EX-99.P CODE ETH 9 ex99p_23.htm

Fairlead Strategies, LLC

d/b/a: Fairlead Strategies

Code of Ethics

 

Introduction and Things You Should Know

 

This is the Code of Ethics (the “Code”) of Fairlead Strategies (the “Company”). The Code includes the following sections:

 

Definitions

 

Fiduciary Duty Standards

 

Code of Ethics Compliance and Administration

 

Guidelines for Professional Standards

 

Personal Trading Policies

 

Sanctions and Reporting Violations

 

Insider Trading Policies

 

Investment advisers are fiduciaries that owe their undivided loyalty to their Advisory Clients. Investment advisers are trusted to represent Advisory Clients’ interests in many matters, and advisers must hold themselves to the highest standard of fairness in all such matters.

 

If you have any doubt or uncertainty about what this Code requires or permits, you should ask the Chief Compliance Officer. Do not guess at the answer.

 

The Company expects all Associated Persons to comply with the spirit of the Code, as well as the specific requirements contained in the Code.

 

The Company treats violations of this Code (including violations of the spirit of the Code) very seriously. If you violate either the letter or the spirit of this Code, the Company may take disciplinary measures against you, including, without limitation, imposing penalties or fines, reducing your compensation, demoting you, requiring unwinding of the trade, requiring disgorgement of trading gains, suspending or terminating your employment, or any combination of the foregoing.

 

Improper trading activity can constitute a violation of this Code. But you can also violate this Code by failing to file required reports, or by making inaccurate or misleading reports or statements concerning trading activity or securities accounts. Your conduct can violate this Code even if no Advisory Clients are harmed by your conduct.

 

 

Definitions

 

These terms have special meanings as used in this Code of Ethics:

 

Access Person – An “Access Person” is a Supervised Person who has access to nonpublic information regarding any Advisory Client’s purchase or sale of securities, is involved in making securities recommendations to Advisory Clients, or has access to such recommendations that are nonpublic. All of the Company’s directors, officers, and partners are presumed to be Access Persons.

 

Advisory Client – Any person for whom, or entity for which, the Company serves as an investment adviser, renders investment advice, or makes any investment decisions for compensation is considered to be a client.

 

Associated Person – For purposes of this Code, all Supervised Persons and Access Persons are collectively referred to as ‘Associated Persons’.

 

Beneficial Ownership – Means any opportunity, directly or indirectly, to profit or share in the profit from any transaction in securities, including those owned by members of an Access Person’s immediate family living in the Access Person’s household, as defined below.

 

Chief Compliance Officer – Means Katherine Stockton, or another person that has been designated to perform the functions of Chief Compliance Officer when the named Chief Compliance Officer is not available. For purposes of reviewing the Chief Compliance Officer’s own transactions and reports under this Code, the functions of the Chief Compliance Officer are performed by another qualified individual, and shall be clearly denoted in the Company’s compliance files.

 

Contribution – See “Political Contribution.”

 

Covered Account – Means any account in which an Access Person has any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership.

 

Covered Associate – “Covered Associate” in reference to political contributions shall mean: (i) any general partner, managing member or executive officer, or other individual with a similar status or function; (ii) any employee who solicits a government entity for the Company and any person who supervises, directly or indirectly, such employee; and (iii) any political action committee controlled by the Company or by any of the aforementioned persons.

 

Members of the Family/Household – “Members of the Family/Household” include:

 

A spouse or domestic partner (unless they do not live in the same household as the Access Person and the Access Person does not contribute in any way to their support);

 

Children under the age of 18;

 

Children who are 18 or older (unless they do not live in the same household as the Access Person and the Access Person does not contribute in any way to their support); and

 

Any of the people who live in the Access Person’s household including: stepchildren, grandchildren, parents, stepparents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, in-laws, and adoptive relationships.

 

Security or Securities – Means anything that is considered a “security” under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. This is a very broad definition of security. It includes most kinds of investment instruments, including things that one might not ordinarily think of as “securities,” such as:

 

 

Exchange traded funds;

 

Options on securities, on indexes and on currencies;

 

Investments in all kinds of limited partnerships;

 

Investments in foreign unit trusts and foreign mutual funds; and

 

Investments in private investment funds and hedge funds.

 

If there is any question or doubt about whether an investment is considered a security or a Reportable Security under this Code, ask the Chief Compliance Officer.

 

Private Placement – Also known as a “Limited Offering.” An offering that is exempt from registration pursuant to sections 4(2) or 4(6) of the Securities Act, or pursuant to Rules 504, 505, or 506 of Regulation D.

 

Reportable Securities – Means all Securities, except Non-Reportable Securities, in which an Access Person has Beneficial Ownership.

 

RIC – Registered Investment Company.

 

Supervised Person – A “Supervised Person” is any partner, officer, director (or other person occupying a similar status or performing similar functions), or employee of an investment adviser, or other person who provides investment advice on behalf of the investment adviser and is subject to the supervision and control of the investment adviser. This may also include all temporary workers, consultants, independent contractors, and anyone else designated by the Chief Compliance Officer. For purposes of the Code, such ‘outside individuals’ will generally only be included in the definition of a supervised person, if their duties include access to certain types of information, which would put them in a position of sufficient knowledge to necessitate their inclusion under the Code. The Chief Compliance Officer shall make the final determination as to which of these are considered supervised persons.

 

 

This Code of Ethics is based on the principle that the Company has a fiduciary duty to place the interests of Advisory Clients ahead of the Company’s interests. The Company must avoid activities, interests, and relationships that might interfere with making decisions in the best interests of the Company’s Advisory Clients.

 

All Associated Persons will act with competence, dignity, integrity, and in an ethical manner, when dealing with Advisory Clients, the public, prospects, third-party service providers and fellow Associated Persons.

 

The Company Associated Persons designated as Access Persons by a RIC shall comply with the RIC’s Code of Ethics in addition to the Company’s Code of Ethics.

 

We expect all Associated Persons to adhere to the highest standards with respect to any potential conflicts of interest with Advisory Clients. As a fiduciary, the Company must act in its Advisory Clients’ best interests. Neither the Company, nor any Associated Person should ever benefit at the expense of any Advisory Client. Notify the CCO promptly if you become aware of any practice that creates, or gives the appearance of, a material conflict of interest.

 

Guidelines for Professional Standards

 

At all times, all Associated Persons must comply with applicable federal securities laws and must reflect the professional standards expected of those engaged in the investment advisory business, and they shall act within the spirit and the letter of the federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to investment advisers and the general conduct of business. These standards require all personnel to be judicious, accurate, objective, and reasonable in dealing with both Advisory Clients and other parties so that his or her personal integrity is unquestionable.

 

All Associated Persons are required to report any violation of the Code, by any person, to the CCO or other appropriate persons of the Company promptly. Such reports will be held in confidence.

 

Associated Persons must place the interests of Advisory Clients first. All Associated Persons must scrupulously avoid serving his or her own personal interests ahead of the interests of the Company’s Advisory Clients. In addition, Associated Persons must work diligently to ensure that no Advisory Client is preferred over any other Advisory Client.
  
Associated Persons must use good judgment in identifying and responding appropriately to actual or apparent conflicts. Conflicts of interest that involve the Company and/or its Associated Persons on one hand and Advisory Clients on the other hand will generally be fully disclosed and/or resolved in a way that favors the interests of the Advisory Clients over the interests of the Company and its Associated Persons. If an Associated Person believes that a conflict of interest has not been identified or appropriately addressed, that Associated Person should promptly bring the issue to the CCO’s attention.

 

All Associated Persons are naturally prohibited from engaging in any practice that defrauds or misleads any Advisory Client, or from engaging in any manipulative or deceitful practice with respect to Advisory Clients or securities.

 

No Associated Person may serve on the board of directors of any publicly traded company without prior written permission from the CCO.

 

Associated Persons will not cause or attempt to cause any Advisory Client to purchase, sell, or hold any security in a manner calculated to create any personal benefit, or on behalf of the Company.

 

Associated Persons must use reasonable care and exercise independent professional judgment when conducting investment analysis, making investment recommendations, trading, promoting the Company’s services, and engaging in other professional activities.

 

 

Associated Persons must conduct all personal securities transactions in full compliance with this Code. Doubtful situations should be resolved in favor of Advisory Clients and in cooperation with the CCO. Technical compliance with the Code’s provisions shall not automatically insulate from scrutiny any securities transactions or actions that could indicate a violation of the Company’s fiduciary duties.

 

Personal transactions in securities by Access Persons must be transacted to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest on the part of such personnel with the interests of the Company’s Advisory Clients. Likewise, Associated Persons must avoid actions or activities that allow (or appear to allow) a person to profit or benefit from his or her position with the Company at the expense of Advisory Clients, or that otherwise bring into question the person’s judgment.

 

Associated Persons are subject to Insider Trading Policies adopted by the Company to detect and prevent the misuse of material non-public information.

 

No Associated Person shall communicate information known to be false to others (including but not limited to Advisory Clients, prospective Advisory Clients and other Associated Persons) with the intention of manipulating financial markets for personal gain.

 

Associated Persons are prohibited from accepting compensation for services from outside sources without the specific prior written permission of the CCO.

 

When any Associated Person faces a conflict or potential conflict between his or her personal interest and the interests of Advisory Clients, he or she is required to immediately report the conflict to the CCO for instructions regarding how to proceed.

 

Associated Persons must treat recommendations and actions of the Company as confidential and private matters. Accordingly, we have adopted a Privacy Policy to prohibit the transmission, distribution, or communication of any information regarding securities transactions in Advisory Client accounts or other non-public information, except to broker-dealers, other bona fide service providers, or regulators in the ordinary course of business. In addition, no information obtained during the course of employment regarding particular securities (including internal reports and recommendations) may be transmitted, distributed, or communicated to anyone who is not affiliated with the Company, without the prior written approval of the CCO.

 

No Associated Person shall intentionally sell to or purchase from an Advisory Client any security or other property without prior written authorization from the CCO.

 

No Associated Person shall provide loans or receive loans from Advisory Clients.

 

 

Code of Ethics Compliance and Administration

 

The CCO administers the Code of Ethics and shall certify compliance with any RIC’s Code of Ethics to the RIC’s CCO on a quarterly basis. All questions regarding the Code should be directed to the CCO. You must cooperate to the fullest extent reasonably requested by the CCO to enable (i) the Company to comply with all applicable Federal Securities Laws and (ii) the CCO to discharge duties under the Code of Ethics.

 

There are three Reporting Forms that an Access Person must complete under this Code. Additional information on, and copies of, these Reporting Forms is included below. You can also get copies of the Reporting Forms from the CCO.

 

Nothing herein shall prohibit or impede in any way an Associated Person or former Associated Person from reporting a possible securities law violation directly to the SEC or other regulatory authority. In addition, the Company will not retaliate in any way against an Associated Person or former Associated Person for providing information relating to a possible securities law violation to the SEC or other regulatory authority.

 

The Company’s management will review the terms and provisions of this Code at least annually and make amendments as necessary. Any amendments will be distributed to all Associated Persons of the Company, and the Company shall require each Associated Person to provide in writing an acknowledgement of their receipt, understanding and acceptance of the change(s).

 

Associated Persons are generally expected to discuss any perceived risks or concerns about the Company’s business practices with their direct supervisor. However, if an Associated Person is uncomfortable discussing an issue with their supervisor, or if they believe that an issue has not been appropriately addressed, the Associated Person should bring the matter to the CCO’s attention, or if the supervisor is the CCO, then to the attention of a senior officer of the firm.

 

The Company will distribute the Company’s Code of Ethics to each Associated Person upon the commencement of employment or engagement and upon any amendment to the Code of Ethics.

 

All Associated Persons must acknowledge that they have received, read, understand, and agree to comply with the Company’s Code of Ethics. Complete the Agreement to Abide by Code of Ethics, which includes acknowledgment of the Code of Ethics, and submit the completed form to the CCO upon commencement of employment or engagement with the Company. All Associated Persons will be required to acknowledge in writing receipt of any amendments made to this Code of Ethics.

 

The Company will describe its Code of Ethics in Part 2A of Form ADV and, upon request, furnish Advisory Clients with a copy of the Code of Ethics. All Advisory Client requests for the Company’s Code of Ethics should be directed to the CCO.

 

The CCO will maintain a copy of this Code of Ethics in the Company’s files. Additionally, the CCO will review the Code of Ethics at least annually to ensure it remains appropriately aligned with the Company’s advisory business.

 

 

Personal Trading Policies

 

Personal Securities Transactions

 

Personal trading activity conducted by the Company’s Access Persons should be executed in a manner consistent with our fiduciary obligations to our Advisory Clients: trades should avoid actual improprieties, as well as the appearance of impropriety. Access Person trades should not involve trading activity so excessive as to conflict with the one’s ability to fulfill daily job responsibilities or to otherwise violate anti-manipulative or insider trading regulations.

 

Accounts Covered by the Code

 

The Company’s Code of Ethics applies to all Reportable Securities and Accounts over which Access Persons have any Beneficial Interest, which typically includes securities held by immediate family members sharing the same household. Immediate family members include children, step- children, grandchildren, parents, step-parents, grandparents, spouses, domestic partners, siblings, parents-in-law, and children-in-law, as well as adoptive relationships that meet the above criteria.

 

It may be possible for Access Persons to exclude accounts held personally or by immediate family members sharing the same household if the Access Person does not have any direct or indirect influence or control over the accounts. Access Persons should consult with the CCO before excluding any accounts held by immediate family members sharing the same household.

 

The following policies and procedures apply to all securities owned or controlled by an Access Person, and any Covered Account. Any account in question should be addressed with the CCO immediately to determine if it is considered a covered account.

 

Improper trading activity can constitute a violation of this Code. Nevertheless, the Code can be violated by failing to file required reports, or by making inaccurate or misleading reports or statements concerning trading activity or securities accounts. Individual conduct can violate this Code even if no Advisory Clients are harmed by such conduct.

 

Reportable Securities

 

The Company requires Access Persons to provide periodic reports regarding transactions and holdings in all “Reportable Securities,” which include any Security, except the following, which are Non-Reportable Securities:

 

Direct obligations of the Government of the United States;

 

Bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high-quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements;

 

Shares issued by money market funds;

 

Shares issued by open-end investment companies registered in the U.S., none of which are advised or underwritten by the Company or an affiliate;

 

Interests in 529 college savings plans; and

 

Shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in unaffiliated mutual funds.

 

Exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, are somewhat similar to open- end registered investment companies. However, ETFs are Reportable Securities and are subject to the reporting requirements contained in the Company’s Code of Ethics.

 

Reporting Requirements

 

The Company must collect information regarding the personal trading activities and holdings of all

 

 

Access Persons. Access Persons must promptly report to the Company the opening of any new accounts, submit quarterly reports regarding Reportable Securities transactions, and report holdings on an annual basis.

 

The CCO will make all required records of personal transactions in Reportable Securities available to the required regulatory authority, promptly upon request. These include statements for all accounts for personal securities transactions.

 

All Access Persons must file reports as described below, even if there are no holdings, transactions, or accounts to list in the reports. Copies of the Reporting Forms are included at the end of the Code or can be obtained from the CCO. The Company may rely on brokerage statements to the extent such statements are made accessible to the CCO.

 

1. List of Accounts - Initial

 

Within 10 days of an individual becoming an Access Person, the Access Person must report to the Company all personal accounts and those in which they have Beneficial Interest by completing the Initial Personal Securities Holdings Report form. This form must be completed by all new Access Persons and must include the reporting of all accounts that are permitted to hold Reportable Securities, regardless of whether or not the account(s) currently holds Reportable Securities.

 

Initial Personal Securities Holdings Reports forms should be signed, dated, and submitted to the CCO within 10 days of becoming an Access Person.

 

2. List of Accounts – Annual

 

Annually, Access Persons must report to the Company all personal accounts and those in which they have Beneficial Interest by completing the Accounts Reporting Form. This form must be completed for all accounts that are permitted to hold Reportable Securities, regardless of whether or not the account(s) currently holds Reportable Securities.

 

If you do not have any accounts to report, this should be indicated on the Accounts Reporting Form. Accounts Reporting Forms must be submitted to the CCO on or before January 31 of each year.

 

3. List of Accounts – Upon New Account Establishment

 

Access Persons must promptly report the opening or establishment of any new accounts that are permitted to hold Reportable Securities during the Access Person’s affiliation with the Company, even if the Access Person does not expect that the account will hold Reportable Securities. Reports regarding newly opened accounts should be submitted to the CCO within 30 days of account establishment. The Access Person is responsible for ensuring that the Company is aware of all holdings in the account, as well as of any transactions that may have taken place in the account since the account’s inception.

 

4. Initial Holdings Reports

 

No later than 10 calendar days after an Associated Person becomes an Access Person (or within 10 days of the adoption of this Code if the Associated Person was already an Access Person at the time of its adoption), that Access Person must file an Initial Holdings Report with the CCO.

 

If you do not have any holdings to report, this should be indicated on the Initial Holdings Report Form. Initial Holdings Reporting Forms must be signed, dated, and submitted to the CCO within 10 days of becoming an Access Person.

 

The Initial Holdings Report requires that each Access Person list all Reportable Securities on the date the Associated Person became an Access Person. It also requires each Access Person to list all

 

 

brokers, dealers, and banks holding any Covered Account in which any securities are held on the date the Associated Person became an Access Person (or on the date this Code was adopted if the Associated Person was already an Access Person on such date).

 

Reports regarding newly opened accounts should be submitted to the CCO within 30 days of account establishment. The Access Person is responsible for ensuring that the Company is aware of all holdings in the account, as well as of any transactions that may have taken place in the account since the account’s inception.

 

Note: In lieu of completing the Reportable Securities section of the Initial Reporting Forms, for accounts held with a broker-dealer, you may provide duplicate account statements dated within the required reporting period and showing the account’s holdings as of that date. Any Reportable Securities not appearing on an account statement must be reported directly on the Reportable Securities section of the Initial Reporting Form.

 

5. Annual Holdings Reports

 

By January 31 of each year, each Access Person must file an Annual Holdings Report with the CCO.

 

The Annual Holdings Report requires the Access Person to list all Reportable Securities in which the Access Person had Beneficial Ownership as of December 31 of the previous year. It also requires the Access Person to list all brokers, dealers, and banks holding any accounts in which any securities are held, and in which such person had direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership on December 31 of the previous year. This requirement may be satisfied by instructing the custodian for these accounts to send duplicate confirmations and brokerage account statements for the Covered Accounts to the Company, c/o the CCO, provided all required information is included in the report. Alternatively, Access Persons may submit this information on the Reporting Form provided by the Company. All information contained in the holding report must be current as of the date no more than 45 days prior to the date the report is submitted.

 

If you do not have any holdings to report, this should be indicated on the Annual Holdings Report Form. Annual Holdings Reporting Forms must be submitted to the CCO on or before January 31 of each year and the holdings reported on the form must be current as of no more than 45 days prior to the submission of such reports.

 

Note: In lieu of completing the Reportable Securities section of the Annual Holdings Reporting Forms, for accounts held with a broker-dealer, you may provide duplicate account statements dated within the required reporting period and showing the account’s holdings as of that date. Any Reportable Securities not appearing on an account statement must be reported directly on the Reportable Securities section of the Annual Holdings Reporting Form.

 

6. Quarterly Transaction Reports

 

No later than 30 calendar days after the end of March, June, September, and December, each year, each Access Person must file a Quarterly Report of Personal Securities Transactions form with the CCO.

 

The Quarterly Report of Personal Securities Transactions form requires each Access Person to list all transactions in Reportable Securities during the most recent calendar quarter in which the Access Person had Beneficial Ownership. This requirement may be satisfied by instructing the custodian for these accounts to send duplicate confirmations or brokerage account statements for the Covered Accounts, in which such transactions took place, to the Company, c/o the CCO, provided all required information is included in the report and the Company receives the confirmations or statements not later than 30 days after the close of the calendar quarter in which the transaction(s) took place.

 

 

Alternatively, Access Persons may submit this information on the Quarterly Report of Personal Securities Transactions form provided by the Company.

 

If you did not have any transactions or account openings to report, this should be indicated on the Quarterly Report of Personal Securities Transactions form. Signed and dated Quarterly Report of Personal Securities Transactions form or duplicate confirmations or statements must be submitted to the CCO within 30 days of the end of each calendar quarter.

 

Exceptions from Reporting Requirements

 

There are limited exceptions from certain reporting requirements. Specifically, Access Persons are not required to submit:

 

Quarterly reports for any transactions effected pursuant to an Automatic Investment Plan. However, any transaction that overrides the pre-set schedule or allocations of the automatic investment plan must be included in a quarterly transaction report; or

 

Any reports with respect to Securities held in accounts over which the Access Person had no direct or indirect influence or control, such as a blind trust, wherein the Access Person has no knowledge of the specific management actions taken by the trustee and no right to intervene in the trustee’s management.

 

Any investment plans or accounts for which an Access Person claims an exception based on “no direct or indirect influence or control” must be brought to the attention of the CCO who will, on a case-by-case basis, determine whether the plan or account qualifies for an exception and make record of such determination. Unless and until such exception is granted, all applicable reporting requirements shall apply.

 

“No direct or indirect influence or control” with respect to an account shall mean that the Access Person has 1) no knowledge of the specific management actions taken by the trustee or third party manager, 2) no right to intervene in the management of the account by the trustee or third party manager, 3) no discussions with the trustee or third party manager concerning account holdings which could reflect control or influence, and 4) no discussions with the trustee or third party manager wherein the Access Person provides investment directions or suggestions.

 

In making a determination of whether or not the Access Person has direct or indirect influence or control, the CCO will ask for information about the Access Person’s relationship with the party responsible for making the investment decisions regarding the account (i.e., independent professional versus friend or relative; unaffiliated versus affiliated firm).

 

The Company requires that all Access Persons seeking a reporting exception for an account based on “no direct or indirect influence or control” submit such a request in writing to the CCO initially when the exception is first sought, and no less than annually thereafter confirm in writing that the exception still applies.

 

The CCO may periodically request information or a certification from a party responsible for managing the account and may also periodically request reporting on the account to identify transactions that would have been prohibited pursuant to this Code of Ethics, absent the exception granted.

 

Review and Recordkeeping

 

The CCO shall review personal trading reports for all Access Persons no less than quarterly, and will otherwise take reasonable steps to monitor compliance with, and enforce this Code of Ethics. Evidence of the reviews shall be maintained in the Company’s files. Another appropriately designated individual will review the CCO’s personal securities trading reports.

 

 

The Company reserves the right to require the Access Person to reverse, cancel, or freeze, at the Access Person’s expense, any transaction or position in a specific security if the Company believes the transaction or position violates its policies or appears improper. The Company will keep all such information confidential except as required to enforce this policy or to participate in any investigation concerning violations of applicable law.

 

The Company’s Code of Ethics is designed to mitigate material conflicts of interest associated with Access Persons’ personal trading activities. Accordingly, the CCO, or designee, monitors Access Persons’ trading to detect potential issues including but not limited to:

 

Trading in securities appearing on the Restricted List;

 

Frequent short-term trades detrimental to their work;

 

Front-Running and other trading in conflict with Advisory Client interests; and

 

Trading that appears to be based on Material Non-Public Information.

 

The CCO will review all reports submitted pursuant to the Code of Ethics for potential issues. The CCO’s trades are reviewed by an alternate staff member to the extent one is available. Upon review, each report will be initialed and dated, and a written description of any issues noted will be documented. Personal trading that appears problematic may result in further inquiry by the CCO or other senior management.

 

Prohibited and Restricted Transactions

 

Access Persons may not acquire or participate in an initial public offering without first seeking written approval from the CCO.

 

Any Access Person wishing to purchase or sell a security obtained through a private placement must first seek written approval by the CCO. In addition, if an Associated Person who owns a security in a private company knows that the company is about to engage in an IPO, he or she must disclose this information to the CCO.

 

Participation in Investment Clubs must be approved in writing by the CCO in advance of any such participation.

 

Timing of Personal Transactions

 

If the Company is purchasing/selling or considering for purchase/sale any Reportable Security on behalf of a Advisory Client Account, no Access Person with knowledge of such Company purchase/sale may effect a transaction in that Reportable Security prior to the Advisory Client purchase/sale having been completed by the Company, or until a decision has been made not to purchase/sell the Reportable Security on behalf of the Advisory Client Account and in accordance with the Company’s pre clearance policy, if any.

 

Case-by-Case Exemptions

 

Because no written policy can provide for every possible contingency, the CCO may consider granting additional exemptions from the Prohibitions on Trading on a case-by-case basis. Any request for such consideration must be submitted by the Access Person in writing to the CCO. Exceptions will only be granted in those cases in which the CCO determines that granting the request will create no actual, potential, or apparent conflict of interest.

 

Pre-clearance

 

As noted above, transactions in private placements and initial public offerings are prohibited, unless pre- clearance is obtained, in advance of the transaction. Pre-clearance is obtained by first completing and signing the Personal Trade Request Form. (A copy of the Personal Trade Request Form is

 

 

included in this Code, or a copy can be obtained from the CCO.) The Personal Trade Request Form is then submitted to the CCO for pre-clearance.

 

If pre-clearance is obtained, the Access Person shall act promptly taking the necessary steps to effectuate the IPO or private placement investment. The CCO may revoke a pre-clearance any time up until the Access Person has made a firm commitment to invest.

 

The Company does not require pre-clearance of all Associated Persons’ personal securities transactions. If, however, the CCO, or designee, determines an exception/red flag based on regular reviews of an Associated Person’s personal securities transactions, the CCO may require a specific Associated Person to obtain, in advance of future transactions, pre-clearance for all such transactions. In all such cases, the CCO shall determine beginning and ending dates for the pre-clearance requirement.

 

The CCO will explain to the Associated Person why pre- clearance is required and have the Associated Person sign an acknowledgement of understanding and acceptance. Records of the noted exceptions/red flags, remedial actions, and all related securities transactions will be maintained in the Company’s files.

 

 

Sanctions and Reporting Violations of the Code

 

Disciplinary Responses

 

All disciplinary responses to violations of the Code shall be administered by the CCO. Determinations regarding appropriate disciplinary responses will be administered on a case-by-case basis.

 

Violations of this Code of Ethics, or the other policies and procedures set forth in the Manual, may warrant sanctions including, without limitation, requiring that personal trades be reversed, requiring the disgorgement of profits or gifts, issuing a letter of caution or warning, suspending personal trading rights, imposing a fine, suspending employment (with or without compensation), making a civil referral to the SEC, making a criminal referral, terminating employment for cause, and/or a combination of the foregoing. Violations may also subject an Associated Person to civil, regulatory or criminal sanctions. No Associated Person will determine whether he or she committed a violation of the Code of Ethics, or impose any sanction against himself or herself. All sanctions and other actions taken will be in accordance with applicable employment laws and regulations.

 

Associated Persons must promptly report any suspected violations of the Code of Ethics to the CCO. To the extent practicable, the Company will protect the identity of an Associated Person who reports a suspected violation. However, the Company remains responsible for satisfying the regulatory reporting and other obligations that may follow the reporting of a potential violation. The CCO shall be responsible for ensuring a thorough investigation of all suspected violations of the Code and shall maintain a report of all violations. Retaliation against any Associated Person who reports a violation of the Code of Ethics is strictly prohibited and will be cause for corrective action, up to and including dismissal.

 

 

Insider Trading Policy

 

Definitions

 

Material Information. “Material information” generally includes:

 

Any information that a reasonable investor would likely consider important in making his or her investment decision; or

 

Any information that is reasonably certain to have a substantial effect on the price of a company’s securities.

 

Examples of material information include the following: dividend changes, earnings estimates, changes in previously released earnings estimates, significant merger or acquisition proposals or agreements, major litigation, liquidation problems and extraordinary management developments.

 

Information provided by a company could be material because of its expected effect on a particular class of Securities, all of a company’s Securities, the Securities of another company, or the Securities of several companies. The prohibition against misusing Material Non-Public Information applies to all types of financial instruments including, but not limited to, stocks, bonds, warrants, options, futures, forwards, swaps, commercial paper, and government-issued Securities. Material information need not relate to a company’s business. For example, information about the contents of an upcoming newspaper column may affect the price of a security, and therefore be considered material.

 

Non-Public Information. Information is “non-public” until it has been effectively communicated to the market and the market has had time to “absorb” the information. For example, information found in a report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or appearing in Dow Jones, Reuters Economic Services, The Wall Street Journal, or other publications of general circulation would be considered public.

 

Once information has been effectively distributed to the investing public, it is no longer non- public. However, the distribution of Material Non-Public Information must occur through commonly recognized channels for the classification to change. In addition, there must be adequate time for the public to receive and digest the information. Non- public information does not change to public information solely by selective dissemination. Examples of the ways in which non-public information might be transmitted include, but are not limited to: in person, in writing, by telephone, during a presentation, by email, instant messaging, text message, or through social networking sites.

 

Associated Persons must be aware that even where there is no expectation of confidentiality, a person may become an insider upon receiving Material Non-Public Information.

 

Policies and Procedures

 

The purpose of these policies and procedures (the “Insider Trading Policies”) is to educate our Associated Persons regarding insider trading, and to detect and prevent insider trading by any person associated with the Company. The term “insider trading” is not defined in the securities laws, but generally, it refers to the use of material, non-public information to trade in securities or the communication of material, non-public information to others.

 

Prohibited Use or Disclosure of Material Non-Public Information

 

Associated Persons are strictly forbidden from engaging in Insider Trading, either personally or on behalf of the Company or its Advisory Clients.

 

In certain situations, depending on facts and circumstances, Material Non-Public Information may also

 

 

be received subject to a confidentiality agreement. The CCO must approve all written confidentiality agreements relating to the receipt of Material Non-Public Information. Any disclosure or use of Material Non-Public Information in violation of such an agreement is prohibited.

 

Associated Persons may disclose Material Non-Public Information only to the Company Associated Persons and outside parties who have a valid business reason for receiving the information, and only in accordance with any confidentiality agreement or information barriers that apply.

 

Selective Disclosure

 

Non-public information about the Company’s investment strategies may not be shared with third parties except as is necessary to implement investment decisions and conduct other legitimate business. The dissemination of such information may be a violation of the fiduciary duty that the Company owes to its Advisory Clients.

 

Receipt of Information

 

In certain instances, Associated Persons of the Company may receive information that may be deemed to be Material Non-Public Information. To the extent possible Associated Persons should seek pre-approval from the CCO prior to accessing such information. In all cases, Associated Persons should immediately inform the CCO if they have or believe they have received material nonpublic information.

 

If Associated Persons have questions as to whether they are in possession of Material Non-Public Information, they should contact the CCO immediately. The CCO will conduct research to determine if the information is likely to be considered material, and whether the information has been publicly disseminated. The CCO may also consult legal counsel.

 

Upon knowledge that any persons associated with the Company may have received unauthorized Material Non-Public Information, the CCO will take immediate action to investigate the matter thoroughly. Where Associated Person may have received Material Non-Public Information, the CCO will prepare a written memorandum describing the information, its source, and the date that the information was received. The CCO will determine what precautions may be appropriate to protect the improper dissemination or use of the information. The CCO will communicate restriction requirements to all Associated Persons in writing immediately after determining the need for such additional measures.

 

Relationships with Potential Insiders

 

The concept of “insider” is broad, and includes all Associated Persons of a company. In addition, any person may be a temporary insider if she/he enters into a special, confidential relationship with a company in the conduct of a company’s affairs and as a result has access to information solely for the company’s purposes. Any person associated with the Adviser may become a temporary insider for a company it advises or for which it performs other services. Temporary insiders may also include the following: a company’s attorneys, accountants, consultants, bank lending officers and the Associated Persons of such organizations.

 

Third parties with whom the Company has a relationship, such as the Company’s analyst or researcher, may possess Material Non-Public Information. Access to such information could come as a result of, among other things:

 

Being employed or previously employed by an issuer (or sitting on the issuer’s board of directors);

 

Working for an investment bank, consulting firm, supplier, or customer of an issuer;

 

Sitting on an issuer’s creditors committee;

 

 

Personal relationships with connected individuals; and

 

A spouse’s involvement in any of the preceding activities.

 

An Associated Person may become a temporary insider for a company he or she advises. Temporary insiders may also include a company’s attorneys, accountants, consultants, or bank lending officers.

 

Individuals associated with a third-party who have access to Material Non-Public Information may have an incentive to disclose the information to the Company due to the potential for personal gain. Associated Persons should be extremely cautious about investment recommendations, or information about issuers that they receive from third parties. Associated Persons should inquire about the basis for any such recommendations or information, and should consult with the CCO if there is any appearance that the recommendations or information are based on Material Non-Public Information.

 

Rumors

 

Creating or passing rumors with the intent to manipulate securities prices or markets may violate the anti-fraud provisions of Federal Securities Laws. Such conduct is contradictory to the Company’s Code of Ethics, as well as the Company’s expectations regarding appropriate behavior of its Associated Persons. Associated Persons are prohibited from knowingly circulating rumors or sensational information with the intent to manipulate securities or markets.

 

This policy is not intended to discourage or prohibit appropriate communications between Associated Persons of the Company and other market participants and trading counter parties.

 

Consult with the CCO if you have questions about the appropriateness of any communications.

 

Responsible

 

Associated Persons should consult with the CCO if there is any question as to whether non-public information is material.

 

Penalties for Insider Trading

 

The legal consequences for trading on or communicating material, non-public information are severe, both for individuals involved in such unlawful conduct and their employers. A person can be subject to some or all of the penalties below even if he/she does not personally benefit from the violation.

 

Penalties may include:

 

Civil injunctions;

 

Jail sentences;

 

Revocation of applicable securities-related registrations and licenses;

 

Fines for the person who committed the violation of up to three times the profit gained, or loss avoided, whether or not the person actually benefited; and

 

Fines for the Associated Person or other controlling person of up to the greater of $1,000,000 or three times the amount of the profit gained, or loss avoided.

 

 

Gifts and Entertainment

 

Policies and Procedures

 

Associated Persons must consult with the CCO if there is any question as to whether gifts or entertainment need to be pre-cleared and/or reported in connection with this policy.

 

Gift Giving Policy

 

The Company’s Associated Persons are prohibited from giving gifts that may appear lavish or excessive, and must receive written approval from the CCO prior to giving a gift valued in excess of $100 to any Advisory Client, prospect, individual, or entity with whom the Company does, or is seeking to do, business. Associated Persons should use the Gifts and Entertainment Reporting Form to meet the requirements of this policy. Associated Persons are prohibited from giving a cash payment of any kind or a gift of more than nominal value to a person for soliciting or referring Advisory Clients or potential Advisory Clients unless specifically permitted under the Company’s Cash Payment for Clients Solicitation Policy.

 

Entertainment Giving Policy

 

The Company’s Associated Persons are prohibited from giving entertainment that may appear lavish or excessive, and must receive written approval from the CCO prior to giving entertainment valued in excess of $100 to any Advisory Client, prospect, individual, or entity with whom the Company does, or is seeking to do, business. Associated Persons should use the Gifts and Entertainment Reporting Form to meet the requirements of this policy.

 

These policies are not intended to prohibit normal business entertainment.

 

Associated Persons’ Receipt of Gifts

 

On occasion, Associated Persons may be offered, or may receive without notice, gifts from Advisory Clients, brokers, vendors, or other persons. Associated Persons are prohibited from accepting gifts that may appear lavish or excessive, and must promptly report the receipt of gifts valued in excess of $100 to the CCO.

 

Use the Gifts and Entertainment Reporting Form to meet the requirements of this policy. Gifts such as gift baskets or lunches delivered to the Company’s offices, which are received on behalf of the Company, do not require reporting.

 

Associated Persons’ Receipt of Entertainment

 

Associated Persons are prohibited from accepting entertainment that may appear lavish or excessive, and must promptly report the receipt of entertainment valued in excess of $100 to the CCO. Use the Gifts and Entertainment Reporting Form to meet the requirements of this policy.

 

Gifts and Entertainment Given to Union Officials

 

Any gift or entertainment provided by the Company to a labor union or a union official in excess of $250 per fiscal year must be reported on Department Labor Form LM-10 within 90 days following the end of the Company’s fiscal year. Consequently, all gifts and entertainment provided to labor unions or union officials must be reported to the CCO on the Gifts and Entertainment Reporting Form.

 

Gifts and Entertainment Given to Foreign Governments and “Government Instrumentalities”

 

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) prohibits the direct or indirect giving of, or a promise to give, “things of value” in order to corruptly obtain a business benefit from an officer, Employee, or other “instrumentality” of a foreign government. Companies that are owned, even partly, by a foreign

 

 

government may be considered an “instrumentality” of that government. In particular, government investments in foreign financial institutions may make the FCPA applicable to those institutions. Individuals acting in an official capacity on behalf of a foreign government or a foreign political party may also be “instrumentalities” of a foreign government.

 

Associated Persons must use the Gifts and Entertainment Reporting Form to disclose all gifts and entertainment that may be subject to the FCPA, irrespective of value and including food and beverages provided during a legitimate business meeting.

 

 

Agreement to Abide by Code of Ethics

 

This agreement is entered into by and between Fairlead Strategies (the “Company”) and the Associated Person whose name and signature is represented below.

 

By signing this agreement, I, ______________________________________ , acknowledge that:

 

___ I have received a copy of the Company’s Code of Ethics;
   
___ I have read and understand the information contained in the Code of Ethics; and,
   
___ I will abide by the Code of Ethics and any subsequent amendments thereto.

 

To comply with the personal securities transactions reporting policy and the Company’s Code of Ethics, I further certify that I have directed each broker with whom I have a Covered Account containing Reportable Securities and to send to the Company’s designated Chief Compliance Officer duplicate copies of all periodic statements relating to my accounts or have otherwise complied with the reporting requirements of the policy and the Company’s Code of Ethics.

 

To meet the disclosure requirements of pertinent securities laws, rules and regulations, I further certify that I will disclose all legal and disciplinary events for which I am, or have been personally involved, including information regarding any actions or fines by any Self-Regulatory Organization.

 

Signature:    _________________________________________________________
 
Date: _________________________________________________________

 

 

Associated Persons Report

 

Fairlead Strategies
As of December 31, 2018
    ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF  
    RECEIPT OF ACCESS
NAME TITLE CODE OF ETHICS PERSON?
Katherine Stockton Founder/CCO   Yes
Christopher Bellaro COO   Yes

 

 

Personal Securities Trading Request Form

 

Fairlead Strategies

 

Name: _________________________________

 

Details of Proposed Transaction:

 

Circle One Purchase / Sale
Date of Transaction  
Indicate Name of Issuer and Symbol  
Type of Security (e.g., Common Stock)  
Quantity of Shares or Units  
Price Per Share/Unit  
Approximate Dollar Amount  
Account for Which Transaction will be Made  
Name of Broker  

 

Date of Request: ____________________________________

 

You ____ may / _____ may not execute the proposed transaction described above.

 

Authorized Signature: _________________________________

 

Date of Response: ___________________________________

 

 

Annual Certification of Compliance

 

With The Personal Securities Transactions Disclosure Requirements

And Code Of Ethics For Fairlead Strategies

 

In accordance with the policies and procedures regarding Personal Securities Transactions and the Code of Ethics for Fairlead Strategies, I certify that during the year ending December 31, 2018:

 

______I have reported all Reportable Securities holdings in which I have Beneficial Ownership.

 

______I have obtained pre-clearance for all Covered Securities transactions in which I have Beneficial Ownership, except for transactions that are exempt from pre-clearance or those for which I have received a written exception from the Chief Compliance Officer.

 

______I have reported all Reportable Securities transactions in which I have Beneficial Ownership, except for transactions, which are exempt from reporting, or for which I have received a written exception from the Chief Compliance Officer.

 

______I have complied with the Code of Ethics in all other respects.

 

Print Name: _________________________________

 

Signature: __________________________________

 

Dated: _____________________________________

 

 

Gifts and Entertainment Reporting Form

 

I gave / received a gift / entertainment. (Circle as applicable.)

 

Describe the gift or entertainment:

 

Approximate cost or value (whichever is higher):

 

Third-party giver or recipient:

 

Describe any known relationship between the third-party giver or recipient and any public issuer or government entity:

 

Describe the relationship between the third party and yourself and/or the Company.

 

If known, describe the reason that the gift or entertainment was given or received:

 

List any other gifts or entertainment given by, or received from, the third party within the past 12 months, along with their approximate cost or value.

 

Is the recipient a union official or otherwise associated with a Taft-Hartley Fund? Yes / No

 

______________________________ __________
Signature Date
______________________________  
Print Name  

 

Reviewer Use Only
 
__________ Approved ___________ Not Approved

 

Reviewed by:    ________________________________
   
Title: ________________________________
   
Date: ________________________________

 

Additional Notes (if needed):