EX-99.28.2.R.2 7 fp0072024_ex252r2.htm

CIM Capital, LLC and its Relying Advisers

CIM Capital IC Management, LLC

CIM Capital SA Management, LLC

CIM Real Assets and Credit Fund

 

Code of Ethics

 

Last updated: November 23, 2021

 

Confidential. For internal use only. Do not copy or distribute

 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

I. GENERAL 2
II. PERSONAL INVESTMENT POLICY 9
III. INSIDE INFORMATIONPOLICY 15
IV. GIFTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND POLITICALACTIVITY POLICY 21
V. OUTSIDE AFFILIATIONS POLICY 26
VI. ANTI-CORRUPTIONPOLICY 28
VII. CIM COMPUTER ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY 31
APPENDIX A 32
APPENDIX B 37
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CIM Advisor and CIM Fund
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CODE OF ETHICS

 

Most Recently Revised: November 19, 2020

 

 

 

I.       GENERAL

 

A.INTRODUCTION

 

The Code of Ethics (the “Code”) has been adopted by CIM Capital, LLC, and its relying advisers (CIM Capital Controlled Company Management, LLC, CIM Capital RE Debt Management, LLC, CIM Capital Real Property Management, LLC, and CIM Capital Securities Management, LLC), CIM Capital IC Management, LLC, CIM Capital SA Management, LLC (collectively “CIM Advisor” or the “Firm”) and CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund (“CIM Fund”), a closed-end fund registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“Company Act”), which is managed by CIM Advisor, in order to establish applicable policies, guidelines and procedures that promote ethical practices and conduct by all CIM Advisor Supervised Persons and that prevent violations of applicable law, including the Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (“Advisers Act”) and the Company Act.1 This Code is available to all Supervised Persons on CIM Advisor’s automated compliance system and the Compliance Department page of the CIM Portal. All Supervised Persons must read it carefully and must verify at least annually (and at such other times that a Compliance Officer may request) that he or she has read, understands, and agrees to abide by the Code. Refer to Appendix A for defined terms used throughout the Code.

 

The Code is designed to address conflicts of interest that may arise in your personal dealings and those in which you engage on behalf of the Firm and its Advisory Clients. The following policies comprise the Code and address certain of these conflicts:

 

Personal Investment Policy
Inside Information Policy
Gifts and Entertainment Policy
Political Activity Policy
Outside Affiliations Policy
Anti-Corruption Policy
CIM Computer Acceptable Use Policy

 

CIM Advisor requires that all Supervised Persons of CIM Advisor observe the applicable standards of care set forth in these policies and not seek to evade the provisions of the Code in any way, including through indirect acts by Related Persons or other associates.

 

Unless instructed otherwise or approved by the Compliance Department, temporary employees and consultants will generally be deemed a Supervised Person if the employee’s or consultant’s work assignment or engagement exceeds ninety (90) calendar days and the individual otherwise meets the definition of Supervised Persons, as determined by the Compliance Department.

 

All activities involving the CIM Fund are subject to the Company Act and the policies and procedures adopted by the CIM Fund in connection therewith as set forth in the Rule 38a-1 Compliance Manual (“38a-1 Manual”) for CIM Fund. The obligations set forth in the Code and the 38a-1 Manual are in addition to and not in lieu of the policies and procedures set forth in the Employee Handbook of CIM Group (“CIM”) and any other Compliance Policies adopted by CIM Advisor with respect to the conduct of its business.

 

 

1The Code is adopted by CIM Advisor and CIM Fund pursuant to and in accordance with the requirements of Rules 204A-1 and 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act and Rules 17j-1 and 38a-1 under the Company Act.
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B.STATEMENT OF STANDARDS OF BUSINESS CONDUCT

 

As a fundamental mandate, CIM Advisor and CIM Fund demand the highest standards of ethical conduct and care from all Supervised Persons, CIM Fund Officers, some of which who are considered Access Persons but not Supervised Persons of CIM Advisor (“CIM Fund Officers”) and CIM Fund Directors. Supervised Persons, CIM Fund Officers and CIM Fund Directors must abide by this basic business standard and must not take inappropriate advantage of their position with the Firm or CIM Fund.

 

Each Supervised Person is under a duty to exercise his or her authority and responsibility for the primary benefit of our Advisory Clients, including CIM Fund, and the Firm, and he or she may not have outside interests or engage in activities that inappropriately conflict with the interests of the Firm or its Advisory Clients, including CIM Fund. Examples of such conflicts include:

 

engaging a service provider on behalf of Advisory Clients or the Firm in which you or your Related Person has a financial interest;

 

accepting extravagant gifts or entertainment from a potential service provider to the Firm or CIM Fund;

 

making charitable donations at the request of a prospective Advisory Client when the Advisory Client will directly benefit from such donation;

 

contributing to the election campaign of a government official or candidate who has, or will have if elected, the authority to appoint pension plan board members who are responsible for selecting investment advisers for such pension plan;

 

purchasing an interest in a property that you know the Firm or CIM Fund is targeting for investment; and

 

assuming an outside position with a company that competes directly with the Firm.

 

The above list of examples is not exhaustive, and you, as a Supervised Person, are responsible for assessing the unique facts and circumstances of your activities for potential conflicts and consulting with CIM Advisor’s Legal and Compliance Department prior to engaging in such activities.

 

Each Supervised Person must avoid circumstances or conduct that adversely affect or that appear to adversely affect CIM Advisor or its Advisory Clients, including CIM Fund. Each CIM Fund Officer and CIM Fund Director must avoid circumstances or conduct that adversely affect or that appear to adversely affect CIM Fund. Every Supervised Person, CIM Fund Officer and CIM Fund Director must comply with applicable federal securities laws and must report suspected violations of the Code to a Compliance Officer. CIM Advisor strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual reporting suspected violations, who, in good faith, seeks help or reports known or suspected violations, including individuals who assist in making a report or who cooperate in an investigation.

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C.GENERAL GUIDELINES

 

1.Supervised Persons, CIM Fund Officers and CIM Fund Directors may not employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud CIM Fund or any Advisory Client, make any untrue statement of a material fact to CIM Fund or another Advisory Client, or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements not misleading, engage in any act, practice or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon CIM Fund or another Advisory Client, engage in any manipulative practice with respect to CIM Fund or another Advisory Client, or engage in any manipulative practice with respect to Securities, including price manipulation.

 

2.Except with the prior approval of a Compliance Officer, in consultation with a Supervised Person’s supervisor and/or Senior Management, a Supervised Person may not act as a director, officer, general partner, managing member, principal, proprietor, consultant, agent, representative, trustee or employee of any unaffiliated public or private entity or business other than CIM Fund, CIM Advisor or an Affiliate of CIM Advisor.

 

3.All Supervised Persons must disclose to CIM Advisor any interests they may have in any entity that is not affiliated with CIM Fund or CIM Advisor and that has a known business relationship with CIM Fund, CIM Advisor or an Affiliate of CIM Advisor.

 

4.Except with the prior approval of a Compliance Officer, and as specifically permitted by law, Supervised Persons may not have a material direct or indirect interest (e.g., as principal, co-principal, agent, member, partner, or material shareholder or beneficiary) in any transaction that conflicts with the interests of CIM Advisor or its Advisory Clients.

 

5.Except with the prior approval of a Compliance Officer, Access Persons may not invest in any Initial Public Offering (“IPO”), Initial Coin Offering (“ICO”) or Private Placement (including hedge funds and other private investment vehicles).

 

6.No Supervised Person, except in the course of the rightful exercise of his or her job responsibilities, shall reveal to any other person, information regarding any Advisory Client or any Investment being considered, recommended or executed on behalf of any Advisory Client.

 

7.No CIM Fund Officer or CIM Fund Director, except in the course of the rightful exercise of his or her responsibilities, shall reveal to any other person, information regarding CIM Fund or any Investment being considered, recommended or executed on behalf of CIM Fund.

 

8.No Supervised Person shall make any recommendation concerning the purchase or sale of any Investment by an Advisory Client without disclosing, to the extent known, the interest of the Firm or any Supervised Person, if any, in such Investment, including, without limitation (a) any direct or indirect beneficial ownership of such Investment; (b) any contemplated transaction by such person in such Investment; and (c) any present or proposed relationship with respect to such Investment.

 

9.No Supervised Person shall engage in insider trading (as described in the Inside Information Policy in Section) whether for his or her own benefit or for the benefit of others.

 

10.No Supervised Person may communicate material, nonpublic information concerning any Investment to anyone unless it is properly within his or her duties to do so. No CIM Fund Officer or CIM Fund Director may communicate material, nonpublic information to anyone, unless it is properly within his or her duties to do so, concerning any Investment in which the CIM Fund Officer or CIM Fund Director knows, or, in the course of his or her duties, should have known, CIM Fund has a current investment, or concerning an Investment Being Considered for Purchase or Sale by CIM Fund.
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11.Each Supervised Person shall complete a compliance questionnaire (the “Regulatory Compliance Disclosure”) prior to employment and annually thereafter via the Firm’s automated compliance system. Each Supervised Person shall supplement the Regulatory Compliance Disclosure as necessary to reflect any material changes between annual filings and must immediately notify Compliance if any of the conditions addressed in the Regulatory Compliance Disclosure become applicable to such Supervised Person.

 

12.Every Supervised Person must avoid any activity that might give rise to a question as to whether the Firm’s objectivity as a fiduciary has been compromised.

 

13.Access Persons are required to disclose to a Compliance Officer the existence of any account that has the ability to hold any Reportable Securities (e.g., brokerage or trading accounts and IRAs) as well as the account’s holdings immediately upon commencement of employment (which shall include the accounts and holdings of the Access Person’s Related Persons), and in no case later than ten (10) calendar days beyond the date the person became an Access Person. Such Accounts must be disclosed even if they contain a zero balance or Exempt Securities only. Access Persons are required to disclose accounts that are Managed Accounts; however, disclosing the holdings of such Managed Accounts is not required. With limited exceptions provided herein, Access Persons are also required to maintain accounts only with Approved Brokers, as defined below, which have contracted to provide holdings and transaction reporting to a Compliance Officer on the Firm’s automated compliance system. Access Persons must confirm the accuracy and completeness of the information so provided to the Firm on a quarterly and annual basis. Initial and annual reports must disclose the existence of all accounts, even if none of those accounts at the time hold a Reportable Security.

 

14.The intentional creation, transmission or use of false rumors is inconsistent with the Firm’s commitment to high ethical standards and may violate the antifraud provisions of the Advisers Act, among other securities laws of the United States. Accordingly, no Supervised Person may maliciously create, disseminate or use false rumors. This prohibition covers oral and written communications, including the use of electronic communication media such as e-mail, PIN messages, instant messages, tweets, text messages, blogs and chat rooms. Because of the difficulty identifying “false” rumors, the Firm discourages Supervised Persons from creating, passing or using any rumor.

 

D.PERIODIC COMPLIANCE REPORTING AND TRAINING

 

Each Supervised Person must complete all assigned compliance certifications, disclosures, training and other requirements within prescribed deadlines, as provided by the Compliance Department (“Compliance Due Date”). Absent an exemption granted to you by a Compliance Officer, failure to complete such items by the Compliance Due Date will likely constitute a violation of this Code and may result in the imposition of sanctions.

 

The Compliance Department also presents and/or coordinates mandatory training on this Code at least biennially and may provide mandatory or voluntary training on the Code or other Firm policies at such other times as the Compliance Department deems appropriate. Failure to attend or complete mandatory training sessions, unless excused in writing by a Compliance Officer, will likely constitute a violation of this Code and the imposition of sanctions. The Compliance Department maintains an attendance or completion list, as appropriate, of all Supervised Persons assigned such training sessions.

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E.ACKNOWLEDGMENT

 

Each Supervised Person must certify, upon commencement of employment, at least annually thereafter and at such other times as a Compliance Officer may determine, that he or she has read, understands, is subject to and has complied with the Code. Any Supervised Person who has any questions about the applicability of the Code to a particular situation should promptly consult with a Compliance Officer.

 

F.REPORTING AND SANCTIONS

 

While compliance with the provisions of the Code is anticipated, Supervised Persons should be aware that, in response to any violations, the Firm or CIM Fund, as applicable, shall take any action deemed necessary under the circumstances including, but without limitation, the imposition of appropriate sanctions. These sanctions may include, among others, verbal or written warnings, the reversal of trades, reallocation of trades to client accounts, disgorgement of profits, suspension or termination of personal trading or investment privileges, reduction in bonus or bonus opportunity, payment of a monetary fine to a recognized charitable organization of the Supervised Person’s choice, or, in more serious cases, suspension or termination of employment and/or the making of any civil or criminal referral to the appropriate governmental authorities.

 

Supervised Persons are required to promptly report any violation(s) of this Code or the Compliance Policies adopted by CIM Advisor or the Rule 38a-1 Manual adopted by CIM Fund (collectively, “Compliance Policies”), or any activity that may adversely affect the Firm’s or CIM Fund’s business or reputation, to a Compliance Officer. The Compliance Department shall maintain a record of all violations of the Code or other Compliance Policies and any corrective actions taken. Supervised Persons are encouraged to identify themselves when reporting such conduct, but they may also report anonymously. Reporting should be made through a letter to a Compliance Officer or via the telephonic and electronic reporting procedures detailed in the Firm’s Whistleblower Hotline Information attached hereto as Appendix B. Further, all activities reported by Supervised Persons will be treated anonymously and confidentially (to the extent reasonably practicable) in order to encourage Supervised Persons to come forward with perceived problems. The Firm and CIM Fund are committed to a full, unbiased review of any matter(s) raised.

 

The Firm and CIM Fund prohibits retaliation against any such personnel who, in good faith, seeks help or reports known or suspected violations, including Supervised Persons who assist in making a report or who cooperate in an investigation. Any Supervised Person who engages in retaliatory conduct will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

 

G.ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS AND WAIVERS BY CIM ADVISOR

 

From time to time, a Compliance Officer, may determine that it is in the best interests of the Firm or CIM Fund to subject certain Supervised Persons or other persons (i.e., consultants and third-party service providers) to restrictions or requirements in addition to those set forth in the Code. In such cases, the affected persons will be notified of the additional restrictions or requirements and will be required to abide by them as if they were included in the Code. In addition, under extraordinary circumstances, a Compliance Officer may grant a waiver of certain of these restrictions or requirements contained in the Code on a case-by-case basis. In order for a Supervised Person to rely on any such waiver, it must be granted in writing.

 

Any material waiver of the requirements of the Code for CIM Fund Officers or CIM Fund Directors may be made only by the respective CIM Fund board of directors or a committee of the board, and must be promptly disclosed to shareholders of CIM Fund as required by law or relevant exchange rule or regulation.

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The Compliance Department shall maintain a log of all requests for exceptions and waivers and the determinations made with respect to such requests.

 

H.REVIEW BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CIM FUND

 

The Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) of CIM Fund will prepare a written report to be considered by the board of directors of CIM Fund (1) quarterly, that identifies any violations of the Code with respect to CIM Fund requiring significant remedial action during the past quarter and the nature of that remedial action; and (2) annually, that (a) describes any issues arising under the Code since the last written report to the Board, including, but not limited to, information about material violations of the Code and sanctions imposed in response to such violations, and (b) identifies any recommended changes in existing restrictions or procedures based upon CIM Fund and/or CIM Advisor’s experience under the Code, then-prevailing industry practices, or developments in applicable laws or regulations, and (c) certifies that CIM Fund and CIM Advisor have each adopted procedures reasonably designed to prevent violations of the Code, and of the federal securities laws in accordance with the requirements of the Advisers Act and the Company Act.

 

The board of directors of CIM Fund will also be asked to approve any material changes to the Code within six (6) months after the adoption of such change, based on a determination that the Code, as amended, contains policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent violations of the federal securities laws.

 

I.CCO REPORTING

 

The CCO of CIM Adviser will prepare a written report to be considered by Senior Management no less than annually, that (a) describes any issues arising under the Code since the last written report, including, but not limited to, information about material violations of the Code and sanctions imposed in response to such violations, and (b) identifies any recommended changes in existing restrictions or procedures based upon CIM Advisor’s experience under the Code, then-prevailing industry practices, or developments in applicable laws or regulations.

 

The CIM Fund CCO will prepare a written report to be considered by the board of directors of CIM Fund no less than annually, that (a) describes any issues arising under the Compliance Policies since the last written report, including, but not limited to, information about material violations of the Compliance Policies and sanctions imposed in response to such violations, and (b) identifies any recommended changes in existing restrictions or procedures based upon CIM Fund and/or CIM Advisor’s experience under the Compliance Policies, then-prevailing industry practices, or developments in applicable laws or regulations.

 

J.CCO AND COMPLIANCE OVERSIGHT

 

All requirements and prohibitions under this Code are likewise applicable to the CCO and all Compliance Department employees. For the purpose of addressing actual and perceived conflicts of interest and potential self-dealing, any report and pre-approval request submitted by such employees is to be reviewed, and approved as applicable, by the employee’s supervisor or the CCO. Reports and pre-approval requests from the CCO will be reviewed and approved, as applicable, by the Chief Legal Officer (“CLO”). Under no circumstances should the CCO or any Compliance Department employee review his/her own report or approve his/her own pre-approval request.

 

Potential Code violations by the CCO or a Compliance Department employee must be reviewed by the CLO and CCO, respectively. If it is determined that a violation occurred, the CCO or employee will be subject to the applicable sanction(s) under the Code.

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K.CONFLICT WITH EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK

 

Where this Code addresses policies that are also addressed in other corporate policies or in the Employee Handbook of CIM or another Affiliate by whom a Supervised Person is employed, the policies herein are intended to augment, and not to supersede or replace, the relevant corporate or Employee Handbook policies. In the event of any conflict that would prohibit a Supervised Person from complying with both sets of policies, the Supervised Person should address the conflict to a Compliance Officer.

 

L.CONFIDENTIALITY

 

Supervised Persons will be given access to and become acquainted with highly confidential information about the Firm such as its financial information, business plans and strategies, investment strategies and opportunities, affiliated companies and internal policies and practices, as well as information relating to past, current and prospective Advisory Clients. Such information must not be disclosed or discussed with anyone other than CIM employees under any circumstance, and only on a “need to know” basis, unless otherwise permitted by the Legal or Compliance Department.

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II.       PERSONAL INVESTMENT POLICY

 

A.INTRODUCTION

 

The Advisers Act, specifically Rule 204A-1, requires “Access Persons” of a registered investment adviser, such as CIM Advisor, to provide periodic reports regarding transactions and holdings in Reportable Securities beneficially owned by the Access Person. Rule 17j-1 under the Company Act requires similar reports for “Access Persons” of CIM Fund.

 

The purpose of this Personal Investment Policy and related procedures is to advise Access Persons of their ethical and legal responsibilities with respect to Securities transactions that may involve (i) possible conflicts of interest with Advisory Clients, including CIM Fund, and (ii) the possession and use of material, nonpublic information. It is a violation of the Code for any Access Person to use their knowledge concerning a trade, pending trade, or contemplated trade or investment by CIM Fund or any other Advisory Client to profit personally, directly or indirectly, as a result of such transaction, including by purchasing or selling such Securities.

 

For purposes of this Code, all Supervised Persons are generally considered to be Access Persons of CIM Advisor and all Access Persons of CIM Advisor are considered to be Access Persons of CIM Fund. All CIM Fund Officers who are not considered Supervised Persons are also considered Access Persons of CIM Fund. Disinterested Directors of CIM Fund are also considered Access Persons of CIM Fund, but are generally exempt from Recordkeeping, Reporting and Statement of Restrictions requirements of Access Persons included in this Code, except as described in Section II. D below.

 

B.RECORDKEEPING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

 

Under the Advisers Act and the Company Act, CIM Advisor and CIM Fund are required to keep records of transactions in Securities in which Access Persons have Beneficial Ownership or a direct or indirect Beneficial Interest.

 

1.       Reports

 

The following personal Securities holdings and transaction reporting requirements have been adopted to enable CIM Advisor and CIM Fund to satisfy their legal and regulatory requirements:

 

In all cases, within ten (10) calendar days of becoming an Access Person, every new Access Person shall submit to the Compliance Department, through the Firm’s automated compliance system, the required information about any account that has the ability to hold any Reportable Securities (such information must be current as of a date no more than forty-five (45) calendar days prior to the date the person becomes an Access Person);

 

Within sixty (60) calendar days of becoming an Access Person, every new Access Person must transfer all accounts controlled or invested by the Access Person or his or her Related Persons in which Reportable Securities may be held (“Non-Managed Accounts”) to a broker-dealer to which the Compliance Department has visibility via the Firm’s automated compliance system (an “Approved Broker”). Any new Non-Managed Accounts opened on behalf of such Access Person or his or her Related Persons must also be established with an Approved Broker. The Compliance Department maintains a list of Approved Brokers, which can be found on the Compliance page of the Firm’s intranet portal. Holdings and transactions in Reportable Securities in these accounts are electronically reported to the Compliance Department by the Approved Brokers through the automated compliance system. Any exception to the Approved Broker policy above must be approved in writing by a Compliance Officer.
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By the Compliance Due Date and no later than thirty (30) calendar days after each quarter end, every Access Person is required to certify all accounts via the Firm’s automated compliance system. Any updates to an Access Person’s accounts or those of his or her Related Persons must be entered in the Firm’s automated compliance system within thirty (30) calendar days of opening or closing of such account.

 

By the Compliance Due Date and no later than thirty (30) calendar days after each quarter end, every Access Person is required to certify, via the Firm’s automated compliance system, all transactions in Reportable Securities in Non-Managed Accounts, as recorded by the system during the quarter.

 

By the Compliance Due Date and no later than forty-five (45) calendar days following the end of each calendar year (i.e., February 14), every Access Person is required to certify, via the Firm’s automated compliance system, such Access Person’s accounts and Reportable Securities holdings and those of his or her Related Persons as of year-end.

 

2.       Determining which Accounts to Disclose

 

In most cases, determining whether an Access Person or his or her Related Person has Beneficial Ownership of, or a Beneficial Interest in, an account that has the ability to hold Reportable Securities is a straight-forward process. It is, however, important to note that, in some cases, an owner of an equity interest in an entity may be charged with Beneficial Ownership of the assets of that entity. In general, equity holders are not deemed to have Beneficial Ownership of Securities held by an entity that is not “controlled” by them or in which they do not have or share investment control over the entity’s portfolio. Because the determination of whether an equity holder controls an entity or its investment decisions can be complicated, Access Persons are encouraged to seek guidance from a Compliance Officer. To the extent such guidance is not sought, any failure by an Access Person to properly identify all accounts will be treated as a violation of the Code.

 

3.       Managed Accounts

 

The Firm recognizes that it may be impossible or impractical for accounts that are controlled or invested on a fully discretionary basis by a third party, such as an investment adviser or broker (“Managed Accounts”), to comply with the Reporting and Restricted List procedures of the Code. Therefore, Managed Accounts are exempted from such procedures, provided that the Access Person cedes any and all control over investment decisions for the account (other than general asset class and objectives guidelines) to such third party and does not communicate with such person with respect to individual transactions for the account. Special rules apply with respect to whether an Access Person “controls” the investment decisions of an entity in which he or she invests; guidance from a Compliance Officer should be sought in such instances.

 

The Firm requires that general information regarding Managed Accounts, including broker, account title, account number, and the status of the account, be reported through the Firm’s automated compliance system. Access Persons with Managed Accounts must also certify to the continued “managed” status of the accounts on a quarterly basis.

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4.       Non-Transferable Accounts

 

The Firm recognizes that it may be impossible or impracticable for certain types of Non-Managed Accounts, such as 401(k) accounts with other employers or an account pledged to secure a personal loan, to be transferred to an Approved Broker. A Compliance Officer may exempt any such Non-Managed Account from the Approved Broker procedures set forth above, provided that the Access Person shall be responsible for reporting holdings of Reportable Securities (i.e. employer shares) in such account as set forth above and complying with the Restricted List procedures with respect to such Non-Managed Account.

 

The Firm requires that all such “non-transferable” Non-Managed Accounts be reported to the Compliance Department so that an exemption may properly be granted. General information regarding such accounts must be reported through the Firm’s automated compliance system. A Compliance Officer may, as a condition to exempting such accounts, require copies of account statements, a certification from the Access Person, or such other information as such Compliance Officer deems prudent.

 

5.       Transactions Subject to Review

 

Transactions and holding information reported via the Firm’s automated compliance system, will be reviewed by a Compliance Officer and compared against the investments made or considered by each of the Advisory Clients. Such review and comparison will be designed to evaluate compliance with the Code and further, to determine whether there have been any violations of applicable law.

 

C.STATEMENT OF RESTRICTIONS

 

1.       Restricted List

 

No Access Person or Related Person may make a Personal Securities Trade in the Securities of an issuer listed on the Firm’s Restricted List. Before an Access Person or his Related Person makes a Personal Securities Trade, the Access Person must review the Restricted List and confirm that neither the Security to be traded nor the relevant issuer are listed thereon. The information that a particular issuer or Security has been placed on the Restricted List is itself sensitive and confidential. The contents of the Restricted List should never be communicated to persons outside of the Firm except in the limited circumstances in which a Compliance Officer has determined that it is necessary and appropriate to disclose such information for bona fide business purposes. The Firm may place an issuer on the Restricted List at any time without prior notice to Access Persons. Therefore, Access Persons who obtain Securities of an issuer that is later placed on the Restricted List may be “frozen in,” or prohibited from disposing of such Securities, until the issuer has been removed from the Restricted List. Because Access Persons are already required to obtain pre-approval for the purchase or sale of any Private Placement (see below), the Restricted List is limited to the Securities of issuers with a class of publicly-traded Securities.

 

The Firm understands that an Access Person recently joining the Firm as a new employee (“New Hire”), or their Related Persons, may be financially disadvantaged by being restricted from liquidating holdings of a Security of an issuer included on the Firm’s Restricted List (“Restricted List Security”). Therefore, under limited conditions and prior to his or her start date (i.e., the first day in which the New Hire begins working in his or her position with the Firm), a New Hire may request to place a liquidating trade in a Restricted List Security. As the New Hire will not have access to the Restricted List prior to his or her start date, the New Hire must provide any potential securities to be liquidated to Compliance, and Compliance will respond as to whether the issuers of such securities are on the Restricted List. The request to liquidate must be made by the New Hire prior to his or her start date by completing the “Request to Place a Liquidating Trade in a Restricted Security” form, which can be obtained from Compliance. Compliance will review each request on a case-by-case basis and approve or deny the request, assessing all available and relevant information. If approved, specific conditions will be placed on the transaction (e.g., requirement to liquidate all shares within a certain number of days of the approval and prior to the New Hire’s start date).

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a)       Securities

 

The name of an issuer or Security could be placed on the Restricted List for many reasons, including when:

 

the Firm, any investment adviser Affiliate, or an Advisory Client purchases a Security of a particular issuer or such Security is a Security Being Considered for Purchase;

 

the Firm or any investment adviser Affiliate executes a confidentiality agreement with or relating to an issuer;

 

the Firm, any investment adviser Affiliate, or an Advisory Client has declared itself “Private” with respect to an issuer in an electronic workspace;

 

the Firm becomes bound by a fiduciary obligation or other duty (for example, because an Access Person has become a board member of an issuer);

 

an Access Person becomes aware of (or is likely to become aware of) material, nonpublic information about a Security or issuer;or

 

the Firm, as determined by a Compliance Officer, has determined to include an issuer to avoid the appearance of impropriety and protect the Firm’s reputation for integrity and ethical conduct.

 

b)       Procedures

 

The Compliance Department maintains and updates the Firm’s Restricted List. It is the responsibility of Access Persons, however, to ensure that the Firm’s Restricted List is accurate. Please refer to the Confidentiality Policy for further information on the relevant procedures.

 

Additions: Access Persons who become aware of any of the circumstances set forth in subsection 1.a) above, or who for any other reason believe an issuer or Security should be added to the Restricted List, should immediately notify a Compliance Officer to ensure that the Restricted List is updated.

 

Deletions: When the circumstances set forth in subsection 1 .a) above no longer exist, or the Firm is no longer bound by the obligations giving rise to the inclusion of an issuer or Security on the Restricted List, Access Persons should notify a Compliance Officer so that the name of the issuer or Security can be promptly removed from the Restricted List, as appropriate.

 

Changes: From time to time, the Compliance Department will update the Restricted List as contemplated by this Personal Investment Policy and the Confidentiality Policy. Access Persons are responsible for checking the Restricted List in all cases before engaging in any Personal Securities Trade.

 

Generally, Securities that are on the Restricted List because CIM Advisor or an investment adviser Affiliate has entered into a confidentiality agreement, declared itself “private” or otherwise accessed material, nonpublic information with respect to an issuer, must stay on the list for at least one hundred eighty (180) calendar days after the applicable client(s) have liquidated the holding. A Compliance Officer may determine that a longer or shorter “stay” period is appropriate for issuers or Securities in such Compliance Officer’s sole discretion.

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2.       Private Placements, Initial Public Offerings and Initial Coin Offering

 

No IPO, ICO or Private Placement may be purchased for any account in which an Access Person has a beneficial ownership interest, except with the prior, express written approval of (i) a Compliance Officer; or (ii) where such Access Person is the CCO, the prior written approval of the CLO. Requests to make such investments shall be made through the Firm’s automated compliance system. A record of such approval (or denial), and a brief description of the reasoning supporting such decision will be maintained in accordance with the recordkeeping requirements of the Advisers Act and the Company Act.

 

3.       Affiliated Securities and Investments

 

No Access Person may, for direct or indirect personal or a Related Person’s benefit, donate or transact in an affiliated security, including, but not limited, to CIM Fund, CIM Commercial Trust Corporation (CMCT), OFS Capital Corporation (OFS), OFS Credit Company, Inc., CIM Income NAV, Inc (INAV) and CIM Real Estate Finance Trust, Inc. (CMFT) , except with the prior, express written approval of a Compliance Officer. Such approval will generally be granted only during an open trading window. All approved transactions or donations must be completed within three (3) business days from the date of approval, but before the close of any applicable trading window. If the approved transaction or donation is not completed within three (3) business days, the Access Person must seek a new preapproval from a Compliance Officer.

 

4.       Trades by CIM Fund Directors

 

CIM Fund Directors are prohibited from trading any CIM Fund security/investment.

 

5.       Trades by Access Persons Serving on Company Boards

 

Companies for which Access Persons serve on the board of directors may permit members of its board of directors to purchase or sell stock based on a predetermined schedule (such as a Rule 10b5-1 Plan2) that is approved by the company (“Predetermined Schedule”). Personal Securities Trades in accordance with a Predetermined Schedule by Access Persons who serve on the board of directors of such companies are exempt from the restriction against trading in Securities added to the Restricted List after the adoption of the Predetermined Schedule, however such Predetermined Schedules are subject to the prior notice to a Compliance Officer and the reporting requirements set forth in the Compliance Policies. Further, purchases and sales of Securities by such company’s directors during an established trading window may be permitted with prior notice to, and at the discretion of, a Compliance Officer.

 

6.       No Personal Trades Through CIM Advisor’s Traders

 

No Personal Securities Trades may be affected through CIM Advisor’s trading personnel.

 

7.       Use of Brokerage for Personal or Family Benefit

 

No Access Person may, for direct or indirect personal or a Related Person’s benefit, execute a trade with a broker by using the influence (actual or implied) of CIM Advisor or any Access Person’s influence (actual or implied) with CIM Advisor.

 

 

2A Rule 10b5-1 plan is a written plan for trading Securities that is designed in accordance with Rule 10b5-1(c). Any person executing pre- planned transactions pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan that was established in good faith at a time when that person was unaware of material nonpublic information has an affirmative defense against accusations of insider trading, even if actual trades made pursuant to the plan are executed at a time when the individual may be aware of material nonpublic information.
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8.       No “Front Running”

 

While the Code contains policies and procedures designed to promote ethical conduct with respect to Personal Securities Trades, irrespective of the application of any particular trading policy or restriction, no Personal Securities Trades may be affected by any Access Person who is aware or should be aware that (i) there is a pending buy order in the Securities of that same issuer for any Advisory Client of CIM Advisor, or (ii) a purchase of the Securities of that same issuer can reasonably be anticipated for a CIM Advisor Advisory Client in the next five (5) calendar days. No Personal Securities Trade may be executed with a view toward making a profit from a change in price of such Security resulting from anticipated transactions by or for CIM Advisor’s Advisory Clients.

 

9.       No Short Sale Transactions

 

No Access Person or Related Person may enter into a short sale transaction or any transaction that has the same economic effect (e.g., short common stock, purchase a put option or sell a naked call option) on any Security of an issuer for which a position is held long by an Advisory Client. A list of public issuers for which a position is held long by the Firm’s Advisory Clients (“Client Securities List”) is maintained by Compliance and available via the Firm’s automated compliance system. Before an Access Person or his/her Related Person makes a short sale transaction, the Access Person must review the Client Securities List and confirm that the issuer of such Security is not listed thereon. The fact that a particular issuer has been placed on the Client Securities List is itself sensitive and confidential. The contents of the Clients Securities List should never be communicated to persons outside of the Firm, except in limited circumstances in which a Compliance Officer has determined that it is necessary and appropriate to disclose such information for bona fide business purposes. The Firm may place an issuer on the Client Securities List at any time without prior notice to Access Persons.

 

10.       Acquiring more than Five (5) Percent of a. Publicly Traded Company

 

Access Persons are required to report to a Compliance Officer any ownership exceeding five (5) percent of a class of equity securities of a publicly traded company that they or their Related Persons have a beneficial interest in.

 

B.       REQUIREMENTS OF CIM FUND DISINTERESTED DIRECTORS

 

The Recordkeeping, Reporting, and Statement of Restrictions provisions listed above (except those in Section II(C)(3-4) do not apply to any CIM Fund Director who is not an interested person of CIM Fund within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the Company Act (“Disinterested Directors”), except as the following describes. A Disinterested Director need only report a transaction if, at the time of a Personal Securities Trade in a Reportable Security, the Disinterested Director knew, or, in the ordinary course of fulfilling his or her duties as a director, should have known that during the fifteen (15) day period immediately preceding or after the date of the transaction, CIM Fund purchased or sold the Security or the Security was Being Considered for Purchase or Sale by CIM Fund or CIM Advisor.

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III.       INSIDE INFORMATION POLICY

 

A.INTRODUCTION

 

The prohibitions against insider trading set forth in the federal securities laws play an essential role in maintaining the fairness, health and integrity of our markets. These laws also establish fundamental standards of business conduct that govern our daily activities and help to ensure that client trust and confidence are not compromised in any way. Consistent with these principles, CIM Advisor forbids any Supervised Person from (i) trading Securities of an issuer for the Firm, any Advisory Client or any account in which a Supervised Person has a Beneficial Interest, if that Supervised Person is “aware” of material and nonpublic information (“MNPI” or “Inside Information”) concerning an issuer; or (ii) communicating MNPI to others in violation of the law. This conduct is frequently referred to as “insider trading.” This policy applies to all Supervised Persons, and extends to activities within and outside of each Supervised Person’s duties at CIM Advisor or with CIM Fund.

 

The term “insider trading” is not specifically defined under the federal securities laws (most guidance in this area can be found under case law and related judicial decisions), but generally is used to refer to improper trading in Securities on the basis of MNPI (whether or not the person trading is an insider). A person is generally deemed to trade “on the basis of” MNPI if that person is aware of MNPI when making the purchase or sale, regardless of whether the person specifically relied on the information in making an investment decision. It is generally understood that the law prohibits trading by an insider on the basis of MNPI about the Security or issuer. To be held liable under the law, the person trading generally must violate a duty of trust or confidence owed directly, indirectly or derivatively to the issuer of that Security or the shareholders of that issuer, or to any other person who is the source of the material nonpublic information (e.g., an employer). The law also prohibits the communication of MNPI to others and provides for penalties and punitive damages against the “tipper” even if he or she does not gain personally from the improper trading.

 

B.KEY TERMS

 

1.       What is a “Security”?

 

The Exchange Act, which covers insider trading, defines “security” very broadly to include most types of financial instruments except bank debt.3 Accordingly, although CIM Advisor generally does not invest in assets that would constitute “securities” under the Exchange Act, from time to time, Advisory Clients may invest in such “securities,” or invest in non-security investments of companies that also issue such “securities.” Supervised Persons are prohibited from trading in any Exchange Act “securities” that may be associated with such an Investment, either for an Advisory Client or themselves, if the information obtained would be material with respect to the securities transaction. This would also include indirect participation in such a transaction; for example, by participating in an Investment Committee meeting in which a decision regarding such securities was being considered.4

 

 

3Note that, for most purposes, evidences of indebtedness are treated as securities for securities law purposes; insider trading prohibitions are an exception to this general rule. See the definition of Securities in Appendix C of the Regulatory Compliance Manual for further information

 

4Although trading in “non-Security” assets, such as loans, on the basis of nonpublic information is not prohibited by federal securities laws, such trading may be prohibited by fiduciary obligations, other federal or state statutes, or contractual obligations such as confidentiality agreements. The Compliance Department maintains a list of companies (the Compliance Officer Approval List) in which Advisory Clients may not transact without Compliance Officer pre- approval. Please refer to the Confidentiality Policy for more information.
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2.       Who is an Insider?

 

The concept of an “insider” is broad. It includes officers, directors and employees of a company. In addition, a person can be a “temporary insider” if he or she enters into a special confidential relationship in the conduct of a company’s affairs and as a result is given access to information solely for the company’s purposes. A temporary insider can include, among others, a company’s attorneys, accountants, consultants, bank lending officers, investment advisers (such as CIM Advisor) and the employees of such organizations. CIM Advisor may become a temporary insider by signing a confidentiality agreement or by accessing material nonpublic information on a private electronic workspace.

 

3.       What is Material Information?

 

Trading on inside information is not a basis for liability unless the information is material. “Material” information generally is defined as information with respect to which there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable investor would consider it important in making his or her investment decisions, or information that is reasonably certain to have a substantial effect on the price of a company’s Securities.

 

Among other things, the following types of information are 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/marketingannouncements
new supplier/manufacturing/production announcements
material charge/impairmentannouncements
senior management changes
changes in control
material restatement of previously issued financial statements
discovery or researchdevelopments
criminal indictments and civil and government investigations, litigations and/or settlements
pending labor disputes
debt service or liquidityproblems
bankruptcy or insolvencyproblems
tender offers, stock repurchase plans,etc.
recapitalizations

 

Material information does not have to relate to a company’s business. For example, in Carpenter v. U.S., 18 U.S. 316 (1987), the Supreme Court considered as material certain information about the contents of a forthcoming newspaper column that was expected to affect the market price of a Security. In that case, a Wall Street Journal reporter was found criminally liable for disclosing to others the dates that reports on various companies would appear in the Journal and whether those reports would be favorable or not.

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4.       What is Nonpublic Information?

 

Information is nonpublic until it has been effectively communicated to the marketplace. One must be able to point to some fact to show that the information is generally public. For example, information found in a report filed with the SEC, or appearing in Dow Jones, Reuters Economic Services, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg or other publications of general circulation would be considered public. Supervised Persons should seek specific guidance from a Compliance Officer in situations where information concerning an issuer or its affiliated entities (e.g., subsidiaries) may not have been made available to the investment community generally but was made available to a group of institutional investors.

 

5.       Contacts with Companies

 

From time to time, Supervised Persons may meet with members of senior management at publicly- traded companies associated with an Investment, or a prospective Investment. CIM Advisor may make investment decisions on the basis of the Firm’s conclusions formed through such contacts and analysis of publicly-available information regarding foreign and U.S. companies. Difficult legal issues arise when, during these contacts, a Supervised Person becomes aware of MNPI about those companies. This could happen, for example, if a company’s Chief Financial Officer prematurely discloses quarterly results to a Supervised Person, a broker or a securities analyst, or if an investor relations representative makes a selective disclosure of adverse news to a handful of investors. In such situations, Supervised Persons should immediately contact a Compliance Officer if he or she believes that he or she may have received MNPI about a publicly-traded company.

 

6.       Tender Offers

 

Tender offers raise heightened concerns in the law of insider trading for two reasons. First, tender offer activity often produces gyrations in the price of the target company’s Securities. Trading during this time is more likely to attract regulatory attention (and produces a disproportionate percentage of insider trading cases). Second, the SEC has adopted a rule which expressly forbids trading and “tipping” while in possession of MNPI regarding a tender offer received from the tender offer or, the target company or anyone acting on behalf of either. Supervised Persons should exercise caution any time they become aware of nonpublic information relating to a tenderoffer.

 

7.       Penalties for Insider Trading

 

Penalties for trading on or inappropriately communicating MNPI are severe, both for the individuals involved and their employers. A person can be subject to some or all of the penalties below, even if he or she does not personally benefit from the violations. Penalties include:

 

civil injunctions;

 

disgorgement of profits;

 

punitive damages (i.e., fines for the person who committed the violation of up to three (3) times the profit gained, or loss avoided, irrespective of whether the person actually benefited personally);

 

felony convictions which include possible jail sentences; and

 

fines and sanctions against the employer or other controlling person.
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C.INSIDER TRADINGPROCEDURES

 

The following procedures have been established to assist Supervised Persons in avoiding insider trading, and to aid CIM Advisor in preventing, detecting and imposing sanctions for insider trading. The following procedures should be read in conjunction with other policies set forth in this Code, and in the Compliance Policies.

 

1.       Identifying MNPI

 

Before trading in the Securities of a company about which they may have potential MNPI, Supervised Persons should ask themselves the following questions:

 

Is the information material? Is this information that an investor would consider important in making his or her investment decisions (e.g., whether the investor should buy, sell or hold a Security)? Is this information that would substantially affect the market price of the Securities if generally disclosed?

 

Is the information nonpublic? To whom has this information been provided? Has the information been effectively communicated to the market place by being published in Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg or other publications of general circulation? Remember that information that has been communicated to a relatively large group of sophisticated investors does not by itself mean that the information is public (e.g., large group of potential bank debt investors during an invitation only meeting).

 

2.       Restricting Access to MNPI

 

Care should be taken so that MNPI is secure. For example, files containing MNPI should be sealed or locked; access to computer files containing MNPI should be restricted. As a general matter, materials containing such information should not be removed from the Firm’s premises and, if they are, appropriate measures should be maintained to protect the materials from loss or disclosure. Among other things, Supervised Persons should:

 

distribute materials containing MNPI only on a “need-to-know” basis;

 

take care so that telephone conversations cannot be overheard when discussing matters involving MNPI (e.g., speaker telephones should generally be used in a way so that outsiders who might be in CIM Advisor’s offices are not inadvertently exposed to this information);

 

limit access to offices and conference rooms when these rooms contain MNPI; and

 

not leave materials containing MNPI displayed on the computer screen when they leave their computers unattended.

 

3.       Review and Dissemination of Certain Investment Related Information

 

As part of its consideration of Investments in certain types of non-Securities (e.g., real estate), the Firm may enter into confidentiality agreements with third parties that could have implications for the Firm’s compliance with federal securities laws. Those agreements may sometimes contain so-called “stand-still” provisions, which specifically restrict the Firm’s activity in identified Investments, but more typically simply raise the possibility that nonpublic information may be disclosed to the recipient and seek the receiving party’s acknowledgment of that understanding and agreement not to disclose any material nonpublic or other confidential information transmitted. The procedures for executing confidentiality agreements are set forth in the Firm’s Confidentiality Policy. Many potential counterparties or their agents specifically require that potential investors sign a confidentiality agreement before they will be provided access to investment-related information. Because of the importance of our policies regarding access to and use of confidential information, confidentiality agreements may only be reviewed, negotiated and executed as set forth in the Firm’s ConfidentialityPolicy.

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4.Determination of Materiality

 

Given the unique asset classes in which CIM Advisor typically invests, Supervised Persons may receive detailed information about a Security that may not be otherwise readily available to the investing public. The issue of “materiality” and the ultimate determination as to whether the information provided rises to the level of MNPI should not be made independently by a Supervised Person. Rather, the individual should contact a Compliance Officer so that an analysis may be performed, and an informed determination may be made. Unless otherwise determined by a Compliance Officer in consultation with investment staff and outside legal counsel, as appropriate, information received about a publicly-traded Security that is not readily available to the investing public shall be deemed to be and treated as material.

 

5.Policies and Procedures Relating to Paid Research Consultants and Expert Network Firms Regarding Securities

 

While it is permissible to utilize consultants, who may provide information relating to Securities as part of the research process, CIM Advisor must be particularly sensitive about the information that these consultants provide. Accordingly, CIM Advisor has adopted the following procedures with which all Supervised Persons must comply in connection with their contact and interaction with paid consultants who provide information relating to Securities:

 

The Supervised Person must obtain the prior written approval of a Compliance Officer before engaging a paid consultant if: (1) substantive information related to a Security will be discussed as part of the engagement; and/or (2) the consultant is either employed with an issuer of Securities at the time of the engagement or was employed with such an issuer within six months of the engagement. The Compliance Department will maintain a log of all such engagements.

 

Prior to the commencement of a phone call or meeting with a paid consultant where it is anticipated that substantive information related to a Security will be discussed, and/or the consultant is either employed with an issuer of Securities at the time of the call or was employed with such an issuer within six months of the call, the Supervised Person must inform such consultant that:

 

(i)The Firm does not want to receive MNPI

 

(ii)the Firm may invest in the public and non-public Securities markets,

 

(iii)the purpose of speaking with such consultant is to obtain his/her independent insight as it relates to a particular industry, sector or company, and

 

(iv)such consultant should not share MNPI or other confidential information thathe/she may have a duty to keep confidential or that he/she otherwise should not disclose.
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The Supervised Person should also confirm with such consultant that he/she will not be violating any agreement, duty or obligation such consultant may have with any employer or other institution.

 

In the event that a Supervised Person learns or has reason to suspect that he or she has been provided with confidential or material nonpublic information relating to a Security from a consultant, the Supervised Person must immediately contact a Compliance Officer prior to either communicating such confidential or material nonpublic information to anyone else, or making any investment or tradingdecisions.

 

Agreements with paid research consultants and expert network firms who provide information relating to Securities must be pre-approved by a Compliance Officer. Depending on the facts and circumstances, the Compliance Officer may impose other conditions on the engagement of consultants or on the conduct of the engagement, including, but not limited to, the participation of a Compliance Officer on any phone calls or in any correspondence between the consultant and the Firm.

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IV.       GIFTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND POLITICAL ACTIVITY

 

A.INTRODUCTION

 

CIM Advisor attempts to minimize any activity that might give rise to a question as to whether the Firm’s objectivity as a fiduciary has been compromised.

 

B.GIFTS AND ENTERTAINMENTPOLICY

 

One possible area of fiduciary concern relates to providing or receiving meals, gifts or entertainment from third parties with which CIM Advisor or its Advisory Clients do business, including joint business partners, service providers and current and prospective clients (collectively “Outside Parties” and each an “Outside Party”).

 

Supervised Persons are prohibited from soliciting anything of value from Outside Parties. Further, no Supervised Person may give or receive any gift, meal or entertainment that could or is intended to influence decision-making or to make a person beholden, in any way, to another person or company that seeks to do or is currently doing business with the Firm. Lavish or luxurious gifts and entertainment, and gifts and entertainment that are received or provided on a frequent basis, are generally deemed to meet this standard and, unless a Compliance Officer indicates otherwise, are prohibited. In addition, depending upon a Supervised Person’s responsibilities, specific regulatory requirements may dictate the types and extent of gifts and entertainment that Supervised Persons may give or receive. The Firm is committed to competing solely on the merit of its products and services, and Supervised Persons should avoid any actions that create a perception that favorable treatment of Outside Parties by the Firm was sought, received or given in exchange for a particular decision or action.

 

1.       Business Meals

 

Generally, Supervised Persons may share meals with Outside Parties in the ordinary course of business. Meals received by Supervised Persons from Outside Parties should not exceed $250 per person per meal. Meals provided by Supervised Persons to Outside Parties are generally permissible and should also not exceed $250 per person per meal, subject to certain pre-approval requirements applicable to providing meals to Public Officials.

 

2.       Providing Business Gifts

 

Any Supervised Person who offers a gift to an Outside Party must be sure that it cannot reasonably be interpreted as an attempt to gain an unfair business advantage or otherwise reflect negatively upon the Firm. In addition, a Supervised Person may never use personal funds or resources to do something that cannot be done with Firm resources. A gift may include any services or merchandise of any kind or discounts on merchandise or services and other items of value. Generally Supervised Persons are prohibited from giving gifts of cash, cash equivalents, such as gift cards and gift certificates, and securities to Outside Parties, unless it has been pre-approved in accordance with an Incentive Program, as outlined below. Giving gift cards or gift certificates outside of an Incentive Program may be permitted on a case by case basis; however, Supervised Persons must first obtain pre-approval from a Compliance Officer. This policy does not prohibit the provision of occasional or nominal non-cash gift items, such as holiday gifts, to Outside Parties so long as the amount provided by a Supervised Person to any one recipient over a calendar year does not exceed $250. Once the aggregate amount proposed to be provided by a Supervised Person to any one recipient during one calendar year exceeds $250, that Supervised Person must obtain pre-approval from a Compliance Officer. Such requests should be submitted via the Firm’s automated compliance system. Further, anything of value (e.g., meals, beverages, gifts and entertainment) to be provided to Public Officials requires pre-approval from a Compliance Officer. Such requests should be submitted via the Firm’s automated compliance system.

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3.       Receiving Business Gifts

 

No Supervised Person should obtain any material personal benefits or favors because of his or her position with the Firm. Each Supervised Person’s decisions on behalf of the Firm must be free from undue influence. Soliciting gifts from Outside Parties is strictly prohibited. A gift may include any services or merchandise of any kind or discounts on merchandise or services and other items of value. Supervised Persons are prohibited from receiving gifts of cash, cash equivalents such as gift cards and gift certificates and securities from Outside Parties. This policy does not prohibit the receipt of occasional or nominal non-cash gift items, such as holiday gifts, so long as the amount received by a Supervised Person from any one source over a calendar year does not exceed $250. Any gift that will cause the total received by that Supervised Person from a single source to exceed $250 for the calendar year, and any additional gift thereafter received during the calendar year, requires pre-approval by a Compliance Officer. Also, one of the following actions will generally be required: return the gift, donate the gift to charity or to CIM for a corporate raffle or keep the gift and write a check to charity for the difference between the fair market value of the gift and $250. Such requests should be submitted via the Firm’s automated compliance system.

 

Gifts in any amount received by a Supervised Person from an Outside Party, except for gifts of nominal value, such as logo items, including pens, notepads, coffee mugs and baseball caps, must be disclosed in the Firm’s automated compliance system at the time of receipt.

 

4.       Entertainment

 

The gift policies above are not intended to prohibit the acceptance or provision of non-extravagant entertainment that facilitates the handling of the Firm’s business. Thus, normal and customary entertainment (e.g., concerts, exhibitions or games featuring local sports teams, where the person providing the entertainment is present), that is not frequent or “lavish” and does not influence the selection of vendors or other Outside Parties, is acceptable. Note, entertainment provided by or to a Supervised Person where the person providing the entertainment does not attend should be treated as a “gift.” Also, if you bring a guest to an entertainment event hosted by an Outside Party, your guest’s ticket is considered a “gift” for the purposes of this Policy. Business meals are not considered entertainment for purposes of this Policy (see Section IV.B. 1. “Business Meals” above for additional information).

 

No Supervised Person may provide or accept extravagant or excessive entertainment to or from an Outside Party. Any entertainment that a Supervised Person reasonably expects to exceed $1000 in market value per person must be approved in advance by a Compliance Officer. Also, if the entertainment provided by a Supervised Person is part of an entertainment program (e.g., purchasing season box seats, where multiple events are scheduled over multiple dates, for multiple Outside Parties), and although the market value per person may be below the $1000 limit, these programs must also be approved in advance by a Compliance Officer. Further, entertainment of any value to be provided to Public Officials requires pre-approval from a Compliance Officer. Such requests should be submitted via the Firm’s automated compliancesystem.

 

Entertainment of any value, received by a Supervised Person, must be disclosed in the Firm’s automated compliance system. The disclosure should be made within a reasonable amount of time (e.g., 30 days) from the date of participating in such entertainment.

 

5.       Travel and Lodging

 

You may occasionally be invited to conferences or other events by Outside Parties which include an offer of travel and/or lodging. In the event that you receive such offers, you must contact a Compliance Officer to obtain approval prior to accepting the travel and/or lodging. Requests to accept travel or lodging that appear to be exorbitant in price and/or luxurious in nature will generally be denied.

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6.       Property-Sponsored Incentive Programs

 

Certain CIM departments, such as Property Management and Real Estate Services, may wish to periodically initiate property-sponsored incentive programs, in which CIM provides incentives, such as gift cards and other items of value, to those providing a referral, leasing brokers, etc. (“Incentive Programs”). While permissible, such Incentive Programs are subject to certain pre-approval and/or disclosure requirements. Incentive Programs that include the offering of gift cards, gift certificates, items exceeding $250 or entertainment exceeding $1000 per recipient, must be pre-approved by the department head, or his or her designee, and a Compliance Officer. Requests should be submitted via the Firm’s automated compliance system. Note, entertainment provided, in which you, the host, do not attend, is subject to the $250 per person limit. Departments must refrain from offering or providing any incentives to recipients of such Incentive Programs upon receipt of any communication from the recipient’s firm prohibiting such incentives.

 

7.       Providing Meals, Gifts and Entertainment to Public Officials

 

Specific requirements and restrictions apply regarding the offering of meals, gifts and entertainment to “Public Officials”, including foreign and domestic government officials and employees (for example, employees of pension plans, sovereign wealth funds, and state-owned businesses) and can vary depending on the governmental branch/body, state or other jurisdiction. For example, many government pension plans place strict limits on the value of any meal provided by a service provider, such as the Firm, to the pension plans’ employees. Certain jurisdictions even ban service providers from providing anything of value to their public employees, including promotional items of nominal value. Penalties for violating these gift laws can range from monetary fines to disqualification from RFP participation and rescindment of existing investment mandates. Private unions are subject to Department of Labor gift rules and regulations, and service providers, such as the Firm, must comply with prescribed limits and reporting requirements when providing gifts and meals to union employees. Accordingly, it is against Firm policy to offer or give meals, gifts, entertainment or anything of value to government or union officials or employees unless the regulations applicable to that individual permit acceptance of such items. Further, CIM employees are required to obtain pre-approval from a Compliance Officer to offer or give anything of value, including nominal items or snacks, to Public Officials or employees. Such requests for prior approval should be submitted via the Firm’s automated compliance system.

 

If you are unsure of applicable laws, rules and regulations with respect to providing gifts, meals and entertainment to Public Officials or union officials or employees in any circumstance, you should consult with a Compliance Officer.

 

For purposes of this Code, “Public Official” means any person who is employed full- or part-time by a government, or by regional subdivisions of governments, including states, provinces, districts, counties, cities, towns and villages or by independent agencies, state-owned businesses, state-controlled businesses or public academic institutions. In certain cases, providing a payment or thing of value to a person actually known to be an immediate family member or close associate of a Public Official or a charity associated with a Public Official may be the equivalent of providing a thing of value to the Public Official directly.

 

8.       Receipt of Meals, Gifts or Entertainment by Traders from Securities Brokers

 

Traders or other investment professionals, with the ability to influence the selection of brokers with respect to trading in Securities, are prohibited from receiving meals over $250 and gifts or entertainment of any value from an employee of such brokers without preapproval from a Compliance Officer. Such request for preapproval should be submitted via the Firm’s automated compliance system.

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9.Charitable Contributions

 

The following charitable contributions require preapproval by a Compliance Officer:

 

Charitable contributions by CIM corporate.

 

Such contributions may be permissible only with the approval of Marketing and Communications and, depending on the contribution amount, Finance. The Compliance Officer will consult with, and request approvals from, Marketing and Communications and Finance, as applicable, upon receipt of a preapproval request through the Firm’s automated compliance system.

 

Charitable contributions by CIM funds, separately managed accounts and investments or properties.

 

Such contributions generally must, at a minimum: (1) provide a direct benefit to the contributing entity (e.g., property name is displayed at an event or in the event’s brochure, the contribution is for community improvements where the property is located); (2) require the preliminary approval of the relevant Investment Lead; and 3) be consistent with the contributing entity’s governing documents. If the proposed contribution amount exceeds the entity’s applicable budget, the Oversight Principal must also approve the contribution prior to submitting a preapproval request through the Firm’s automated compliance system.

 

Charitable contributions by an employee, at the request or for the benefit of a Public Official or a Public Official’s immediate family member or close associate.

 

Such contributions may be permissible only if the Compliance Officer can reasonably conclude that the contribution is lawful, ethical and in compliance with the policies and standards under this Code.

 

In all cases, unless an exception has been granted by a Compliance Officer, the beneficiary of the contribution must be an organization formed under section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code or is otherwise operating exclusively as a non- profit civic charity that is not involved in any political or lobbying activity. Further, such contributions should never be used as bribes (i.e., to improperly influence or reward any action or decision for CIM’s benefit).

 

C.POLITICAL ACTIVITY POLICY

 

1.       Introduction

 

The SEC, along with certain states, municipalities and public pension plans, have adopted regulations limiting or completely disqualifying investment advisers from providing services to, or accepting placements from, a government entity if certain political contributions are made or solicited by the Firm, certain of its Supervised Persons, or, in some instances, a Supervised Person’s Related Persons. Under these “pay to play” regulations, a single prohibited political contribution to a candidate or officeholder, political party, political action committee or other political organization at practically every level of government (including local, state and federal) may preclude the Firm from providing services to, or accepting placements from, the applicable government entity and may compel the firm to repay compensation received by the Firm for such services or placements.

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CIM Advisor and its Affiliates (other than natural persons, as provided below) generally do not make or solicit contributions in any amount to any federal, state, county or local political campaign, candidate or officeholder, or any political organization (e.g., political party committee and political action committee). As such, Supervised Persons are prohibited from making or soliciting contributions in the name of or on behalf of CIM Advisor and/or its Affiliates; unless otherwise approved by the Compliance Department and a member of Senior Management.

 

You must obtain prior approval from a Compliance Officer in the event that you or your Related Person(s) wish to engage in any Political Activity. Political Activity, for the purpose of this Policy, is defined as monetary or in-kind campaign donations to, or for the benefit of, any government official, candidate running for office, political party or legislative leadership, politically active non-profit, ballot measure committee or PAC as well as the solicitation and coordination of campaign contributions. Volunteering for a campaign that does not include solicitation or coordination of campaign contributions does not require pre-approval.

 

Any Supervised Person and his or her Related Persons wishing to engage in Political Activity must submit a Political Activity pre-approval request through the Firm’s automated compliance system, and such submission must include all pertinent information related to the proposed activity, including, but not limited to, the individual wishing to contribute, amount of the contribution, the name of the intended recipient, the nature of the recipient’s candidacy, whether the proposed recipient holds an existing political office (whether local, state or federal), and whether the Supervised Person (or Related Person, where applicable) is legally entitled to vote for the proposed recipient. Because of the serious nature of the sanctions applicable to a pay to play violation, requests to engage in Political Activity for candidates seeking election to state and local offices will generally be limited, depending on whether a Supervised Person is legally entitled to vote for the candidate. As such, requests to donate to state or local candidates and officials may be approved up to $350, where the Supervised Person is legally entitled to vote for the candidate and is limited to $150 or less, where a Supervised Person is not legally entitled to vote for the candidate or where the relevant jurisdiction imposes more restrictive limits.

 

The Firm expects that every Supervised Person will explain the importance of compliance with this policy to his/her Related Persons, and ensure their clear understanding of the obligation to follow these requirements. Moreover, the applicable laws in this area are complex and a trap for the unwary -- no Supervised Person should attempt to decide for himself or herself whether a Political Activity is prohibited or permissible. Supervised Persons are responsible for complying with and tracking their own Political Activity limits.

 

2.       Indirect Violations

 

The pay to play laws also prohibit actions taken indirectly that the Firm or its Supervised Persons could not take directly without violating the law. For example, it is improper and unlawful to provide funds to a third party (such as a consultant or attorney) with the understanding that the third party will use such funds to make an otherwise prohibited contribution. Such indirect violations may trigger disqualification of the Firm and result in other sanctions, including possible criminal penalties. If any Supervised Person learns of facts and circumstances suggesting a possible indirect violation, that Supervised Person must report such facts and circumstances to a Compliance Officer immediately.

 

3.       Periodic Disclosure

 

In order to ensure compliance with this policy, every Supervised Person must submit via the Firm’s automated compliance system a disclosure and certification setting forth all Political Activity by the Supervised Person and his/her Related Persons for the previous two (2) years or confirming that no such contributions have been made, prior to and at commencement of employment, Supervised Persons are also required to disclose and to certify all political activity in which they have engaged on a quarterly basis.

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V.       OUTSIDE AFFILIATIONS POLICY

 

A.OUTSIDE BUSINESSACTIVITIES

 

From time to time, Supervised Persons may be asked and/or desire to own, work for or serve as a general partner, managing member, consultant or representative of an outside organization, all of which are considered “Outside Business Activities.” These organizations may include public or private corporations, family trusts, endowments and foundations.

 

Outside Business Activities may, however, create potential conflicts of interest and/or provide access to material nonpublic information. So that Compliance can address these potential issues, Supervised Persons must obtain prior approval from their supervisor and a Compliance Officer to engage in Outside Business Activities. Approval should be requested through the Firm’s automated compliance system.

 

Prior approval is generally not required to assume positions with charitable and other non-profit organizations or civic and trade associations. However, if your responsibilities will include the provision of investment advice, such as participation on the investment committee of a non-profit organization, or the organization is a client or business partner of the Firm or its Affiliates, you must obtain prior approval from your supervisor and a Compliance Officer.

 

B.DIRECTOR AND OFFICER POSITIONS

 

In other instances, Supervised Persons may be asked or desire to serve as a director or officer for organizations unaffiliated with the Firm and its Affiliates (“Outside Director and Officer Positions”) or for organizations that are affiliated with the Firm, such as a portfolio investment (“Affiliated Director and Officer Positions”).

 

As a prospective board member or officer, it is critical that you coordinate with the Compliance Department to ensure that potential conflicts of interest are addressed and special measures are taken to handle and maintain the confidentiality of any information that you may obtain in your new position. As such, in the event that you wish to assume an Outside Director and Officer Position, you must obtain prior approval from your supervisor and a Compliance Officer. However, if you are assuming an Affiliated Director and Officer Position, you must only disclose your new position to the Compliance Department and in a timely manner. Such disclosures and requests for pre-approval should be made through the Firm’s automated compliance system.

 

You are prohibited from engaging in any outside activity previously described, without the prior approval or disclosure required for such activity. Outside Director and Officer Positions will be approved only if any associated conflicts of interest and insider trading risks, actual or apparent, can be satisfactorily mitigated or resolved. Please note, however, you are not required to seek pre-approval or provide disclosure to serve as a board member or officer of a personal residential organization, such as a homeowner’s association or coop board, or an entity formed for personal estate planning purposes.

 

C.EMPLOYEE RELATIONSHIPS

 

The Firm needs to be aware of relationships maintained by Supervised Persons with third parties that may create the potential for conflicts of interest. The Firm uses this information to assess the need to prohibit certain Supervised Persons from handling matters where such a conflict exists or institute mitigating controls surrounding the levels of business activity or contract negotiations where a relationship posing a conflict has been identified. This may include situations where a Supervised Person’s Related Person is: 1) a director, a senior management executive or an owner of more than 5% of a public company, 2)

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employed or engaged by a company with which the Firm is conducting or may conduct business, and such Related Person is in a position to make decisions with respect to such business or is directly involved with the relationship with the Firm (e.g., a law firm, real estate broker or general contractor), or 3) employed with or serving in an office of a state or local government entity (e.g., city retirement system, state office, public university), in which the Related Person has the authority, directly or indirectly, to affect the entity’s current or prospective relationship with the Firm. Such relationships should be disclosed using the Firm’s automated compliance system.

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VI.       ANTI-CORRUPTION POLICY

 

The purpose of the CIM Anti-Corruption Policy is to ensure compliance by the Firm and its employees with applicable anti-bribery laws. As such, the Policy prohibits CIM employees from offering, promising, paying or providing, or authorizing the promising, paying or providing (in each case, directly or indirectly, including through Third Parties) of any amount of money or anything of value to any Public Official or Private Sector Counterparty (defined below), including a person actually known to be an immediate family member of such parties, in order to improperly influence or reward any action or decision by such person for CIM’s benefit.

 

Neither funds from CIM nor funds from any other source may be used to make any such payment or gift on behalf of or for CIM’s benefit.

 

Requirements for Interaction with Public Officials

 

The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (also referred to as the “FCPA”) is a U.S. federal law that prohibits the bribery of foreign officials also referred to as Public Officials, directly or indirectly, by any individual, business entity or employee of any such entity for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business and/or gaining an unfair advantage.

 

“Public Official”, for purposes of this Policy, includes any person who is employed full- or part-time by a government, or by regional subdivisions of governments, including states, provinces, districts, counties, cities, towns and villages or by independent agencies, state-owned businesses, state-controlled businesses or public academic institutions. This would include, for example, employees of sovereign wealth funds, government-sponsored pension plans (i.e. pension plans for the benefit of government employees), heads of state, lower level employees of state-controlled businesses and government-sponsored university endowments. “Public Official,” also includes political party officials and candidates for political office. For example, a campaign contribution is the equivalent of a payment to a Public Official under the FCPA. In certain cases, providing a payment or thing of value to a person actually known to be an immediate family member of a Public Official or a charity associated with a Public Official may be the equivalent of providing a thing of value to the Public Official directly.

 

Under the FCPA, the employees of public international organizations, such as the African and Asian Development Banks, the European Union, the International Monetary Fund, the United Nations and the Organization of American States, are considered Public Officials.

 

In April 2010, the United Kingdom, passed its own anti-bribery law, the Bribery Act 2010 (the “Bribery Act”). However, the law went further than the FCPA, prohibiting not only bribery of “foreign public officials” but also the bribery of private parties. Further, the Bribery Act, unlike the FCPA, prohibits “passive” bribery or the acceptance of bribes, in addition to “active” bribery, or giving a bribe.

 

The CIM Anti-Corruption Policy is applicable to all CIM employees, regardless of their country of citizenship or residency. Although the FCPA and the Bribery Act are the principal anti-bribery statutes applicable to CIM and its employees worldwide, CIM and its employees are also subject to the applicable anti- bribery laws of all jurisdictions in which they do business and any jurisdictions involved in CIM’s cross-border transactions. CIM employees who are not U.S. or U.K. citizens, or residents may also be subject to anti- bribery laws of their countries of citizenship or residency, as applicable.

 

Prior to transacting business (including merger and acquisition transactions and the retention of certain third parties) outside the U.S. or U.K., you should consult with the CCO or CLO or local counsel to obtain the applicable policies, requirements and procedures pertinent to complying with the applicable anti-bribery laws of such jurisdictions.

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Requirements for Interaction with Private Sector Counterparty Representatives

 

CIM employees should be sensitive to anti-corruption issues in their dealings directly or indirectly, with Private Sector Counterparty Representatives. A Private Sector Counterparty Representative is an owner, employee or representative of a private entity, such as a partnership or corporation, with which CIM is conducting or seeking to conduct business. Individuals affiliated with current and prospective clients, joint venture partners and service providers in such a capacity are all Private Sector Counterparty Representatives.

 

Bribery concerns may arise in connection with your day-to-day interactions with Private Sector Counterparty Representatives, regarding, for example, the offering of investment opportunities or the solicitation of CIM business by service providers. It is important to be mindful of the anti-bribery laws and to avoid any action that may give the appearance of bribery in your dealings with such individuals. While you may engage in the exchange of gifts, meals and entertainment with Private Sector Counterparty Representatives in the normal and routine course of business, it is important that you adhere to this Policy and to the Gifts, Meals and Entertainment Policy found in Section B of this Code to avoid running afoul of the anti-corruption laws.

 

Requirements for Retention of Certain Third Parties

 

Payments by CIM to Third Parties raise special concerns under the FCPA and Bribery Act. A “Third Party” is defined as any consultant, investor, joint venture partner, local partner, broker, agent or other third party retained or to be retained by CIM for purposes of dealing with a Public Official or a Private Sector Counterparty Representative on behalf of CIM or where the contemplated services are likely to involve business-related interactions with a Public Official or Private Sector Counterparty Representative on behalf of CIM. Because of the risk that a Third Party may seek to secure business for CIM or its properties through violations of the FCPA or Bribery Act and that CIM or such controlled Portfolio Companies may be subject to liability under the FCPA or Bribery Act as a result, any agreement with a Third Party that is engaged to do business with CIM is subject to specific due diligence and contractual requirements to assure compliance with the CIM Anti-Corruption Policy.

 

Pre-Approval, reporting, due diligence and contractual requirements

 

Unless otherwise authorized by the CCO or a Compliance Officer, you are required to adhere to the following policies and procedures, designed to facilitate your compliance with applicable anti-bribery laws.

 

You must obtain pre-approval for the following types of expenses, donations and contributions:

 

•     Gifts, meals, entertainment, travel or lodging provided to a Public Official or a person actually known to be an immediate family member or guest of a Public Official;

 

•     charitable donations made on behalf of CIM and/or its Affiliates, including CIM properties;

 

•     charitable donations made in an individual capacity at the request of or for the benefit of a Public Official; and

 

•     any political contributions

 

Pre-approval requests should be submitted via the Firm’s automated compliance system.

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Reporting Obligations

 

On a quarterly basis, you must certify to all previously approved and/or disclosed political contributions, charitable donations, items to Public Officials and all gifts and entertainment received, as specified above. Certification must be made via the Firm’s automated compliance system.

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VII.       CIM COMPUTER ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

 

The CIM Computer Acceptable Use Policy is hereby incorporated into this Code by reference. Supervised Persons are required to fully comply with all policies, procedures and certification and training requirements associated with the CIM Computer Acceptable Use Policy, and any instance of non-compliance will likely constitute a violation of this Code.

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APPENDIX A

 

DEFINITIONS

 

The capitalized and bolded terms below have the given definitions for purposes of the Code:

 

1.Access Person” with respect to CIM Advisor means (a) any Supervised Person who (i) has access to nonpublic information regarding any Advisory Client’s purchase or sale of Securities, or nonpublic information regarding the portfolio holdings of any Advisory Client (including CIM Fund); or (ii) is involved in making Securities recommendations to Advisory Clients (including CIM Fund), or has access to such recommendations that are nonpublic; and (b) all directors, officers and partners of CIM Advisor.5 For purposes of this Code, all Supervised Persons are considered Access Persons of CIM Advisor. “Access Person” with respect to CIM Fund means (a) all Access Person of CIM Advisor; (b) all CIM Fund directors, officers and general partners.

 

2.Advisory Client” means any individual, group of individuals, partnership, trust, company or other investment fund entity for whom CIM Advisor acts as investment adviser or whom CIM Advisor has solicited to act as an investment adviser within the past six (6) months. For the avoidance of doubt, Advisory Clients include public and private investment funds, including commingled funds and single investor funds (“Funds”) and managed accounts managed by CIM Advisor, but do not include the underlying individual investors in such funds (“Investors”), although certain protections afforded Advisory Clients pursuant to this Code and the Compliance Policies do extend to Investors through Rule 206(4)-8 of the Advisers Act.6

 

3.Affiliate” means any company, partnership or other entity that is controlled by or under common control with CIM Advisor.

 

4.Account” means: (i) the personal Securities account of an Access Person or the account of any Related Person in which Reportable Securities may be held or transacted; (ii) any such Securities account for which any Access Person serves as custodian, trustee, or otherwise acts in a fiduciary capacity or with respect to which an Access Person either has authority to make investment decisions or from time to time makes investment recommendations; and (iii) any such Securities account of any person, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity in which an Access Person or his or her Related Person has Beneficial Ownership or other Beneficial Interest.

 

5.Approved Broker” means a broker-dealer to which the Compliance Department has visibility via the Firm’s automated compliance system.

 

6.A Security is “Being Considered for Purchase” when a recommendation to purchase the Security has been made and communicated and, with respect to the person making the recommendation, when such person seriously considers making such a recommendation. In all cases, a Security which has been recommended for purchase pursuant to an Investment Committee memorandum, presentation, due diligence package or other formal Investment Committee recommendation shall be deemed to be a Security Being Considered for Purchase.

 

 

5A Compliance Officer may require that certain directors, officers, members or employees of an Affiliate of CIM Advisor comply with the Code and any other compliance policies of CIM Advisor and consider such persons to be Supervised Persons and, if applicable, Access Persons, of CIM Advisor, if a Compliance Officer determines that such persons perform services for CIM Advisor, through any staffing or similar agreement such that such persons would otherwise meet the definition of Supervised Persons and, if applicable, Access Persons, of CIM Advisor if such persons were directors, officers, members or employees of CIM Advisor. The Compliance Officer will maintain a list of all such persons and whether each such person constitutes a Supervised Person, Access Person or both, and will notify each such person of the relevant requirements. The majority of CIM Advisor’s Supervised Persons and Access Persons are employees of CIM Advisor, but others are employees of CIM Group, LP.

 

6Rule 206(4)-8 of the Advisers Act prohibits advisers of pooled investment vehicles from making false or misleading statement to, or otherwise defrauding investors or prospective investors in those pooled vehicles.
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7.Beneficial Interest” means an interest whereby a person can, directly or indirectly, control the disposition of a Security or derive a monetary, pecuniary or other right or benefit from the purchase, sale or ownership of a Security (e.g., interest payments or dividends).

 

8.Beneficial Ownership” of a Security or account means, consistent with Section 16 of the Exchange Act and Rule 16a-1(a)(2) thereunder, ownership of Securities or Securities accounts, by or for the benefit of a person or his or her Related Persons. Beneficial Ownership specifically includes any Security or account in which the Access Person or any Related Person holds a direct or indirect Beneficial Interest or retains voting power (or the ability to direct such a vote) or investment power (which includes the power to acquire or dispose of, or the ability to direct the acquisition or disposition of, a Security or Securities accounts), directly or indirectly (e.g., by exercising a power of attorney or otherwise).

 

9.CIM Fund” means CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund.

 

10.CIM Fund Officer” means an officer of CIM Fund who is not a Supervised Person of CIM Advisor.

 

11.CIM Fund Director” means a member of CIM Fund’s Board of Directors.

 

12.CIM Group” means CIM Group, LLC, together with its Affiliates.

 

13.“Client Securities List” is the list of public issuers for which a position is held long by the Firm’s Advisory Clients.

 

14.Compliance Department” is comprised of the CCO, VP(s) of Compliance, Compliance Manager(s) and Compliance Associates, as applicable.

 

15.Compliance Due Date” is the date by which any assigned compliance training and/or reporting is due for completion.

 

16.Compliance Officer” means the CCO, VP(s) of Compliance and/or any designee.

 

17.Exempt Security” is any Security that falls into any of the following categories: (i) shares issued by open-end mutual funds (excluding ETF’s), except Reportable Funds; (ii) shares issued by money market fund funds; (iii) Security purchases or sales that are part of an automatic dividend reinvestment plan (e.g., DRIP accounts, etc.); (iv) College Direct Savings Plans (e.g., 529 College Savings Program, etc.); (v) shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more open-end funds (so long as such funds are not managed by CIM Advisor); (vi) bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit or time deposits, commercial paper and other short term high quality debt instruments with one year or less to maturity; and (vii) treasury obligations (e.g., T-Bills, Notes and Bonds) or other Securities issued/guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies, or instrumentalities (e.g., FNMA, GNMA).

 

18.Fund” has the meaning set forth under the term Advisory Client.
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19.Investment” means any real estate, interest in real estate, infrastructure project, interest in an infrastructure project, equity or debt holding, cash management instrument, or other asset being considered for purchase or sale by or on behalf of an Advisory Client for investment purposes, whether or not such investment constitutes a Security.

 

20.Investor” has the meaning set forth under the term Advisory Client.

 

21.“ICO” means initial coin offering.

 

22.IPO” means initial public offering.

 

23.Managed Accounts” means Accounts that are controlled or invested on a fully discretionary basis by a third party, such as an investment adviser or broker.

 

24.Non-Managed Account” means Accounts controlled or invested by the Access Person or his or her Related Persons in which Reportable Securities may be held.

 

25.Outside Party” and “Outside Parties” means third parties with which CIM Advisor or its Advisory Clients do business, including joint business partners, service providers and current and prospective clients.

 

26.Personal Securities Trade” means a trade in a Security in which an Access Person or a Related Person has a Beneficial Ownership or other Beneficial Interest.

 

27.“Political Activity” means monetary or in-kind campaign donations to, or for the benefit of, any government official, candidate running for office, political party or legislative leadership, politically active non-profit, ballot measure committee or PAC as well as the solicitation and coordination of campaign contributions.

 

28.Portfolio Investment” means any Investment in which an Advisory Client holds an interest.

 

29.Predetermined Schedule” has the meaning set forth in the Code.

 

30.Private Placement” means an offering that is exempt from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to section 4(2) or section 4(5) or pursuant to rule 504, rule 505, or rule 506 thereunder.

 

31.Private Sector Counterparty Representative” means an owner, employee or representative of a private entity, such as a partnership or corporation, with which CIM is conducting or seeking to conduct business.

 

32.“Public Official” includes any person who is employed full- or part-time by a government, or by regional subdivisions of governments, including states, provinces, districts, counties, cities, towns and villages or by independent agencies, state-owned businesses, state-controlled businesses or public academic institutions. This would include, for example, employees of sovereign wealth funds, government-sponsored pension plans (i.e. pension plans for the benefit of government employees), heads of state, lower level employees of state-controlled businesses and government-sponsored university endowments. “Public Official,” also includes political party officials and candidates for political office.
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33.“Related Person” means the spouse, domestic partner, child, parent, sibling or other relative (whether related by blood, marriage or otherwise) of an Access Person and/or Supervised Person, who either resides with, or is financially dependent upon, the AccessPerson/Supervised Person, or whose investments are controlled by the Access Person/Supervised Person.

 

34.Reportable Fund” means any fund for which CIM Advisor or any Affiliate acts as investment adviser or underwriter.

 

35.Reportable Security” means any Reportable Fund, note, stock, treasury stock, bond, debenture, evidence of indebtedness7, certificate of interest or participation in any profit-sharing agreement, collateral-trust certificate, reorganization 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 a 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, guarantee of, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase, any of the foregoing, in which an Access Person or a Related Person has a Beneficial Ownership or other Beneficial Interest except for an Exempt Security. ICOs are generally considered reportable securities and may be subject to the same restrictions as an IPO. Tokenized securities are viewed as a reportable security. NFTs may be considered Reportable Securities depending on the underlying asset (Please consult with Compliance).

 

36.Restricted List” means a list of issuers or Securities and/or issuers maintained by the Firm in which Access Persons are generally prohibited from investing.

 

37.Security” means, except as set forth below, any note, stock, treasury stock, bond, debenture, blockchain ETFs, evidence of indebtedness7, certificate of interest or participation in any profitsharing agreement, collateral-trust certificate, reorganization 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 a 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, guarantee of, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase, any of the foregoing.

 

For purposes of the Inside Information Policy of the Code of Ethics, “Security” means any note, stock, treasury stock, security future, security-based swap, bond, debenture, certificate of interest or participation in any profit-sharing agreement or in any oil, gas, or other mineral royalty or lease, any collateral-trust certificate, preorganization certificate or subscription, transferable share, investment contract, voting-trust certificate, certificate of deposit for a security, any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege on any security, certificate of deposit, or 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 instrument commonly known as a “security”; or any certificate of interest or participation in, temporary or interim certificate for, receipt for, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase, any of the foregoing; but shall not include currency or any note, draft, bill of exchange, or banker's acceptance which has a maturity at the time of issuance of not exceeding nine months, exclusive of days of grace, or any renewal thereof the maturity of which is likewise limited.

 

 

7Note that, for most purposes, evidences of indebtedness are treated as “Securities” for securities law purposes; insider trading prohibitions are an exception to this general rule.
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38.Senior Management” means each of Richard Ressler, Avi Shemesh, and Shaul Kuba.

 

39.Supervised Person” means any director, officer, member, or employee (or other person occupying a similar status or performing similar functions) of CIM Advisor, or any other person who provides investment advice with regard to Securities recommendations to CIM Advisor Advisory Clients on behalf of CIM Advisor and is subject to the supervision and control of CIM Advisor.8

 

 

8A Compliance Officer may require that certain directors, officers, members or employees of an Affiliate of CIM Advisor comply with the Code and any other compliance policies of CIM Advisor and consider such persons to be Supervised Persons and, if applicable, Access Persons, of CIM Advisor, if a Compliance Officer determines that such persons perform services for CIM Advisor, through any staffing or similar agreement such that such persons would otherwise meet the definition of Supervised Persons and, if applicable, Access Persons, of CIM Advisor if such persons were directors, officers, members or employees of CIM Advisor. The Compliance Officer will maintain a list of all such persons and whether each such person constitutes a Supervised Person, Access Person or both, and will notify each such person of the relevant requirements. The majority of CIM Advisor’s Supervised Persons and Access Persons are employees of CIM Advisor, but others are employees of CIM Group, LP. Certain other employees of CIM Group, LP provide services to CIM Advisor but are considered Non-Supervised Persons, as defined in CIM Advisor’s full Compliance Manual.
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APPENDIX B

 

Whistleblower Hotline Information

 

As part of CIM Advisor’s and CIM Fund’s Whistleblower Policies, we have established an anonymous hotline where you will be able to report any suspected violation(s) of our various codes of conduct, any activity that may adversely affect the Firm’s or CIM Fund’s business or reputation, or any other inappropriate conduct of which you may become aware. Although we encourage you to report any concerns or problems you may have to your supervisor, there may be times where you may not feel comfortable voicing these concerns or problems to them. Due to this, we have set up an anonymous hotline with a third-party provider. Through this provider, you can report any situations or concerns without having any adverse ramifications for you. If you desire or need to report a violation or misconduct, you can do so by either calling the provider’s hotline or by logging into their website. The reporting information is listed below.

 

1.       Toll free hotline number: 1-855-832-5558

2.       Website address: https://secure .ethicspoint.com

 

You will be able to anonymously file a wide variety of reports from questionable accounting, internal controls or auditing matters to harassment or hostile work environment through either the website or the toll -free hotline number. Any report that you submit will be handled anonymously by the third-party provider and your name will not be provided by it to any CIM Advisor or CIM Fund contact. Any reports submitted to this hotline that relate to CIM Fund accounting, internal controls or auditing matters will be sent to the Chair of CIM Fund’s Audit Committee. We hope that by implementing this hotline service, you will be able to keep our organization free from fraudulent and unethical accounting/auditing activity while achieving our goal to maintain and conduct our business at the utmost level of professional standards and best practices.

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CIM Advisor and CIM Fund
Confidential. For internal use only. Do not copy or distribute