Rule 21F-17. For the avoidance of doubt, notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, and consistent with Rule 21F-17 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, any confidentiality and non-disclosure provisions in this Agreement do not prohibit or restrict Executive (or Executive’s attorney) from: initiating communications directly with, or responding to any inquiry from, or providing testimony before, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, NASD/FINRA, any other self-regulatory organization, any other state or federal regulatory authority or pursuant to court or administrative proceedings. In broadest terms, nothing herein is intended to impede any governmental investigation, Executive’s ability to report potential violations of the federal and state securities laws or Executive’s participation in any whistleblower rewards program.
