EX-99.(P)(23) 6 easeries_ex99p23.htm EXHIBIT (P)(23)

 

Exhibit (p)(23)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Code of Ethics

 

 

for

 

 

MarketDesk Indices LLC

and

MarketDesk Research LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Confidential

August 9, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MarketDesk is the sole owner of all rights to this document. Upon termination of employment, return this document and any copies of this document to the Firm immediately. The information contained herein is confidential and proprietary and may not be disclosed to any third party or otherwise shared or disseminated in any way without the prior written approval of Matthew Clements, Chief Compliance Officer.

 

 

1

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

INTRODUCTION   3
CODE OF ETHICS   5
INSIDER TRADING   18
APPENDIX 1: CODE OF ETHICS CERTIFICATION   20
APPENDIX 2: OUTSIDE BUSINESS ACTIVITIES DISCLOSURE FORM   21
APPENDIX 3: PRE-APPROVAL FORM: PERSONAL SECURITIES TRANSACTION   22
APPENDIX 4: PERSONAL SECURITIES ACCOUNT CERTIFICATION   24
APPENDIX 5: PERSONAL HOLDINGS CERTIFICATION   25
APPENDIX 6: QUARTERLY PERSONAL SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS REPORT   26

 

 

2

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Entity Structure

MarketDesk Indices LLC is a Limited Liability Company organized in the State of Missouri. The firm was formed in August 2022, and the principal owners are Matthew Clements and Jonathon Clements. MarketDesk Indices LLC expects to be named the discretionary sub-adviser (Sub-Adviser) to a 1940 Investment Company Act product, MarketDesk Focused U.S. Dividend ETF. 

MarketDesk Research LLC is a Limited Liability Company organized in the State of Missouri. The firm was formed in August 2019, and the principal owners are Matthew Clements and Jonathon Clements. MarketDesk Research LLC provides institutional research subscription services to registered investment advisors and other wealth management firms.

 

MarketDesk Indices LLC and MarketDesk Research LLC implement an integrated compliance program. Both entities are controlled by Matthew Clements and Jonathon Clements, share the same offices, have a single compliance program and management, and thus are treated as a single “registered entity” for all purposes in this Code of Ethics. Throughout this document, MarketDesk Indices LLC and MarketDesk Research LLC are collectively referred to as “MarketDesk”, “We”, “Us”, or the “Firm”.

 

Services - Sub-Adviser

MarketDesk Indices LLC is Sub-Adviser to MarketDesk Focused U.S. Dividend ETF (FDIV, Fund, or the ETF) providing sub-advisory services for an annual fee based on the percentage of the value of the assets that are sub-advised. MarketDesk will provide discretionary advice to the adviser to FDIV but will not be authorized to initiate any orders to purchase or sell any securities on behalf of FDIV. MarketDesk will not provide personalized advice to individual shareholders of FDIV. Terms of service are outlined in the Sub-Advisory Agreement, while terms of investment are detailed in the Fund’s prospectus. The Sub-Advisory Agreement executed between MarketDesk and the investment adviser of the ETF, Empowered Funds, doing business as Alpha Architect, is the primary governance document which conveys explicit responsibilities and obligations to MarketDesk and its employees relative to portfolio management and monitoring, risk management reporting, and compliance.

 

Services - Research

MarketDesk provides registered investment advisors and other wealth management firms with a suite of institutional research tools centered around evidence-based investing. MarketDesk focuses on historical data, leading indicators, and statistical probabilities to guide core asset allocation ratings and tactical idea generation.

 

MarketDesk’s public website (www.MarketDeskResearch.com) provides information about its research subscription services. Research content is only available on the password-protected website (www.MarketDeskPortal.com) for subscribers through an annual or quarterly subscription. Turnkey solutions include Asset Allocation Tools, ETF Model Portfolios, Stock Model Portfolios, White Label Client Communications, and The Quant Pak.

 

MarketDesk provides “impersonal advisory services” to its subscribers. Under Rule 206(4)-3(d)(3), impersonal advisory services are defined to be services that do not purport to meet the objectives or needs of specific clients/subscribers, and statistical information containing no expression of opinions as to the investment merits of particular securities. MarketDesk does not provide personalized investment advice; all content, opinions and recommendations are impersonal and are not tailored to meet individual subscribers’ investment needs.

 

 

3

 

 

 

Regulatory Background

This Code of Ethics has been prepared to assist Access Persons (defined below) in complying with applicable securities laws and adopting a compliance program consistent with sound business practices. This Code of Ethics is intended to comply with the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (Advisers Act), the applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (1940 Act), and other applicable rules and regulations adopted by the SEC and other functional regulators.

 

As Sub-Adviser to the Fund, MarketDesk and its employees are required to comply with certain provisions of the 1940 Act, as amended. The Sub-Advisory Agreement executed between MarketDesk and the investment adviser of the Fund, Empowered Funds, LLC, is the primary governance document which conveys explicit responsibilities and obligations to MarketDesk and its employees relative to portfolio management and monitoring, risk management reporting, and compliance with the 1940 Act. It is MarketDesk’s stated policy to manage the Fund for the benefit of its shareholders rather than its own benefit.

 

Preamble

These guidelines are not intended to address every situation. Access Persons are expected to obey all securities laws. MarketDesk recognizes its need to respond flexibly to dynamic business needs and circumstances. Accordingly, MarketDesk reserves the right to revoke, modify, interpret, and apply its guidelines, policies, or procedures at its sole discretion, and without prior notice. This Code of Ethics is not intended to be a contract or legally binding agreement, nor does it promise specific treatment in specific situations.

 

Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act requires each investment adviser registered with the SEC to adopt a code of ethics that sets forth a standard of business conduct required and expected of all its Access Persons. Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act also requires advisers to an ETF to adopt written codes of ethics. As a registered investment adviser, as well as the adviser to the Fund, MarketDesk has adopted this Code of Ethics (Code) in accordance with these rules.

 

MarketDesk expects Access Persons to comply with the letter of the Code and to observe its spirit. Always consider how your actions will reflect on the Firm as a whole and yourself as a professional. At the commencement of your employment or designation as an Access Person with MarketDesk, and each time a new version of the Code is issued, you must certify that you understand and agree to abide by the terms of the Code by signing the Code of Ethics Certification, found in Appendix 1.

 

If an Access Person acts in a manner contrary to the Code, s/he could be subject to disciplinary sanctions depending on the evaluation of the circumstances. The standards of conduct set forth herein are applied fully and fairly without reliance upon technical distinctions to justify questionable conduct. Intentional and inadvertent Code violations may trigger disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, depending upon the severity or frequency.

 

 

4

 

 

 

CODE OF ETHICS

 

Important Note

For purposes of this Code of Ethics, the term “client” is interpreted to mean Empowered Funds and MarketDesk research subscribers.

 

General

This is the Code of Ethics of MarketDesk. The Firm’s Personal Securities Transactions reporting and Insider Trading Procedures can be found in this Code.

 

Fiduciary Duty

This Code of Ethics is predicated on the principle that the Firm owes a fiduciary duty to its clients. A fiduciary is to approach his or her client’s affairs with the same prudence as would be used in the management of his or her own affairs. Fiduciaries are expected to place the interests of the client before their own. Fiduciaries cannot withhold material information from a client that would affect the client’s investment decision. Accordingly, Access Persons must avoid activities, interests and relationships that run contrary (or appear to run contrary) to the best interests of clients.

 

At all times, the Firm will:

Place client interests ahead of the Firm’s – As a fiduciary, the Firm will serve its clients’ best interests. In other words, Access Persons may not benefit at the expense of advisory clients. This concept is particularly relevant when Access Persons are making personal investments in securities traded by advisory clients.
Engage in personal investing that is in full compliance with the Firm’s Code of Ethics – Access Persons must review and abide by the Firm’s Personal Securities Transaction and Insider Trading Policies.
Avoid taking advantage of your position – Access Persons must not accept investment opportunities, gifts or other gratuities from individuals seeking to conduct business with the Firm, or on behalf of an advisory client, unless in compliance with the Gift Policy below.
Maintain full compliance with the Federal Securities Laws – Access Persons must abide by the standards set forth in Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act and Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act.

 

Any questions with respect to this Code of Ethics should be directed to the CCO. As discussed in greater detail below, Access Persons must promptly report any violations of the Code of Ethics to the CCO. All reported Code of Ethics violations will be treated on an anonymous basis when it is necessary and appropriate to do so.

 

Definitions

CCO: Chief Compliance Officer per rule 206(4)-7 of the Advisers Act. The Firm has designated Matthew Clements as its Chief Compliance Officer.

 

Associated Person: All directors, officers, and partners of the Firm (or other persons occupying a similar status or performing similar functions); employees of the Firm; and any other person who provides advice on behalf of the Firm and is subject to the Firm’s supervision and control.

 

Access Person (you): Any of MarketDesk’s Associated Persons who have access to nonpublic information regarding any clients’ purchase or sale of securities, or nonpublic information regarding the portfolio holdings of any reportable fund, or any Access Person who is involved in making securities recommendations to clients, or who has access to such recommendations that are nonpublic. If providing investment advice is MarketDesk’s primary business, all of MarketDesk’s directors, officers, and partners are presumed to be access persons. As of the date of this Code of Ethics, Access Persons of MarketDesk include Matthew Clements and Jonathan Clements.

 

 

5

 

 

 

Beneficial Ownership: Access Persons are considered to have beneficial ownership of securities if they have or share a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in the securities. They have a pecuniary interest in securities if they have the ability to profit from a securities transaction directly or indirectly.

 

The following are examples of indirect pecuniary interests in securities:

Securities held by members of Access Persons’ immediate family sharing the same household. Immediate family means any child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law. Adoptive relationships are included;
Access Person’s interests as a general partner in securities held by a general or limited partnership; and
Access Person’s interests as a manager/member in the securities held by a limited liability company.

 

Access Persons do not have an indirect pecuniary interest in securities held by entities in which they hold an equity interest unless they are a controlling equity holder, or they share investment control over the securities held by the entity.

 

The following circumstances constitute beneficial ownership by Access Persons of securities held by a trust:

Ownership of securities as a trustee where either the Access Person or members of the immediate family have a vested interest in the principal or income of the trust;
Ownership of a vested beneficial interest in a trust; and
An Access Person’s status as a settlor/grantor of a trust unless the consent of all of the beneficiaries is required in order for the Access Person to revoke the trust.

 

Reportable Fund: The Focused U.S. Dividend ETF, ticker symbol FDIV (the Fund) is considered a reportable fund because MarketDesk serves as Sub-Adviser to the Fund.

 

Reportable Security: any note, stock, treasury stock, bond, debenture, evidence of indebtedness, certificate of interest or participation in any profit-sharing agreement, collateral-trust certificate, pre-organization certificate or subscription, transferable share, investment contract, voting-trust certificate, certificate of deposit for a security, fractional undivided interest in oil, gas, or other mineral rights, any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege on any security (including a certificate of deposit) or on any group or index of securities (including any interest therein or based on the value thereof), or any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege entered into on a national securities exchange relating to foreign currency, or, in general, any interest or instrument commonly known as a “security,” or any certificate of interest or participation in, temporary or interim certificate for, receipt for, guaranty of, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase any of the foregoing.

 

Reportable Security does not include (Excepted Securities):

1. Direct obligations of the Government of the United States;
2. Bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, and high-quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements;
3. Shares issued by money market funds;
4. Shares issued by open-end funds other than reportable funds; and
5. Shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more open-end funds, none of which are reportable funds

 

 

6

 

 

 

Initial Public Offering: An offering of securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration, was not subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Limited Offering: An offering that is exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Section 4(2) or Section 4(6) thereof or pursuant to Rule 504, Rule 505, or Rule 506 thereunder.

 

Conflict of Interest: For the purposes of this Code of Ethics, a “conflict of interest” will be deemed to be present when an individual’s private interest interferes in anyway, or even appears to interfere, with the interests of a client, the Firm, or one or more of its affiliates, as a whole.

 

This Code’s procedures, standards, and restrictions do not and cannot address each potential conflict of interest. Rather, they attempt to prevent some of the more common types of problems. Ethics and faithful discharge of our fiduciary duties require adherence to the spirit of this Code and activities other than personal securities transactions could involve conflicts of interest. If there is any doubt about a transaction for a reportable account or for an Employee’s personal account, the Chief Compliance Officer should be consulted.

 

Personal Account Trading

Personal trading for any Covered Account should never be conducted in such a way as to create any questions of “front running,” otherwise taking personal advantage of the trading activity that is conducted for the Firm, or in any way seeking personal profits at the expense of the trading conducted for the Firm. A trader’s first priority in all trading decisions must be to benefit the Firm’s clients.

 

Private Investment Funds and Distributions

Pre-approval of an investment in a private investment fund is required. Moreover, when an employee is notified by the fund of a distribution of securities, the employee must notify the CCO in order to record the manner of acquisition of the securities. Any subsequent sales of such shares are subject to the trade restrictions outlined in this Code.

 

Initial Public Offerings

Access Persons must obtain prior written approval before acquiring a direct or indirect beneficial ownership (through purchase or otherwise) of a security in an initial public offering. This restriction ensures that Access Persons do not cause a violation of applicable broker-dealer rules relating to new issues.

 

Other Trading Restrictions

It is prohibited to engage in any trading (in a personal account or for MarketDesk) that violates the law1. In addition, an Access Person may not receive from another party “hot tips,” favored commission rates, or other personal brokerage or other trading benefits in exchange for the employee’s giving the other party Company business, such as allocation of brokerage, or any other benefit. Receiving gifts or entertainment consistent with the Firm’s Gift and Entertainment Policy is permissible, as is attendance at sponsored seminars or conferences within the guidelines contained in that policy, but in all instances, it is important to avoid even the appearance of providing business in exchange for personal benefits. Access Persons are restricted as to the purchase and sale of their personal security holdings to the extent that a Fund advised by the Firm holds or is expected to trade the same security. The Code also contains restrictions on, and procedures designed to help prevent inappropriate trading while MarketDesk is in possession of material nonpublic information.

 

 
1 For example, an Access Person may not trade on the basis of material nonpublic information.

 

 

7

 

 

 

Prohibited, Dishonest, and Unethical Practices

The following activities are expressly prohibited:

Recommending to the Fund the purchase, sale, or exchange of any security without reasonable grounds to believe that the recommendation is suitable for the Fund;
Borrowing or loaning money or securities from or to a client unless the client is a broker-dealer, an affiliate of the Firm, or a financial institution engaged in the business of loaning funds;
Misrepresenting to any client, or prospective client, the qualifications of the Access Person, or misrepresenting the nature of the advisory services being offered or fees to be charged for such service;
Guaranteeing a client that a specific result will be achieved with advice rendered;
Engaging in any act, practice, or course of business which is fraudulent, deceptive, manipulative, or unethical; or
Engaging in conduct or any act, indirectly or through or by any other person, which would be unlawful for such person to do directly under the provisions of the Advisers Act and any rule or order thereunder.

 

Conflicts of Interest

The Firm has an affirmative duty of care, loyalty, honesty, and good faith to act in the best interest of its clients. Access Persons must strive to avoid any activity or a personal interest that presents a “conflict of interest.” A conflict of interest may arise if the Access Person’s personal interest interferes or appears to interfere with the interests of the Firm or its clients. A conflict of interest can arise whenever an Access Person takes action or has an interest that makes it difficult for him/her to perform his/her duties and responsibilities at the Firm honestly, objectively, and effectively.

 

While it is impossible to describe all of the possible circumstances under which a conflict of interest may arise, below are situations that most likely could result in a conflict of interest and that are prohibited under this Code of Ethics:

Access Persons are prohibited from using knowledge about pending or currently considered securities transactions for clients to profit personally, directly, or indirectly, as a result of such transactions, including by purchasing or selling such securities.
Access Persons are prohibited from recommending, implementing, or considering any securities transaction for a client without having disclosed any material beneficial ownership, business or personal relationship, or other material interest in the issuer or its affiliates, to the CCO. If the CCO deems the disclosed interest to present a material conflict, the Access Person may not participate in any decision-making process regarding the securities of that issuer.

 

Spread of False Information

MarketDesk unequivocally prohibits and forbids all Access Persons from communicating or transmitting “false rumors” or other information regarding any Fund, portfolio investment, or any registered security which such Access Person does not know or reasonably believe to be true to any person outside of MarketDesk for any reason.

 

If the CCO, upon due investigation, finds that any Access Person has engaged in the spread of false rumors or information as described above, the CCO may recommend sanctions including, but not limited to, dismissal of the person or persons involved and/or reporting of any improper conduct to the SEC or other regulatory authorities.

 

 

8

 

 

 

Gifts and Entertainment

Access Persons should not accept inappropriate gifts, favors, entertainment, special accommodations, or other things of material value that could influence their decision-making or make them feel beholden to a person or firm. Similarly, Access Persons should not offer gifts, favors, entertainment, or other things of value that could be viewed as overly generous or aimed at influencing decision-making or making a client feel beholden to the Firm or the Access Person.

 

No Access Person may receive any gift, service, or other thing of more than de minimis value of from any person or entity that does business with or on behalf of the Firm. No Access Person may give or offer any gift of more than de minimis value to existing clients, prospective clients, or any entity that does business with or on behalf of the Firm without written pre-approval by the CCO. Gifts received from or given to the same source valued at $100.00 or less will be considered de minimis. Additionally, the receipt of an occasional dinner, a ticket to a sporting event or the theater, or comparable entertainment also will be considered to be of de minimis value.

 

No Access Person may give or accept cash gifts or cash equivalents to or from a client, prospective client, or any entity that does business with or on behalf of the Firm.

 

Bribes and kickbacks are criminal acts, strictly prohibited by law. Access Persons must not offer, give, solicit, or receive any form of bribe or kickback.

 

Political Contributions

SEC Rule 206(4)-5 restricts contributions and solicitation practices of investment advisers and their affiliates. Specifically, the Rule prohibits an investment adviser from providing advisory services to any state or local government entity, for two years, if that investment adviser or any “Covered Associate” has made a contribution to a public official who is in a position to influence the award of that advisory service contract. The Rule further prohibits an investment adviser, or a Covered Associate, from paying directly or indirectly any person to solicit a government entity for advisory services on behalf of the adviser unless such person is: a registered investment adviser representative, or an executive officer, general partner, managing member or an employee of the adviser.

 

A “Covered Associate” includes: (1) any general partner, managing member or executive officer of the Firm, (2) any employee who solicits a governmental entity on behalf of MarketDesk and anyone directly or indirectly supervising such employee, and (3) any political action committee controlled by MarketDesk or one of its Covered Associates.

 

“Contribution” means any gift, subscription, loan, advance, or deposit of money, or anything of value made for:

the purpose of influencing any election for federal, state, or local office;
the payment of debt incurred in connection with any such election;
transition or inaugural expenses incurred by a successful candidate for state or local office; or
charitable donations and contributions to a political action committee (PAC).

 

For purposes of this policy, all Access Persons are deemed to be Covered Associates. It is MarketDesk’s policy that no Covered Associate is permitted to make a political contribution to any candidate, officeholder, political party, or PAC.

 

 

9

 

 

 

Confidentiality

Access Persons must respect the confidentiality of information acquired in the course of their work and must not disclose such information, except when they believe they are authorized or legally obliged to disclose the information. They may not use confidential information acquired in the course of their work for their personal advantage. Access Persons must keep all information about clients (including former clients) in strict confidence, including the client’s identity (unless the client consents), the client’s financial circumstances, the client’s security holdings, and advice furnished to the client by the Firm.

 

Service on a Board of Directors and Other Outside Interests

Access Persons must not serve on the board of directors of publicly traded companies without the prior authorization of the CCO. Any such approval may only be made if it is determined that such board service will be consistent with the interests of the clients and of the Firm, and that such person serving as a director will be isolated from those making investment decisions with respect to such company by appropriate procedures. A director of a private company may be required to resign, either immediately or at the end of the current term, if the company goes public during his or her term as director.

 

Access Persons must obtain prior approval from the CCO for any outside business activity that was not already underway at the time this policy was first adopted. Pre-approval should be requested by submitting an e-mail to the CCO detailing the contemplated outside activity, anticipated time commitment, compensation, and disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest associated with the activity.

 

An outside activity or interest may never:

Present a substantial risk of confusing clients or the public as to the capacity in which the Access Person is acting;
Pose a reputational risk for MarketDesk;
Inappropriately influence an Access Person’s business dealings or otherwise create a conflict of interest vis-à-vis the interests of MarketDesk or clients; and/or
Involve use of MarketDesk’s client, or proprietary information.

 

On an annual basis, Access Persons must review and certify to outside business activities. See Appendix 2 for the Outside Business Activities Disclosure Form. At all times, the Access Person should ensure that his/her outside business activities do not present a risk of a conflict of interest for MarketDesk, and that the Access Person make it known that, while serving an outside entity, s/he is not acting or providing advice on behalf of MarketDesk.

 

The CCO may require further information concerning any outside activity for which an Access Person requests approval, including the number of hours involved and the compensation to be received. The CCO will review each reported outside business activity and decide whether such activity must be restricted, monitored, and/or disclosed by MarketDesk. Access Persons are advised to consult the CCO with any questions as to whether an outside activity or interest is reportable under this policy.

 

Case-by-Case Exemptions

Because no written policy can provide for every possible contingency, the CCO may consider granting additional exemptions from certain Prohibitions on a case-by-case basis. Any request for such consideration must be submitted to the CCO in writing. Exceptions will only be granted in those cases in which the CCO determines that granting the request will not create any potential, apparent, or actual conflicts of interest.

 

 

10

 

 

 

Personal Securities Transactions Procedures and Reporting

 

1. 90-Day Hold. To deter market timing, Access Persons are required to hold any sub-advised ETFs they purchase for a period of 90 days. This restriction applies to accounts for which Access Persons have a direct or indirect beneficial interest, including household members.

 

2. 7-Day Blackout Rule. Access Persons are prohibited from executing a transaction on behalf of themselves or another Access Person within seven days of any client having a pending buy or sell order/recommendation in the same or an equivalent security and until such time as that order is executed or withdrawn. Individual securities within a client portfolio may not be available seven days prior to execution. In this case, the Access Person is free to submit the trade for pre-clearance or execute the trade if it is exempt from pre-clearance per the terms below. Nevertheless, a personal trade by any Access Person shall not prevent a portfolio from trading in the same or an equivalent security on behalf of clients. However, such a transaction shall be subject to independent review by the CCO. For example, if MarketDesk is rebalancing the Fund and identifies Apple (AAPL) as a target for the following day’s execution, that security is now under the 7-Day Rule and cannot be purchased until the AAPL trade settles.

 

3. Exemptions Related to 90-Day Hold and 7-Day Blackout Rule. Any security that is not held by FDIV is not subject to the 90 Day Hold Period or the 7-Day Blackout Period. With respect to other 90-day holding period requirement waivers, only certain limited exceptions will be approved including, but not limited to, hardships and extended disability. Exceptions must be approved by the CCO prior to execution.

 

4. Preclearance of Securities. Access Persons must preclear all personal securities transactions with the exception of those identified in the list below. All approved orders must be executed within 48 hours of preclearance approval, unless the CCO instructs otherwise. If any order is not timely executed, a request for pre-clearance must be resubmitted. Exceptions to the requirement to resubmit preclearance requests may be granted in advance by the CCO for unusual circumstances.

 

The following are exempt from preclearance:

Non-proprietary, open-end mutual funds and ETFs (e.g., mutual funds and ETFs not managed, advised, or sub-advised by MarketDesk).
Broad based index and commodity options and futures.
Fixed income securities less than $100,000 over a 30-day period.
Any transactions in individual equity securities, with a market cap of $1billion or more, are exempt from pre-trade clearance up to 500 shares.
Discretionary accounts managed externally by an independent third party (e.g., an external investment adviser with discretionary authority).
Exceptions by prior written approval.
Automatic investment/withdrawal programs and automatic rebalancing as part of a model portfolio managed by MarketDesk.

 

5. IPOs are Prohibited. No Access Person or household member thereof may acquire any security in an Initial Public Offering (IPO). For purposes of this policy, an IPO does not include offerings of government or municipal securities.

 

 

11

 

 

 

6. Preclearance Required for Limited Offerings and Private Placements. Securities issued in limited offerings and private placements2 (including investments in limited partnerships such as buyout, venture capital, oil and gas, real estate, and hedge funds or funds of funds) may only be acquired by an Access Person or household member thereof with the advance written approval of the CCO. A request for approval of a private placement or limited offering should generally be submitted at least one week in advance of the proposed date of investment. An Access Person need not pre-clear any private placement investments in which such Access Person’s only “beneficial ownership” is through the general partner of a Fund sponsored by MarketDesk or its affiliates. Certain limited partnership investments may not be securities, such as a partnership created to invest in a building. Access Persons are urged to consult the CCO with any questions about limited offerings. Preclearance does not preclude subsequent reporting of transactions.

 

7. Cryptocurrencies. A cryptocurrency is a digital asset designed to work as a medium of exchange that uses strong cryptography to secure financial transactions, control the creation of additional units, and verify the transfer of assets. There is some debate as to whether cryptocurrencies are securities. If there is a centralized third party, along with purchasers of a cryptocurrency with an expectation of a return, then the transaction should be considered a securities transaction. Bitcoin is not deemed to be a security because it is decentralized: there is no central party whose efforts are a key determining factor in the enterprise. In addition, ether is also not a security because the Ethereum network is also decentralized. Access Persons are not required to pre-clear, or report transactions or holdings related to cryptocurrencies which are not deemed to be securities.

 

Cryptocurrencies that are deemed to be securities and Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) are included in the definition of a covered security. If there is any question by an Access Person as to whether a security is “covered” under this Code, s/he should consult with the CCO for clarification on the issue before entering any trade for his/her personal account.

 

8. Preclearance Required for Option Writing. Access Persons must preclear any option writing with the CCO.

 

9. Short Selling Restrictions. Access Persons and household members are prohibited from selling short any security which is owned in a client portfolio.

 

10. Investment Clubs are Prohibited. Access Persons and household members are prohibited from participating in investment clubs.

 

11. Trustee Arrangements. Access Persons must receive pre-approval from the CCO before accepting a trustee position for any person or entity.

 

12. Prohibition on Trading Securities on the Restricted Security List. MarketDesk may from time to time establish a Restricted Security List that includes certain securities where MarketDesk has, or may receive, material nonpublic information about such companies because of a special relationship between MarketDesk or an Access Person and such companies or otherwise. No Access Persons or household member thereof can trade or invest in any securities listed on the Restricted Security List without the prior consent of the CCO. This restriction covers all instruments of the issuer, including equity, debt, and derivative instruments.

 

 
2 A Private Placement, also known as an unregistered offering, is the purchase of any security or offering exempt from the Securities Act of 1933.

 

 

12

 

 

 

If any Access Person or household member thereof already holds a security that is on the Restricted Security List and has not received consent from the CCO, such Access Person or household member must continue to hold and may not execute any buy or sell orders for the relevant security until such security is removed from the Restricted Security List. This requirement covers all instruments of the issuer. All Access Persons are responsible for knowing the contents of the Restricted Security List prior to effecting or soliciting a transaction in a security. Any Access Person with access to the Restricted Security List is prohibited from disclosing the securities listed on the Restricted Security List to third parties (except household members to facilitate their compliance with this policy) without the authorization of the CCO.

 

The CCO will determine whether a security should be placed on the Restricted Security List and maintain and update the Restricted Security List, as necessary. The CCO will periodically monitor transactions by Access Persons and their respective household members that are reported to the CCO pursuant to the Code to ascertain any pattern of conduct which may violate the restriction requirements or evidence front-running, scalping, or other inappropriate behavior.

 

13. Restrictions on Disclosures. You may not disclose any nonpublic information (whether or not it is material) relating to MarketDesk or securities transactions on behalf of clients to any person outside MarketDesk (unless such disclosure has been authorized by MarketDesk). You may not communicate material, nonpublic information to anyone, including persons within MarketDesk, except as permitted by this Code and related policies outlined in this Manual. All material nonpublic information must be secured. For example, access to files containing material, nonpublic information should be restricted, and conversations containing such information, if appropriate at all, should be conducted in a private setting to the extent practicable. Conversations in public places, such as elevators, restaurants, and airplanes, should be limited to matters that do not pertain to information of a sensitive or confidential nature. Disclosure restrictions are not intended to preclude an Access Person’s rights under the Whistleblower Policy, outlined below.

 

The CCO will review and consider any proper request for relief or exemption from any restriction, limitation or procedure contained in this Code which you believe will cause you a hardship. The decision of the CCO is completely within his discretion.

 

Each Access Person is solely responsible for any violation of this Code by a household member thereof.

 

Pre-Clearance Procedure

For any activity where it is indicated in the Code of Ethics that pre-clearance is required, the following procedure must be followed:

Pre-clearance requests must be submitted by the requesting Access Person to the CCO in writing (see Appendix 3 for the Pre-Approval Form: Personal Securities Transaction). The request must describe in detail what is being requested and any relevant information about the proposed activity.
The CCO will respond in writing to the request as quickly as is practical, either giving an approval or declination of the request, or requesting additional information for clarification.
Pre-clearance authorizations expire 48 hours after the approval, unless otherwise noted by the CCO on the written authorization response.
Records of all pre-clearance requests and responses will be maintained by the CCO for monitoring purposes and ensuring the Code of Ethics is followed.

 

 

13

 

 

 

Reporting Requirements

 

Initial Personal Securities Account Report

No later than ten (10) days after the person becomes an Access Person and annually thereafter, every Access Person must file a personal securities account report containing the information specified in Appendix 4, the Personal Securities Account Certification.

 

Initial and Annual Holdings Reports

No later than ten (10) days after the person becomes an Access Person and annually thereafter, every Access Person must file a holdings report containing the following information:

The title, exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, type of security, number of shares and principal amount of each Reportable Security in which the Access Person had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership when the person becomes an Access Person;
The name of any broker, dealer, or bank with whom the Access Person maintained an account in which any securities were held for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person; and
The date that the report is submitted by the Access Person.

 

See Appendix 5 for the Personal Holdings Certification. The holdings reports must be current as of a date not more than 45 days prior to the individual becoming an access person (in the case of an initial report) or the date the report is submitted (in the case of an annual report).

 

Quarterly Reports

No later than thirty (30) days after the end of calendar quarter, every Access Person must file transaction reports containing the following information:

For each transaction involving a Reportable Security in which the Access Person had, or as a result of the transaction acquired, any direct or indirect beneficial ownership, the Access Person must provide the date of the transaction, the title, exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, type of security, the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable), number of shares and principal amount of each involved in the transaction;
The nature of the transaction (e.g., purchase, sale)
The price of the security at which the transaction was effected
The name of any broker, dealer, or bank with or through the transaction was effected; and
The date that the report is submitted by the Access Person.

 

See Appendix 6 for the Quarterly Personal Securities Transactions Report. Access Persons may use duplicate brokerage confirmations and account statements, provided that all of the required information is contained in those confirmations and statements, and the Access Person submits Appendix 6 confirming that MarketDesk is in receipt of all confirmations and statements.

 

Exceptions from Reporting Requirement

Initial, annual, and quarterly reporting is not required for any account over which an Access Person or a household member has no direct or indirect influence or control. However, each Access Person must report the existence of such an account to the CCO. The CCO has the authority to request further information and documentation from you regarding any account over which you claim to have no influence or control, including to direct the adviser or broker to the account to provide an affirmative certification that the Access Person or household member has no direct or indirect influence or control. Each Access Person must certify annually that he or she, or a household member when applicable, does not have direct or indirect influence or control over the account. If the Access Person’s level of discretion changes relative to a non-discretionary account, the CCO must be notified immediately. All related documentation pertaining to a personal account exemption will be maintained by the CCO pursuant to MarketDesk’s Books and Records policy.

 

 

14

 

 

 

The reporting requirements of this section of this Code of Ethics do not apply to transaction reports with respect to transactions effected pursuant to an automatic investment plan, including dividend reinvestment plans.

 

The reporting requirements of this section of this Code of Ethics do not apply to transaction reports if the report would contain duplicate information contained in broker trade confirmations or account statements that the Firm holds in its records so long as the Firm receives the confirmations or statements no later than 30 days after the end of the applicable calendar quarter.

 

Furthermore, accounts restricted solely to the purchase and sale of mutual funds (to include ETFs), 529 College Savings Plans, and 403b/401k plans are not subject to this policy and do not require disclosure or quarterly reporting. However, if the accounts described above can trade other securities, (e.g., individual equity names or FDIV), those accounts are subject to the policy even if they hold only mutual funds.

 

Responsibility to Report

All reports must be filed with the CCO or her named designee. The responsibility for taking the initiative to report is imposed on each Access Person required to make a report. Any effort by the CCO to facilitate the reporting process does not change or alter that responsibility. Any Access Person who has failed to provide the referenced information by the prescribed deadline will be deemed to have violated MarketDesk’s Code of Ethics and may be subject to disciplinary action.

 

Monitoring of Personal Securities Transactions

The Firm is required by the Advisers Act to review Access Persons’ personal securities transactions and reports periodically. The CCO is responsible for reviewing these. To avoid self-review if the CCO is not the only Access Person, another officer of the Firm is responsible to review transactions and reports and approve pre-clearance requests submitted by the CCO.

 

Confidentiality

Access Persons must report personal securities accounts and holdings to the CCO as outlined herein. It is the intent of the CCO to regard and preserve information pertaining to Access Person personal trading activities as confidential in nature. However, in certain circumstances, MarketDesk may be authorized to disclose such information as required by law enforcement or regulatory inquiry and under any circumstances wherein MarketDesk deems disclosure to be reasonably necessary to prevent fraud, unauthorized transactions, liability, or to respond to judicial process or subpoena.

 

Certification of Compliance

 

Initial Certification

The Firm is required to provide all Access Persons with a copy of the Code. All Access Persons are to certify in writing that they have: (a) received a copy of the Code; (b) read and understand all provisions of the Code; and (c) agreed to comply with its terms.

 

Acknowledgement of Amendments

The Firm must provide Access Persons with any amendments to the Code and Access Persons must submit a written acknowledgement that they have received, read, and understood the amendments to the Code.

 

 

15

 

 

 

Annual Certification

All Access Persons must annually certify that they have read, understood, and complied with the Code of Ethics and that the Access Persons has made all of the reports required by the Code and has not engaged in any prohibited conduct.

 

The CCO will maintain records of these certifications of compliance.

 

Reporting Violations

All Access Persons must report violations of the Firm’s Code of Ethics promptly to the CCO. If the CCO is involved in the violation or is unreachable, Access Persons may report directly to the Firm’s Management. All reports of violations will be treated confidentially to the extent permitted by law and investigated promptly and appropriately. Persons may report violations of the Code of Ethics on an anonymous basis. Examples of violations that must be reported are (but are not limited to):

noncompliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations;
fraud or illegal acts involving any aspect of the Firm’s business;
material misstatements in regulatory filings, internal books and records, clients records or reports;
activity that is harmful to clients; and
deviations from required controls and procedures that safeguard clients and the Firm.

 

No retribution will be taken against a person for reporting, in good faith, a violation or suspected violation of this Code of Ethics. Retaliation against an individual who reports a violation is prohibited and constitutes a further violation of the Code.

 

Compliance Officer Duties

 

Training and Education

The CCO is responsible for training and educating Access Persons regarding the Code. Training will occur as needed and all Access Persons are required to attend any training sessions or read any applicable materials in accordance with CCO direction.

 

Recordkeeping

The CCO will ensure that the Firm maintains the following records in a readily accessible place:

A copy of each Code of Ethics that has been in effect at any time during the past five years;
A record of any violation of the Code and any action taken as a result of such violation for five years from the end of the fiscal year in which the violation occurred;
A record of all written acknowledgements of receipt of the Code and amendments for each person who is currently, or within the past five years was, an Access Person. These records must be kept for five years after the individual ceases to be an Access Person of the Firm;
Holdings and transactions reports made pursuant to the Code, including any brokerage confirmation and account statements made in lieu of these reports;
A list of the names of persons who are currently, or within the past five years were, Access Persons;
A record of any decision and supporting reasons for approving the acquisition of securities by Access Persons in initial public offerings and limited offerings for at least five years after the end of the fiscal year in which approval was granted;
A record of any decisions that grant employees or Access Persons a waiver from or exception to the Code.

 

 

16

 

 

 

Annual Review

The CCO will review at least annually the adequacy of the Code of Ethics and the effectiveness of its implementation.

 

Sanctions

Any violations discovered by or reported to the CCO will be reviewed and investigated promptly. Such report will include the corrective action taken and any recommendation for disciplinary action deemed appropriate by the CCO. Such recommendation will be based on, among other things, the severity of the infraction, whether it is a first or repeat offense, and whether it is part of a pattern of disregard for the letter and intent of this Code of Ethics. The CCO may impose such sanctions for violation of this Code of Ethics, as he deems appropriate, including, but not limited to:

Letter of censure;
Suspension or termination of the employment;
Reversal of a securities trade at the violator’s expense and risk, including disgorgement of any profit; and
Referral to law enforcement or regulatory authorities in serious cases.

 

 

17

 

 

 

INSIDER TRADING

 

It is the policy of MarketDesk that no Access Person may engage in what is commonly known as “insider trading.” Specifically, the Firm prohibits:

Trading, either in a Reportable Account or on behalf of any other person (including client accounts), on the basis of material nonpublic information; or
Communicating material nonpublic information to others in violation of the law.

 

Insider Trading Policy

Section 204A of the Advisers Act requires every Investment Adviser to establish, maintain, and enforce written policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent the misuse of material, nonpublic information by such Investment Adviser or any Access Person with such Investment Adviser. In accordance with Section 204A of the Act, the Firm has instituted procedures to prevent the misuse of nonpublic information.

 

In the past, securities laws have been interpreted to prohibit the following activities:

Trading by an insider while in possession of material nonpublic information; or
Trading by a non-insider while in possession of material nonpublic information, where the information was disclosed to the non-insider in violation of an insider’s duty to keep it confidential; or
Communicating material nonpublic information to others in breach of a fiduciary duty.

 

Who Is Covered by the Policy

This policy covers all of the Firm’s Access Persons as well as all transactions in any securities participated in by family members, trusts, or corporations directly or indirectly controlled by such persons. In addition, the policy applies to transactions engaged in by corporations in which the Access Person is an officer, director or 10% or greater stockholder and a partnership of which the Access Person is a partner unless such person has no direct or indirect control over the partnership.

 

Material Information

Individuals may not be held liable for trading on inside information unless the information is material. Advance knowledge of the following types of information is generally regarded as material:

Dividend or earnings announcements
Write-downs or write-offs of assets
Additions to reserves for bad debts or contingent liabilities
Expansion or curtailment of company or major division operations
Merger, joint venture announcements
New product/service announcements
Discovery or research developments
Criminal, civil and government investigations, and indictments
Pending labor disputes
Debt service or liquidity problems
Bankruptcy or insolvency problems
Tender offers, stock repurchase plans, etc.
Recapitalization

 

 

18

 

 

 

Information provided by a company could be material because of its expected effect on a particular class of a company’s securities, all of the company’s securities, the securities of another company, or the securities of several companies. The misuse of material nonpublic information applies to all types of securities, including equity, debt, commercial paper, government securities, and options.

 

Material information does not have to relate to a company’s business. For example, material information about the contents of an upcoming newspaper column may affect the price of a security, and therefore be considered material.

 

Nonpublic Information

In order for issues concerning insider trading to arise, information must not only be material, but also nonpublic as well.

 

Once material, nonpublic information has been effectively distributed to the investing public, it is no longer classified as material, nonpublic information. However, the distribution of nonpublic information must occur through commonly recognized channels for the classification to change. In addition, the information must not only be publicly disclosed, but there must also be adequate time for the public to receive and digest the information. Lastly, nonpublic information does not change to public information solely by selective dissemination.

 

Access Persons must be aware that even when there is no expectation of confidentiality, a person may become an insider upon receiving material, nonpublic information. Whether the “tip” made to the Access Person makes such person a “tipee” depends on whether the corporate insider expects to benefit personally, either directly or indirectly, from the disclosure.

 

“Benefit” is not limited to a present or future monetary gain; it could be a reputational benefit or an expectation of a quid pro quo from the recipient by a gift of the information. Access Persons may also become insiders or “tipees” if they obtain material, nonpublic information by happenstance, at social gatherings, by overhearing conversations, etc.

 

Fair Dealing vs. Self-Dealing

Access Persons must act in a manner consistent with the obligation to deal fairly with all clients when taking investment action. The Firm will not tolerate self-dealing for personal benefit or the benefit of the Firm at the expense of clients.

 

Front Running

“Front running” and “scalping” refer to the buying or selling of securities in a Reportable Account, prior to clients, in order to benefit from any price movement that may be caused by client transactions or the Firm’s recommendations regarding the security. It also includes buying or selling options, rights, warrants, futures contracts, convertible securities, or other securities that are related to a security in which clients may affect transactions or which the Firm may make recommendations. The Firm strictly prohibits front running and any other form of market manipulation.

 

 

19

 

 

 

APPENDIX 1

CODE OF ETHICS CERTIFICATION

 

1. The undersigned Access Person with MarketDesk Indices LLC and MarketDesk Research LLC (MarketDesk), hereby acknowledges, certifies, represents, warrants, and agrees as follows:

 

2. He or she has received a copy of the MarketDesk Code of Ethics and has read and understands the information contained therein.

 

3. He or she will abide by: (i) all rules, restrictions, policies, and procedures described in the Code of Ethics (as amended from time to time); and (ii) all covered laws applicable to him or her (as amended from time to time), whether in connection with his or her activities on behalf of MarketDesk or otherwise.

 

4. If applicable, he or she has complied with MarketDesk’s Code of Ethics since the last date on which such person signed and delivered this Certification (or its predecessor form) to MarketDesk.

 

5. He or she understands that any violation of MarketDesk’s Code of Ethics by him or her may lead to sanctions, including the termination of his or her employment with MarketDesk or other dismissal.

 

6. He or she understands that nothing contained in MarketDesk’s Code of Ethics affects in any way the at-will nature of his or her employment with MarketDesk, which MarketDesk may terminate at any time for any reason without penalty or other payment except as required by law or written agreement.

 

       
Access Person Name (print)   Date  
       
       
Access Person Signature      

 

 

20

 

 

 

APPENDIX 2

OUTSIDE BUSINESS ACTIVITIES DISCLOSURE FORM

 

Check One: _____ New Disclosure    _____ Updated Disclosure    _____ Remove Disclosure

 

Access Persons who engage in any outside business activity, with or without compensation, must complete and submit this form to the CCO for review and approval. See the Code of Ethics for complete information.

 

An outside business activity includes any business activity that is outside the scope of MarketDesk’s business. Such business activity includes acting as a proprietor, partner, officer, director, trustee, consultant, or having any financial interest in another business or organization. An outside business activity also includes non- compensated positions for which you have a fiduciary duty (i.e. president, treasurer, trustee, power of attorney, charitable or other office positions for a nonprofit board). While an outside business activity does not include passive investments, exception might apply by virtue of their nature, position, percentage of ownership or control or obligations with respect to that activity.

 

Failure to promptly disclose an outside business activity could result in disciplinary actions including termination. You must utilize this Outside Business Activity Disclosure Form to disclose any activity to MarketDesk. Your disclosure must be both accurate and complete to be considered for review.

 

In the event that you have any change in your outside business activity profile, you must update this form promptly and forward it to the CCO for review and final updating.

 

I understand it is my obligation to promptly update any changes in my outside business activities.

 

Please Initial, Sign and Date:

 

I DO NOT engage in any outside business activities.     
I DO engage in the following outside activities:     

 

Description of outside activities, including details related to time spent and compensation received (list all that apply; attach separate page if needed):

 

 
 
 

 

         
Access Person Name (print)   Date   Signature

 

       
Chief Compliance Officer Approval Signature   Date  

 

 

21

 

 

 

APPENDIX 3

PRE-APPROVAL FORM: PERSONAL SECURITIES TRANSACTION

Page 1 of 2

 

This form must be submitted prior to executing a transaction in personal securities (with some exceptions), a private placement, limited offering, sub-advised ETF, or any other transaction the Access Person believes could cause a conflict or compliance violation. IPOs are prohibited. See the Code of Ethics for details.

 

IRRESPECTIVE OF APPROVAL BY THE CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER, NO EMPLOYEE MAY EXECUTE ANY SECURITIES TRANSACTION WHILE IN POSSESSION OF INSIDE INFORMATION. SEE THE ADVISER’S CODE OF ETHICS FOR INFORMATION ABOUT INSIDER TRADING AND NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION.

 

Whether or not an Access Person has “inside information”, no employee may “trade ahead” of a client or execute any transaction which might in any respect disadvantage a client account or result in an Access Person in any respect profiting from a transaction executed or positions held for a client.

 

Name as it appears on the Account:      

 

Account Number:      

 

Issuer:      

 

Equity Investments: ☐ Common ☐ Preferred

 

Number of shares:    

 

Debt Investments: ☐ Public ☐ Private

 

Interest rate:      

 

Maturity date:      

 

Limited Offering:

Please provide details:

 

Describe whether and why this investment would or would not be suitable for a client:

 

Transaction Type (please check):

☐ Purchase

☐ Sale

 

Estimated Trade Date:     Estimated Price:    

 

Broker/Dealer:    

 

 

22

 

 

 

APPENDIX 3

PRE-APPROVAL FORM: PERSONAL SECURITIES TRANSACTION

Page 2 of 2

 

Is the investment a limited offering? ☐ Yes   ☐ No  
         
Is the investment a private placement? ☐ Yes   ☐ No  

 

  If yes, will the private placement invest in corporate debt or equity?   ☐ Yes   ☐ No
           
  If yes, will you take an active role in the management of investments?   ☐ Yes   ☐ No

 

Representation and Signature:

By executing this form, I represent that the information contained herein is accurate and complete and that my trading in this investment is not based on any material nonpublic information.

 

       
Access Person Name   Date  
       
       
Access Person Signature      

 

Compliance Approval:     Date:     

 

Duration of preclearance approval:     

 

APPROVAL OF A TRADE DOES NOT MEAN THAT MARKETDESK IN ANY RESPECT RECOMMENDS OR ENDORSES SUCH TRANSACTION. THIS APPROVAL IS ONLY VALID UNTIL THE LAST DATE LISTED ABOVE. FURTHERMORE, THIS APPROVAL IS NOT VALID IF ANY OF THE INFORMATION LISTED ABOVE CHANGE OR SHOULD THE ASSOCIATED PERSON COME INTO POSSESSION OF “INSIDE INFORMATION”.

 

 

23

 

 

 

APPENDIX 4

PERSONAL SECURITIES ACCOUNT CERTIFICATION

Page 1 of 2

 

To be completed upon employment, promptly upon any changes and annually thereafter

 

Check One: New Disclosure _____      Updated Disclosure _____     Annual Disclosure _____

 

Access Person Name (print):     

 

Date of Report:    

 

Check one of the following as applicable:

 

_____  I do not have any personal securities accounts to disclose.

 

_____  I have personal securities accounts to disclose which are listed below.

 

Listed below are personal securities accounts which I or a household member have beneficial interest as defined in the MarketDesk Personal Trading Policy. Attach additional sheets if necessary.

 

Type of

Account

(e.g. brokerage, IRA)

Name on

Account

Relationship
to me

(e.g. self, spouse)

Financial

Institution

(e.g. Schwab, E-Trade)

Account

Number

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

Access Person Signature:     Date:     

 

       
Chief Compliance Officer Approval Signature   Date  

 

 

24

 

 

 

APPENDIX 5

PERSONAL HOLDINGS CERTIFICATION

 

To be completed upon employment, upon any changes and annually thereafter

 

Name of Access Person (print):  

 

Check One: New Disclosure _____     Updated Disclosure _____     Annual Disclosure _____

 

Please list all other personal holdings in which you have a financial interest or over which you exercise control that have not otherwise been disclosed to MarketDesk or check the box below stating you do not have any additional holdings to disclose.

 

NAME OF HOLDING,
AMOUNT OWNED AND
DATE ACQUIRED

BROKERAGE FIRM
OR
CUSTODIAN

ACCOUNT NUMBER
AND NAME ON ACCOUNT
(If applicable)

STATEMENTS SENT
TO CCO?
(Yes/No//N/A/Will be Arranged)

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

Attach additional sheets if necessary.

 

OR

 

______  I do not have any additional personal holdings to disclose (check here only if this applies).

 

Access Person Signature:     Date:     

 

       
Chief Compliance Officer Approval Signature   Date  

 

 

25

 

 

 

APPENDIX 6

QUARTERLY PERSONAL SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS REPORT

Page 1 of 2

 

The Code of Ethics and SEC regulations require that each Access Person (defined at Rule 204A-1(e)(1)) report, within 30 days of the end of each calendar quarter, any personal securities transactions in any account of the Access Person, or any account in which the Access Person or any immediate family or household member, has a direct or indirect pecuniary interest. If the Access Person has arranged for the CCO or other designee to receive copies of brokerage statements for all covered accounts, then such brokerage reports will negate the need for the Access Person to separately complete this quarterly transaction report. If the Access Person has arranged for MarketDesk to receive copies of brokerage statements for all covered accounts, the use of this form would be limited to reporting transactions in private offerings which are transacted outside of brokerage accounts.

 

Quarter ending: ____________

 

_____  YES, I had reportable personal securities transactions within the past quarter as reported on (check all that apply):

 

  _____  the attached page/or monthly brokerage statements
   
  _____  confirmations/statements sent directly by my broker-dealer to the Firm
   
  _____  the attached report

 

_____  NO, I had no reportable personal securities transaction(s) in the past quarter.

 

This report is to be signed, dated, and returned to the CCO, within 30 days of quarter end.

 

       
Access Person Signature      
       
       
Print Name*   Date  
       
       
Chief Compliance Officer Signature   Date  

 

* Important Note: The CCO has discretion to rely upon e-mail attestation in lieu of signatures.

 

 

26

 

 

 

APPENDIX 6

QUARTERLY PERSONAL SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS REPORT

Page 2 of 2

 

Transactions do not need to be reported for:

Any account in which the Access Person has no direct or indirect influence or control;
Direct obligations of the U.S. Government, e.g., U.S. Treasury bills, notes, and bonds;
High quality short-term instruments, e.g., U.S. bank certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances, and commercial paper;
Open-end investment companies, i.e., mutual funds unless MarketDesk, or an affiliated company acts as investment adviser, sub-adviser, or principal underwriter to the mutual fund(s);
529 Plans, unless MarketDesk or a control affiliate manages, distributes, markets, or underwrites the 529 Plan or the investments (including a fund that is defined as a reportable fund under Rule 204A-1) and strategies underlying the 529 Plan that is a college savings plan; and
Units of unit investment trusts, so long as the unit investment trust is neither managed by MarketDesk, any affiliate of MarketDesk, nor invested in affiliated mutual funds.

 

Account

Identification

Information
(Name/#)

Trade Date

and
Transaction
Type
(Buy/Sell)

Transaction

Price and
Number of
Shares

Name of

Security

Ticker

or

CUSIP

Interest

Rate
and
Maturity
Date

Principal

Amount

Broker

 

 

             

 

 

             

 

             

 

             

 

             

 

The reporting or recording of any such transaction should not be construed as an admission you have any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the security reported.

 

 

27