Statutory Trust Sole Proprietorship Regulated Financial Institution Governmental Entity Estate Publicly traded: Yes No If ‘Yes’ was selected, list symbol here: _______________________ If Regulated Financial Institution Name of Primary Regulator _________________________________ Regulatory Registration ID _________________________________ 3. Mailing Address and Other Contact Information (Investor Applications will only be accepted if they contain a U.S. street address.) Street Address (If P.O. Box, please indicate the residential street address below) City State ZIP Code Daytime Telephone Number Evening Telephone Number E-mail Address* Fax Number Additional Address or Residential/Street Address. Send copies of confirmation and statements for this account to: Name Street Address City State ZIP Code * Please note that by providing an e-mail address, you are consenting to electronic delivery of Fund documentation if and when it becomes available. Your selection applies to any periodic reports and all other account-related documents that the Fund will send to you. Many of the documents will contain confidential information that is specific to your private financial matters. Regardless of the delivery method you select, the Fund will take reasonable precautions to ensure the integrity, confidentiality and security of the documents, but will not be liable for any interception. Note that you will first receive a hard copy trade confirmation with your account number which you will need to register your account on-line for electronic delivery. Once you register, the Fund will deliver a document to you by sending you an e-mail that contains a link to the document. Such selection will remain in effect as long as you maintain an investment with the Fund or until you notify the Fund of a change. The Fund does not impose any additional charge for electronic delivery, but you may incur charges from your Internet service provider and your telephone company or other Internet access provider. In addition, there are risks, such as systems outages, that are associated with electronic delivery. |
Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund Investor Application Page 5 of 9 HF-10112_d (Rev. 12/22) 4. Custodian Information (must be completed for IRA and custodied taxable accounts) Name Custodian Tax Identification Number Street Address (P.O. Boxes not allowed) City State ZIP Code Telephone Phone Number Client Account/BIN Number 5. Bank Information (For direct investments only, all custodied accounts must complete Section 4.) Please attach a voided, unsigned check or deposit slip for this bank account. If information on voided check differs from information on this Investor Application, the information from the voided check will be used. Bank Name Bank Telephone Number Bank Address City State ZIP Code Name(s) on Bank Account Bank Account Number ABA Number (available from your bank) This is a Checking Account or Savings Account or Brokerage Account 6. Broker/Dealer or Financial Advisor Information* (must be completed) Broker/Dealer or Other Advisory Firm or Financial Institution Name Investor Account Number at Firm Mailing Address (Branch) City State ZIP Code Telephone Number Firm CRD#/IARD# Representative Name Representative Telephone Number Representative CRD#/IARD# Representative Address City State ZIP Code Representative E-mail Address * Prospective Investors are advised and hereby acknowledge that the Investment Manager and/or its respective affiliates may pay ongoing consideration to intermediaries in connection with the offering and sale of Shares and/or ongoing services by such parties in connection therewith. 7. Distribution Instructions (Reinvestment required for IRAs) All distributions will be sent to the Investor at the address of record unless one of the following is checked: Send all distributions to the Custodian listed in Section 4. Send all distributions to the bank listed in Section 5. |
Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund Investor Application Page 6 of 9 HF-10112_d (Rev. 12/22) 8. Cost Basis Election The Fund has elected the average cost method as the default cost basis method for purposes of this requirement. If a Shareholder wishes to accept the average cost method as its default cost basis calculation method in respect of Shares in its account, the Shareholder does not need to take any additional action. If, however, a Shareholder wishes to affirmatively elect an alternative cost basis calculation method other than average cost in respect of its Shares, please select one of the following: FIFO (first in, first out) LIFO (last in, first out) LOFO (lowest in, first out) LILT (lowest long term, first out) HILT (highest long term, first out) HIST (highest short term, first out Specific Lot Identification HIFO (highest in, first out) 9. Accredited Investor Status (must be completed) I certify that I am an accredited investor at the time of my investment in the Fund because I satisfy one or more of the categories of qualified client listed below. The subscriber is: (write corresponding letter(s) in box provided) A. A natural person who individually or together with a spouse or spousal equivalent (i.e. a cohabitant occupying a relationship generally equivalent to that of a spouse) has a ‘‘net worth’’ in excess of $1.0 million. For purposes of determining net worth, i. the person’s primary residence shall not be included as an asset; ii. indebtedness that is secured by the person’s primary residence, up to the estimated fair market value of the primary residence at the time of the proposed subscription date, shall not be included as a liability (except that if the amount of such indebtedness outstanding at the proposed subscription date exceeds the amount outstanding 60 days before such date, other than as a result of the acquisition of the primary residence, the amount of such excess shall be included as a liability); and iii. indebtedness that is secured by the person’s primary residence in excess of the estimated fair market value of the primary residence at the proposed subscription date shall be included as a liability; B. A natural person who had a gross individual gross income in excess of $200,000 (or joint income together with a spouse or spousal equivalent (i.e. a cohabitant occupying a relationship generally equivalent to that of a spouse) in excess of $300,000) in each of the two previous years and reasonably expects a gross individual income in excess of $200,000 (or joint income together with a spouse or spousal equivalent in excess of $300,000) this year; C. A natural person holding in good standing one or more of the following professional certifications or designations administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA): the General Securities Representative license (Series 7), the Private Securities Offerings Representative license (Series 82) and the Licensed Investment Adviser Representative (Series 65). D. An entity that has total assets in excess of $5,000,000 AND was not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the securities offered, AND is any of the following: • a corporation; • a partnership; • a limited liability company; • a Massachusetts or similar business trust; OR • an organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. E. An entity who is any of the following: • a trust, not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the securities offered, with total assets in excess of $5,000,000 and whose purchase is directed by a sophisticated person; • a bank, or any savings and loan association or other institution acting in its individual or fiduciary capacity; • a broker or dealer; • an insurance company; |
Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund Investor Application Page 7 of 9 HF-10112_d (Rev. 12/22) • a private business development company under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”); • a Small Business Investment Company licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration; • a plan established and maintained by a State or any of its political subdivisions or any agency or instrument thereof for the benefit of its employees and has total assets in excess of $5,000,000; • an employee benefit plan within the meaning of ERISA, and the investment decision to acquire Shares has been made by a plan fiduciary, as defined in section 3(21) of ERISA, which is either a bank, savings and loan association, insurance company or registered investment adviser; • an employee benefit plan within the meaning of ERISA, and has total assets in excess of $5,000,000 or, if a self-directed plan, with investment decisions made solely by persons that are ‘‘accredited investors’’; • an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or registered with any state; • an investment adviser exempted from registration with the SEC pursuant to section 203(l) of the Advisers Act; OR • a family office (as defined in Rule 202(a)(11)(G)-1 under the Advisers Act) not formed for the specific purpose of investing in the securities offered, with assets under management in excess of $5,000,000, whose investment is directed by a person who has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that such family office is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the investment or a “family client” (as defined in Rule 202(a) (11)(G)-1 under the Advisers Act) of such a family office. F. An investment company or a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; G. An entity in which all of the beneficial owners are investors described in one or more of categories A through F above. 10. Acknowledgment and Signature (All account owners/trustees must sign on the following page.) By signing below: • I certify that I have received and read the current Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, Privacy Policy, and Investor Application of the Fund in which I am investing and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of each. I certify that I have the authority and legal capacity to make this purchase and that I am of legal age in my state of residence. • I authorize Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund and its agents to act upon instructions (by phone, in writing or other means) believed to be genuine and in accordance with the procedures described in the Prospectus for this account. I agree that neither Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund nor the Investment Manager, its affiliate or the transfer agent will be liable for any loss, cost or expense for acting on such instructions. • I certify that I am not a Foreign Financial Institution as defined in the USA Patriot Act. Under penalty of perjury, I certify that: 1. The Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number shown on this application is correct. 2. I am not subject to backup withholding because: (a) I am exempt from backup withholding; (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends; or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding. 3. I am a U.S citizen or other U.S. Person (including resident alien). 4. I am exempt from FATCA reporting. Note: Cross out item 2 if you have been notified by the IRS that you are currently subject to backup withholding. The Internal Revenue Service does not require your consent to any provision of this document other than the certifications required to avoid back-up withholding. An investment in the fund should be considered a speculative investment that entails substantial risks, including but not limited to: • Loss of capital, up to the entire amount of a shareholder’s investment • The fund’s shares are illiquid securities and an investment in the fund is appropriate only for those investors who do not require a liquid investment • Shares will not be listed on any national or other securities exchange and no secondary market is expected to develop for shares of the fund. • Shares are subject to substantial restrictions on transferability, and liquidity, if any, may be provided by the fund only through repurchase offers, which may, but are not required to, be made from time to time by the fund as determined by the fund’s board of trustees in its sole discretion • An investment in the fund is appropriate only for those investors who can tolerate a high degree of risk and do not require a liquid investment and for whom an investment in the fund does not constitute a complete investment program. |
Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund Investor Application Page 8 of 9 HF-10112_d (Rev. 12/22) __________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________ Signature of Owner, Trustee or Custodian Date Signed (mm/dd/yyyy) __________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________ Signature of Joint Owner, Trustee or Custodian (if applicable) Date Signed (mm/dd/yyyy) __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name(s) of Authorized Signer(s) (for verification purposes) (print) __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name(s) of Authorized Signer(s) (for verification purposes) (print) __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name of Broker/Financial Advisor/Other Investor Representative (print) __________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________ Signature of Broker/Financial Advisor/Other Investor Representative Date Signed (mm/dd/yyyy) If this is an individual retirement account, the custodian or trustee of the account is also required to execute this Application below: If the subscriber(s) is purchasing Shares through a registered dealer or registered investment adviser that has full discretionary authority for the subscriber(s), then the broker, financial advisor or other investor representative is required to execute this Agreement below. 11. FINRA - Registered Brokers/Representatives must complete Section 11A. SEC - Registered Investment Adviser Representatives must complete Section 11B. A. Broker/Financial Professional Information & Signatures By signing below: • I certify that I am a broker, financial professional or other investor representative duly licensed or exempt from licensing and lawfully able to sell Shares in the jurisdiction of the legal residence of the subscriber. • I have reasonable grounds to believe that the information and representations concerning the subscriber contained herein are true, correct and complete in all respects. • I have verified that the form of ownership selected is accurate, secured all identifying and supporting documents, including, without limitation, copies of trust agreements, where applicable, and if other than individual ownership, verified that the individual executing on behalf of the subscriber is properly authorized and identified. • My firm has, acting in its capacity as agent, broker, financial professional or other investor representative, performed functions required by U.S. federal and state securities laws, including, but not limited to Know Your Customer, Patriot Act (AML and Customer Identification) as required by its relationship with the subscriber identified in this Subscription Agreement. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name of Broker/Financial Advisor/Other Investor Representative (print) __________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________ Signature of Broker/Financial Advisor/Other Investor Representative Date Signed (mm/dd/yyyy) __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name of Registered Supervisory Principal (print) __________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________ Signature of Registered Supervisory Principal Date Signed (mm/dd/yyyy) |
Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund Investor Application Page 9 of 9 HF-10112_d (Rev. 12/22) B. Registered Investor Adviser/Investment Adviser Representative Information & Signatures By signing below: • I certify that my firm is a SEC-registered investment adviser duly licensed and lawfully able to transact business in Shares in the jurisdiction of the legal residence of the subscriber. • I have made every reasonable effort to determine the eligibility and Accredited Investor status of subscriber for this purchase of Shares and the information and representations concerning the subscriber contained herein are true, correct and complete in all respects. • I have verified that the form of ownership selected is accurate, secured all identifying and supporting documents, including, without limitation, copies of trust agreements, where applicable, and if other than individual ownership, verified that the individual executing on behalf of the subscriber is properly authorized and identified. In addition, I have taken reasonable steps to verify and document that the purpose and nature of the account is legitimate and that the client’s wealth and source of funds for this investment is not from criminal proceeds. • I represent and warrant that I have not made and will not make any representations concerning the Fund except as contained in the Prospectus or in sales materials provided by the Fund or the Distributor and that I have not and will not distribute any other sales material relating to the Fund without the prior written approval of Distributor. I further represent that I will retain such documents and records as required under applicable law and will make such documents and records available to (a) the Distributor or Fund upon request; and (b) representatives of the SEC, FINRA and applicable state securities administrators upon the Distributor’s or Fund’s receipt of an appropriate document subpoena or other appropriate request for documents from any such agency. • I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Fund, Distributor, and their respective officers, directors, employees, affiliates or agents from and against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) claimed to have resulted from (a) my negligence or violation of any applicable law or regulation; or (b) any breach of the representations and warranties set forth herein by me or any of my officers, directors, employees or agents. • My firm has, acting in its capacity as agent, broker, financial adviser or other investor representative, performed functions required by U.S. federal and state securities laws, including, as required by its relationship with the subscriber identified in this Subscription Agreement. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name of Investment Advisor/Other Investor Representative (print) __________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________ Signature of Investment Advisor/Other Investor Representative Date Signed (mm/dd/yyyy) __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name of Registered Supervisory Principal (if applicable) (print) __________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________ Signature of Registered Supervisory Principal Date Signed (mm/dd/yyyy) Following a significant business disruption, Hartford Funds will execute its Business Continuity Plan with the goal of recovering and resuming operations as quickly as possible given the scope and severity of the disruption. For further information regarding our Business Continuity Plan, please visit the Business Continuity section of our website at www.hartfordfunds.com or contact Hartford Funds at the above number. |
Exhibit 2.r.3
Schroders Capital Private Equity-Annex to Personal Account Dealing Policy
March 2022
Confidential - for internal use only - do not send externally
1. Scope of this Annex
This Annex (“Annex”) to Schroders “Personal Account Dealing Policy” (“Policy”) sets out additional rules and clarifications for all Schroders Capital Private Equity1 employees.
2. Schroders Capital Private Equity procedures
2.1 Transaction in Schroders plc shares
In addition to the rules set out in the Policy, the following rule applies: Transactions in Schroder plc shares under a discretionary mandate are not allowed.
2.2 Schroders Capital Private Equity Restricted list
As a general rule, the following is prohibited for Schroders Capital Private Equity employees:
§ | Trading in public securities (of whatever type, incl. listed shares, high yield bonds and options, rights, warrants and any other derivatives relating to such securities) of the companies that Schroders Capital Private Equity funds or mandate client vehicles or other products have an investment in. Generally, such public companies are listed on the Schroders Capital Private Equity Restricted List (“Restricted List”, see below). |
As an exception to the above: Trading in public securities of companies with a market capitalization of more than USD 5bn and in which Schroders Capital’s Private Equity underlying fund managers’ total percentage of investment is less than 5% is generally permitted.
§ | Trading in securities (of whatever type, incl. listed shares, high yield bonds and options, rights, warrants and any other derivatives relating to such securities) of companies of which Schroders Capital Private Equity has material non-public information, e.g., in the context of evaluating an investment or through an executed Confidentiality Agreement. |
§ | If a Schroders Capital Private Equity employee has received potential material non-public information (e.g., the communicated intent of a fund manager to dispose of his significant shareholding of a listed company), he is not allowed to trade on such information and he must follow the procedure set out in Section 2.2. of the Schroders Capital Private Equity Annex to Schroders Market Abuse Policy. |
§ | The acquisition of securities in an initial or secondary public offering (and up to six months thereafter) of companies that Schroders Capital Private Equity funds or mandate client vehicles or other products have a direct or indirect2 investment in, is prohibited. Employees have the duty to inquire internally prior to investing in any IPO / SPO (and up to six months thereafter) to ensure that Schroders Capital Private Equity funds or mandate client vehicles or other products have no (direct or indirect) investment in the respective securities. |
Schroders Capital’s Private Equity Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) shall maintain (or cause to be maintained) a Restricted List which is replicated in My Compliance.
The Restricted List shall include:
1 Note: “Schroders Capital Private Equity” is not a legal entity but refers to the Private Equity business of Schroders Capital.
2 Reference is made to the Shareholder Disclosure Guidelines: Note that Schroders Capital Private Equity does not always receive the information that an investee company (indirect investment) has IPOed or is about to IPO.
§ | companies with listed securities that Schroders Capital Private Equity funds or mandate client vehicles or other products have a (direct or indirect3) investment in; with the general exception of public securities of companies with a market capitalization of more than USD 5bn and in which Schroders Capital’s Private Equity underlying fund managers’ total percentage of investment is less than 5%, |
§ | public securities of companies that Schroders Capital Private Equity funds or mandate client vehicles or other products are considering to invest in, and |
§ | any other company with public securities of which members of the Investment Management team or any other Employee has material non-public information (in case of which he must follow the procedure set out in Section 2.2. of the Schroders Capital Private Equity Annex to Schroders Market Abuse Policy). |
2.3 Access Persons
All employees of the Schroders Capital Private Equity group are ‘Access Person’ as defined under relevant SEC rules and procedures. As a result hereof, the following additional requirements will apply:
2.4 Schroders Capital’s Private Equity Board of Directors
In line with FINMA Circular 2013/8, the members of the Board of Directors of Schroders Capital Management (Switzerland) AG are required to provide information (e.g. statements) about their securities account relationships in case of need. Therefore, they need to complete Annex 3 hereto on an annual basis and submit it to Schroders Capital’s Private Equity Chief Compliance Officer.
2.5 Permissible Investments.
See Annex 1 (to be read in conjunction with the “Permissible Investments” Table as set out in the Group Personal Account Dealing Policy).
2.6 Applicable Accounts.
See Annex 2 (to be read in conjunction with Section 3.2 and 3.3 of the Group Personal Account Dealing Policy).
2.7 Personal Account Dealing (PAD) checks.
In addition to MCO alert reviews which are carried out ad hoc, personal trades are subject to post-trade monitoring, carried out by Compliance on a regular basis (at least once a quarter and for two employees). Criteria for selecting employees vary and can (amongst others) be based on trading volume and frequency in trading and trading amounts.
Post trade monitoring is documented by Compliance.
2.8 Non-Compliance and Schroders Capital Private Equity Breach Framework
Depending on the circumstances, non-compliance with the policy may be treated as a serious disciplinary matter and may potentially amount to a breach of an individual’s legal obligations. Schroders Capital Private Equity reserves the right to issue written reminders, written warnings, personal trading bans, escalate to management for consideration as part of supervision and remuneration discussions, and take further sanctions, up to and including dismissal of Staff and/or the reporting of the situation to the relevant regulatory body4, as described in the Schroders Capital Private Equity Breach Framework
3 Reference is made to the Shareholder Disclosure Guidelines: Note that Schroders Capital Private Equity does not always receive the information that an investee company (indirect investment) has IPOed or is about to IPO.
4 See also Section 7 of Schroders Personal Account Dealing Policy.
3. Ownership and document approval
Ownership | |
Policy owner | Anne-Juliane Knauer, Chief Compliance Officer |
Department | Compliance |
Telephone | +41 (0) 58 445 55 02 |
anne-juliane.knauer@schroders.com | |
Who can I contact for advice? | Anne-Juliane Knauer, Chief Compliance Officer
Aikaterini Rigoulia, Compliance Officer |
Review and approval schedule |
Version | Date of approval |
Approved by (name/committee) |
Written or updated by |
Description of changes |
1.0 | September 2017 | Board of Directors of Schroder Adveq | Anne-Juliane Knauer | |
2.0 | December 2019 | Board of Directors of Schroder Adveq | Anne-Juliane Knauer | Schroder Adveq Annex to Schroders Group Personal Account Dealing Policy |
3.0 | June 2020 | Board of Directors of Schroder Adveq | Anne-Juliane Knauer | Update of Annex to reflect PAD checks |
4.0 | July 2021 | N/A | Aikaterini Rigoulia | Minor changes to reflect the rebranding to Schroders Capital |
5.0 | March 2022 | N/A | Aikaterini Rigoulia | Minor changes |
Annex 1 - Permissible Investments
Below table must be read in conjunction with the “Permissible Investments” Table as set out in the Group Personal Account Dealing Policy.
Financial
instrument (including new issues) |
Permissible
(subject to clearance where required)? |
Pre-clearance required? |
Post
trade reporting by broker, Staff member or PCA to Compliance required within 5 business days |
Required
holding period of 60 calendar days (but frequent trading discouraged for all instruments) |
Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) | Yes
Exemptions: initial or secondary public offering (and up to six months thereafter) of companies that Schroders Capital Private Equity funds or mandate client vehicles or other products have a (direct or in direct) investment in |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
High Yield Bonds | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Non-Schroder Open Ended Funds, authorised for distribution to the public in the Staff member’s country (UCITS funds in Europe), excluding exchange traded funds | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Broad- based exchange traded fund (ETF) on major market indices and fiat currency ETFs5 | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
All other Index tracking Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Private Equity, including Private funds (incl. Private Equity6 funds) and Private Companies |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
SUPP, SBOT, GAIA II, GAIA GIPP | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1 year holding period |
5 Broad based ETFs for the purpose of this policy means index tracking ETFs where no single security held by the fund can make up more than 20% of the fund`s NAV as stated in its offering documentation
6 “Private equity” in this context means investments or special purpose vehicles arranged by private equity firms or financial advisers that are not publicly traded.
Annex 2 - Applicable Accounts
Below table must be read in conjunction with Section 3.2 and 3.3 of the Group Personal Account Dealing Policy.
Account type | Applicable/Not
Applicable under these rules |
Additional considerations |
United States 401(k) plans (managed by the employee or in a non-discretionary account by third party manager) | Applicable | . |
United States 401(k) plans (managed in a discretionary account by a third part manager) | Not applicable |
Annex 3 – Board of Directors member declaration
Overview of securities account relationships / Confirmation
(Only to be used by the members of the Schroders Capital Private Equity Board of Directors)
To be provided to Schroders Capital Private Equity’s Chief Compliance Officer
I hereby declare that I have current securities account relationships (including those accounts for which I have beneficial ownership or power of attorney):
Name:
Deposit – Nr | Bank |
I herewith agree to provide the statements of my securities account relationships (including those accounts for which I have beneficial ownership or power of attorney) in the case of need to Compliance. I further agree to provide an updated statement on an annual basis.
Note: Only safekeeping accounts maintained with a financial institution have to be declared. In case of a banking relationship, where only a cash account but no securities account is maintained, the relationship does not have to be declared.
Additional note with regard to dealing in Schroders plc shares
If the Board Member wishes to buy or sell any interests in Schroders plc shares after his/her appointment, prior consent should be obtained through Schroders Capital Private Equity Compliance in accordance with the Group’s Personal Account Dealing Policy. Dealings in Schroders shares are not permitted during "closed periods" which are currently 60 days prior to the announcement of the Group’s full year results and 30 days prior to the announcement of the Group’s first quarter, half year and third quarter results.
Date
Name of the member of the Board of the Directors
Signature
Contents
1. | Executive Summary | 3 | |
2. | Why is it necessary? | 3 | |
3. | Scope | 3 | |
4. | Policy requirements | 4 | |
5. | Dealing Restrictions | 6 | |
6. | Staff Risk Levels | 9 | |
7. | Non-Compliance and Schroders Breach Framework | 11 | |
8. | Exemptions and Derogations | 12 | |
9. | Local PA Dealing Rules | 12 | |
10. | Ownership and document approval | 13 | |
11. | Review and Approval Schedule | 13 | |
12. | Appendix – Rules in relation to Schroders plc shares | 14 |
Group Personal Account Dealing Policy | ![]() |
1. Executive Summary
The Group Personal Account Dealing policy (the policy) sets out Schroders’ principles governing personal account (PA) dealing in financial instruments, including Schroders plc shares. These requirements are modified in some countries as explained in section 9.
Specific rules in relation to Schroders plc shares are included in the Appendix, which apply to all staff globally including contractors and interns (regardless of the length of contract) and non-executive Directors of Schroders Group companies.
‘US Access Persons’ associated with our US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulated entities (currently Schroder Investment Management North America Limited (SIMNA), Schroder Investment Management (Japan) Limited (SIM Japan Ltd), Schroders Capital Private Equity entities, Schroder Wealth Management US Ltd (SWUSL) and our SEC regulated US based entities) are subject to the US Code of Ethics policy and additional reporting requirements will apply as set out in section 6.4.
All Staff must:
– | Review and understand the provisions of the policy |
– | Obtain any pre-clearance required under the policy from Compliance through the My Compliance system, before undertaking any transactions |
– | Keep the outcome of personal trade requests confidential and particularly do not discuss denied requests with others |
– | Provide to Compliance all relevant requested information on a timely basis |
– | Report immediately to Compliance any breach or suspected breach of the policy or applicable PA dealing rules as soon as the staff member becomes aware of such circumstance |
– | Be aware of additional requirements which apply to Higher Risk Staff (see section 6) |
2. Why is it necessary?
The policy reinforces the Group’s high standards of integrity, and provides a framework for staff to comply with regulations on the prevention of market abuse and to appropriately avoid or manage conflicts of interest, in relation to personal investment activities.
3. Scope
Full policy requirements
The policy is applicable to the Group’s:
· | Employees; |
· | Contractors (contracts in Schroders for more than three months); |
· | Interns (work experience staff present for less than a week at Schroders can be excluded). It is recommended that interns refrain from engaging in personal account dealing during their internship, to reduce the risk of breaching this policy; |
· | In-house staff of outsourced service providers in Schroders for more than three months (herein known as staff)1; and |
· | Persons Closely Associated (PCAs) with staff (as defined below in section 3.1). |
The PA dealing rules also apply to private investments including but not exclusive to investments in private companies, private equity and private funds. Where you have any other interest in, or association with a listed or non-listed company (such as being appointed a board member or a trustee of a pension fund or charity)
1 This does not include ancillary roles such as catering staff or cleaners.
Group Personal Account Dealing Policy | ![]() |
please refer to the Group External Appointments policy.
Schroder plc shares requirements
The PA dealing rules in relation to Schroder plc shares apply to all staff globally, including contractors and interns of any contract length and to non-executive Directors of Schroders Group companies as described in the Appendix.
3.1 Persons Closely Associated (PCAs)
PCAs are persons over whom the staff member advises, exerts influence over, or for whose account the staff member effects or instructs trades, examples of these include:
– | Spouses, partners, minors and other dependent children/stepchildren who share the same household. |
– | Other relatives who have shared the same household for the previous year (or more).2 |
– | A corporate body, trust or partnership in whose trades the staff member or their PCA has a material direct or indirect interest or has direct or indirect control. This may include other family members, for example, or trusts of which a member of staff or their PCA is a beneficiary and/or a trustee or an adviser.3 |
The policy does not apply to trades entered into by PCAs as part of the remuneration schemes of their own employment.
Please see section 8.3 for further detail on PCA derogations.
3.2 Accounts in scope of the requirements of this policy
– | All self-directed accounts (whether advisory or execution only) held by staff or their PCAs4. This includes accounts set up for the receipt of financial gifts or inheritance (if this includes financial instruments in scope of this policy as per the Permissible Investments Table) |
– | Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPS) (UK only) or other Self- directed Pensions Plans held by staff or their PCAs5 |
– | Stocks and shares individual savings accounts (ISAs) held by staff or their PCAs6 |
– | Trusts in respect of which a member of staff or their PCA is a beneficiary, and/or a trustee7 |
3.3 Accounts not in scope of the requirements of this policy
The following arrangements can be conducted without needing to comply with the requirements of this policy:
– | Discretionary managed accounts (accounts where full discretion has been given to a third party to manage) other than in relation to Schroder plc shares. US Access Persons should refer to section 8.4 for additional requirements. |
– | Accounts which can only hold forex or crypto assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, Solana, Polkadot (note accounts which can hold shares in crypto asset companies, crypto asset options or futures, tokenised securities, ETFs containing crypto assets are in scope) . |
– | Schroders corporate pensions, defined contribution and defined benefit pension schemes and any other pension schemes (excluding the account types listed in section 3.2) |
2 Individuals living in shared accommodation with no other relationship, are not considered PCAs for the purpose of this policy.
3 This does not include clients, who you only advise or ‘act on behalf of’ in the course of your Schroders employment.
4 Including robo advised accounts deemed to be self-directed accounts i.e. where a member of Staff retains trading discretion over the account.
5 All Schroders Corporate Hargreaves Lansdown (HL) SIPPs must be set up for automatic reporting through HL.
6 Including Junior ISAs & Lifetime ISAs (LISAs).
7 This excludes blind trusts.
Group Personal Account Dealing Policy | ![]() |
– | Schroders ISA and Schroders Non-ISA investment accounts used for investing into Schroder funds (including pension matching alternatives), except where the investor is the fund manager of the fund in which they are transacting (such investments are in scope of the policy requirements and need to be pre cleared in My Compliance) |
– | Employee Compensation Plan Fund (ECP) awards or other forms of deferred compensation except for awards or options over Schroder shares. Please note that the hedging of any form of compensation award is prohibited (see section 5.7). |
4. | Policy requirements |
4.1 | Governing Principles |
As the Group’s business involves research and investment on behalf of clients, conflicts of interest and exposure to confidential or price sensitive information (inside information), can often arise or be perceived to arise. These can present significant regulatory and reputational risks both for individual staff and for the Group when staff make personal account transactions in instruments, where the Group or entities within the Group has been disclosed confidential information, is currently dealing in the same securities or which it is holding for its clients. Circumstances can be ambiguous and regulators’ sanctions for PA dealing transactions that are found not to comply with statutory or regulatory requirements or the Group’s policy can be severe and very damaging.
Staff must comply with the PA dealing rules applicable to them as summarised below. In addition, staff must not enter into personal transactions that could amount to market abuse, criminal activity, a material conflict of interest that is not mitigated or a breach of fiduciary duty. This includes transactions which (not limited to):
– | Are based on inside information |
– | Involve the misuse or improper disclosure of confidential information |
– | Conflict with, or are likely to conflict with, an obligation of Schroders to a client, including the fundamental duty to act in the best interests of clients |
For further information on market abuse risks and the definition of inside information, please refer to the Group Market Abuse Policy.
4.1.1 PA dealing activities must not detract (or be seen to detract) from an individual’s responsibilities to Schroders’ clients. Accordingly, all Staff must ensure when undertaking personal transactions for themselves or their PCAs, or when advising or influencing any PCAs of theirs that they do not:
– | Deal on confidential information, or advise, encourage or influence anyone else to do so; |
– | Utilise knowledge of client trading for their own or another’s benefit; |
– | Undertake transactions that would conflict with any of Schroders’ obligations to its clients; |
– | Participate in excessively active trading, which may interfere or be seen to interfere with the member of staff’s ability to conduct their employment responsibilities and may also substantially increase the risks (both regulatory and reputational) to the employee, or the Group; or |
– | Make trades that expose them to material open-ended liabilities. For example, leveraged account management, without putting an appropriate stop-loss mechanism in place |
4.1.2 | Staff are reminded that inside, confidential or price-sensitive information obtained through their employment with Schroders or otherwise, is to be kept confidential at all times and only disclosed during the proper course of the exercise of their employment duties. |
4.1.3 | These principles also apply to staff joining or leaving Schroders with regard to any knowledge of confidential information, they may have acquired prior to joining Schroders or during their time with Schroders. |
Group Personal Account Dealing Policy | ![]() |
4.2 | Prohibition and exemptions |
Please refer to the Permissible Investments Table here and more details below:
4.2.1 | The following investment types are prohibited (you must not conduct any trading in the following) under the policy: |
· | Writing Uncovered Options (incl. uncovered options on currency and on interest rates) |
· | Swaps (Equity, Credit, Interest Rate, Currency, Index) |
· | Forward Interest Rate Agreements8 |
· | Spread betting linked to financial instruments including for example spread bets on Schroder plc shares |
· | Contracts for Difference (CFDs) linked to financial instruments, including for example CFD’s that reference options or commodities |
· | Short selling in all non-exempt investment types (please refer to section 4.2.3 for exempt investment types), unless the request is approved by the employee’s line manager as an exception9 |
· | Hedging of remuneration awards (please refer to section 5.7) |
Staff who have existing positions as at whichever date is later between the 1st June 2021 or the date on which they joined Schroders (hire date), in any of the above instruments are allowed to maintain (but not add to) their current positions or exit them.
4.2.2 | The following investment types are exempt from: 1) Pre-clearance and 2) Post trade reporting but remain subject to a 60-day holding period (see section 5.4): |
· | Any broad-based exchange traded fund (ETF) on major market indices and fiat currency ETFs.10 All other ETFs require pre-clearance and post trade reporting in My Compliance US Access Persons should refer to section 6 for additional requirements |
· | Any broad-based index linked futures or option, and fiat currency futures and options.11 All other types of index linked derivatives require pre-clearance and post trade reporting in My Compliance. US Access Persons should refer to section 6 for additional requirements |
· | Crowdfunding (staff must alert Compliance of potential conflicts). US Access Persons should refer to section 6 of this policy for additional requirements |
· | All third-party retail Open Ended Funds, including UCITS and SICAVS. US Access Persons should refer to section 6 of this policy for additional requirements |
· | Seed Enterprise Investment Schemes and Enterprise Investment Schemes (UK only). US Access Persons should refer to section 6 of this policy for additional requirements |
· | Non-discretionary dividend reinvestment transactions and corporate action elections for which formal public documents are issued12 |
8 For hedging, please contact Compliance.
9 Staff must submit their request to short sell (in non-exempt investment types) in My Compliance by selecting the “Short Sale” option on the preclearance request form. Compliance will then route the request to their line manager for exceptional approval. Staff are not permitted to execute the trade until they have received approval from their line manager (via My Compliance). Requests will only be approved if Schroders has not recently traded the security. Shorts that present a conflict of interest with a long position in the security held by Schroders, will also be denied.
10 Broad based ETFs for the purpose of this policy means index tracking ETF’s where no single security held by the fund can make up more than 20% of the fund’s NAV (Net Asset Value) as stated in its offering documentation (e.g., prospectus) or factsheet.
11 Broad based index linked futures or options for the purpose of this policy means futures and options linked to an index where no single security on the index makes up more than 20% of the index.
12 This includes dividend reinvestment plans, scrip issues, scrip dividends, tender offers, taking up rights issues (although permission is required to sell rights or to oversubscribe).
Group Personal Account Dealing Policy | ![]() |
· | Japanese Government Bonds for Individuals13 US Access Persons should refer to section 6 of this policy for additional requirements. |
4.2.3 | The following investment types are exempt from: 1) Pre-clearance, 2) Post trade reporting, and 3) the 60-day holding period: |
· | Money market instruments (such as short-term bonds/bills, commercial paper) |
· | Spot and Forward FX |
· | Crypto assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, Solana, Polkadot, (note shares in crypto asset companies, crypto asset options or futures, tokenised securities14, ETFs containing crypto assets are subject to pre clearance, post trade reporting and the 60-day holding period). |
· | Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) (note NFTs linked to financial instruments are subject to pre clearance, post trade reporting and the 60-day holding period). |
· | Spread bets linked to FX |
4.3 | Pre-clearance and post trade reporting |
4.3.1 Pre-clearance and post trade reporting are required for all instruments except those that are exempt in section 4.2.2 and 4.2.3 and the following, which only require post trade reporting:
· | Government and Supra-national bonds |
· | Schroder managed open ended funds |
4.3.2 | To ensure that we adhere to the governing principles in section 4.1, the following are examples of reasons why clearance to trade may not be given (but are non-exhaustive): |
– | The instrument is on the Stop List |
– | There is recent, current or planned client trading in the instrument |
– | The Group holds more than 10 percent of the capital of the stock for clients and/or itself |
– | The security has not been held for the required holding period |
– | For Schroders plc shares, the Group is in a closed or restricted period |
Please see section 5 below for more details.
4.3.3 After pre-clearance has been received from My Compliance, it will be valid until market close on the following business day (market refers to the exchange(s) that the security is traded on) unless otherwise stated, and PA dealing may only take place in that timeframe (except, for example, in the case of applications for Initial Public Offerings or investments in private funds and companies, where clearance will apply until allocation).
4.3.4 If after receiving pre-clearance you proceed to execute less shares/units/value than pre-cleared, this will not be treated as a breach of policy. However, you should make every effort to enter the information in your pre-clearance request as accurately as possible. Trade executions which exceed your pre-cleared amount will be treated as a breach of this policy unless there is a mitigating circumstance, such as a price movement between your pre-clearance request and the trade execution.
You are required to complete all post trade reporting in My Compliance within five business days (two
13 Japanese Government Bond’s for Individuals with a fixed 1-year minimum redemption rates.
14 A digital token created to represent a “real world” asset, such as a stock, bond, commodity or interest in real estate. These are tokens that amount to a ‘Specified Investment’ under the Regulated Activities Order (RAO), excluding e-money. These may provide rights such as ownership, repayment of a specific sum of money, or entitlement to a share in future profits. They may also be transferable securities or other financial instrument under the EU’s Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II).
Group Personal Account Dealing Policy | ![]() |
days for trades in Schroders plc) of the trade15 and at the same time provide Compliance with paper or electronic proof of executing the transaction (e.g., a contract note). Please note that Compliance may on occasion, request additional information relating to your personal trading, such as transaction histories or statements to facilitate compliance monitoring activities. Trades executed through the Computershare portal (for Schroders plc shares) will be automatically reported into My Compliance.
4.4 | Automated Broker Feeds |
If you have an account with a broker which provides an automated feed (please contact your local Compliance team for available broker feeds) you are strongly advised to contact Compliance regarding setting up an automated feed, which will complete the reporting of trades in those accounts on your behalf and ensure your compliance with the policy requirements. Please note, where an automated feed is set up, you are still required to seek pre-clearance prior to execution.
4.5 | Reporting of PA Dealing to Management |
All staff (and their PCA’s) who decide to engage in PA dealing activity that is in scope of this policy, should be aware of the ongoing reporting of PA transactions to senior management when they submit their pre-clearance requests or report trades.
This reporting may be exceptional or routine, and may include pre-clearance requests, PA dealing approvals or details of trades executed.
Please note that, as part of implementation of the policy, access to a limited number of websites may be logged and monitored for the purposes of identifying potential breaches of this policy.
5. | Dealing Restrictions |
The following (sections 5.1-5.8) are examples of why pre-clearance may be denied, please note this is not an exhaustive list.
5.1 | Stop List |
If securities are on the Stop List, staff will be refused permission to deal. This is normally because one or more staff members of the Group are in possession of potentially price-sensitive or confidential information.
5.2 | Dealing in Schroders plc shares |
Transactions in Schroders shares are prohibited during closed periods as well as in restricted periods when a staff member is an ‘insider’ in relation to Schroders shares. The specific restrictions and the definition of these periods are set out in the Appendix.
Schroders plc shares purchased in the market (rather than forming part of a remuneration award) are subject to a one-year holding period.
5.3 | Where the Group holds more than 10 percent. |
Where Schroders holds more than 10 percent of the issued share capital of a company, on behalf of clients or itself, staff will be refused permission to purchase equity investments in that company. This is because regulatory and reputational risks are deemed higher, as the Group is more likely to be in possession of confidential information.
Exceptions to this rule are:
– | Open ended Schroder managed funds |
15 For new issuances, reporting in My Compliance is required within 5 business days of the allocation date.
Group Personal Account Dealing Policy | ![]() |
– | Closed ended Schroder managed investment trusts |
– | If pre-emption rights are compromised, e.g., in the case of public rights issues, in which case Compliance should be consulted |
Disposal of such an investment is permitted. However, staff (in particular Investment staff, with knowledge of, or dealings with, the company or its senior management) should take great care in timing these disposals in accordance with the governing principles in section 4.1 of this Policy.
5.4 | Minimum Holding Period |
Staff and their PCAs should not engage in PA dealing activity for short-term speculative purposes. All securities, unless they are exempt under section 4.2.3, must be held for a minimum of 60 calendar days. Therefore, staff and their PCAs are not permitted to sell within 60 days of a purchase of the same instrument, irrespective of the staff’s existing holdings (i.e., if staff or their PCAs have existing holdings, the latest transaction date will prevail). This rule applies in aggregate across all accounts held by the member of staff or their PCA, and which is in scope of this policy in section 3.2.
The use of Stop Losses, Limit Orders and Auto Calls within the 60-day period is permitted if the details are disclosed at the time of the pre-clearance request in My Compliance.
Other derogations may be exceptionally agreed on a case-by-case basis with Compliance (e.g., in cases of personal financial hardship).
Schroders plc shares purchased in the market (rather than forming part of a remuneration award) are subject to a one-year holding period.
5.5 | Pending Client Orders |
Compliance will check for any pending client orders. Factors that are taken into consideration within My Compliance in responding to a pre-clearance request include:
– | The size of the trade request (and the cumulative value of other trades in the investment in the prior 60 days) |
– | Whether the trade request relates to a Small Cap stock (typically market capitalisation of £2 billion or less) |
– | Whether the staff member is Higher Risk (as per section 6) |
Executed transactions are also subject to post-trade monitoring against client trading activity and explanations may be requested from staff.
5.6 | Proximity to Client Trades |
Compliance has mechanisms in place to monitor potential conflicts of interest with client trades, as the risk is higher when PA dealing is undertaken in close proximity to dealing on behalf of clients.
Buying or selling financial instruments up to five business days before client trades is prohibited where the staff member has knowledge of the Group’s intention to trade on behalf of a client and such trading may have an impact on the price of the instruments, even where approval through My Compliance is received. This may be subject to post-trade compliance monitoring by Compliance and explanations may be requested from staff.
5.7 | Remuneration Awards – Hedging |
Personal hedging is prohibited for remuneration awards that reflect deferred compensation in shares, or equivalent during the deferral and/or holding period for those awards. This includes share or fund awards that staff receive as part of their performance-based remuneration under our Deferred Award Plan, Equity Compensation Plan, Equity Incentive Plan or Long-Term Incentive Plan.
Any use of financial products (for example, insurance linked products that would not otherwise be in scope of this policy) to protect against or limit the risk associated with deferred remuneration awards is prohibited. This includes short sales, puts, calls or other types of financial instruments (including but not limited to variable
Group Personal Account Dealing Policy | ![]() |
forwards contracts, and collars) which are based on the value of Schroders shares, funds, or other securities granted to, or held directly or indirectly by such staff member as part of their performance-based remuneration.
Hedging of any currency risk that may be associated with a share or fund award or other staff compensation is permitted.
If a staff member breaches this rule, they may be liable to forfeit all or part of their restricted or unvested awards.
5.8 Proximity to Internal Investment Research
All staff are reminded that conducting personal account dealing in the securities of issuers or Schroder funds, in which there has been or where you are aware there will be published internal research, presents a (perceived) conflict of interest. Staff should therefore be careful not to engage in personal account dealing during such time. Typically, this will apply in the five days prior and the five days following the publication of the research document. Research for the purposes of this requirement, relates to documents written by Schroders staff which includes information recommending or suggesting an investment strategy, explicitly or implicitly, concerning one or several financial instruments or the issuers, including any opinion as to the present or future value or price of such instruments. A typical investment recommendation would include any buy, sell, or relative value recommendation, for equities and bonds and any other in scope financial instrument, regardless of whether any time horizon for the trade is specified and irrespective of whether there is a specific price target.
Internal Research for the purposes of this policy does not include:
1) | A communication that does not refer to either a specific financial instrument or its issuer |
2) | A communication relating solely to spot currency rates, sectors, interest rates, loans, commodities, macroeconomic variables or industry sectors and not referring to a specific financial instrument or an issuer |
3) | Any communication containing purely factual information on one or several financial instruments or issuers of financial instruments |
In addition, Research Analysts, Research Associates and other staff involved in the production of internal investment research (including their PCAs), are prohibited from personal trading in an issuer (and its issues) or fund which they cover, in the five business days prior, and the five business days following the issuance of research reports covering that issuer or fund.
When pre-clearing personal account trades in My Compliance, Investment staff must attest that they have not and will not issue a research document in the five business days prior and the five business days following, in the financial instrument in which they are seeking pre-clearance.
6. Higher Risk Staff
The following requirements only apply to Higher Risk Staff. Higher Risk Staff are staff who are more likely to have access to non-public price sensitive information and/or to client trading information and/or may undertake roles that may be more likely to create an actual or perceived conflict of interest.
Higher Risk staff include:
– Group Management Committee members
– Investment staff
– Compliance staff16
– Investment Risk staff
16 Who have administrator permissions in My Compliance, including restricted list manager permissions.
Group Personal Account Dealing Policy | ![]() |
– All other ‘US Access Persons’ associated with our SEC regulated entities
If you are a Higher Risk Staff member, additional restrictions apply to Higher Risk staff, as follows:
6.1 Pending Client Orders (All Higher Risk Staff)
Restrictions set within My Compliance are greater for Higher Risk Staff on approving the buying or selling of financial instruments where the instrument is pending client order execution.
6.2 Trades in own Investment Universe (Investment Staff)
Investment staff are required to inform Compliance via the My Compliance system when a trade request is within their own Investment Universe, irrespective of the size of the request.
Investment Universe includes investments in relation to which the individual or others on the same desk have undertaken research or analysis on the security or issuer as part of that desk’s coverage, whether or not it has been held in a client portfolio, in the last 12 months, or in the case of dealers, within the dealing desk’s scope of responsibility.
6.3 Trades in own managed funds (Investment Staff)
Investment staff are required to inform Compliance via the My Compliance system when a trade request is in a fund managed by their desk, irrespective of the size of the request.
6.4 US Access Persons
If you have been advised by Compliance that you are an ‘US Access Person’ associated with our SEC regulated entities (currently SIMNA Ltd, SWUSL Ltd, SIM Japan Ltd, Schroders Capital Private Equity entities, and our SEC regulated US based entities) and hence subject to the US Code of Ethics, the following additional requirements will apply:
Trade Reporting Requirements
In addition to the post-trade reporting as set out in section 4, US Access Persons are also required to:
– | Include non-Schroder Open Ended Funds that have not been authorised for distribution to the public in the Staff member’s country17, in their Initial Declaration, Quarterly and Annual Reports (see below for details about these reports); and |
– | Include Schroder Open Ended Funds in their Initial Declaration, Quarterly and Annual Reports (see below for details about these reports); and |
– | Include all ETFs and other derivatives linked to major market indices in their Initial Declaration, Quarterly and Annual Reports (see below for details about these reports); and |
– | Include all Enterprise Investment Schemes and Seed Enterprise Investment Schemes in their Initial Declaration, Quarterly and Annual Reports (see below for details about these reports); and |
– | Include all investment-based Crowdfunding in their Initial Declaration, Quarterly and Annual Reports (see below for details about these reports); and |
– | Include all government bond investments (including Japanese Government Bonds) in their Initial Declaration, Quarterly and Annual Reports (see below for details about these reports); and |
– | Report subsequent transactions in regular savings plans for which the initial transaction has been pre-cleared require reporting in the Quarterly Reports (see below); and |
17 Open ended funds that are not: 1) US registered or 2) available to the retail public; daily priced; traded with the issuer; not managed by Schroders and not made by a US Access Person on a trading desk.
Group Personal Account Dealing Policy | ![]() |
– | US Access Persons on trading desks only: non-Schroder Open Ended Funds, authorised for distribution to the public in the Staff member’s country (UCITS funds in Europe) within five business days. |
The reporting obligation may be discharged by arranging with their brokers/agents to report the transaction via an established automated feed into My Compliance.
Initial Declaration
No later than 10 calendar days after being advised that they are subject to the US Code of Ethics policy, each US Access Person must report each Permissible Investment they own in My Compliance or if agreed with Compliance, provide a list of their investments (as defined below).
The information provided, which must be current as of a date no more than 45 days prior to the date such person became an US Access Person, must include the title of the security, at least one of exchange ticker symbol, ISIN, CUSIP or Sedol and number of shares owned (for equities), or principal amount (for debt securities). The US Access Person must also provide information regarding the name of the broker, dealer, or bank with whom the staff member maintains an account in which any securities are held for the direct or indirect benefit of the staff member, and set these accounts up in My Compliance.
Quarterly Reports
No later than 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter, each US Access Person must confirm that all transactions in Permissible Investments, including for the avoidance of doubt Schroder Funds and reportable funds for which pre-clearance was not required, in the quarter have been reported in My Compliance and make any additions/amendments in the system as necessary. US Access Persons are required to confirm these transactions through an attestation in My Compliance.
Annual Reports
Within 45 days after the end of the calendar year, each US Access Person must confirm all holdings in Permissible Investments for their covered accounts as of 31 December in My Compliance. US Access Persons are required to confirm these transactions through an attestation in My Compliance.
7. Non-Compliance and Schroders Breach Framework
Staff and their PCAs should regularly review their own trading to ensure that they have acted in compliance with the provision of this policy. To the extent that a member of staff determines that they or a PCA of theirs has executed a transaction not in compliance with this policy, the violation must be reported to their local Compliance team immediately.
Personal trades are subject to post-trade monitoring which could result in retrospective action being taken, if there is evidence of non-compliance with the governing principles of this policy, even if the request was approved in the My Compliance system.
Depending on the circumstances, non-compliance with this policy may be treated as a serious disciplinary matter and may potentially amount to a breach of an individual’s legal obligations.
In the event that any staff or their PCA are found to have breached this policy, including the governing principles, in accordance with the breach framework, Schroders reserves the right to:
– | Issue personal trading bans |
– | Insist that the member of staff or PCA closes out the position at their own cost |
– | Pay any profits to charity |
– | Escalate to management, for consideration as part of supervision and remuneration discussions |
– | Take further sanctions, up to and including dismissal of staff and/or the reporting of the situation to the relevant regulatory body |
The UK Schroders breach framework can be found here. Staff outside of the UK should refer to their local breach framework or speak to their local Compliance team for more details.
Group Personal Account Dealing Policy | ![]() |
8. Exemptions and Derogations
8.1 Regular Savings/Investment/Trading Plans
This section relates to securities, which are subject to pre-clearance and/or post trade reporting in this Policy.
When setting up a regular savings plan or other similar investment/trading plans18 where successive personal transactions are carried out on behalf of a member of staff or their PCA in accordance with prior instructions given by them, the first transaction must be pre-cleared/reported in My Compliance as per the requirements listed in the Executive Summary of this Policy.
For regular “value based” saving/trading plans, given current system constraints, please clarify your intentions in the comments field and amend the price to give the correct value on your pre clearance request/trade report in My Compliance.
Subsequent transactions do not require pre-clearance. Reporting of subsequent transactions is required for Directors of Schroders plc and their PCAs in relation to Schroders plc shares (see the Appendix) and for US Access Persons in their Quarterly and Annual transactions/holdings reporting as per section 6.4, but not for other staff.
Changes to a regular savings plan are also subject to the pre-clearance and/or post trade reporting (of the first subsequent transaction) requirements. Compliance may also periodically request confirmation that the plan has not changed. The termination or withdrawal of the staff member or PCA’s recurring instruction does not require pre-clearance, unless the assets that were acquired under the instructions are being disposed of at the same time. For changes to regular saving plans or other similar investment/trading plan instructions involving Schroders plc shares, please refer to the Appendix.
8.2 Staff on extended leave
Staff on extended leave (e.g., maternity, sick etc.) may be given an exemption from the policy requirements during their leave. The staff member is responsible for liaising with their local Compliance team and seeking an exemption based on their individual circumstances.
8.3 Derogations
Staff may request a derogation if their PCA manages their financial affairs wholly independently of, and without any knowledge or influence of, the member of staff. Compliance will assess individual circumstances, including, if applicable, the compliance process for PA dealing the PCA is subject to in their own employment, and the appropriate certification of independence of the management of their financial affairs.
Staff should discuss other requests for derogations with their Head of Compliance. The Head of Central Risk and Compliance will document any derogation that Compliance agrees to give. Such derogations can be ongoing or limited to specific transactions – but are only likely to be granted in exceptional circumstances.
Any derogation request in respect of Schroders plc shares should be discussed with the Group Company Secretary team.
8.4 Discretionary Managed Accounts
As per section 3.3 of this policy, discretionary managed accounts (accounts where full discretion has been given to a third party to manage) other than in relation to Schroder plc shares, are out of scope of this Policy.
18 This includes self directed pension plans where staff decide to invest the contributions into stock, shares funds or other financial instruments in scope of this policy.
Group Personal Account Dealing Policy | ![]() |
Staff who are US Access persons must declare all their and their PCA’s active discretionary managed accounts in My Compliance. Once declared, these accounts are then exempt from the other requirements in this Policy.
9. Local PA Dealing Rules
The following have local Personal Account Dealing policies, which contain additional requirements that apply in addition to the requirements in this policy. Contact your local Compliance team for details of your local policies.
– Australia
– Brazil
– Hong Kong
– Indonesia
– Japan
– Korea
– Singapore
– Switzerland
– Taiwan
– United States of America
– Schroders Capital Private Equity
– Wealth Management
– ‘US Access Persons’ subject to US Code of Ethics (in the UK associated with SIMNA Limited)
10. Ownership and document approval
Ownership
Policy owner
Department |
Head of Central Risk and Compliance | |
Compliance |
Group Personal Account Dealing Policy | ![]() |
11. Review and Approval Schedule
Version | Date of approval |
Approved
by e) |
Written or updated by |
Description of changes |
1 |
January 2020 |
Group Management |
Alex Richardson | Major revisions and simplification |
2 |
May 2021 |
Group Policy Committee |
Alex Richardson | Additional prohibition and
|
2.1 |
May 2022 |
Alex Richardson | Jasmine Barnes- Keywood |
Amended front cover to reflect new ownership of policy
|
3 | July 2022 | Alex Richardson | Jonathan Campbell |
Clarifications to the scope, additions to the accounts in scope and accounts not in scope. Clarifications to crypto assets and other minor amendments. |
Disclaimer
The contents of this policy are strictly confidential and should only be shared with third party PCAs as defined in this Policy, who should also keep them confidential. This Policy must not be otherwise communicated or published in any way whatsoever without the prior written consent of the Schroder Group.
Group Personal Account Dealing Policy | ![]() |
APPENDIX
Group Personal Account Dealing Policy Appendix – Rules in relation to Schroders plc shares
Contents
Personal Account Dealing Rules in relation to Schroders plc shares | 15 | |
1. | Introduction | 15 |
2. | Definitions | 15 |
3. | Application | 16 |
4. | Transactions/Dealing | 17 |
6. | Persons Closely Associated (‘PCAs’) and Investment Managers | 19 |
7. | Notification of Transactions | 19 |
8. | What this means in practice | 20 |
Schedule 1 | 21 | |
Notification Template | 21 | |
Summary of dealing restrictions in Schroders plc shares for plc Directors and their PCAs | 22 | |
Summary of dealing restrictions in Schroders plc shares for Staff, their PCAs and Project | ||
Insiders | 23 |
Group Personal Account Dealing Policy 16
Personal Account Dealing Rules in relation to Schroders plc shares
1. Introduction
The purpose of this Appendix to the Personal Account Dealing Policy is to set out the rules that apply to transactions/dealing in Schroders plc shares for all staff, non-executive Directors of Schroders Group Companies, Directors of Schroders plc and all Persons Closely Associated (PCAs) globally. This Policy is in place to ensure that those people subject to it do not abuse, and do not place themselves under suspicion of abusing, inside information and comply with their obligations under the UK Market Abuse Regulation.
Definitions
Closed Periods are the period of 30 days immediately before an announcement of Schroders plc's half-year or full year results, or if longer, the period from the end of the financial period until the announcement of Schroders plc's half-year or full year results.
DRIP means the Schroders plc dividend reinvestment plan that gives shareholders the opportunity to use their cash dividend to buy Schroders plc shares.
Inside Information means information which relates to the Company or any Company Securities, which is not publicly available, which is likely to have a non-trivial effect on the price of Company Securities and which an investor would be likely to use as part of the basis of his or her investment decision.
Persons Closely Associated (PCAs) means
· | Spouses, partners, minors and other dependent children/stepchildren |
· | A relative who has shared the same household for the previous year (or more) |
· | Anyone the Staff member or Schroders plc Director advises, exerts influence over, or for whose account the Staff member or Schroders plc Director effects or instructs trades |
· | Any other person, corporate body, trust or partnership in whose trades the Staff member, Schroders plc Director or their PCA has a material direct or indirect interest or has direct or indirect control. This may include other family members, for example, or trusts of which a member of Staff, a Schroders plc Director or their PCA is a beneficiary and/or trustee or adviser. |
Project Insider means a member of staff, a Schroders plc Director or third-party adviser who has access to Inside Information or potentially Inside Information and who has been informed that they are on a price-sensitive project list.
Restricted Periods are any period, other than a Closed Period, when there exists inside information in relation to Schroders plc or Schroders securities. In these cases, Project Insiders are advised of his or her name being included on a project insider list and the obligations and restrictions imposed upon them.
Schroders plc shares/Company Securities means any publicly traded or quoted shares or debt instruments of the Company (or any of the Company’s subsidiaries or subsidiary undertakings) or derivatives or other financial instruments linked to any of them, including phantom options.
Schroders plc Directors means all directors currently appointed to the Board of Schroders plc, including both executive and non-executive Directors.
SIP means the Schroders Share Incentive Plan which can be joined by UK-based permanent employees.
Group Personal Account Dealing Policy 17
Staff means employees of the Schroders plc group of companies, contractors at Schroders for any contract length and the long-term in-house Staff of outsourced service providers, excluding Schroders plc Directors.
Trading Plan means a written plan entered with an independent third party that sets out a strategy for the acquisition and/or disposal of Company Securities by the member of Staff, Schroders plc Director and all PCAs, and:
· | Specifies the amount of Company Securities to be dealt with and the price at which and the date on which the Company Securities are to be dealt in; or |
· | Gives discretion to that independent third party to make trading decisions about the amount of Company Securities to be dealt in and the price at which and the date on which the Company Securities are to be dealt in; or |
· | Includes a method for determining the amount of Company Securities to be dealt in and the price at which and the date on which the Company Securities are to be dealt in. |
Transactions/Dealing means any type of transaction in Company Securities, including purchases, sales, the exercise of options, the receipt of shares under share plans, using Company Securities as security for a loan or other obligation and entering into, amending or terminating any agreement in relation to Company Securities (e.g. a Trading Plan).
2. Application
The following restrictions apply to all staff globally, Schroders plc Directors and all PCAs at all times:
– | Pre-clearance must be obtained via My Compliance in advance of transactions/dealings in Schroders plc shares (i.e. transactions to buy, sell, lend or enter into any arrangement linked to the value of Schroders plc shares). Pre-clearance is not required for certain actions set out in sections 4.2 and 4.3 below |
– | All transactions/dealings are prohibited during Closed Periods for all Staff, Schroders plc Directors and all PCAs |
– | If you are a Project Insider, pre-clearance will not be given during the relevant Restricted Period |
– | Whether or not you have pre-clearance, you must not deal if you have any inside information |
– | You cannot deal on short term considerations (the minimum holding period for Schroders plc shares is one year) |
– | You must keep confidential the fact that you are intending to deal or that you have applied for pre-clearance, and, if it is refused, that this was the case |
– | If you are given pre-clearance, you must deal as soon as possible and in any event by market close the following business day |
– | Pre-clearance may be given subject to conditions. Where this is the case, you must observe those conditions when dealing |
– | Dealings relating to options in Schroders plc shares such as traded options, contracts for difference, spread betting and short selling are prohibited |
If you are in doubt whether a proposed transaction in Schroders plc shares may constitute insider dealing, market abuse or about any aspect of the rules applicable to Schroders plc shares, you should contact Corporate Secretariat via companysecretary@schroders.com before undertaking any transaction.
Group Personal Account Dealing Policy 18
If you think you or your PCA may be in breach of these rules at any time please notify Corporate Secretariat before taking any other action.
3. Transactions/dealing
During a Closed Period, staff, Schroders plc Directors and all PCAs and their investment managers must not conduct any transactions/dealing for the account of the staff member or any of their PCAs, directly or indirectly, relating to Schroders plc shares or debt instruments or to derivatives or other financial instruments linked to them.
Staff, Schroders plc Directors and all PCAs also must not conduct any transactions/dealing for the account of a third party during a Closed Period.
4.1 Transactions/dealing which require pre-clearance and are notifiable to the Company
Outside a Closed Period, Transactions/Dealing which require pre-clearance and are notifiable to the Company include the following:
a) For Staff, Schroders plc Directors and all PCAs:
– | Any acquisition (including the exercise of any option under the Deferred Award Plan, Equity Compensation Plan, Equity Incentive Plan and Long Term Incentive Plan (Share-Based Deferred Awards)) or disposal, or agreement to acquire or dispose, of Schroders plc shares whether through a recognised stock exchange or by private off-market dealings |
– | Any acquisition or disposal in an investment fund or unit trust containing Schroders plc shares where the value of Schroders plc shares constitutes greater than 20 per cent. of the fund or trust’s value |
– | Transactions in Schroders plc shares executed by a third party under an individual portfolio or asset management mandate on behalf of or for the benefit of the Staff member. This does not include discretionary arrangements with third party investment managers notified in My Compliance |
– | The grant, acceptance, acquisition, disposal, exercise or discharge of any option, other than an option under the Share-Based Deferred Awards, (whether for the call, or put or both) to acquire or dispose of any Schroders plc shares |
– | Entering into or terminating, assigning or novating any stock lending agreement in respect of Schroders plc shares |
– | Using as security, or otherwise granting a charge, lien or other encumbrance over Schroders plc shares |
– | Any transaction, including a transfer for nil consideration, or the exercise of any power or discretion effecting a change of ownership of a beneficial interest in Schroders plc shares |
– | Any other right or obligation, present or future, conditional or unconditional, to acquire or dispose of any Schroders plc shares |
– | Investment into an ISA or divestment from an ISA where Schroders plc shares will be acquired through the ISA or disposed of through the ISA (including any acquisitions or disposals of Schroders plc shares through a 'self-select' ISA) where a Staff member retains control of the investment decisions |
– | On-market transactions where the beneficial interest in Schroders plc shares does not change, for example a transfer of Schroders plc shares already held by means of a matched sale and purchase into a saving scheme or into a pension scheme in which the Staff member or Schroders plc Director is a participant or beneficiary |
– | Dealings by Staff or Schroders plc Directors acting as sole trustee of a trust or acting as trustee on their own account |
– | Gifts and donations made or received, and inheritance received, in the form of Schroders plc shares |
Group Personal Account Dealing Policy 19
b) For Schroders plc Directors and their PCAs only:
– | Off-market transactions/dealings where the beneficial interest in Schroders plc shares does not change |
– | Pre-clearance should be obtained by a Schroders plc Director or their PCA prior to the receipt of shares as the beneficiary of a discretionary trust. Upon receipt of the shares, the Group Company Secretary should be notified |
4.2 | Transactions/Dealing which do not require pre-clearance but are notifiable to the Company |
Outside a Closed Period, Transactions/Dealing which do not require pre-clearance but are notifiable to the Company include the following:
a) | For Staff and Schroders plc Directors: |
– | Transfers of shares into a savings scheme investing in Schroders plc shares following the release of shares from the SIP (pre-clearance is not required but the new holding information must be updated on My Compliance) |
b) | For Staff and their PCAs: |
– | Off-market Transactions/Dealings where the beneficial interest in Schroders plc shares does not change (pre-clearance is not required but the new holding information must be updated on My Compliance) |
– | Pre-clearance is not required by a Staff member or their PCA prior to the receipt of shares as the beneficiary of a discretionary trust. However, on receipt of the shares, the new holding information must be updated on My Compliance |
4.3 | Unrestricted actions |
Transactions/dealing for which no pre-clearance or notification are required are set out as follows:
– | Joining, changing the terms of or exiting the SIP in an open period (unless you are a Director of Schroders plc – see section 8 below) |
– | Joining, changing the terms of or exiting the DRIP in an open period (unless you are a Director of Schroders plc -see section 8 below) |
– | The cancellation or surrender of an option under a Share-Based Award Scheme |
– | An investment in a scheme or arrangement (other than where the investment in Schroders plc shares constitutes greater than 20 per cent. of the arrangement’s value) and where the assets of the scheme or arrangement are invested at the discretion of an independent third party |
– | Where a transaction is being undertaken on you or your PCA’s account during an open period under a discretionary arrangement with a third-party investment manager that has been declared in My Compliance |
This list is not exhaustive. Should you be in any doubt as to how a particular transaction should be treated, you should contact Corporate Secretariat before undertaking any such transaction.
Group Personal Account Dealing Policy | 20 |
4. | Persons Closely Associated (PCAs) and Investment Managers |
Closed Periods
Schroders plc Directors must advise all his or her PCAs and investment managers (whether discretionary or not) acting on his or her behalf of Schroders plc’s Closed Periods during which they cannot deal in Schroders plc shares.
Staff members must advise all his or her PCAs acting on his or her behalf of Schroders plc’s Closed Periods during which they cannot deal in Schroders plc shares.
Restricted Periods
PCAs or investment managers should not be notified of Restricted Periods which are determined by access to Inside Information.
Pre-clearance and Notification
Staff members and Schroders plc Directors must advise all his or her PCAs and investment managers acting on his or her behalf:
– | That with the exception of discretionary arrangements (i.e. where the discretion is with the investment manager), pre-clearance to deal in Schroders plc shares is required prior to all transactions/dealing; and |
– | In writing, that the investment manager or PCA must advise the Staff member or Schroders plc director immediately after they have dealt in Schroders plc shares. |
Staff members and Schroders plc Directors must take reasonable steps to prevent any dealings in Schroders plc shares by or on behalf of any PCA on considerations of a short-term nature.
Schroders plc Directors must provide the Company with a list of his or her PCAs, and notify the Company of any changes to be made to that list. Staff members must declare all of their own, and their PCAs’, active self-directed accounts and active discretionary managed accounts in My Compliance.
5. | Notification of Transactions |
Once a transaction/dealing is executed, staff must confirm the transaction details in the My Compliance system as soon as practicable and in any event within two business days of the transaction date. Staff should ensure that their investment managers (whether discretionary or not) notify them immediately of any notifiable transactions/dealing conducted on their behalf so as to allow them to confirm the transaction details in My Compliance within this timeframe. Any transactions/dealing undertaken through the Computershare employee share plan portal will be reported automatically.
For Directors of Schroders plc and their PCAs, once a transaction/dealing is executed, they must confirm the transaction details to the Group Company Secretary as soon as practicable and in any event within two business days of the transaction date. Schroders plc Directors and their PCAs should ensure that their investment managers (whether discretionary or not) notify them immediately of any transactions/dealing conducted on their behalf so as to allow them to notify the Group Company Secretary within this timeframe. The confirmation of transaction details to the Group Company Secretary must be in the form prescribed in Schedule 1 to this Policy. On receipt of the completed form, Schroders Corporate Secretariat will make the necessary announcement and submit the required details to the Financial Conduct Authority on the Director’s or PCA’s behalf.
Directors of Schroders plc must notify their PCAs and investment managers in writing of these notification obligations and retain a copy of the notification letter.
A copy of the notification form in Schedule 1 is available from Schroders Corporate Secretariat.
Group Personal Account Dealing Policy | 21 |
If you are uncertain as to whether or not a particular transaction/dealing is notifiable to the Company, you must obtain guidance from the Corporate Secretariat.
6. | What this means in practice |
Trading Plans for Schroders plc shares
– | Clearance to deal is required before entering into, amending or exiting a Trading Plan |
– | Staff, Directors of Schroders plc and all PCAs may not enter into, change the terms of or exit a Trading Plan during a Closed Period |
– | Directors of Schroders plc and Project Insiders may not enter into, change the terms of or exit a Trading Plan during a Restricted Period |
Schroders Share Incentive Plan (SIP)
– | Staff and Directors of Schroders plc may not join, change the terms of their participation or exit the SIP during a Closed Period |
– | Directors of Schroders plc and Project Insiders may not join, change the terms of their participation or exit the SIP during a Restricted Period |
– | Clearance to Deal is required prior to any subsequent dealing, such as a sale of shares, in any Schroders plc shares acquired through the SIP |
Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP)
– | Directors of Schroders plc or their PCAs must obtain clearance to deal before joining, changing the terms of participation in or exiting the Company’s DRIP |
– | Staff, Directors of Schroders plc or their PCAs may not join, change the terms of their participation or exit the DRIP during a Closed Period |
– | Directors of Schroders plc and Project Insiders may not join, change the terms of their participation or exit the DRIP during a Restricted Period |
– | Clearance to deal is required prior to any subsequent dealing in any Schroders shares acquired through the DRIP |
Share-Based Deferred Awards (e.g. DAP, ECP, EIP and LTIP)
– | Pre-clearance is required prior to the exercise of awards |
– | No exercises of awards are permitted in a Closed or Restricted Period |
– | Once an award has been exercised the rules also apply to the resultant Schroders plc shares |
– | A deemed exercise taking effect during a Closed or Restricted Period will be delayed until the end of the Period |
Pre-clearance will be granted in respect of Schroders plc shares acquired by way of a deemed exercise provided it is not during a Closed or Restricted
– | Provided pre-clearance has been obtained, the Employee Benefit Trust (or any other nominee) will transfer Schroders plc shares to beneficial owners on exercise of awards, deemed exercises or when restrictions end |
– | Staff and Schroders plc Directors may not cancel or surrender the grant of an award during a Closed Period |
– | Schroders plc Directors and Project Insiders may not cancel or surrender the grant of an award during a Restricted Period |
Group Personal Account Dealing Policy | 22 |
Schedule 1
Notification Template
1. | Details of the Schroders plc Director/ person closely associated with them (PCA) | |
a) | Name: | |
2. | Reason for the notification | |
a) | Position/Status: | |
3. | Details of the transaction(s): | |
Section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted | ||
a) | Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument: | |
b) | Nature of the transaction: | |
c) | Price(s) and volume(s): | |
d) | Aggregated information | |
Aggregated volume: | ||
Price: | ||
e) | Date of the transaction: | |
f) | Place of the transaction: |
Group Personal Account Dealing Policy | 23 |
Summary of dealing restrictions in Schroders plc shares for plc Directors and their PCAs
Is clearance to deal required? |
Is dealing permitted in an Open Period? |
Is dealing permitted in a Closed Period? |
Is dealing permitted in a Restricted Period |
Is notification required following the transaction? | |
Plc Director (acting on own behalf or via a non- discretionary investment manager) | ü | ü | û | û | ü |
PCA (acting on own behalf or via a non-discretionary investment manager) | ü | ü | û | ü | ü |
Discretionary investment manager (acting on behalf of plc Directors or PCAs) | û | ü | û | ü | ü |
Independent trust arrangement (where plc Directors or PCAs are beneficiaries) | û | ü | û | ü | ü |
Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP) – plc Directors and their PCAs | ü9 | ü | û10 | û11 | ü |
Share Incentive Plan (SIP) – plc Directors | ü12 | ü | û13 | û5 | ü |
Trading plans (in relation to plc Directors and their PCAs) | ü14 | ü | û15 | û16 | ü |
Collective Investment Vehicle/Unit Trust) (in relation to the plc Directors and PCAs)17 | û | ü | ü | ü | ü |
Key: | ü | Dealing permitted | û | Dealing not permitted |
9 Plc Directors and their PCAs must obtain clearance to deal before joining or exiting the Company’s DRIP. Clearance to deal is also required prior to any subsequent dealing in any Schroders plc shares acquired through the DRIP.
10 Plc Directors and their PCAs may not join or exit the DRIP or change evergreen DRIP elections during a Closed Period.
11 Plc Directors may not join or exit the DRIP or change evergreen DRIP elections during a Restricted Period. PCAs may join or exit the DRIP within a Restricted Period.
12 During an Open Period, Plc Directors are able to join, change the terms of their participation or exit the SIP without requesting clearance to deal. However, clearance to deal is required prior to any subsequent dealing, such as a sale of any Schroders plc shares acquired through the SIP.
13 Plc Directors may not join, change the terms of their participation or exit the SIP in a Closed or Restricted Period.
14 Clearance is required to permit a plc Director or their PCA to enter into a trading plan. However, after such clearance has been given purchases of the Company’s shares under such a programme do not require further clearance.
15 Purchases under a trading plan can continue through a Closed Period provided that the instructions were given in an Open Period. Plc Directors and their PCAS are not permitted to change the instructions or exit the trading plan during a Closed Period.
16 Purchases under a trading plan can continue through a Restricted Period provided that the instructions were given in an Open Period. Plc Directors are not permitted to change the instructions or exit the trading plan during a Restricted Period.
17 If the value of Schroders’ shares within this vehicle does not constitute greater than 20 per cent. then no preclearance or notification is required.
Group Personal Account Dealing Policy | ![]() |
Summary of dealing restrictions in Schroders plc shares for staff, their PCAs and Project Insiders
Is clearance to |
Is dealing permitted in an Open Period? |
Is dealing permitted in a Closed Period? |
Is dealing permitted in a Restricted Period |
Is My Compliance notification required following the transaction? | |
Staff member (acting on own behalf or via a non- discretionary investment manager) | ü | ü | û | û | ü |
PCA (acting on own behalf or via a non-discretionary investment manager) | ü | ü | û | ü | ü |
Discretionary investment manager (acting on behalf of Staff or PCAs) | û | ü | û | ü | ü |
Independent trust arrangement (where Staff or PCAs are beneficiaries) | û | ü | û | ü | ü |
Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP) – Staff and PCAs | ü18 | ü | û19 | û20 | û |
Share Incentive Plan (SIP) – Staff and PCAs | ü21 | ü | û22 | û23 | û |
Trading plans - Staff and PCAs | ü24 | ü | û25 | û26 | ü |
Collective Investment Vehicle/Unit Trust (in relation to Staff and PCAs)27 | û | ü | ü | ü | ü |
Key: | ü | Dealing permitted | û | Dealing not permitted |
18 During an Open Period, Staff members (other than plc Directors) and their PCAs are able to join or exit the DRIP without requesting clearance to deal. However, clearance is required prior to any subsequent dealing in any Schroders plc shares acquired through the DRIP.
19 Staff members and their PCAs may not join or exit the DRIP during a Closed Period.
20 Project Insiders may not join or exit the DRIP during a Restricted Period. PCAs may join or exit the DRIP during a Restricted Period.
21 During an Open Period, Staff members are able to join, change the terms of their participation or exit the SIP without requesting clearance to deal. However, clearance to deal is required prior to any subsequent dealing, such as a sale of any Schroders plc shares acquired through the SIP.
22 During a Closed Period, Staff may not join, change the terms of their participation or exit the SIP.
23 During a Restricted Period, Project Insiders may not join, change the terms of their participation or exit the SIP.
24 Clearance is required to permit a Staff member or their PCA to enter into a Trading Plan. However, after such clearance has been given purchases of the Company’s shares under such a programme do not require further clearance.
25 Purchases under a trading plan can continue through a Closed Period provided that the instructions were given in an Open Period. Staff members or their PCAs are not permitted to change the instructions or exit the trading plan during a Closed Period.
26 Purchases under a trading plan can continue through a Restricted Period provided that the instructions were given in an Open Period. Project Insiders are not permitted to change the instructions or exit the trading plan during a Restricted Period.
27 If the value of Schroders’ shares within this vehicle does not constitute greater than 20 per cent. then no pre-clearance or notification is required.
Group Personal Account Dealing Policy | ![]() |
Exhibit 2.s
Calculation of Filing Fee Tables
Form N-2
(Form Type)
Hartford
Schroders Private Opportunities Fund
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Table 1: Newly Registered and Carry Forward Securities
Security Type |
Security Class Title |
Fee Calculation or Carry Forward Rule |
Amount Registered |
Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Unit |
Maximum Aggregate Offering Price (1) |
Fee Rate | Amount of Registration Fee |
Carry Forward Form Type |
Carry Forward File Number |
Carry Forward Initial Effective Date |
Filing Fee Previously Paid in Connection with Unsold Securities to be Carried Forward | |
Newly Registered Securities | ||||||||||||
Fees to Be Paid | Equity | Shares of Beneficial Interest | 457(a) | 19,900,000 | $10.00 | $199,000,000 | .0001102 | $21,929.80 | ||||
Fees Previously Paid | Equity | Shares of Beneficial Interest | 457(a) | 100,000 | $10.00 | $1,000,000 | .0000927 | $92.70 | ||||
Carry Forward Securities | ||||||||||||
Carry Forward Securities | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
Total Offering Amount | $200,000,000 | $22,022.50 | ||||||||||
Total Fees Previously Paid | $92.70 | |||||||||||
Total Fee Offsets | — | |||||||||||
Net Fee Due | $21,929.80 |
(1) | Estimated pursuant to Rule 457(a) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, solely for the purposes of calculating the registration fee. |
![]() |
1900
K Street, NW +1 202 261 3300 Main +1 202 261 3333 Fax www.dechert.com
|
Corey F. Rose
corey.rose@dechert.com +1 202 261 3314 Direct |
February 10, 2023
VIA EDGAR
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
100 F Street, NE
Washington, D.C. 20549-4720
Re: | Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund (File Nos. 333-262271 and 811-23776) |
Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Enclosed for filing on behalf of Hartford Schroders Private Opportunities Fund (“Fund”), a newly organized closed-end management investment company, is Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Fund’s registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 and Amendment No. 2 to the Fund’s registration statement under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”) on Form N-2 (“Registration Statement”). This filing is being made for the purposes of: (i) filing certain required exhibits; (ii) incorporating comments received from the Staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with its review of the Registration Statement; (iii) including financial statements; and (iv) making certain other changes to the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information for the Fund.
If you have any questions relating to this filing, please do not hesitate to contact me at 202-261-3314.
Sincerely,
/s/ Corey F. Rose
Corey F. Rose
cc: Alice A. Pellegrino
John V. O’Hanlon
Alexander C. Karampatsos