EXHIBIT (G)(1)
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT dated as of May 12, 1999 between Forum Trust, LLC (the
"Custodian"), a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State
of Maine doing business as a nondepository trust company, and Forum Funds, a
business trust organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (the
"Customer").
WHEREAS, the Customer is an open-end, management investment company
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended ("1940 Act") and
may offer one or more series of shares, each of which shall represent an
interest in a separate portfolio of Securities and Cash (each as hereinafter
defined) (all such existing and additional series now or hereafter listed on
Exhibit A being hereafter referred to individually as a "Portfolio," and
collectively, as the "Portfolios"); and
WHEREAS, Custodian has entered into a certain Master Subcustodian
Agreement with Bankers Trust Company ("Bankers Trust") dated as of April 20,
1999 (the "Master Subcustodian Agreement") under which Bankers Trust provides
certain sub-custody services on behalf of the Portfolios to Custodian; and
WHEREAS, Customer wishes to retain Custodian to provide certain
custodial services to Customer for the benefit of the Portfolios, and Custodian
is willing to provide such services;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Employment of Custodian. Customer, on behalf of each Portfolio,
hereby employs Custodian as custodian of all assets of each Portfolio that are
delivered to and accepted by Custodian or any Subcustodian (as that term is
defined in Section 4) (the "Property") pursuant to the terms and conditions set
forth herein. For purposes of this Agreement, "delivery" of Property shall
include the acquisition by Customer of a security entitlement (as that term is
defined in the New York Uniform Commercial Code ("UCC")). Without limitation,
such Property shall include stocks and other equity interests of every type,
evidences of indebtedness, other instruments representing same or rights or
obligations to receive, purchase, deliver or sell same and other non-cash
investment property of a Portfolio ("Securities") and cash from any source and
in any currency ("Cash"), provided that Custodian shall have the right, in its
sole discretion, to refuse to accept as Property any property of a Portfolio
that Custodian considers not to be appropriate or in proper form for deposit for
any reason. Custodian shall not be responsible for any property of a Portfolio
held or received by Customer or others and not delivered to Custodian or any
Subcustodian.
2. Maintenance of Securities and Cash at Custodian and Subcustodian
Locations. Pursuant to Instructions (as hereinafter defined in Section 15),
Customer shall direct Custodian to (a) settle Securities transactions and
maintain Cash in the country or other jurisdiction in which the principal
trading market for such Securities is located, where such Securities are to be
presented for payment or where such Securities are acquired and (b) maintain
Cash and cash equivalents in such countries in amounts reasonably necessary to
effect Customer's transactions in such Securities. Instructions to settle
Securities transactions in any country shall be deemed to authorize the holding
of such Securities and Cash in that country.
3. Custody Account. Custodian agrees to establish and maintain one or
more custody accounts on its books each in the name of Customer on behalf of a
Portfolio (each, an "Account") for any and all Property from time to time
received and accepted by Custodian or any Subcustodian for the account of such
Portfolio. Upon delivery by Customer to Custodian of any acceptable Property
belonging to a Portfolio, Customer shall, by Instructions, specifically indicate
in which Portfolio such Property belongs or if such Property belongs to more
than one Portfolio, shall allocate such Property to the appropriate Portfolios,
and Custodian shall allocate such Property to the Accounts in accordance with
the Instructions. Customer, on behalf of each Portfolio, acknowledges (i) its
responsibility as a principal for all of its obligations to Custodian arising
under or in connection with this Agreement, notwithstanding, that it may be
acting on behalf of other persons, and (ii) warrants its authority to deposit in
the appropriate Account any Property received therefor by Custodian or a
Subcustodian and to give, and authorize others to give, instructions relative
thereto. Custodian may deliver securities of the same class in place of those
deposited in the Account.
Custodian shall hold, keep safe and protect as custodian for each
Account all Property in such Account and, to the extent such Property
constitutes "financial assets" as defined in the UCC, shall maintain those
financial assets in such Account as security entitlements in favor of the
Portfolio in whose name the Account is maintained. All transactions, including,
but not limited to, foreign exchange transactions, involving the Property shall
be executed or settled solely in accordance with Instructions (which shall
specifically reference the Account for which such transaction is being settled),
except that until Custodian receives Instructions to the contrary, Custodian
will:
(a) collect all interest and dividends and all other income and
payments, whether paid in cash or in kind, on the Property, as
the same become payable and credit the same to the appropriate
Account;
(b) present for payment all Securities held in an Account that are
called, redeemed or retired or otherwise become payable and
all coupons and other income items that call for payment upon
presentation to the extent that Custodian or Subcustodian is
actually aware of such opportunities and hold the cash
received in such Account pursuant to this Agreement;
(c) (i) exchange Securities where the exchange is purely
ministerial (including, without limitation, the exchange of
temporary securities for those in definitive form and the
exchange of warrants, or other documents of entitlement to
securities, for the Securities themselves) and (ii) when
notification of a tender or exchange offer (other than
ministerial exchanges described in (i) above) is received for
an Account, endeavor to receive Instructions, provided that if
such Instructions are not received in time for Custodian to
take timely action, no action shall be taken with respect
thereto;
(d) whenever notification of a rights entitlement or a fractional
interest resulting from a rights issue, stock dividend or
stock split is received for an Account and such rights
entitlement or fractional interest bears an expiration date,
if after endeavoring to obtain Instructions such Instructions
are not received in time for Custodian to take timely action
or if actual notice of such actions was received too late to
seek Instructions, sell in the discretion of Custodian (which
sale Customer hereby authorizes Custodian to make) such rights
entitlement or fractional interest and credit the Account with
the net proceeds of such sale;
(e) execute in Customer's name for an Account, whenever Custodian
deems it appropriate, such ownership and other certificates as
may be required to obtain the payment of income from the
Property in such Account;
(f) pay for each Account, any and all taxes and levies in the
nature of taxes imposed on interest, dividends or other
similar income on the Property in such Account by any
governmental authority. In the event there is insufficient
Cash available in such Account to pay such taxes and levies,
Custodian shall notify Customer of the amount of the shortfall
and Customer may, or may cause the Portfolio to, at its
option, deposit additional Cash in such Account or take steps
to have sufficient Cash available. Customer, on behalf of the
Portfolios agrees, when and if requested by Custodian and
required in connection with the payment of any such taxes, to
cooperate with Custodian in furnishing information, executing
documents or otherwise;
(g) appoint brokers and agents for any of the ministerial
transactions involving the Securities described in (a) - (f),
including, without limitation, affiliates of Custodian or any
Subcustodian; and
(h) in the event of any loss of Securities or Cash, use its best
efforts to ascertain the circumstances relating to such loss
and promptly report the same to Customer.
Custodian shall provide cash management services to Customer.
4. Subcustodians and Securities Systems. Customer authorizes and
instructs Custodian to maintain the Property in each Account directly in one of
its United States ("U.S.") branches or indirectly through custody accounts that
have been established by Custodian with the following other securities
intermediaries: (a) another U.S. bank or trust company (including Bankers Trust
pursuant to the Master Subcustodian Agreement) or branch thereof located in the
U.S. that is itself qualified under the 1940 Act, to act as custodian, or a
non-U.S. branch of Custodian or of any U.S. Subcustodian, or a U.S. securities
depository or clearing agency or system in which Custodian or a U.S.
Subcustodian participates (individually, a "U.S. Securities System") or (b) one
of Custodian's majority-owned non-U.S. subsidiaries, a majority-owned subsidiary
of a U.S. Subcustodian or a non-U.S. bank or trust company, acting as custodian
(individually, a "non-U.S. Subcustodian"; U.S. Subcustodians and non-U.S.
Subcustodians, collectively, "Subcustodians"), or a non-U.S. depository or
clearing agency or system in which Custodian or any Subcustodian participates
(individually, a "non-U.S. Securities System"; U.S. Securities System and
non-U.S. Securities System, collectively, "Securities System"), provided that in
each case in which a U.S. Subcustodian or U.S. Securities System is employed,
Custodian shall notify Customer of the appointment of such U.S. Subcustodian or
U.S. Securities System; provided further that in each case in which a non-U.S.
Subcustodian or non-U.S. Securities System is employed, (a) such Subcustodian or
Securities System either is (i) a "qualified U.S. bank" as defined by Rule 17f-5
under the 1940 Act ("Rule 17f-5") or (ii) an "eligible foreign custodian" within
the meaning of Rule 17f-5 or such Subcustodian or Securities System is the
subject of an order granted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC") exempting such agent or the subcustody arrangements thereto from all or
part of the provisions of Rule 17f-5, and (b) the identity of the non-U.S.
Subcustodian and the agreement between Custodian and such non-U.S. Subcustodian
has been approved by Instructions; it being understood that Custodian shall have
no liability or responsibility for determining whether the approval of any
Subcustodian or Securities System by Instructions is proper under the 1940 Act
or any rule or regulation thereunder. Exhibit D attached hereto lists all
Subcustodians and Securities Systems that have been approved by Instructions.
Notwithstanding Section 20 hereof or any other provision hereof to the contrary,
Exhibit D may be amended solely by the delivery to Custodian of Instructions
pursuant to Section 15 hereof.
Upon receipt of Instructions from Customer, Custodian agrees to cease
the employment of any Subcustodian or Securities System with respect to
Customer, and if desirable and practicable, appoint a replacement Subcustodian
or securities system in accordance with the provisions of this Section. In
addition, Custodian may, at any time in its discretion, upon written
notification to Customer, terminate the employment of any Subcustodian or
Securities System.
Custodian shall deliver to Customer annually a certificate stating: (a)
the identity of each non-U.S. Subcustodian and non-U.S. Securities System then
acting on behalf of Custodian and the name and address of the governmental
agency or other regulatory authority that supervises or regulates such non-U.S
Subcustodian and non-U.S. Securities System; (b) the countries in which each
non-U.S. Subcustodian or non-U.S. Securities System is located; and (c) if
requested by Customer's Board of Trustees or if the Board of Trustees
responsible for any Portfolio directly approves its foreign custody
arrangements, such other information relating to such non-U.S. Subcustodians and
non-U.S. Securities Systems as may reasonably be requested by Customer to ensure
compliance with Rule 17f-5. If requested by the Customer's Board of Trustees or
if the Board of Trustees directly approves its foreign custody arrangements,
Custodian also shall furnish annually to Custodian information concerning such
non-U.S. Subcustodians and non-U.S. Securities Systems similar in kind and scope
as that furnished to Customer in connection with the initial approval of this
Agreement. Custodian agrees to promptly notify Customer if, in the normal course
of its custodial activities, Custodian learns of a material adverse change in
the financial condition of a non-U.S. Subcustodian or a non-U.S. Securities
System suffers a material loss of Property, or Custodian has reason to believe
that any non-U.S. Subcustodian or non-U.S. Securities System has ceased to be a
qualified U.S. bank or an eligible foreign custodian each within the meaning of
Rule 17f-5 or has ceased to be subject to an exemptive order from the SEC.
5. Use of Subcustodian. With respect to Property in an Account that is
maintained by Custodian through a Subcustodian employed pursuant to Section 4:
(a) Custodian will identify on its books as belonging to Customer on
behalf of a Portfolio, any Property maintained through such
Subcustodian.
(b) Any Property in the Account held by a Subcustodian will be
subject only to the instructions of Custodian or its agents.
(c) Property deposited with a Subcustodian will be maintained in an
account holding only assets for customers of Custodian.
(d) Any agreement Custodian shall enter into with a non-U.S.
Subcustodian with respect to maintaining Property shall require
that (i) the Account will be adequately indemnified or its losses
adequately insured; (ii) the Property so maintained is not
subject to any right, charge, security interest, lien or claim of
any kind in favor of such Subcustodian or its creditors except a
claim for payment in accordance with such agreement for its safe
custody or administration; (iii) beneficial ownership of
Securities be freely transferable without the payment of money or
value other than for safe custody or administration; (iv)
adequate records will be maintained identifying the Property
maintained pursuant to such Agreement as belonging to Customer or
as being held by Custodian, on behalf of Customer or all its
customers; (v) to the extent permitted by applicable law,
officers of or auditors employed by, or other representatives of
or designated by, Custodian, including the independent public
accountants of or designated by, Customer be given access to the
books and records of such Subcustodian relating to Property or
confirmation of the contents of those records; and (vi) Custodian
on behalf of Customer will receive periodic reports with respect
to the safekeeping of the Property, including but not limited to
notification of any transfer of Property into or out of an
Account.
6. Use of Securities System. With respect to Property in the Account(s)
that is maintained by Custodian or any Subcustodian through a Securities System
employed pursuant to Section 4:
(a) Custodian shall, and the Subcustodian will be required by its
agreement with Custodian to, identify on its books such Property
as being maintained for the account of Custodian or Subcustodian
for its customers.
(b) Any Property maintained through a Securities System for the
account of Custodian or a Subcustodian will be subject only to
the instructions of Custodian or such Subcustodian, as the case
may be.
(c) Property deposited with a Securities System will be maintained in
an account holding only assets for customers of Custodian or
Subcustodian, as the case may be, unless precluded by applicable
law, rule, or regulation.
(d) Custodian shall provide Customer with any report obtained by
Custodian or Subcustodian on the Securities System's accounting
system, internal accounting control and procedures for
safeguarding securities deposited in the Securities System.
7. Agents. Custodian may at any time or times in its sole discretion
appoint (or remove), as its agent to carry out such of the provisions of this
Agreement as Custodian may from time to time direct any other U.S. bank or trust
company which is itself qualified under the 1940 Act to act as custodian,
including Bankers Trust; provided, however, that the appointment of any agent
shall not relieve Custodian of its responsibilities or liabilities hereunder.
Custodian shall provide reasonable notice to Customer of the appointment or
removal of any agent.
8. Records, Ownership of Property, Statements, Opinions of Independent
Certified Public Accountants.
(a) The ownership of the Property, whether maintained directly by
Custodian or indirectly through a Subcustodian or a Securities System as
authorized herein, shall be clearly recorded on Custodian's books as belonging
to the appropriate Account and not to the Custodian. Custodian shall keep
accurate and detailed accounts of all investments, receipts, disbursements and
other transactions for each Account. All accounts, books and records of
Custodian relating thereto shall be open to inspection and audit at all
reasonable times during normal business hours by any person designated by
Customer. All such accounts shall be maintained and preserved in the form
reasonably requested by Customer. Custodian will supply to Customer from time to
time, as mutually agreed upon, a statement in respect to any Property in an
Account maintained by Custodian or by a Subcustodian. In the absence of the
filing in writing with Custodian by Customer of exceptions or objections to any
such statement within sixty (60) days of the mailing thereof, Customer shall be
deemed to have approved such statement and in such case or upon written approval
of Customer of any such statement, such statement shall be presumed to be for
all purposes correct with respect to all information set forth therein.
(b) Custodian shall take all reasonable action as Customer may request
to obtain from year to year favorable opinions from Customer's independent
certified public accountants with respect to Custodian's activities hereunder in
connection with the preparation of Customer's registration statement on Form
N-1A and Customer's Form N-SAR or other periodic reports to the SEC and with
respect to any other requirements of the SEC.
(c) At the request of Customer, Custodian shall deliver, and shall
cause the Subcustodians to deliver, to Customer a written report prepared by
Custodian's independent certified public accountants with respect to the
services provided by Custodian under this Agreement, including, without
limitation, Custodian's accounting system, internal accounting control and
procedures for safeguarding Cash and Securities, including Cash and Securities
deposited and/or maintained in a securities system or with a Subcustodian. Such
report shall be of sufficient scope and in sufficient detail as may reasonably
be required by Customer and as may reasonably be obtained by Custodian.
(d) Customer may elect to participate in any of the electronic on-line
service and communications systems offered by Custodian or a Subcustodian that
can provide Customer, on a daily basis, with the ability to view on-line or to
print in hard copy various reports of Account activity and of Securities and/or
Cash being held in any Account. To the extent that such service shall include
market values of Securities in an Account, Customer hereby acknowledges that
Custodian or such Subcustodian now obtains and may in the future obtain
information on such values from outside sources that Custodian or such
Subcustodian considers to be reliable, and Customer agrees that Custodian and
such Subcustodian (i) does not verify or represent or warrant either the
reliability of such service nor the accuracy or completeness of any such
information furnished or obtained by or through such service and (ii) shall be
subject to the standard of care set forth in Section 16 of this Agreement in
selecting and utilizing such service or furnishing any information derived
therefrom.
9. Holding of Securities, Nominees, etc. Securities in an Account that
are maintained by Custodian or any Subcustodian may be held directly by such
entity in the name of Customer or in bearer form or maintained, on behalf of a
Portfolio, in Custodian's or Subcustodian's name or in the name of Custodian's
or Subcustodian's nominee. Securities that are maintained through a Subcustodian
or which are eligible for deposit in a Securities System as provided above may
be maintained with the Subcustodian or the Securities System in an account for
Custodian's or Subcustodian's customers, unless prohibited by law, rule, or
regulation. Custodian or Subcustodian, as the case may be, may combine
certificates representing Securities held in an Account with certificates of the
same issue held by Custodian or Subcustodian as fiduciary or as a custodian. In
the event that any Securities in the name of Custodian or its nominee or held by
a Subcustodian and registered in the name of such Subcustodian or its nominee
are called for partial redemption by the issuer of such Security, Custodian may,
subject to the rules or regulations pertaining to allocation of any Securities
System in which such Securities have been deposited, allot, or cause to be
allotted, the called portion of the respective beneficial holders of such class
of security in any manner Custodian deems to be fair and equitable. Securities
maintained with a Securities System shall be maintained subject to the rules of
that Securities System governing the rights and obligations among the Securities
System and its participants.
10. Proxies, etc. With respect to any proxies, notices, reports or
other communications pertaining to any of the Securities in any Account,
Custodian shall perform such services and only such services as are (i) set
forth in Section 3 of this Agreement, (ii) described in the applicable Service
Standards (the "Proxy Service"), and (iii) as may otherwise be agreed upon
between Custodian and Customer. The liability and responsibility of Custodian in
connection with the Proxy Service referred to in (ii) of the immediately
preceding sentence and in connection with any additional services which
Custodian and Customer may agree upon as provided in (iii) of the immediately
preceding sentence shall be as set forth in the description of the Proxy Service
and as may be agreed upon by Custodian and Customer in connection with the
furnishing of any such additional service and shall not be affected by any other
term of this Agreement. Neither Custodian nor its nominees or agents shall vote
upon or in respect of any of the Securities in an Account, execute any form of
proxy to vote thereon, or give any consent or take any action (except as
provided in Section 3) with respect thereto except upon the receipt of
Instructions.
11. Segregated Account. To assist Customer in complying with the
requirements of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, Custodian
shall, upon receipt of Instructions, establish and maintain a segregated account
or accounts on its books for and on behalf of a Portfolio.
12. Settlement Procedures. Securities will be transferred, exchanged or
delivered by Custodian or a Subcustodian upon receipt by Custodian of
Instructions that include all information required by Custodian. Settlement and
payment for Securities received for an Account and delivery of Securities out of
such Account may be effected in accordance with the customary or established
securities trading or securities processing practices and procedures in the
jurisdiction or market in which the transaction occurs, including, without
limitation, delivering Securities to the purchaser thereof or to a dealer
therefor (or an agent for such purchaser or dealer) against a receipt with the
expectation of receiving later payment for such Securities from such purchaser
or dealer, as such practices and procedures may be modified or supplemented in
accordance with the standard operating procedures of Custodian in effect from
time to time for that jurisdiction or market. Custodian shall not be liable for
any loss which results from effecting transactions in accordance with the
customary or established securities trading or securities processing practices
and procedures in the applicable jurisdiction or market.
Custodian or a Subcustodian may settle purchases and sales against, or
credit income to, an Account, and Custodian may, at its sole option upon written
notice to Customer, reverse such credits or debits to the appropriate Account in
the event that the transaction does not settle, or the income is not received in
a timely manner, and Customer agrees to hold Custodian harmless from any losses
that may result therefrom. With respect to the activities of Bankers Trust as
Subcustodian under the Master Subcustodian Agreement, such credits and
reversals, if any, shall be on a contractual basis, as outlined in the Bankers
Trust Service Standards, as described below and provided to Customer by
Custodian.
The applicable Service Standards mean the Global Guide, the Policies
and Standards Manual, and any other documents issued by the Custodian, Bankers
Trust and other Subcustodians from time to time specifying the procedures for
communicating with a customer, the terms of any additional services to be
provided to a customer, and such other matters as may be agreed between the
parties time to time. Copies of the current Service Standards have been
delivered to Customer.
13. CONDITIONAL CREDITS.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, Custodian or
a Subcustodian shall not be required to comply with any Instructions to settle
the purchase of any securities for the Account unless there are sufficient
immediately available funds in the relevant currency in the Account, provided
that, if, after all expenses, debits and withdrawals of Cash in the relevant
currency ("Debits") applicable to the Account have been made and if after all
Conditional Credits, as defined below, applicable to the Account have become
final entries as set forth in (c) below, the amount of immediately available
funds of the relevant currency in such Account is at least equal to the
aggregate purchase price of all securities for which Custodian has received
Instructions to settle on that date ("Settlement Date"), Custodian, upon
settlement, shall credit the Securities to the Account by making a final entry
on its books and records.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if after all Debits applicable to
the Account have been made, the amount of immediately available funds in a given
currency in such Account are less than the aggregate purchase price in such
currency of all securities for which Custodian has received Instructions to
settle on any Settlement Date, Custodian, upon settlement, may credit the
securities to the Account by making a conditional entry on its books and records
("Conditional Credit"), pending receipt of sufficient immediately available
funds in the relevant currency in the Account.
(c) If, within a reasonable time from the posting of a Conditional
Credit and after all Debits applicable to the Account have been made,
immediately available funds in the relevant currency at least equal to the
aggregate purchase price in such currency of all securities subject to a
Conditional Credit on a Settlement Date are deposited into the Account,
Custodian shall make the Conditional Credit a final entry on its books and
records. In such case, Customer shall be liable to Custodian only for late
charges at a rate that Custodian customarily charges for similar extensions of
credit.
(d) If (i) within a reasonable time from the posting of a Conditional
Credit, immediately available funds at least equal to the resultant Debit on a
Settlement Date are not deposited in the Account, or (ii) any Proceeding (as
defined below) shall occur, Custodian may sell such of the Securities subject to
the Conditional Credit as it selects in its sole discretion and shall apply the
net proceeds of such sale to cover such Debit, including related late charges,
and any remaining proceeds shall be credited to the Account. If such proceeds
are insufficient to satisfy such Debit in full, Customer shall continue to be
liable to Custodian for any shortfall. Custodian shall make the Conditional
Credit a final entry on its books as to the Securities not required to be sold
to satisfy such Debit. Pending payment in full by Customer of the purchase price
for Securities subject to a Conditional Credit, and Custodian's making a
Conditional Credit a final entry on its books, and, unless consented to by
Custodian, Customer shall have no right to give further Instructions in respect
of Securities subject to a Conditional Credit. Custodian shall have the sole
discretion to determine which Securities shall be deemed to have been paid for
by Customer out of funds available in the Account. Any such Conditional Credit
may be reversed (and any corresponding Debit shall be canceled) by Custodian
unless and until Custodian makes a final entry on its books crediting such
Securities to the Account. The term "Proceeding" shall mean any insolvency,
bankruptcy, receivership, reorganization or similar proceeding relating to
Customer, whether voluntary or involuntary.
(e) Customer agrees that it will not use the Account to facilitate the
purchase of securities without sufficient funds in the Account (which funds
shall not include the expected proceeds of the sale of the purchased
securities).
14. Permitted Transactions. Customer agrees that it will cause
transactions to be made pursuant to this Agreement only upon Instructions in
accordance with Section 15 (but subject to Section 3) and only for the purposes
listed below.
(a) In connection with the purchase or sale of Securities at prices
as confirmed by Instructions.
(b) When Securities are called, redeemed or retired, or otherwise
become payable.
(c) In exchange for or upon conversion into other securities alone or
other securities and cash pursuant to any plan or merger,
consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization or readjustment.
(d) Upon conversion of Securities pursuant to their terms into other
securities.
(e) Upon exercise of subscription, purchase or other similar rights
represented by Securities.
(f) For the payment of interest, taxes, management or supervisory
fees, distributions or operating expenses.
(g) In connection with any borrowings by Customer requiring a pledge
of Securities, but only against receipt of amounts borrowed or in
order to satisfy requirements for additional or substitute
collateral.
(h) In connection with any loans, but only against receipt of
collateral as specified in Instructions which shall reflect any
restrictions applicable to Customer.
(i) For the purpose of redeeming shares of the capital stock of
Customer against delivery of the shares to be redeemed to
Custodian, a Subcustodian or Customer's transfer agent.
(j) For the purpose of redeeming in kind shares of Customer against
delivery of the shares to be redeemed to Custodian, a
Subcustodian or Customer's transfer agent.
(k) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement
among Customer, on behalf of a Portfolio, the Portfolio's
investment adviser and a broker-dealer registered under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and a member of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., relating to compliance
with the rules of The Options Clearing Corporation, the
Commodities Futures Trading Commission or of any registered
national securities exchange, or of any similar organization or
organizations, regarding escrow or other arrangements in
connection with transactions by Customer.
(l) For release of Securities to designated brokers under covered
call options, provided, however, that such Securities shall be
released only upon payment to Custodian of monies for the premium
due and a receipt for the Securities which are to be held in
escrow. Upon exercise of the option, or at expiration, Custodian
will receive the Securities previously deposited from broker.
Custodian will act strictly in accordance with Instructions in
the delivery of Securities to be held in escrow and will have no
responsibility or liability for any such Securities which are not
returned promptly when due other than to make proper request for
such return.
(m) For spot or forward foreign exchange transactions to facilitate
security trading or receipt of income from Securities related
transactions.
(n) Upon the termination of this Agreement as set forth in Section
21.
(o) For other proper purposes.
Customer agrees that Custodian and any Subcustodian shall have no
obligation to verify the purpose for which a transaction is being effected.
15. Instructions. The term "Instructions" means instructions from
Customer in respect of any of Custodian's duties hereunder that have been
received by Custodian at its address set forth in Section 22 below (i) in
writing (including, without limitation, facsimile transmission) or by tested
telex signed or given by such one or more person or persons as Customer shall
have from time to time authorized in writing to give the particular class of
Instructions in question and whose name and (if applicable) signature and office
address have been filed with Custodian; or (ii) which have been transmitted
electronically through an electronic on-line service and communications system
offered by Custodian or other electronic instruction system acceptable to
Custodian; or (iii) a telephonic or oral communication by one or more persons as
Customer shall have from time to time authorized to give the particular class of
Instructions in question and whose name has been filed with Custodian; or (iv)
upon receipt of such other form of instructions as Customer may from time to
time authorize in writing and which Custodian has agreed in writing to accept.
Instructions in the form of oral communications shall be confirmed by Customer
by tested telex or writing in the manner set forth in clause (i) above, but the
lack of such confirmation shall in no way affect any action taken by Custodian
in reliance upon such oral instructions prior to Custodian's receipt of such
confirmation. Instructions may relate to specific transactions or to types or
classes of transactions, and may be in the form of standing instructions.
Custodian shall have the right to assume in the absence of notice to
the contrary from Customer that any person whose name is on file with Custodian
pursuant to this Section has been authorized by Customer to give the
Instructions in question and that such authorization has not been revoked.
Custodian may act upon and conclusively rely on, without any liability to
Customer or any other person or entity for any losses resulting therefrom, any
Instructions reasonably believed by it to be furnished by the proper person or
persons as provided above.
16. Standard of Care. Custodian shall be responsible for the
performance of only such duties as are set forth herein or contained in
Instructions given to Custodian that are not contrary to the provisions of this
Agreement. Custodian will use reasonable care and diligence with respect to the
safekeeping of Property in each Account and, except as otherwise expressly
provided herein, in carrying out its obligations under this Agreement. So long
as and to the extent that it has exercised reasonable care and diligence,
Custodian shall not be responsible for the title, validity or genuineness of any
Property or other property or evidence of title thereto received by it or
delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement and shall be held harmless in acting
upon, and may conclusively rely on, without liability for any loss resulting
therefrom, any notice, request, consent, certificate or other instrument
reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to be signed or furnished by the
proper party or parties, including, without limitation, Instructions, and shall
be indemnified by Customer for any losses, damages, costs and expenses
(including, without limitation, reasonable fees and expenses of counsel)
incurred by Custodian and arising out of action taken or omitted with reasonable
care by Custodian hereunder or under any Instructions. Custodian shall be liable
to Customer for any act or omission to act of any Subcustodian to the same
extent as if Custodian committed such act itself. With respect to a Securities
System, Custodian shall only be responsible or liable for losses arising from
employment of such Securities System caused by Custodian's own failure to
exercise reasonable care; provided that in the event of any such loss, Custodian
shall take all reasonable steps to enforce such claims as it may have against
the Securities System to protect the interests of the Customer.
In the event of any loss to Customer by reason of the failure of
Custodian or a Subcustodian to utilize reasonable care, Custodian shall be
liable to Customer to the extent of Customer's actual damages at the time such
loss was discovered (including, without limitation, reasonable fees and expenses
of counsel) without reference to any special conditions or circumstances. In no
event shall Custodian be liable for any consequential or special damages.
Custodian shall be entitled to rely, and may act, on advice of counsel
(who may be counsel for Custodian or Customer) on all matters and shall be
without liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted in good faith
pursuant to such advice, provided that with respect to the performance of any
action or omission of any action upon such advice, the Custodian shall be
required to conform to the standard of care set forth in this Section 16.
In the event Customer subscribes to an electronic on-line service and
communications system offered by Custodian, Customer shall be fully responsible
for the security of its connecting terminal, access thereto and the proper and
authorized use thereof and the initiation and application of continuing
effective safeguards with respect thereto and agrees to defend and indemnify
Custodian and hold Custodian harmless from and against any and all losses,
damages, costs and expenses (including the fees and expenses of counsel)
incurred by Custodian as a result of any improper or unauthorized use of such
terminal by Customer or by any others.
All collections of funds or other property paid or distributed in
respect of Securities in an Account, including funds involved in third-party
foreign exchange transactions, shall be made at the risk of Customer.
Subject to the exercise of reasonable care, Custodian shall have no
liability for any loss occasioned by delay in the actual receipt of notice by
Custodian or by a Subcustodian of any payment, redemption or other transaction
regarding Securities in each Account in respect of which Custodian has agreed to
take action as provided in Section 3 hereof. Custodian shall not be liable for
any loss resulting from, or caused by, or resulting from acts of governmental
authorities (whether de jure or de facto), including, without limitation,
nationalization, expropriation, and the imposition of currency restrictions;
devaluations of or fluctuations in the value of currencies; changes in laws and
regulations applicable to the banking or securities industry; market conditions
that prevent the orderly execution of securities transactions or affect the
value of Property; acts of war, terrorism, insurrection or revolution; strikes
or work stoppages; the inability of a local clearing and settlement system to
settle transactions for reasons beyond the control of Custodian; hurricane,
cyclone, earthquake, volcanic eruption, nuclear fusion, fission or
radioactivity, or other acts of God.
Custodian shall have no liability in respect of any loss, damage or expense
suffered by Customer, insofar as such loss, damage or expense arises from the
performance of Custodian's duties hereunder by reason of Custodian's reliance
upon records that were maintained for Customer by entities other than Custodian
prior to Custodian's employment under this Agreement.
If Custodian does not exercise reasonable care, Custodian shall indemnify
Customer for any losses, damages, costs and expenses (including, without
limitation, the fees and expenses of counsel) incurred by Customer and arising
out of action taken or omitted without reasonable care by Custodian hereunder or
under any Instructions.
17. Investment Limitations and Legal or Contractual Restrictions or
Regulations. Neither Custodian nor any Subcustodians shall be liable to Customer
or a Portfolio and Customer agrees to indemnify Custodian, all Subcustodians and
their nominees, for any loss, damage or expense suffered or incurred by
Custodian, any Subcustodian or their nominees arising out of any violation of
any investment restriction or other restriction or limitation applicable to
Customer or any Portfolio pursuant to any contract or any law or regulation.
18. Fees and Expenses. Customer agrees to pay to Custodian such
compensation for its services pursuant to this Agreement as may be mutually
agreed upon in writing from time to time and Custodian's reasonable
out-of-pocket or incidental expenses in connection with the performance of this
Agreement, including (but without limitation) reasonable legal fees as described
herein and/or deemed necessary in the judgment of Custodian to keep safe or
protect the Property in the Account. The initial fee schedule is attached hereto
as Exhibit B. Such fees will not be abated by, nor shall Custodian be required
to account for, any profits or commissions received by Custodian in connection
with its provision of custody services under this agreement. Customer hereby
agrees to hold Custodian harmless from any liability or loss resulting from any
taxes or other governmental charges, and any expense related thereto, which may
be imposed, or assessed with respect to any Property in an Account and also
agree to hold Custodian, its Subcustodians, and their respective nominees
harmless from any liability as a record holder of Property in such Account.
Custodian is authorized to charge the applicable Account for such items, and
Custodian shall have a lien on the Property in the applicable Account for any
amount payable to Custodian under this Agreement, including but not limited to
amounts payable pursuant to Section 13 and pursuant to indemnities granted by
Customer under this Agreement.
19. Tax Reclaims. With respect to withholding taxes deducted and which
may be deducted from any income received from any Property in an Account,
Custodian shall perform such services with respect thereto as are described in
the applicable Service Standards and shall in connection therewith be subject to
the standard of care set forth in such Service Standards. Such standard of care
shall not be affected by any other term of this Agreement.
20. Amendment, Modifications, etc. No provision of this Agreement may
be amended, modified or waived except in a writing signed by the parties hereto
(except that Exhibit D may be amended as provided in Section 4 hereof and
Exhibit B may be amended as provided for therein). In addition, any amendment to
Sections 8(c), 8(d), 16, 17, 24, 27 and 28 of this Agreement shall require the
written consent of Bankers Trust. No waiver of any provision hereto shall be
deemed a continuing waiver unless it is so designated. No failure or delay on
the part of either party in exercising any power or right under this Agreement
operates as a waiver, nor does any single or partial exercise of any power or
right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any
other power or right.
21. Termination.
(a) This Agreement may be terminated by Customer or Custodian by ninety
(90) days' written notice to the other; provided that notice by Customer shall
specify the names of the persons to whom Custodian shall deliver the Securities
in each Account and to whom the Cash in such Account shall be paid. If notice of
termination is given by Custodian, Customer shall, within ninety (90) days
following the giving of such notice, deliver to Custodian a written notice
specifying the names of the persons to whom Custodian shall deliver the
Securities in each Account and to whom the Cash in such Account shall be paid.
In either case, Custodian will deliver such Property to the persons so
specified, after deducting therefrom any amounts that Custodian determines to be
owed to it hereunder. In addition, Custodian may in its discretion withhold from
such delivery such Property as may be necessary to settle transactions pending
at the time of such delivery. Customer grants to Custodian a lien and right of
setoff against the Account and all Property held therein from time to time in
the full amount of the foregoing obligations. If within ninety (90) days
following the giving of a notice of termination by Custodian, Custodian does not
receive the aforementioned written notice specifying the names of the persons to
whom Custodian shall deliver the Securities in each Account and to whom the Cash
in such Account shall be paid, Custodian, at its election, may deliver such
Securities and pay such Cash to a bank or trust company doing business in the
State of New York to be held and disposed of pursuant to the provisions of this
Agreement, or may continue to hold such Securities and Cash until a written
notice as aforesaid is delivered to Custodian, provided that from and after the
ninetieth day Custodian's obligations shall be limited to safekeeping.
(b) This Agreement may be terminated by Customer or Custodian as to one
or more Portfolios (but less than all of the Portfolios) by delivery of an
amended Exhibit A deleting such Portfolios, in which case termination as to such
deleted Portfolios shall take effect ninety (90) days after the date of such
delivery, or such earlier time as mutually agreed. The execution and delivery of
an amended Exhibit A that deletes one or more Portfolios shall constitute a
termination of this Agreement only with respect to such deleted Portfolio(s),
shall be governed by Section 21(a) as to the identification of a successor
custodian and the delivery of Cash and Securities of the Portfolio(s) so deleted
to such successor custodian, and shall not affect the obligations of Custodian
and Customer hereunder with respect to the other Portfolios set forth in Exhibit
A, as amended from time to time.
(c) Sections 16, 17, 18, 27 and 30 shall survive the termination of this
Agreement as to one or more or all Portfolios.
22. Notices. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, all
requests, demands or other communications between the parties or notices in
connection herewith (a) shall be in writing, hand delivered or sent by
registered mail, telex or facsimile addressed to such other address as shall
have been furnished by the receiving party pursuant to the provisions hereof and
(b) shall be deemed effective when received, or, in the case of a telex, when
sent to the proper number and acknowledged by a proper answerback.
23. Several Obligations of the Portfolios. With respect to any
obligations of Customer on behalf of each Portfolio and each of its related
Accounts arising out of this Agreement, Custodian shall look for payment or
satisfaction of any obligation solely to the assets and property of the
Portfolio and such Accounts to which such obligation relates as though Customer
had separately contracted with Custodian by separate written instrument with
respect to each Portfolio and its related Accounts.
24. Security for Payment. To secure payment of all obligations due
hereunder, Customer hereby grants to Custodian a continuing security interest in
and right of setoff against each Account and all Property held therein from time
to time in the full amount of such obligations; provided that, if there is more
than one Account and the obligations secured pursuant to this Section can be
allocated to a specific Account or the Portfolio related to such Account, such
security interest and right of setoff will be limited to Property held for that
Account only and its related Portfolio. Should Customer fail to pay promptly any
amounts owed hereunder, Custodian shall be entitled to use available Cash in the
Account or applicable Account, as the case may be, and to dispose of Securities
in the Account or such applicable Account as is necessary. In any such case and
without limiting the foregoing, Custodian shall be entitled to take such other
actions or exercise such other options, powers and rights as Custodian now or
hereafter has as a secured creditor under the UCC or any other applicable law,
including, without limitation, granting to any Subcustodian a security interest
in such Accounts on terms similar to those set forth in this Section 24.
25. Representations and Warranties.
(a) Customer hereby represents and warrants to Custodian that:
(i) the employment of Custodian and the allocation of
fees, expenses and other charges to any Account as
herein provided, is not prohibited by law or any
governing documents or contracts to which it is
subject;
(ii) the terms of this Agreement do not violate any
obligation by which Customer is bound, whether
arising by contract, operation of law or otherwise;
(iii) this Agreement has been duly authorized by
appropriate action and when executed and delivered
will be binding upon Customer and each Portfolio in
accordance with its terms; and
(iv) it will deliver to Custodian a duly executed
Secretary's Certificate in the form of Exhibit C
hereto or such other evidence of such authorization
as Custodian may reasonably require, whether by way
of a certified resolution or otherwise.
(b) Custodian hereby represents and warrants to Customer that:
(i) the terms of this Agreement do not violate any
obligation by which Custodian is bound, whether
arising by contract, operation of law or otherwise;
(ii) this Agreement has been duly authorized by
appropriate action and when executed and delivered
will be binding upon Custodian in accordance with its
terms;
(iii) it will deliver to Customer such evidence of such
authorization as Customer may reasonably require,
whether by way of a certified resolution or
otherwise;
(iv) it is qualified as a custodian under Section 26(a)
of the 1940 Act and that it will remain so qualified
or upon ceasing to be so qualified shall promptly
notify Customer in writing; and
(v) it is taking steps (a) believed by it in good faith
to be reasonably designed to address the risk that
critical computer systems and equipment containing
the embedded microchips that it uses relating to its
operations (the "Systems") may be unable to process
properly and calculate date-related information
and data from and after January 1, 2000 (the "Year
2000 Problem"), and (b) to obtain assurances deemed
reasonable by Custodian that its material service
providers, including each Subcustodian, Securities
System, agent or other financial institution employed
by Custodian to provide services to Customer under
this Agreement, are taking reasonable steps to
address the Year 2000 Problem. Custodian reasonably
expects that the effects of the Year 2000 Problem
should not result in a material adverse effect on
the business, financial condition or ability to
timely perform any of its material obligations under
this Agreement (a "Material Adverse Effect"). In
addition, Custodian agrees to notify Customer
promptly if it has reason to believe that a Material
Adverse Effect is likely to result from a Year 2000
Problem with respect to Custodian or its material
service providers.
26. Governing Law and Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be
governed by the law of the State of New York and shall not be assignable by
either party, but shall bind the successors in interest of Customer and
Custodian.
27. Third-Party Beneficiary. Customer hereby acknowledges and agrees
that with respect to the Accounts:
(a) Custodian is authorized to appoint Bankers Trust as a master
Subcustodian pursuant to the Master Subcustodian Agreement.
(b) As an inducement to Bankers Trust to act as a master
Subcustodian, Customer authorizes the Custodian to bind the
Customer to those terms of the Master Subcustodian
Agreement, including Section 23 thereof, which will obligate
the Customer to pay obligations of each Portfolio for
Property custodied pursuant to the Master Subcustodian
Agreement.
(c) Bankers Trust may rely, as fully as if it were a party
hereto and named as "Custodian" herein, on the
representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities of
Customer set forth in Sections 8(d), 16, 17, 24 and 28 of
this Agreement.
28. Representative Capacity and Binding Obligation. A copy of the
Declaration of Trust of Customer is on file with the Secretary of State of the
State of Delaware (and a copy of the Trust Instrument of Customer is on file
with Customer's secretary). Notice is hereby given that this Agreement is not
executed on behalf of the Trustees of Customer as individuals, and the
obligations of this Agreement are not binding upon any of the Trustees, officers
or shareholders of Customer individually but are binding only upon the assets
and property of the Portfolios.
Custodian agrees that no shareholder, trustee or officer of Customer
may be held personally liable or responsible for any obligations of Customer
arising out of this Agreement.
29. Submission to Jurisdiction. Any suit, action or proceeding arising
out of this Agreement may be instituted in any State or Federal court sitting in
the City of Xxx Xxxx, Xxxxx xx Xxx Xxxx, Xxxxxx Xxxxxx of America, and Custodian
and Customer each irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any
such court in any such suit, action or proceeding and waives, to the fullest
extent permitted by law, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the
laying of venue of any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such a court
and any claim that such suit, action or proceeding was brought in an
inconvenient forum.
30. Confidentiality. The parties hereto agree that each shall treat
confidentially the terms and conditions of this Agreement and all information
provided by each party to the other regarding its business and operations. All
confidential information provided by a party hereto shall be used by any other
party hereto solely for the purpose of rendering services pursuant to this
Agreement and, except as may be required in carrying out this Agreement, shall
not be disclosed to any third party without the prior consent of such providing
party. The foregoing shall not be applicable to any information that is publicly
available when provided or thereafter becomes publicly available other than
through a breach of this Agreement, or that is required or requested to be
disclosed by any bank or other regulatory examiner of Custodian, Customer, or
any Subcustodian, any auditor of the parties hereto, by judicial or
administrative process or otherwise by applicable law or regulation.
31. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is determined to
be invalid or unenforceable, such determination shall not affect the validity or
enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.
32. Entire Agreement. This Agreement together with its Exhibits,
contains the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter
hereof and supersedes any oral statements and prior writings with respect
thereto.
33. Headings. The headings of the sections hereof are included for
convenience of reference only and do not form a part of this Agreement.
34. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original. This Agreement shall
become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed and delivered by
each of the parties hereto.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused its duly authorized
signatories to execute this Agreement as of the date first written above.
FORUM TRUST, LLC
By: /s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
----------------------------
Name: Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
Title: President
FORUM FUNDS
By: /s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
----------------------------
Name: Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
Title: Vice President
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
EXHIBIT A
LIST OF PORTFOLIOS
Investors Bond Fund Investors Equity Fund
Investors High Grade Bond Fund Investors Growth Fund
TaxSaver Bond Fund Small Company Opportunities Fund
Maine Municipal Bond Fund Oak Hall Small Cap Contrarian Fund
New Hampshire Bond Fund Austin Global Equity Fund
Payson Value Fund Polaris Global Value Fund
Payson Balanced Fund BIA Growth Equity Fund
BIA Small-Cap Growth Fund
FORUM TRUST, LLC
By: /s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
------------------------------
Name: Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
Title: President
FORUM FUNDS
By: /s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
-----------------------------
Name: Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
Title: Vice President
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
EXHIBIT B
FEE SCHEDULE
This Exhibit B shall be amended upon delivery by Custodian of a new Exhibit B to
Customer and acceptance thereof by Customer and shall be effective as of the
date of acceptance by Customer or a date agreed upon between Custodian and
Customer.
1. ACCOUNT MAINTENANCE FEES
DOMESTIC CUSTODY ACCOUNTS $3,600 PER ACCOUNT PER YEAR
GLOBAL CUSTODY ACCOUNTS $8,000 PER ACCOUNT PER YEAR
2. DOMESTIC CUSTODY FEES
A. SAFEKEEPING CHARGES
Assets Annual
UNDER CUSTODY ASSET FEE
$0 - $1 Billion 1 Basis Point
$1 - $2 Billion 0.75 Basis Points
$2 - $6 Billion 0.50 Basis Points
$6 Billion + 0.25 Basis Points
b. Transaction Charges
Cost Per
Transaction Type Transaction
---------------- -----------
DTC $12
Federal Book Entry $10
PTC $10
Physicals $25
Maturities (Depository) $10
Maturities (Physical) $25
P&I Payments (Book Entry) $3
P&I Payments (Physical) $10
Fed Wires (from Custody account) $8
SHE (Shares Held Elsewhere) Trades $25
Forum Money Market Funds $3
3. GLOBAL CUSTODY FEES (SAFEKEEPING & TRANSACTION CHARGES BY MARKET)
ANNUAL RECEIVE AND DELIVER
COUNTRY ASSET FEE TRANSACTIONS
------- --------- ------------
Argentina 40 Basis Points $100
Australia 4 Basis Points $50
Austria 7 Basis Points $75
Bangladesh 45 Basis Points $150
Belgium 5 Basis Points $60
Botswana 55 Basis Points $150
Brazil 35 Basis Points $70
Canada 4 Basis Points $20
Cedel/Euroclear 4 Basis Points $20
Chile 35 Basis Points $80
China 35 Basis Points $75
Xxxxxxxx 00 Basis Points $100
Czech Republic 25 Basis Points $70
Denmark 5 Basis Points $50
Ecuador 50 Basis Points $100
Egypt 50 Basis Points $80
Finland 12 Basis Points $75
France 7 Basis Points $50
Germany 4 Basis Points $30
Ghana 55 Basis Points $150
Greece 40 Basis Points $120
Hong Kong 7 Basis Points $30
Hungary 50 Basis Points $150
India (Physical) 65 Basis Points $200
India (Dematerialized) 30 Basis Points $140
Indonesia 10 Basis Points $35
Xxxxxxx 0 Xxxxx Xxxxxx $50
Israel 45 Basis Points $50
Italy 4 Basis Points $50
Japan 4 Basis Points $35
Jordan 35 Basis Points $100
Kenya 55 Basis Points $150
Luxembourg 5 Basis Points $60
Malaysia 9 Basis Points $50
Mauritius 55 Basis Points $140
Mexico 7 Basis Points $30
Morocco 35 Basis Points $130
Xxxxxxxxxxx 0 Xxxxx Xxxxxx $45
New Zealand 5 Basis Points $50
3. GLOBAL CUSTODY FEES (SAFEKEEPING & TRANSACTION CHARGES BY MARKET)(CONTINUED)
ANNUAL RECEIVE AND DELIVER
COUNTRY ASSET FEE TRANSACTIONS
------- --------- ------------
Norway 7 Basis Points $50
Pakistan 35 Basis Points $150
Xxxx 00 Basis Points $100
Philippines 10 Basis Points $30
Poland 50 Basis Points $100
Portugal 5 Basis Points $75
Russia 55 Basis Points $300
Singapore 9 Basis Points $50
Xxxxxxxx 00 Basis Points $100
South Africa 7 Basis Points $30
South Korea 20 Basis Points $50
Spain 8 Basis Points $50
Sri Lanka 14 Basis Points $60
Sweden 5 Basis Points $50
Switzerland 4 Basis Points $60
Taiwan 20 Basis Points $100
Thailand 9 Basis Points $100
Tunisia 50 Basis Points $50
Turkey 00 Xxxxx Xxxxxx x00
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx 0 Xxxxx Xxxxxx x00
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx 1 Basis Point $15
Venezuela 40 Basis Points $100
Zambia 55 Basis Points $150
Zimbabwe 55 Basis Points $150
4. NOTES
The standard global custody service includes: (i) asset safekeeping,
(ii) trade settlement, (iii) income collection, (iv) corporate action
processing (including proxy voting) and (v) tax reclaims (where
applicable.)
Contractual settlement of trades and posting of income will not be
offered in Russia due to the uncertainty of transaction settlement
efficiencies in the market. Contractual posting of income is not
offered in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan or Turkey due to local market
practice.
Strictly domestic accounts (I.E., U.S. assets only) utilize actual
settlement and are subject to the guidelines indicated in the Bankers
Trust POLICIES AND STANDARDS manual.
All domestic receipts and tax reclaim refunds are credited to client
accounts net of agent's collection fees (where applicable).
The above fee schedule includes the cost of time spent on the
installation of the bank's proprietary software (Globeview, etc.), and
one day of training on the system. The fee schedule does not include
the cost of any hardware, or the daily communication charges, which
will be incurred by using these systems. These costs are borne by
Forum.
Foreign Exchange transactions conducted outside Bankers Trust will be
charged $50 per wire transfer.
Out-of-pocket expenses are borne by Customer. Out-of-pocket expenses
include, but are not limited to, stamp charges, duties, application
and/or registration fees incurred outside of the United States, the
cost of building and/or setting up an interface with your (1)
investment managers, or (2) other vendors, as well as postage and legal
fees. These charges are passed on at cost.
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
EXHIBIT C
FORM OF SECRETARY'S CERTIFICATE
I, [Name], hereby certify that I am the Secretary of Forum Funds, a
business trust organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (the
"Company"), and as such I am duly authorized to, and do hereby, certify that:
1. Organizational Documents. The Company's organizational documents,
and all amendments thereto, have been filed with the appropriate governmental
officials of Delaware, the Company continues to be in existence and is in good
standing, and no action has been taken to repeal such organizational documents,
the same being in full force and effect on the date hereof.
2. Bylaws. The Company's Bylaws have been duly adopted and no action
has been taken to repeal such Bylaws, the same being in full force and effect.
3. Resolutions. Resolutions have been duly adopted on behalf of the
Company, which resolutions (i) have not in any way been revoked or rescinded,
(ii) have been in full force and effect since their adoption, to and including
the date hereof, and are now in full force and effect, and (iii) are the only
corporate proceedings of the Company now in force relating to or affecting the
matters referred to therein, including, without limitation, confirming that the
Company is duly authorized to enter into a certain custody agreement with Forum
Trust, LLC (the "Agreement"), and that certain designated officers, including
those identified in paragraph 4 of this Certificate, are authorized to execute
said Agreement on behalf of the Company, in conformity with the requirements of
the Company's organizational documents, Bylaws, and other pertinent documents to
which the Company may be bound.
4. Incumbency. The following named individuals are duly elected (or
appointed), qualified, and acting officers of the Company holding those offices
set forth opposite their respective names as of the date hereof, each having
full authority, acting individually, to bind the Company, as a legal matter,
with respect to all matters pertaining to the Agreement, and to execute and
deliver said Agreement on behalf of the Company, and the signatures set forth
opposite the respective names and titles of said officers are their true,
authentic signatures:
Name Title Signature
---- ----- ---------
[Name] [Position] ____________________
[Name] [Position] ____________________
[Name] [Position] ____________________
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ____ day of
_______, 19__.
Forum Funds
By: ____________________________
Name: ____________________________
Title: __Secretary_________________
I, [Name of Confirming Officer], [Title] of the Company, hereby certify
that on this ___ day of ________, 19__, [Name of Secretary] is the duly elected
Secretary of the Company and that the signature above is his genuine signature.
Forum Funds
By: ____________________________
Name: ____________________________
Title: ____________________________
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
EXHIBIT D
APPROVED SUBCUSTODIANS AND SECURITIES SYSTEMS
BANKERS TRUST COMPANY
