485APOS 1 ubcb-485apos_090321.htm POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT

 

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 7, 2021
Securities Act Registration No. 333-234544
Investment Company Act Registration No. 811-23439

 

 

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

________________________

 
FORM N-1A

 

       
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
       
Pre-Effective Amendment No. _____
Post-Effective Amendment No. 13
   
and/or    
       
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
       
Amendment No. 15
       

ETF OPPORTUNITIES TRUST
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
 
Karen Shupe
Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc.
8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205
Richmond, VA 23235
(804) 267-7400
(Address and Telephone Number of Principal Executive Offices)
 
 The Corporation Trust Co.
Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange St., Wilmington, DE 19801
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
 
With Copy to:
John H. Lively
 Practus, LLP
11300 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Suite 310
Leawood, KS 66211

 

It is proposed that this filing will become effective:

 

  immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
  on _______________ pursuant to paragraph (b)
  60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
  on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
  75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
  on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485.

 

If appropriate, check the following box:

 

  This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. The Fund may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

 

UBC Algorithmic Fundamentals ETF

 

A series portfolio of 

ETF Opportunities Trust

 

PROSPECTUS 

November ____, 2021

 

This prospectus describes the UBC Algorithmic Fundaments ETF (the “Fund”) which is authorized to offer one class of shares by this prospectus. This Fund is different from traditional exchanged traded funds (“ETFs”). Unlike traditional ETFs, this Fund will not tell the public what assets they hold each day. This may create additional risks for your investment. For example:

 

You may have to pay more money to trade the Fund’s shares. This Fund will provide less information to traders, who tend to charge more for trades when they have less information about the underlying holdings.

The price you pay to buy the Fund’s shares on an exchange may not match the value of the Fund’s portfolio. The same is true when you sell shares. These price differences may be greater for the Fund offered pursuant to this Prospectus compared to other ETFs because this Fund provides less information to traders with respect to the underlying portfolio holdings

These additional risks may be even greater in bad or uncertain market conditions.

 

The differences between this Fund and other ETFs may also have advantages. By keeping certain information about the Fund secret, the Fund may face less risk that other traders can predict or copy its investment strategy. This may improve the Fund’s performance. If other traders are able to copy or predict the Fund’s investment strategy, however, this may hurt the Fund’s performance.

 

For additional information regarding the unique attributes and risks of the EFF, see the “Non-Transparent Exchange-Traded Fund Structure Risk”, “Early Close/Trading Halt Risk” and “Authorized Participant and AP Representative Concentration Risk” in the “Principal Risks” section of this Prospectus.

 

 

 

 

 

Fund Ticker Principal U.S. Listing
Exchange
UBC Algorithmic Fundamentals ETF UBCB [NYSE Arca]

 

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 


 

Table of Contents

 

FUND SUMMARY – UBC ALGORITHMIC FUNDAMENTALS ETF 1
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S INVESTMENTS 9
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT RISK 10
MANAGEMENT 16
HOW TO BUY AND SELL SHARES 18
FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES 22
DIVIDENDS, OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES 22
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 26
FOR MORE INFORMATION 27

 

 

FUND SUMMARY – UBC Algorithmic Fundamentals ETF

 

Investment Objective

 

The UBC Algorithmic Fundamentals ETF (the “Fund”) seeks long-term capital appreciation.

 

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. Investors purchasing shares on a national securities exchange, national securities association, or over-the-counter trading system where shares may trade from time to time (each, a “Secondary Market”) may be subject to customary brokerage commissions charged by their broker that are not reflected in the table and example set forth below.

 

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 

 
Management Fee(1) 0.75 %
Other Expenses(2) 0.00 %
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.75 %
     
(1)Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, Ultra Blue Capital, LLC (the “Adviser”), at its own expense and without reimbursement from the Fund, pays all of the expenses of the Fund, excluding the advisory fees, interest expenses, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions and any other portfolio transaction related expenses and fees arising out of transactions effected on behalf of the Fund, credit facility fees and expenses, including interest expenses, and litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business.

 

(2)Other Expenses and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are estimated for the Fund’s initial fiscal year.

 

Example

 

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

Name of Fund 1 Year 3 Years
UBC Algorithmic Fundamentals ETF $77 $240

 

1 

 

 

Portfolio Turnover

 

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund has not yet commenced operations and therefore does not have any portfolio turnover information available.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund is actively managed by proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including borrowing for investment purposes) in large capitalization (“large cap”) companies listed on U.S. stock exchanges and markets, including common stocks and American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). The Adviser defines large cap equity securities as companies with market capitalizations of $5 billion or more, measured at the time of purchase.

 

In normal market conditions, the Adviser anticipates holding 40-80 different positions across a broad spectrum of industries in the Fund’s portfolio as dictated by its proprietary investment models. The Fund may take larger positions in certain companies and/or industries as dictated by its proprietary investment models. The Fund operates as a "non-diversified" fund which means it can invest in fewer securities at any one time than a diversified fund. The Fund’s systematic investment process is based on rigorous back-testing of proprietary and evolving data-driven strategies, and is designed to allow the Fund to achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns.

 

In making investment decisions, the Adviser’s algorithms are trained to invest in currently profitable companies with predicted expanding fundamentals. In predicting fundamentals, the Adviser uses its proprietary prediction platform which employs a proprietary machine-learning algorithm that runs multiple independent models in parallel. This proprietary prediction platform generates a wide range of short- to mid-term fundamental predictions for economic metrics (including core inflation, real GDP, and nonfarm payrolls), industries, and large cap companies’ fundamentals (including financials and operating metrics) across multiple market sectors. These fundamental predictions are underpinned by a highly scalable proprietary database which processes billions of data points daily from factual and market datasets in the public domain. The prediction platform refreshes daily and selects companies with strong and expanding fundamentals, and actively benchmarks them against industry peers and the broader market. The Adviser believes that by running multiple independent models it serves as a cross-check for the predictions generated by the models.

 

The Adviser’s AI-driven algorithms actively identify opportunities and automatically invest, divest, and rebalance the Fund’s portfolio allocation, as well as provide real-time performance monitoring and systematic risk management through both rule-based and machine-learning algorithms to optimize portfolio performance. The Adviser utilizes portfolio optimization techniques to determine trading activity, taking into account anticipated transaction costs associated with trading a particular security.

2 

 

 

The Fund intends to operate in reliance on an exemptive order (the “Order”) from the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which limits the types of investments the Fund may hold to those listed in the Fund’s application for the Order. Under the terms of the Order, the Fund will be permitted to invest only in exchange-traded funds, exchange-traded notes, exchange listed common stocks, exchange-traded preferred stocks, exchange-traded ADRs, exchange-traded real estate investment trusts, exchange-traded commodity pools, exchange-traded metal trusts, exchange-traded currency trusts and exchange-traded futures that trade on a U.S. exchange contemporaneously with the Fund’s shares, as well as cash and cash equivalents (which are short-term U.S. Treasury securities, government money market funds, and repurchase agreements). The Fund’s investment strategies and practices, including those listed above, are subject to these limitations.

 

Principal Risks

 

As with all funds, a shareholder is subject to the risk that his or her investment could lose money. The principal risks affecting shareholders’ investments in the Fund are set forth below. An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any government agency.

 

Equity Securities Risk. Since it purchases equity securities, the Fund is subject to the risk that stock prices will fall over short or extended periods of time. Historically, the equity markets have moved in cycles, and the value of the Fund’s equity securities may fluctuate from day to day. Individual companies may report poor results or be negatively affected by industry and/or economic trends and developments. The prices of securities issued by such companies may suffer a decline in response. These factors contribute to price volatility, which is a principal risk of investing in the Fund.

 

Market Risk. The value of securities in the Fund’s overall portfolio will fluctuate and, as a result, the Fund’s share price may decline suddenly or over a sustained period. The Fund’s performance is highly correlated with the broader stock market and hence carries systematic maket risk.

 

Management Risk. The strategies used by the Adviser may fail to produce the intended result.

 

Quantitative Security Selection Model Risk. The Adviser relies on a proprietary investment process that it developed based on rigorous backtesting of the proprietary strategies that deploy certain assumptions and elections over various market periods. The Fund bears the risk that the quantitative models used by the Fund will not be successful in forecasting market returns or in determining the investments and weighting of such investments for the Fund. The Adviser will continue to test, evaluate and add new models, which may result in the modification of existing models from time to time. In addition, there can be no assurance that the current iteration of a model will be employed at any point in the future.

 

Large Cap Risk. Larger, more established companies may be unable to attain the high growth rates of successful, smaller companies during periods of economic expansion.

3 

 

 

Growth Style Risk. Growth stocks may be more susceptible to earnings disappointments, and the market may not favor growth-style investing. In addition, there may be periods during which the investment performance of the Fund while using a growth strategy may suffer.

 

Value Style Risk. Value stocks present the risk that the securities may never reach what the Adviser believes are their full market values, either because the market fails to recognize what the Adviser considers to be the security’s true value or because the Adviser misjudged that value. In addition, there may be periods during which the investment performance of the Fund while using a value strategy may suffer.

 

Foreign Securities Risk. The Fund’s investments in foreign issuers will be through depositary receipts. These investments are subject to additional risks, including political and economic risks, civil conflicts and war, greater volatility, expropriation and nationalization risks, sanctions or other measures by the United States or other governments, currency fluctuations, higher transaction costs, delayed settlement, possible foreign controls on investment, liquidity risks and less stringent investor protection and disclosure standards of foreign markets.

 

Risks of Investment Selection. The Fund's investment success depends on the skill of the Adviser, including the Adviser’s proprietary AI-driven algorithms, in evaluating, selecting, and monitoring the portfolio assets. If the Adviser's conclusions about growth rates or securities values are incorrect, the Fund may not perform as anticipated.

 

Sector Risk. Sector risk is the possibility that securities within the same group of industries will decline in price due to sector-specific market or economic developments. While focusing the Fund’s investments in a particular market sector is not a strategy of the Fund, its portfolio may be significantly invested in one or more sectors as a result of the security selection decisions made pursuant to its strategy. If the Fund invests more heavily in a sector, the value of its shares may be especially sensitive to factors and economic risks that specifically affect that sector.

 

Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is a non-diversified portfolio, which means that it has the ability to take larger positions in a smaller number of securities than a portfolio that is "diversified." Non-diversification increases the risk that the value of the Fund could go down because of the poor performance of a single investment or limited number of investments. The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a greater percentage of its assets in a particular issuer than a diversified fund. 

 

Portfolio Turnover Rate Risk. A fund with a high rate of portfolio turnover may be more likely to realize capital gains that must be distributed to shareholders as taxable income. A fund with a high rate of portfolio turnover may also pay more brokerage commissions and may be more likely to incur other transaction costs (including imputed transaction costs), which may detract from performance. The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate and the amount of brokerage commissions it pays and transactions costs it incurs will vary over time based on market conditions.

 

New Fund Risk. The Fund is a new ETF and as a new fund, there can be no assurance that the Fund will grow to or maintain an economically viable size, in which case it could ultimately liquidate. The Fund’s distributor does not maintain a secondary market in the Fund’s shares. If the Fund does not grow its assets to a viable level it may be difficult for the Adviser to implement the Fund’s investment strategies and achieve the desired portfolio diversification.

 

4 

 

 

New Adviser Risk. The Adviser has not previously managed an ETF, but the Adviser has experience managing hedge funds that make investment decisions using proprietary machine-learning algorithms similar to those being used for the Fund.

 

Exchange Traded Fund Specific Risks

 

Non-Transparent Exchange-Traded Fund Structure Risk. The Fund is an actively managed non-transparent ETF the shares of which are traded on NYSE Arca (the “Exchange”). Unlike most actively managed ETFs the Fund does not provide daily disclosure of its portfolio holding. Instead, the Fund provides a verified intraday indicative value (“VIIV”), calculated and disseminated every second throughout the trading day. The VIIV is intended to provide investors and other market participants with a highly correlated per share value of the underlying portfolio that can be compared to the current market price. There is, however, a risk that shares of the Fund may trade at a wider bid/ask spread than ETFs that publish their portfolios on a daily basis, especially during periods of market disruption or volatility, and therefore, may cost investors more to trade. Because the Fund trades on the basis of the VIIV, it may trade at a wider bid/ask spread than traditional ETFs that publish their portfolios on a daily basis. Accordingly, the Adviser or its designee will monitor on an on-going basis how shares of the Fund trade, including the level of any market price premium or discount to NAV and the bid/ask spreads on market transactions. Should there be extended periods of unusually high bid/ask spreads, the Board will consider the continuing viability of the Fund, whether shareholders are being harmed, and what, if any, action would be appropriate to among other things, narrow the premium/discount or spread, as applicable. Potential actions may include, but are not limited to, changing lead market makers, listing the Fund on a different exchange, changing the size of Creations Units, changing the Fund’s investment objective or strategy, and liquidating the Fund. There is also a risk that the market price may vary significantly from the NAV and, thus, the underlying value of the Fund significantly from the underlying NAV of the Fund. There is also a risk that, despite not disclosing the portfolio holdings each day, some market participants may seek to use publicly available information, including the VIIV, to identify the Fund’s investment strategy and engage in certain predatory trading practices that may have the potential to harm the Fund.

 

Early Close/Trading Halt Risk. An exchange or market may close or issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may result in the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and/or may incur substantial trading losses. In addition, due to the non-transparency of the portfolio a trading halt in a portfolio security could cause discrepancies between the VIIV and NAV of the Fund resulting in uncertainty on the part of the AP that results in wider, less liquid markets. Any security for which trading has been halted for an extended period of time will be disclosed on the Fund’s website, www.ultrabluecap.com.

 

5 

 

 

Costs of Buying or Selling Shares of the Fund. Due to the costs of buying or selling shares of the Fund, including brokerage commissions imposed by brokers and bid/ask spreads, frequent trading of shares of the Fund may significantly reduce investment results and an investment in shares of the Fund may not be advisable for investors who anticipate regularly making small investments.

 

Authorized Participant and AP Representative Concentration Risk. The creation and redemption process for the Fund occurs through a confidential brokerage account (“Confidential Account”) with an agent, called an AP Representative, on behalf of an Authorized Participant. Each day, the AP Representative will be given the names and quantities of the securities to be deposited, in the case of a creation, or redeemed, in the case of a redemption (“Creation Basket”), allowing the AP Representative to buy and sell positions in the portfolio securities to permit creations or redemptions on the Authorized Participant’s behalf, without disclosing the information to the Authorized Participant. The Fund may have a limited number of institutions that act as Authorized Participants and AP Representatives, none of which are obligated to engage in creation or redemption transactions. To the extent that these institutions exit the business or are unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders with respect to the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to process creation and/or redemption orders, Fund shares may trade at a discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts and/or delisting. This risk may be more pronounced in volatile markets, potentially where there are significant redemptions in ETFs, generally. The fact that the Fund is offering a novel and unique structure may affect the number of entities willing to act as Authorized Participants and AP Representatives. During times of market stress, Authorized Participants may be more likely to step away from this type of ETF than a traditional ETF.

 

Absence of an Active Market. Although shares of the Fund are listed for trading on one or more stock exchanges, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for such shares will develop or be maintained by market makers or Authorized Participants. Authorized Participants are not obligated to execute purchase or redemption orders for Creation Units. Because this is a novel and unique structure, this could influence the number of entities willing to act as Authorized Participants. In periods of market volatility, market makers and/or Authorized Participants may be less willing to transact in Fund shares. The absence of an active market for the Fund’s shares may contribute to the Fund’s shares trading at a premium or discount to net asset value (“NAV”). If a shareholder purchases Fund shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Fund shares at a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain losses.

 

6 

 

 

Performance History

 

The Fund does not have a full calendar year of performance history. In the future, performance information will be presented in this section of the Prospectus. Performance information will contain a bar chart and table that provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods as compared to a broad measure of market performance. Investors should be aware that past performance before and after taxes is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

 

Updated performance information for the Fund, including its current net asset value per share, is available by calling toll-free XXX-XXX-XXXX.

 

Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser

 

Ultra Blue Capital, LLC (the “Adviser”) is the investment adviser to the Fund.

 

_____________________ (the “Sub-Adviser”) is the sub-adviser to the Fund.

 

Portfolio Managers

 

Adviser’s Portfolio Manager: Pouya Taaghol, PhD , Principal of the Adviser, has served as the Fund’s portfolio manager since its inception.

 

Sub-Adviser’s Portfolio Manager: __________, has served as the Fund’s portfolio manager since its inception.

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

The Fund will issue (or redeem) Shares to certain institutional investors (typically market makers or other broker-dealers) only in large blocks of at least [5,000] Shares known as “Creation Units.” Creation Unit transactions are typically conducted in exchange for the deposit or delivery of in-kind securities and/or cash. Individual Shares may only be purchased and sold on a national securities exchange through a broker-dealer. You can purchase and sell individual Shares of the Fund throughout the trading day like any publicly traded security. The Fund’s Shares are listed on the Exchange (i.e., NYSE Arca). The price of the Fund’s Shares is based on market price, and because exchange-traded fund shares trade at market prices rather than NAV, Shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount). Except when aggregated in Creation Units, the Fund’s Shares are not redeemable securities.

 

Tax Information

 

The Fund’s distributions will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gain, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account in which case withdrawals will be taxed.

 

7 

 

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other financial intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.

 

8 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S INVESTMENTS

 

The investment objective for the UBC Algorithmic Fundamentals ETF is to seek long-term capital appreciation. The Fund’s investment objective may be changed by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of ETF Opportunities Trust (the “Trust”) without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ written notice to shareholders. In addition, the Fund’s policy to invest at least 80% of its net assets in large cap securities may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ written notice to shareholders. Unless otherwise noted, all other policies of the Fund may be changed without shareholder approval.

 

ETFs are funds that trade like other publicly-traded securities. Unlike shares of a mutual fund, which can be bought and redeemed from the issuing fund by all shareholders at a price based on NAV, shares of the Fund may be purchased or redeemed directly from the Fund at NAV solely by Authorized Participants and only in aggregations of a specified number of shares Creation Units. Also, unlike shares of a mutual fund, shares of the Fund are listed on a national securities exchange and trade in the secondary market at market prices that change throughout the day.

 

The Fund is actively managed by proprietary AI algorithms and does not seek to replicate an index. The Fund is classified as “non-diversified” for purposes of the 1940 Act which means it can take larger positions in a limited number of holdings.

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including borrowing for investment purposes) in large cap companies listed on U.S. stock exchanges and markets, including common stocks and ADRs. The Adviser defines large cap equity securities as companies with market capitalizations of $5 billion or more, measured at the time of purchase.

 

In normal market conditions, the Adviser anticipates holding 40-80 different positions across a broad spectrum of industries in the Fund’s portfolio as dictated by its proprietary investment models. The Fund may take larger positions in certain companies and/or industries as dictated by its proprietary investment models. The Fund operates as a "non-diversified" fund which means it can invest in fewer securities at any one time than a diversified fund. The Fund’s systematic investment process is based on rigorous back-testing of proprietary and evolving data-driven strategies, and is designed to allow the Fund to achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns.

 

In making investment decisions, the Adviser’s algorithms are trained to invest in currently profitable companies with predicted expanding fundamentals. In predicting fundamentals, the Adviser uses its proprietary prediction platform which employs a proprietary machine-learning algorithm that runs multiple independent models in parallel. This proprietary prediction platform generates a wide range of short- to mid-term fundamental predictions for economic metrics (including core inflation, real GDP, and nonfarm payrolls), industries, and large cap companies’ fundamentals (including financials and operating metrics) across multiple market sectors. These fundamental predictions are underpinned by a highly scalable proprietary database which processes billions of data points daily from factual and market datasets in the public domain. The prediction platform refreshes daily and selects companies with strong and expanding fundamentals, and actively benchmarks them against industry peers and the broader market. The Adviser believes that by running multiple independent models it serves as a cross-check for the predictions generated by the models.

 

9 

 

 

The Adviser’s AI-driven algorithms actively identify opportunities and automatically invest, divest, and rebalance the Fund’s portfolio allocation, as well as provide real-time performance monitoring and systematic risk management through both rule-based and machine-learning algorithms to optimize portfolio performance. The Adviser utilizes portfolio optimization techniques to determine trading activity, taking into account anticipated transaction costs associated with trading a particular security.

 

The Fund intends to operate in reliance on an Order from the SEC, which limits the types of investments the Fund may hold to those listed in the Fund’s application for the Order. Under the terms of the Order, the Fund will be permitted to invest only in exchange-traded funds, exchange-traded notes, exchange listed common stocks, exchange-traded preferred stocks, exchange-traded ADRs, exchange-traded real estate investment trusts, exchange-traded commodity pools, exchange-traded metal trusts, exchange-traded currency trusts and exchange-traded futures that trade on a U.S. exchange contemporaneously with the Fund’s shares, as well as cash and cash equivalents (which are short-term U.S. Treasury securities, government money market funds, and repurchase agreements). The Fund’s investment strategies and practices, including those listed above, are subject to these limitations.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT RISK

 

It is important that you closely review and understand the risks of investing in the Fund. The Fund’s NAV and investment return will fluctuate based upon changes in the value of its portfolio securities. You could lose money on your investment in the Fund, and the Fund could underperform other investments. There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objective. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Below are some of the specific risks of investing in the Fund.

 

Principal Risks

 

Equity Securities Risk. Since it purchases equity securities, the Fund is subject to the risk that stock prices will fall over short or extended periods of time. Historically, the equity markets have moved in cycles, and the value of the Fund’s equity securities may fluctuate from day to day. Individual companies may report poor results or be negatively affected by industry and/or economic trends and developments. The prices of securities issued by such companies may suffer a decline in response. These factors contribute to price volatility, which is a principal risk of investing in the Fund. Investments in equity securities may be more volatile than investments in other asset classes.

 

Market Risk. The value of securities in the Fund’s overall portfolio will fluctuate and, as a result, the Fund’s share price may decline suddenly or over a sustained period. The Fund’s performance is highly correlated with the broader stock market and hence carries systematic maket risk. The Fund’s investments may decline in value due to factors affecting individual issuers (such as the results of supply and demand), or sectors within the securities markets. The value of a security or other investment also may go up or down due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular issuer, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in interest rates or exchange rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. In addition, unexpected events, such as the spread of diseases; natural, environmental or man-made disasters; financial, political or social disruptions; terrorism and war; and other tragedies or catastrophes, can cause investor fear and panic, which can adversely affect companies, sectors, nations, regions and the market in general, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen. During a general downturn in the securities markets, many asset classes may decline in value. When markets perform well, there can be no assurance that securities or other investments held by the Fund will participate in or otherwise benefit from the advance. A reduction in a country’s growth rate could have an adverse effect on the prices of the various stocks held by the Fund.

10 

 

 

Management Risk. The strategies used by the Adviser may fail to produce the intended result. The Fund will be actively managed and could experience losses (realized and unrealized) if the Adviser’s judgment about markets, interest rates or the attractiveness, relative values, liquidity, or potential appreciation of particular investments made for the Fund’s portfolio prove to be incorrect. There can be no guarantee that the investment strategies or the Adviser’s actions as it relates to investment decisions for the Fund will produce the desired results. Additionally, legislative, regulatory, or tax developments may affect the Fund’s investment strategies and therefore adversely affect the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.

 

Quantitative Security Selection Model Risk.  The Adviser’s investment selections for the Fund are typically generated by proprietary machine-learning algorithms that process billions of data points daily. The Adviser has developed its proprietary machine-learning models to predict the future performance of securities and these models were developed through extensive back-testing of proprietary and evolving data from company financial or management filings, trade data across various markets, and price movements. All models rely on correct data inputs. If incorrect data is entered into even a well-founded model, the resulting information will be incorrect. Some of the models used by the Adviser for the Fund are predictive in nature. The use of predictive models has inherent risks because predictive models are usually constructed based on historical data supplied by third parties, the success of relying on such models may depend on the accuracy and reliability of the supplied historical data. The Fund bears the risk that the models used by the Adviser will not be successful in selecting companies for investment or in determining the weighting of investment positions that will enable the Fund to achieve its investment objective. The Adviser, in its sole discretion, will continue to test, evaluate and add new models, which may result in the modification of existing models from time to time. There can be no assurance that model modifications will enable the Fund to achieve its investment objective. While the Adviser will rely heavily on its proprietary models for making investment decisions, it does have the ability to exercise discretion and override the models when deemed appropriate.

 

Large Cap Risk. Larger, more established companies may be unable to attain the high growth rates of successful, smaller companies during periods of economic expansion. Large cap companies may be less able than mid and small cap companies to adapt to changing market conditions. During different market cycles, the performance of large cap companies has trailed the overall performance of the broader securities markets.

11 

 

 

Growth Style Risk. Stocks of companies the Adviser believes are fast-growing may trade at a higher multiple of current earnings than other stocks. The values of these stocks may be more sensitive to changes in current or expected earnings than the values of other stocks. If the Adviser’s assessment of the prospects for a company’s earnings growth, or if the Adviser’s judgment of how other investors will value the company’s earnings growth is wrong, then the price of the company’s stock may fall or may not approach the value that the Adviser has placed on it. In addition, growth stocks, at times, may not perform as well as value stocks or the stock market in general, and may be out of favor with investors for varying periods of time.

 

Value Style Risk. Investing in or having exposure to “value” securities presents the risk that the securities may never reach what the Adviser believes are their full market values, either because the market fails to recognize what the Adviser considers to be the security’s true value or because the Adviser misjudged that value. In addition, value stocks, at times, may not perform as well as growth stocks or the stock market in general, and may be out of favor with investors for varying periods of time.

 

Foreign Securities Risk. The Fund’s investments in foreign issuers will be through depositary receipts. These investments are subject to additional risks, including political and economic risks, civil conflicts and war, greater volatility, expropriation and nationalization risks, sanctions or other measures by the United States or other governments, currency fluctuations, higher transaction costs, delayed settlement, possible foreign controls on investment, liquidity risks and less stringent investor protection and disclosure standards of foreign markets. The Fund’s intends to invest in ADRs to gain exposure to foreign issuers. Depositary Receipts may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities into which they may be converted. The Fund may invest in both sponsored and unsponsored ADRs. ADRs typically are issued by an American bank or trust company and evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. In addition to investment risks associated with the underlying issuer, ADRs expose the Fund to additional risks associated with the non-uniform terms that apply to ADR programs, credit exposure to the depository bank and to the sponsors and other parties with whom the depository bank establishes the programs, currency risk and the risk of an illiquid market for ADRs. Unsponsored ADR programs are organized independently and without the cooperation of the issuer of the underlying securities. Unsponsored programs generally expose investors to greater risks than sponsored programs and do not provide holders with many of the shareholder benefits that come from investing in a sponsored ADR. Available information concerning the issuer may not be as current as for sponsored ADRs, and the prices of unsponsored ADRs may be more volatile than if such instruments were sponsored by the issuer. ADRs are generally subject to the same risks as the foreign securities that they evidence or into which they may be converted. Investments in ADRs present the risks described above.

 

Risks of Investment Selection. The Fund's investment success depends on the skill of the Adviser in evaluating, selecting, and monitoring the portfolio assets. If the Adviser's conclusions about growth rates or securities values are incorrect, the Fund may not perform as anticipated. Additionally, the Adviser may not implement the investment strategy successfully and the Fund may fail to attract sufficient assets to realize economies of scale. While it is anticipated that the Adviser will purchase and sell securities based on decisions generated by its proprietary trading algorithms, the Adviser has full discretion over investment decisions for the Fund. Therefore, the Adviser has full decision-making power not only if it identifies a potential technical issue or error with the trading platform but also if it believes that the recommended portfolio does not further the Fund’s investment objective or fails to take into account company events such as corporate actions, mergers and spin-offs. Additionally, the Adviser has discretion over the amount of cash maintained in the Fund’s portfolio and the reinvestment of dividends in the Fund’s portfolio, subject to the Fund’s distribution requirements as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes. See “Federal Income Taxes” in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) for a more complete discussion.  

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Sector Risk. Sector risk is the possibility that securities within the same group of industries will decline in price due to sector-specific market or economic developments. If the Fund invests more heavily in a sector, the value of its shares may be especially sensitive to factors and economic risks that specifically affect that sector.

 

Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is a non-diversified portfolio, which means that it has the ability to take larger positions in a smaller number of securities than a portfolio that is "diversified." Non-diversification increases the risk that the value of the Fund could go down because of the poor performance of a single investment or limited number of investments. The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a greater percentage of its assets in a particular issuer than a diversified fund. 

 

Portfolio Turnover Rate Risk. A fund with a high rate of portfolio turnover may be more likely to realize capital gains that must be distributed to shareholders as taxable income. A fund with a high rate of portfolio turnover may also pay more brokerage commissions and may be more likely to incur other transaction costs (including imputed transaction costs), which may detract from performance. The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate and the amount of brokerage commissions it pays and transactions costs it incurs will vary over time based on market conditions.

 

New Fund Risk. The Fund is a new ETF and has only recently commenced operations. As a new fund, there can be no assurance that the Fund will grow to or maintain an economically viable size, in which case it could ultimately liquidate. The Fund’s distributor does not maintain a secondary market in the Fund’s shares. If the Fund does not grow its assets to a viable level it may be difficult for the Adviser to implement the Fund’s investment strategies and achieve the desired portfolio diversification. This could result in the Fund being liquidated at any time without shareholder approval and at a time that may not be favorable for all shareholders. Such liquidation could have negative tax consequences.

 

New Adviser Risk. The Adviser has not previously managed an ETF but the Adviser has experience managing hedge funds that make investment decisions using proprietary machine-learning algorithms similar to those being used for the Fund.

 

Exchange Traded Fund Specific Risks

Non-Transparent Exchange-Traded Fund (“ETF”) Structure Risk. Unlike most actively managed ETFs the Fund does not provide daily disclosure of its portfolio holding. Instead, the Fund provides a verified intraday indicative value (“VIIV”), calculated and disseminated every second throughout the trading day. The VIIV is intended to provide investors and other market participants with a highly correlated per share value of the underlying portfolio that can be compared to the current market price. There is, however, a risk that shares of the Fund may trade at a wider bid/ask spread than ETFs that publish their portfolios on a daily basis, especially during periods of market disruption or volatility, and therefore, may cost investors more to trade. Because the Fund trades on the basis of the VIIV, it may trade at a wider bid/ask spread than traditional ETFs that publish their portfolios on a daily basis. Accordingly, the Adviser or its designee will monitor on an on-going basis how shares of the Fund trade, including the level of any market price premium or discount to NAV and the bid/ask spreads on market transactions. Should there be extended periods of unusually high bid/ask spreads, the Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board”) will consider the continuing viability of the Fund, whether shareholders are being harmed, and what, if any, action would be appropriate to among other things, narrow the premium/discount or spread, as applicable. Potential actions may include, but are not limited to, changing lead market makers, listing the Fund on a different exchange, changing the size of Creations Units, changing the Fund’s investment objective or strategy, and liquidating the Fund. There is also a risk that the market price may vary significantly from the NAV and, thus, the underlying value of the Fund significantly from the underlying NAV of the Fund. There is also a risk that, despite not disclosing the portfolio holdings each day, some market participants may seek to use publicly available information, including the VIIV, to identify the Fund’s investment strategy and engage in certain predatory trading practices that may have the potential to harm the Fund.

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Early Close/Trading Halt Risk. An exchange or market may close or issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may result in the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and/or may incur substantial trading losses. In addition, due to the non-transparency of the portfolio a trading halt in a portfolio security could cause discrepancies between the VIIV and NAV of the Fund resulting in uncertainty on the part of the AP that results in wider, less liquid markets. Any security for which trading has been halted for an extended period of time will be disclosed on the Fund’s website, www.ultrabluecap.com.

 

Authorized Participant and AP Representative Concentration Risk. The creation and redemption process for the Fund occurs through a confidential brokerage account (“Confidential Account”) with an agent, called an AP Representative, on behalf of an Authorized Participant. Each day, the AP Representative will be given the names and quantities of the securities to be deposited, in the case of a creation, or redeemed, in the case of a redemption (“Creation Basket”), allowing the AP Representative to buy and sell positions in the portfolio securities to permit creations or redemptions on the Authorized Participant’s behalf, without disclosing the information to the Authorized Participant. The Fund may have a limited number of institutions that act as Authorized Participants and AP Representatives, none of which are obligated to engage in creation or redemption transactions. To the extent that these institutions exit the business or are unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders with respect to the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to process creation and/or redemption orders, Fund shares may trade at a discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts and/or delisting. This risk may be more pronounced in volatile markets, potentially where there are significant redemptions in ETFs, generally. The fact that the Fund are offering a novel and unique structure may affect the number of entities willing to act as Authorized Participants and AP Representatives. During times of market stress, Authorized Participants may be more likely to step away from this type of ETF than a traditional ETF.

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Absence of an Active Market. Although shares of the Fund are listed for trading on one or more stock exchanges, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for such shares will develop or be maintained by market makers or Authorized Participants. Authorized Participants are not obligated to execute purchase or redemption orders for Creation Units. Because this is a novel and unique structure, this could influence the number of entities willing to act as Authorized Participants. In periods of market volatility, market makers and/or Authorized Participants may be less willing to transact in Fund shares. The absence of an active market for the Fund’s shares may contribute to the Fund’s shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Fund shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Fund shares at a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain losses.

 

Costs of Buying or Selling Shares of the Fund. Due to the costs of buying or selling shares of the Fund, including brokerage commissions imposed by brokers and bid/ask spreads, frequent trading of shares of the Fund may significantly reduce investment results and an investment in shares of the Fund may not be advisable for investors who anticipate regularly making small investments.

 

Other Risks for the Fund

 

Cyber Security Risk. Failures or breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Adviser, the Sub-Adviser and/or the Fund’s other service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause disruptions and negatively impact the Fund’s business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses to the Fund and their shareholders. While the Fund have established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to address system breaches or failures, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and systems of the Fund’s service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or issuers of securities in which the Fund invest.

 

Health Crisis Risk. A widespread health crisis, such as a global pandemic, could cause substantial market volatility, exchange trading suspensions or restrictions and closures of securities exchanges and businesses, impact the ability to complete redemptions, and adversely impact Fund performance. An outbreak of an infectious respiratory illness, COVID-19, caused by a novel coronavirus, was first detected in China in December 2019 and spread globally. As of the date of this prospectus, this outbreak has resulted in travel restrictions, closed international borders, enhanced health screenings at ports of entry and elsewhere, disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, prolonged quarantines, cancellations, supply chain disruptions, disruptions in markets, lower consumer demand, layoffs, defaults and other significant economic impacts, as well as general concern and uncertainty. These types of market disruptions may adversely impact the Fund’s investments, including impairing hedging activity to the extent the Fund engages in such activity, as expected correlations between related markets or instruments may no longer apply. In addition, to the extent the Fund invests in short-term instruments that have negative yields, the Fund’s value may be impaired as a result. Any suspension of trading in markets in which the Fund invests will have an impact on the Fund and its investments and will impact the Fund’s ability to purchase or sell securities in those markets. The impact of this outbreak has adversely affected the economies of many nations and the entire global economy and may impact individual issuers and capital markets in ways that cannot be foreseen. The duration of the outbreak and its effects cannot be determined with any certainty.

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In the past, governmental and quasigovernmental authorities and regulators throughout the world have responded to major economic disruptions with a variety of fiscal and monetary policy changes, including direct capital infusions into companies and other issuers, new monetary policy tools, and lower interest rates. An unexpected or sudden reversal of these policies, or the ineffectiveness of such policies, is likely to increase market volatility, which could adversely affect the Fund’s investments.

 

The outbreak could also impair the information technology and other operational systems upon which the Fund’s service providers rely and could otherwise disrupt the ability of employees of the Fund’s service providers to perform critical tasks relating to the Fund. Other infectious illness outbreaks that may arise in the future could have similar or other unforeseen effects. Public health crises may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social, and economic risks in certain countries or globally.

 

Temporary Investments

 

To respond to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may invest 100% of its total assets, without limitation, in high-quality short-term debt securities.  These short-term debt securities include: money market mutual funds, treasury bills, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances, U.S. Government securities and repurchase agreements. While the Fund is in a defensive position, the opportunity to achieve its investment objective will be limited.  The Fund may also invest a substantial portion of its assets in such instruments at any time to maintain liquidity or pending selection of investments in accordance with its policies. When the Fund takes such a position, it may not achieve its investment objective. It is expected that such a defensive change will be rare.

 

MANAGEMENT

 

The Investment Adviser. Ultra Blue Capital, LLC (the “Adviser”), 1735 Technology Drive, #650, San Jose, California 95110, is the investment adviser for the Fund. The Adviser is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The Adviser is a Delaware limited liability company and was organized in 2017.

 

Under the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”), the Adviser is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s investments. The Adviser also: (i) furnishes the Fund with office space and certain administrative services; (ii) provides guidance and policy direction in connection with its daily management of the Fund’s assets, subject to the authority of the Board; and (iii) is responsible for oversight of the Sub-Adviser. For its services, the Adviser is entitled to receive an annual management fee calculated daily and payable monthly, as a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets, at the rate of 0.75%.

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Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser has agreed, at its own expense and without reimbursement from the Fund, to pay all expenses of the Fund, except for: the fee paid to the Adviser pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, interest expenses, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions and any other portfolio transaction related expenses and fees arising out of transactions effected on behalf of the Fund, credit facility fees and expenses, including interest expenses, and litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business.

 

The Sub-Adviser. The Adviser has retained ________________ (the “Sub-Adviser”) to serve as sub-adviser for the Fund. The Sub-Adviser is responsible for handling the day-to-day management of the Fund’s trading process, which includes Creation and/or Redemption basket processing. The Sub-Adviser does not select investments for the Fund’s portfolio. The Sub-Adviser, which has its principal office at ____________________, was formed in __________and provides investment advisory, investment research, and portfolio construction services to ETF clients. For its services, the Sub-Adviser is paid a sub-advisory fee by the Adviser. See the Fund’s statement of additional information (“SAI”) for a description of the Sub-Adviser’s fee.

 

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board approving the Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement for the Fund will be available in the Fund’s semi-annual report for the period ending _____________, 2022, once that report is produced.

 

The Portfolio Managers

 

Adviser Portfolio Manager - Pouya Taaghol, PhD , Principal of the Adviser, has served as the Fund’s portfolio manager since its inception. Dr. Taaghol manages two hedge funds that make investment decisions using proprietary machine-learning algorithms similar to those being used for the Fund. Prior to founding the Adviser, Dr. Taaghol was the Chief Technology Officer of Cisco System Inc’s Smart Home and Intel Corporation’s Mobile Wireless Group where he led technology evolution, intellectual property strategies, ecosystem development, business acquisition, and divesture. Dr. Taaghol has also held senior technical positions at Motorola and NEC. He holds over 25 issued and pending patents in wireless/networking/security/big data, and 150+ publications and contributions to standards bodies. Dr. Taaghol holds a BSc from Sharif University of Technologies (Iran) and a PhD from University of Surrey (UK).

 

Sub-Adviser Portfolio Manager – [to be inserted]

 

The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers’, and the portfolio managers’ ownership in the Fund.

 

The Trust

 

The Fund is a non-diversified series of the ETF Opportunities Trust, an open-end management investment company organized as a Delaware statutory trust on March 18, 2019. The Board supervises the operations of the Fund according to applicable state and federal law, and the Board is responsible for the overall management of the Fund’s business affairs.

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Portfolio Holdings

 

A description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities is available in the Fund’s SAI.

 

HOW TO BUY AND SELL SHARES

 

Shares of the Fund is listed for trading on the Exchange. Share prices are reported in dollars and cents per share. Shares can be bought and sold on the secondary market throughout the trading day like other publicly traded shares and shares typically trade in blocks of less than a Creation Unit. There is no minimum investment required. shares may only be purchased and sold on the secondary market when the Exchange is open for trading. The Exchange is open for trading Monday through Friday and is closed on weekends and the following holidays, as observed: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

 

When buying or selling shares through a broker, you will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges, and you may pay some or all of the spread between the bid and the offered price in the secondary market on each leg of a round trip (purchase and sale) transaction.

 

The Fund may liquidate and terminate at any time without shareholder approval.

 

Creations and Redemptions

Prior to trading in the secondary market, shares of the Fund are “created” at NAV by market makers, large investors and institutions only in block-size Creation Units or multiples thereof. The following table sets forth the number of shares of the Fund that constitute a Creation Unit: 

 

Name of the Fund Creation Unit Size
UBC Algorithmic Fundamentals ETF [5,000]

 

Each “creator” or “Authorized Participant” enters into an authorized participant agreement with the Fund’s principal underwriter (the “Distributor”). Each Authorized Participant creates or redeems Creation Units through an AP Representative. An AP Representative is an unaffiliated broker-dealer with which the Authorized Participant has signed an agreement (the “Confidential Account Agreement”) to establish a confidential account for the benefit of such Authorized Participant (a “Confidential Account”) and that will deliver or receive, on behalf of the Authorized Participant, all consideration to or from the Fund in a creation or redemption transaction. 

 

Each day, the custodian will transmit the composition of the Fund’s Creation Basket (as defined below) to each AP Representative. Acting on execution instructions from an Authorized Participant, the AP Representative may purchase or sell the securities in the Creation Basket for purposes of effecting in-kind creation and redemption activity during the day. Authorized Participants are responsible for all order instructions and associated profit and loss, and will be able to monitor the execution quality of the AP Representative by comparing the price at which they purchase or sell Creation Baskets with the VIIV and the end of day NAV.

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A creation transaction, which is subject to acceptance by the Distributor generally begins when an Authorized Participant enters into an irrevocable creation order with the Fund and delivers to the AP Representative the cash necessary to purchase a designated portfolio of securities in the Confidential Account. The AP Representative then delivers the purchased portfolio of securities (“Deposit Instruments”) to the Fund in exchange for a specified number of Creation Units.

 

Similarly, shares are redeemed only in Creation Units. A redemption transaction generally begins when an Authorized Participant enters into an irrevocable redemption order with the Fund. The Fund then instructs its custodian to deliver a designated portfolio of securities (“Redemption Instruments”) to the appropriate Confidential Account in exchange for the Creation Units being redeemed. The Authorized Participant will instruct the AP Representative when to liquidate the securities in the Confidential Account, which will be liquidated no later than the end of the day, so that the Confidential Account holds no positions at the end of day.

 

On any given Business Day, the name and quantities of the instruments that constitute Deposit Instruments and the names and quantities of the instruments that constitute Redemption Instruments will correspond pro rata to the positions in the Fund’s portfolio (including cash positions) used to calculate the Fund’s NAV for that day and will be identical. These instruments are referred to, in the case of either a purchase or a redemption, as the “Creation Basket.”

 

An AP Representative will not trade securities in the Confidential Account on behalf of an Authorized Participant other than buying or selling the securities included in a Creation Basket to be delivered to or received from, respectively, the Fund. Pursuant to the Confidential Account Agreement, the AP Representative is restricted from disclosing the Creation Basket. In addition, the AP Representative undertakes an obligation not to use the identity or weighting of the securities in the Creation Basket for any purpose other than executing creations and redemptions for the Fund. The purpose of this arrangement is to protect the identity and weightings of the Fund’s portfolio holdings.

 

The prices at which creations and redemptions occur are based on the next calculation of NAV after a creation or redemption order is received in an acceptable form under the authorized participant agreement. In the event of a system failure or other interruption, including disruptions at market makers, Authorized Participants or AP Representatives, orders to purchase or redeem Creation Units either may not be executed according to the Fund’s instructions or may not be executed at all, or the Fund may not be able to place or change orders.

 

To the extent the Fund engages in in-kind transactions, the Fund intends to comply with the U.S. federal securities laws in accepting securities for deposit and satisfying redemptions with redemption securities by, among other means, assuring that any securities accepted for deposit and any securities used to satisfy redemption requests will be sold in transactions that would be exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “1933 Act”). Further, an Authorized Participant that is not a “qualified institutional buyer” as such term is defined in Rule 144A under the 1933 Act, will not be able to receive restricted securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A.

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Information about the procedures regarding creation and redemption of Creation Units (including the cut-off times for receipt of creation and redemption orders) is included in the Fund’s SAI.

 

Because new shares may be created and issued on an ongoing basis, at any point during the life of the Fund a “distribution,” as such term is used in the 1933 Act, may be occurring. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner that could render them statutory underwriters subject to the prospectus delivery and liability provisions of the 1933 Act. Any determination of whether one is an underwriter must take into account all the relevant facts and circumstances of each particular case.

 

Broker-dealers should also note that dealers who are not “underwriters,” but are participating in a distribution (as contrasted to ordinary secondary transactions), and thus dealing with shares that are part of an “unsold allotment” within the meaning of Section 4(a)(3)(C) of the 1933 Act, would be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(3) of the 1933 Act. For delivery of prospectuses to exchange members, the prospectus delivery mechanism of Rule 153 under the 1933 Act is available only with respect to transactions on a national securities exchange. Authorized Participants are charged standard creation and redemption transaction fees to offset transfer and other transaction costs associated with the issuance and redemption of Creation Units. The standard creation transaction fee is charged to the Authorized Participant on the day such Authorized Participant creates a Creation Unit and is the same regardless of the number of Creation Units purchased by the Authorized Participant on the applicable business day.

 

Similarly, the standard redemption transaction fee is charged to the Authorized Participant on the day such Authorized Participant redeems a Creation Unit and is the same regardless of the number of Creation Units redeemed by the Authorized Participant on the applicable business day. Creations and redemptions for cash (when cash creations and redemptions (in whole or in part) are available or specified) are also subject to an additional charge (up to the maximum amounts shown in the table below). This charge is intended to compensate for brokerage, tax, foreign exchange, execution, market impact and other costs and expenses related to cash transactions. Investors who use the services of a broker or other financial intermediary to acquire or dispose of Fund shares may pay fees for such services.

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will pay out redemption proceeds to a redeeming Authorized Participant within two days after the Authorized Participant ’s redemption request is received, in accordance with the process set forth in the Fund’s SAI and in the agreement between the Authorized Participant and the Fund’s distributor. However, the Fund reserves the right, including under stressed market conditions, to take up to seven days after the receipt of a redemption request to pay an Authorized Participant, all as permitted by the 1940 Act. The Fund anticipates regularly meeting redemption requests primarily through in-kind redemptions. However, the Fund reserves the right to pay redemption proceeds to an Authorized Participant in cash. Cash used for redemptions will be raised from the sale of portfolio assets or may come from existing holdings of cash or cash equivalents.

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The Verified Intraday Indicative Value. Information regarding the intraday value of shares of the Fund, also known as the VIIV, is calculated and disseminated every second throughout each trading day by the Exchange or by market data vendors or other information providers. It is available on websites that publish updated market quotations during the trading day, like Yahoo Finance (https://finance.yahoo.com), by searching for the Fund’s ticker plus the extension .IV, though some websites require their own unique extensions. The VIIV is based on the current market value of the securities in the Fund’s portfolio that day. The VIIV is intended to provide investors and other market participants with a highly correlated per share value of the underlying portfolio that can be compared to the current market price. To calculate the VIIV, the Fund employs two separate calculation engines to provide two independently calculated sources of intraday indicative values (calculation engines). The Fund then uses a pricing verification agent to continuously compare the data from both the calculations engines on a real time basis. If during the process of real time price verification, the indicative values from the calculation engines differ by more than 25 basis points for 60 consecutive seconds, the pricing verification agent will alert the Adviser and the Adviser will request that the Exchange halt trading of the Fund’s shares until the two indicative values come back into line. The specific methodology for calculating the Fund’s VIIV, which will be overseen by the Fund’s board, is available on the Fund’s website www.ultrabluecap.com.

 

Although the VIIV is intended to provide investors with enough information to allow for an effective arbitrage mechanism that will keep the market price of the Fund at or close to the underlying NAV per share of the Fund, there is a risk (which may increase during periods of market disruption or volatility) that market prices will vary significantly from the underlying NAV of the Fund. ETFs trading on the basis of a published VIIV may trade at a wider bid/ask spread than ETFs that publish their portfolios on a daily basis, especially during periods of market disruption or volatility, and therefore, may cost investors more to trade. Although the Fund seeks to benefit from not disclosing its portfolio information daily, market participants may attempt to use the VIIV to identify the Fund’s trading strategy, which if successful, could result in such market participants engaging in certain predatory trading practices that may have the potential to harm the Fund and its shareholders. If at any time 10% or more of the securities in the Fund’s portfolio become subject to a trading halt or otherwise do not have readily available market quotations, the Adviser will ask the Exchange to halt trading of the Fund. Trading halts may have a greater impact on this fund compared to other ETFs because it is less transparent.

 

Share Trading Prices  

The approximate value of shares, an amount representing on a per share basis the sum of the current market price of the securities accepted by the Fund in exchange for shares and an estimated cash component will be disseminated every 15 seconds throughout the trading day through the facilities of the Consolidated Tape Association. This approximate value should not be viewed as a “real-time” update of the NAV per share because the approximate value may not be calculated in the same manner as the NAV, which is computed once a day, generally at the end of the business day. The Fund is not involved in, or responsible for, the calculation or dissemination of the approximate value of the shares, and the Fund does not make any warranty as to the accuracy of these values.

 

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Book Entry  

Shares are held in book entry form, which means that no stock certificates are issued. The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) or its nominee is the record owner of all outstanding shares and is recognized as the owner of all shares for all purposes.

 

Investors owning shares are beneficial owners as shown on the records of DTC or its participants. DTC serves as the securities depository for all shares. Participants in DTC include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and other institutions that directly or indirectly maintain a custodial relationship with DTC. As a beneficial owner of shares, you are not entitled to receive physical delivery of stock certificates or to have shares registered in your name, and you are not considered a registered owner of shares. Therefore, to exercise any right as an owner of shares, you must rely upon the procedures of DTC and its participants. These procedures are the same as those that apply to any other securities that you hold in book entry or “street name” form.

 

FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES

 

Shares can only be purchased and redeemed directly from the Fund in Creation Units by Authorized Participants, and the vast majority of trading in shares occurs on the secondary market. Because the secondary market trades do not directly involve the Fund, it is unlikely those trades would cause the harmful effects of market timing, including dilution, disruption of portfolio management, increases in the Fund’s trading costs and the realization of capital gains. With regard to the purchase or redemption of Creation Units directly with the Fund, to the extent effected in-kind (i.e., for securities), those trades do not cause the harmful effects that may result from frequent cash trades. To the extent trades are effected in whole or in part in cash, those trades could result in dilution to the Fund and increased transaction costs, which could negatively impact a Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective. However, direct trading by Authorized Participants is critical to ensuring that shares trade at or close to NAV. The Fund also employ fair valuation pricing to minimize potential dilution from market timing. Given this structure, the Trust has determined that it is not necessary to adopt policies and procedures to detect and deter market timing of the Shares.

 

DIVIDENDS, OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES

 

Shares are traded throughout the day in the secondary market on a national securities exchange on an intra-day basis and are created and redeemed in-kind and/or for cash in Creation Units at each day’s next calculated NAV. In-kind arrangements are designed to protect ongoing shareholders from the adverse effects on a Fund’s portfolio that could arise from frequent cash redemption transactions. The Fund expects to typically satisfy Creation Unit redemptions in-kind but, if necessary, will do so in cash. Cash Unit redemptions may result in the Fund selling portfolio securities to obtain cash to meet net fund redemptions which can have an adverse tax impact on taxable shareholders. These sales may generate taxable gains for the ongoing shareholders of the fund, whereas the shares’ in-kind redemption mechanism generally will not lead to a tax event for the Fund or its ongoing shareholders.

 

Ordinarily, dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid at least annually by the Fund. The Fund will distribute its net realized capital gains, if any, to shareholders at least annually. The Fund may also pay a special distribution at the end of a calendar year to comply with federal tax requirements.

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No dividend reinvestment service is provided by the Fund. Broker-dealers may make available the DTC book-entry Dividend Reinvestment Service for use by beneficial owners of the Fund for reinvestment of their dividend distributions. Beneficial owners should contact their broker to determine the availability and costs of the service and the details of participation therein. Brokers may require beneficial owners to adhere to specific procedures and timetables. If this service is available and used, dividend distributions of both income and realized gains will be automatically reinvested in additional whole shares of the Fund purchased in the secondary market.

 

Distributions in cash may be reinvested automatically in additional whole shares only if the broker through whom you purchased shares makes such option available.

 

Taxes

As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in shares will be taxed. The tax information in this Prospectus is provided as general information. You should consult your own tax professional about the tax consequences of an investment in shares.

 

Unless your investment in Shares is made through a tax-exempt entity or tax-deferred retirement account, such as an individual retirement account, you need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when:

 

-A Fund makes distributions,

-You sell your shares listed on the Exchange, and

-You purchase or redeem Creation Units.

 

Taxes on Distributions

Distributions from the Fund’s net investment income, including net short-term capital gains, if any, are taxable to you as ordinary income, except that the Fund’s dividends attributable to its “qualified dividend income” (i.e., dividends received on stock of most domestic and certain foreign corporations with respect to which the Fund satisfies certain holding period and other restrictions), if any, generally are subject to federal income tax for non-corporate shareholders who satisfy those restrictions with respect to their shares at the rate for net capital gain. A part of the Fund’s dividends also may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction allowed to corporations -- the eligible portion may not exceed the aggregate dividends the Fund receives from domestic corporations subject to federal income tax (excluding REITs) and excludes dividends from foreign corporations -- subject to similar restrictions. However, dividends a corporate shareholder deducts pursuant to that deduction are subject indirectly to the federal alternative minimum tax. A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual Fund operating expenses affect the Fund’s performance.

 

In general, your distributions are subject to federal income tax when they are paid, whether you take them in cash or reinvest them in the Fund (if that option is available). Distributions reinvested in additional shares through the means of a dividend reinvestment service, if available, will be taxable to shareholders acquiring the additional shares to the same extent as if such distributions had been received in cash. Distributions of net long-term capital gains, if any, in excess of net short-term capital losses are taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long you have held the shares.

23 

 

 

Distributions in excess of a Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits are treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of your basis in the shares and as capital gain thereafter. A distribution will reduce a Fund’s NAV per share and may be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gain (as described above) even though, from an investment standpoint, the distribution may constitute a return of capital.

 

By law, the Fund are required to withhold 24% of your distributions and redemption proceeds if you have not provided the Fund with a correct Social Security number or other taxpayer identification number and in certain other situations.

 

Taxes on Exchange-Listed Share Sales

Any capital gain or loss realized upon a sale of shares is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year and as short-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for one year or less. The ability to deduct capital losses from sales of shares may be limited.

 

Taxes on Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units  

An Authorized Participant who exchanges securities for Creation Units generally will recognize a gain or a loss equal to the difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time of the exchange and the sum of the exchanger’s aggregate basis in the securities surrendered plus any Cash Component it pays. An Authorized Participant who exchanges Creation Units for securities will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchanger’s basis in the Creation Units and the sum of the aggregate market value of the securities received plus any cash equal to the difference between the NAV of the shares being redeemed and the value of the securities. The Internal Revenue Service (“Service”), however, may assert that a loss realized upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing “wash sales” or for other reasons. Persons exchanging securities should consult their own tax advisor with respect to whether wash sale rules apply and when a loss might be deductible.

 

Any capital gain or loss realized upon redemption of Creation Units is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year and as short-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for one year or less.

 

If you purchase or redeem Creation Units, you will be sent a confirmation statement showing how many shares you purchased or sold and at what price. See “Tax Status” in the SAI for a description of the newly effective requirement regarding basis determination methods applicable to share redemptions and the Fund’s obligation to report basis information to the Service.

 

The foregoing discussion summarizes some of the possible consequences under current federal tax law of an investment in the Fund. It is not a substitute for personal tax advice. Consult your personal tax advisor about the potential tax consequences of an investment in the shares under all applicable tax laws. See “Tax Status” in the SAI for more information.

24 

 

 

FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS

 

Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. (the “Administrator”) is the Fund’s administrator. The firm is primarily in the business of providing administrative services to retail and institutional mutual funds and exchange-traded funds.

 

Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. (“Citi”) serves as the Fund’s fund accountant and transfer agent, and it provides certain other services to the Fund not provided by the Administrator. Citi is primarily in the business of providing administrative, fund accounting and transfer agent services to retail and institutional exchange traded funds and mutual funds.

 

Citibank, N.A., serves as the Fund’s custodian.

 

Foreside Fund Services, LLC (the “Distributor”) serves as the Distributor of Creation Units for the Fund on an agency basis. The Distributor does not maintain a Secondary Market in shares.

 

Practus, LLP services as legal counsel to the Trust and the Fund.

 

_______________ serves as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for auditing the annual financial statements of the Fund.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Continuous Offering

The method by which Creation Units of shares are created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units of shares are issued and sold by the Fund on an ongoing basis, a “distribution,” as such term is used in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), may occur at any point. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner which could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the prospectus delivery requirement and liability provisions of the Securities Act.

 

For example, a broker-dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with the Distributor, breaks them down into constituent shares and sells the shares directly to customers or if it chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand for shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker-dealer or its client in the particular case, and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a characterization as an underwriter.

 

Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not “underwriters” but are effecting transactions in shares, whether or not participating in the distribution of shares, are generally required to deliver a prospectus. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. As a result, broker-dealer firms should note that dealers who are not “underwriters” but are participating in a distribution (as contrasted with engaging in ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with the shares that are part of an overallotment within the meaning of Section 4(3)(C) of the Securities Act, will be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(3) of the Securities Act. For delivery of prospectuses to exchange members, the prospectus delivery mechanism of Rule 153 under the Securities Act is only available with respect to transactions on a national exchange.

25 

 

 

Dealers effecting transactions in the shares, whether or not participating in this distribution, are generally required to deliver a Prospectus. This is in addition to any obligation of dealers to deliver a Prospectus when acting as underwriters.

 

Premium/Discount Information 

When available, information regarding how often the Shares of the Fund traded on the Exchange at a price above (i.e., at a premium) or below (i.e. at a discount) the NAV of the Fund will be available at www.ultrabluecap.com.

 

Householding 

For shareholders that have requested paper copies of the prospectus, annual and semi- annual report, the Fund will mail only one copy of each document to those addresses shared by two or more accounts. If you wish to receive individual copies of these documents, please call the Fund at 833-356-0909 on days the Fund is open for business or contact your financial institution. The Fund will begin sending you individual copies thirty days after receiving your request.

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Because the Fund has not yet commenced operations as of the date hereof, no financial highlights are available. In the future, financial highlights will be presented in this section of the Prospectus.

 

26 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

 

You will find more information about the Fund in the following documents:

 

The Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports will contain more information about the Fund. The Fund’s annual report will contain a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that had a significant effect on the Fund’s performance during the last fiscal year.

 

For more information about the Fund, you may wish to refer to the Fund’s SAI dated November __, 2021, which is on file with the SEC and incorporated by reference into this prospectus. You can obtain a free copy of the annual and semi-annual reports, and SAI by writing to ETF Opportunities Trust, 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, Virginia 23235, by calling the Fund toll free at (XXX) XXX-XXXX, by e-mail at: mail@ccofva.com. The Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports, prospectus and SAI are all available for viewing/downloading at www.ultrabluecap.com. General inquiries regarding the Fund may also be directed to the above address or telephone number.

 

Copies of these documents and other information about the Fund are available on the EDGAR Database on the Commission’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov, and copies of these documents may also be obtained, after paying a duplication fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

 

ActiveShares® Methodology

The Fund utilizes the ActiveShares® methodology licensed from Precidian Investments, LLC (“Precidian”). Precidian’s products and services are protected by domestic and international intellectual property protections, including, without limitation, the following issued patents and pending patent applications: 7813987, 8285624, 7925562, 13011746, 14528658, 14208966, 16196560.

 

(Investment Company Act File No. 811-23439)

 

27 

 

 

The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. The Fund may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

 

UBC Algorithmic Fundamentals ETF 

(the “Fund”)

 

A series portfolio of 

ETF Opportunities Trust

 

ETF Opportunities Trust 

8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205 

Richmond, Virginia 23235

 

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Dated November ____, 2021

 

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus. It should be read in conjunction with the current prospectus for the Fund dated November ____, 2021 as it may be supplemented or revised from time to time. This SAI is incorporated by reference into the Fund’s prospectus. You can obtain a free copy of the annual and semi-annual reports (once available), prospectus and SAI by writing to ETF Opportunities Trust, 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, Virginia 23235, by calling the Fund toll free at (XXX) XXX-XXXX, by e-mail at: mail@ccofva.com. The Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports, prospectus and SAI are all available for viewing/downloading at www.ultrabluecap.com. General inquiries regarding the Fund may also be directed to the above address or telephone number.

 

Investment Adviser: 

Ultra Blue Capital, LLC 

1735 Technology Drive, #650 

San Jose, California 95110

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

THE TRUST 1
   
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES 2
   
DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED INVESTMENTS 2
   
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS 5
   
MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS 7
   
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE TRUST 11
   
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL SECURITIES HOLDERS 16
   
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE 17
   
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PURCHASES AND SALES 18
   
ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES 27
   
TAXES 27
   
BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES 40
   
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES HOLDINGS 42
   
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES 43
   
PROXY VOTING 44
   
CODES OF ETHICS 44
   
EXHIBIT A 45
   
EXHIBIT B 47
   
EXHIBIT C 48

 

 

 

 

THE TRUST

 

General. This SAI relates to UBC Algorithmic Fundamentals ETF (the “Fund”) and should be read in conjunction with the prospectus of the Fund. This SAI is incorporated by reference into the Fund’s prospectus. No investment in shares should be made without reading the prospectus. The Fund is a non-diversified series of ETF Opportunities Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Trust”). The Trust is registered as an open-end management investment company. The Trust is governed by its Board of Trustees (the “Board” or “Trustees”). The investment adviser to the Fund is Ultra Blue Capital, LLC (the “Adviser”) and the sub-adviser to the Fund is ______________________ (the “Sub-Adviser”).

 

The Fund may issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest (“Shares”). All Shares have equal rights and privileges. Each Share is entitled to one vote on all matters as to which Shares are entitled to vote. In addition, each Share is entitled to participate equally with other Shares (i) in dividends and distributions declared by the Fund and (ii) on liquidation to its proportionate share of the assets remaining after satisfaction of outstanding liabilities. Shares are fully paid, non-assessable and fully transferable when issued and have no pre-emptive, conversion or exchange rights. Fractional Shares have proportionately the same rights, including voting rights, as are provided for a full Share.

 

The Fund will issue and redeem Shares at net asset value (“NAV”) in aggregations of at least [5,000] Shares (each a “Creation Unit”). The Fund will issue and redeem Creation Units principally in exchange for a basket of securities (the “Deposit Securities”), together with the deposit of a specified cash payment (the “Cash Component”), plus a transaction fee. The Fund has been approved for listing on the NYSE Arca (the “Exchange”). Shares will trade on the Exchange at market prices that may be below, at, or above NAV. In the event of the liquidation of the Fund, a share split, reverse split or the like, the Trust may revise the number of Shares in a Creation Unit.

 

Shares of the Fund are redeemable only in Creation Units, generally in exchange for portfolio securities and a Cash Component. Creation Units typically are a specified number of shares, generally [5,000] or multiples thereof for the Fund. All orders to purchase Creation Units must be placed by or through authorized participants (“Authorized Participants” or “APs”) who have entered into agreements with Foreside Fund Services, LLC (the “Distributor”), a registered broker-dealer and the Fund’s principal underwriter. Each AP will establish and maintain a confidential brokerage account with an agent (an “AP Representative”), for the benefit of the AP, in order to engage in in-kind creation and redemption activity with the Fund.

 

Creations and redemptions of Creation Units may be made in whole or in part on a cash basis, rather than in-kind, solely under the exceptional circumstances described in the Cash Purchase Method section of this SAI. Shares may be issued in advance of receipt of Deposit Securities, subject to various conditions, including a requirement to maintain with the Trust a cash deposit equal to at least 105% and up to 115%, which percentage the Trust may change from time to time, of the market value of the omitted Deposit Securities. Transaction fees and other costs associated with creations or redemptions that include a cash portion may be higher than the transaction fees and other costs associated with in-kind creations or redemptions. In all cases, transaction fees will be limited in accordance with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules and regulations applicable to management investment companies offering redeemable securities.

 

For more information on creations and redemptions of Creation Units, see the “Creation and Redemption of Creation Units” section of this SAI.

 

1 

 

 

The Fund utilizes the ActiveShares® methodology licensed from Precidian Investments, LLC (“Precidian”). Precidian’s products and services are protected by domestic and international intellectual property protections, including, without limitation, the following issued patents and pending patent applications: 7813987, 8285624, 7925562, 13011746, 14528658, 14208966, 16196560.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES

 

The Fund’s investment objective and principal investment strategies are described in the prospectus. The Fund is “non-diversified” as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As a non-diversified fund, the Fund is permitted to invest in fewer securities at any one time than a diversified fund. The following information supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, the prospectus. For a description of certain permitted investments discussed below, see “Description of Permitted Investments” in this SAI.

 

Portfolio Turnover. Average annual portfolio turnover rate is the ratio of the lesser of sales or purchases to the monthly average value of the portfolio securities owned during the year, excluding from both the numerator and the denominator all securities with maturities at the time of acquisition of one year or less. A higher portfolio turnover rate involves greater transaction expenses to the Fund and may result in the realization of net capital gains, which would be taxable to shareholders when distributed. The Fund is new, so no portfolio turnover rate is available at this time.

 

DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED INVESTMENTS

 

The following discussion of investment techniques and instruments supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, the investment information in the Fund’s prospectus. In seeking to meet its investment objective, the Fund may invest in any type of security whose characteristics are consistent with its investment programs. To the extent particular investment techniques or instruments are not described in the Principal Investment Strategies disclosure of the Fund’s prospectus, such investment techniques and instruments are not a part of the principal strategies and the corresponding risks are not principal risks of the Fund.

 

Common Stock. Common stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds and preferred stock take precedence over the claims of those who own common stock.

 

Preferred Stock. Preferred stock is a class of capital stock that pays dividends at a specified rate and that has preference over common stock in the payment of dividends and the liquidation of assets. Preferred stock does not ordinarily carry voting rights. Most preferred stock is cumulative; if dividends are passed (not paid for any reason), they accumulate and must be paid before common stock dividends. Passed dividend on non-cumulative preferred stock is generally gone forever. Participating preferred stock entitles its holders to share in profits above and beyond the declared dividend, along with common shareholders, as distinguished from non-participating preferred, which is limited to a stipulated dividend. Adjustable rate preferred stock pays a dividend that is adjustable, usually quarterly, based on changes in the Treasury bill rate or other money market rates. Convertible preferred stock is exchangeable for a given number of common shares and thus tends to be more volatile than non-convertible preferred, which behaves more like a fixed-income bond.

 

2 

 

 

Convertible Securities. The Fund may invest in convertible securities. Traditional convertible securities include corporate bonds, notes and preferred stocks that may be converted into or exchanged for common stock or other equity securities, and other securities that also provide an opportunity for equity participation. These securities are convertible either at a stated price or a stated rate (that is, for a specific number of shares of common stock or other equity securities). As with other fixed income securities, the price of a convertible security generally varies inversely with interest rates. While providing a fixed income stream, a convertible security also affords the investor an opportunity, through its conversion feature, to participate in the capital appreciation of the common stock into which it is convertible. As the market price of the underlying common stock declines, convertible securities tend to trade increasingly on a yield basis and therefore may not experience market value declines to the same extent as the underlying common stock. When the market price of the underlying common stock increases, the price of a convertible security tends to rise as a reflection of higher yield or capital appreciation. In such situations, the price of a convertible security may be greater than the value of the underlying common stock.

 

Warrants. The Fund may invest in warrants. Warrants are options to purchase equity securities at a specific price for a specific period of time. They do not represent ownership of the securities, but only the right to buy them. Hence, warrants have no voting rights, pay no dividends and have no rights with respect to the assets of the corporation issuing them. The value of warrants is derived solely from capital appreciation of the underlying equity securities. Warrants differ from call options in that the underlying corporation issues warrants, whereas call options may be written by anyone.

 

Investment Company Securities. The Fund may invest in shares of other investment companies, including open-end funds, closed-end funds, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and money market funds. The Fund may invest in inverse ETFs, including leveraged ETFs. Inverse ETFs seek to provide investment results that match a certain percentage of the inverse of the results of a specific index on a daily or monthly basis. The Fund also may invest in ETFs whose portfolios primarily consist of commodities.

 

When the Fund invests in other investment companies, it indirectly will bear their proportionate share of any fees and expenses payable directly by the underlying funds. Therefore, the Fund will incur higher expenses, many of which may be duplicative. In addition, the Fund may be affected by losses of the underlying funds and the level of risk arising from the investment practices of the underlying funds (such as the use of leverage by the funds). The Fund has no control over the investments and related risks taken by the underlying funds in which it invests. Because the Fund is not required to hold shares of underlying funds for any minimum period, it may be subject to, and may have to pay, short-term redemption fees imposed by the underlying funds.

 

In addition to risks generally associated with investments in investment company securities, ETFs are subject to the following risks that do not apply to traditional mutual funds: (i) the ETF’s shares may trade at a market price that is above or below its net asset value; (ii) an active trading market for an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained; (iii) the ETF may employ an investment strategy that utilizes high leverage ratios; or (iv) trading of an ETF’s shares may be halted if the listing exchange’s officials deem such action appropriate, the shares are de-listed from the exchange, or the activation of market-wide “circuit breakers” (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally.

 

Inverse and leveraged ETFs are subject to additional risks not generally associated with traditional ETFs. To the extent that the Fund invests in inverse ETFs, the value of the Fund’s investment will decrease when the index underlying the ETF’s benchmark rises, a result that is the opposite from traditional equity or bond funds. The net asset value and market price of leveraged or inverse ETFs are usually more volatile than the value of the tracked index or of other ETFs that do not use leverage. This is because inverse and leveraged ETFs use investment techniques and financial instruments that may be considered aggressive, including the use of derivative transactions and short selling techniques. The use of these techniques may cause the inverse or leveraged ETFs to lose more money in market environments that are adverse to their investment strategies than other funds that do not use such techniques.

 

3 

 

 

To the extent that the Fund invests in ETFs that invest in commodities, it will be subject to additional risks. Commodities are real assets such as oil, agriculture, livestock, industrial metals, and precious metals such as gold or silver. The values of ETFs that invest in commodities are highly dependent on the prices of the related commodities. The demand and supply of these commodities may fluctuate widely based on such factors as interest rates, investors’ expectations with respect to the rate of inflation, currency exchange rates, the production and cost levels of the producing countries and/or forward selling by such producers, global or regional political, economic or financial events, purchases and sales by central banks, and trading activities by hedge funds and other commodity funds. Commodity ETFs may use derivatives, such as futures, options and swaps, which exposes them to further risks, including counterparty risk (i.e., the risk that the institution on the other side of their trade will default).

 

Illiquid Securities. The Fund may not invest in securities that are “illiquid investments” (as defined in Rule 22e-4(a)(8) under the 1940 Act) at the time of purchase. Rule 22e-4(a)(8) defines “illiquid investments” as securities that the Adviser reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. The Fund may, however, hold an illiquid investment if it becomes illiquid after purchase. The Fund monitors the portion of the Fund’s total assets that is invested in illiquid securities on an ongoing basis in order to ensure that the value of illiquid securities held by the Fund does not exceed 15% of the Fund’s net assets.

 

Foreign Securities. The Fund may invest in foreign securities. Investing in securities of foreign companies and countries involves certain considerations and risks that are not typically associated with investing in U.S. government securities and securities of domestic companies. There may be less publicly available information about a foreign issuer than a domestic one, and foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial standards and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. There may also be less government supervision and regulation of foreign securities exchanges, brokers and listed companies than exists in the United States. Interest and dividends paid by foreign issuers may be subject to withholding and other foreign taxes, which may decrease the net return on such investments as compared to dividends and interest paid to the Fund by domestic companies or the U.S. government. There may be the possibility of expropriations, seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits, confiscatory taxation, political, economic or social instability or diplomatic developments that could affect assets of the Fund held in foreign countries. The establishment of exchange controls or other foreign governmental laws or restrictions could adversely affect the payment of obligations. In addition, investing in foreign securities will generally result in higher commissions than investing in similar domestic securities.

 

Decreases in the value of currencies of the foreign countries in which the Fund will invest relative to the U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding decrease in the U.S. dollar value of the Fund’s assets denominated in those currencies (and possibly a corresponding increase in the amount of securities required to be liquidated to meet distribution requirements). Conversely, increases in the value of currencies of the foreign countries in which the Fund invests relative to the U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding increase in the U.S. dollar value of the Fund’s assets (and possibly a corresponding decrease in the amount of securities to be liquidated).

 

Depositary Receipts. Assets of the Fund may be invested on a global basis to take advantage of investment opportunities both within the United States and other countries. The Fund may buy foreign securities directly in their principal markets or indirectly through the use of depositary receipts. The Fund may invest in sponsored and unsponsored American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”), and other similar depositary receipts. ADRs are issued by an American bank or trust company and represent ownership of underlying securities of a foreign company. EDRs are issued in Europe, usually by foreign banks, and represent ownership of either foreign or domestic underlying securities. The foreign country may withhold taxes on dividends or distributions paid on the securities underlying ADRs and EDRs, thereby reducing the dividend or distribution amount received by shareholders.

 

4 

 

 

Unsponsored ADRs and EDRs are issued without the participation of the issuer of the underlying securities. As a result, information concerning the issuer may not be as current as for sponsored ADRs and EDRs. Holders of unsponsored ADRs generally bear all of the costs of the ADR facilities. The depositary of an unsponsored facility frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited securities or to pass through voting rights to the holders of such receipts in respect of the deposited securities. Therefore, there may not be a correlation between information concerning the issuer of the security and the market value of an unsponsored ADR.

 

Temporary Investments. The Fund may take temporary defensive measures that are inconsistent with the Fund’s normal fundamental or non–fundamental investment policies and strategies in response to adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions as determined by the Adviser. Such measures could include, but are not limited to, investments in (1) highly liquid short–term fixed income securities issued by or on behalf of municipal or corporate issuers, obligations of the U.S. Government and its agencies, commercial paper, and bank certificates of deposit; (2) repurchase agreements involving any such securities; and (3) other money market instruments. The Fund may also invest in shares of money market mutual funds to the extent permitted under applicable law. Money market mutual funds are investment companies, and the investments in those companies by the Fund are in some cases subject to certain fundamental investment restrictions. As a shareholder in a mutual fund, the Fund will bear their ratable share of their expenses, including management fees, and will remain subject to payment of the fees to the Adviser, with respect to assets so invested. The Fund may not achieve its investment objectives during temporary defensive periods.

 

Miscellaneous. The Board may, in the future, authorize the Fund to invest in securities other than those listed in this SAI and in the prospectus, provided that such investments would be consistent with the respective Fund’s investment objective and that such investments would not violate the respective Fund’s fundamental investment policies or restrictions.

 

INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

 

Fundamental. The investment limitations described below have been adopted by the Trust with respect to the Fund and are fundamental (“Fundamental”), i.e., they may not be changed without the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. As used in the Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information, the term “majority” of the outstanding shares of the Fund means the lesser of: (1) 67% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of a Fund are present or represented at such meeting; or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of a Fund. Other investment practices which may be changed by the Board of Trustees without the approval of shareholders to the extent permitted by applicable law, regulation or regulatory policy are considered non-fundamental (“Non-Fundamental”).

 

5 

 

 

The Fund:

 

1.May not borrow money except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.

 

2.May not issue senior securities to others, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.

 

3.May not underwrite securities issued by others except to the extent a Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter under the federal securities laws, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities.

 

4.May not purchase or sell real estate except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.

 

5.May invest in commodities only as permitted by the 1940 Act or other governing statute, by the Rules thereunder or by the SEC or other regulatory agency with authority over the Fund.

 

6.May not make loans to others, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.

 

7.May not invest more than 25% of the value of its net assets in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry; except that if the Fund’s principal investment objective/strategy is to target the performance of a specific index, the Fund will invest more than 25% of its total assets in securities of issuers in a particular industry to approximately the same extent that the Fund’s target index concentrates in the securities of issuers in a particular industry. The limitation against industry concentration does not apply to investments in securities of the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities.

 
Further, as a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund:

 

shall be a “non-diversified company” as that term is defined in the 1940 Act, as interpreted or modified by regulatory authorities from time to time.

 

Except with respect to borrowing and circumstances where the Fund is required to “cover” its positions, if a percentage or rating restriction on an investment or use of assets set forth herein or in the Prospectus is adhered to at the time a transaction is effected, later changes in such percentages or restrictions resulting from any cause other than actions by the Fund will not be considered a violation. Currently, subject to modification to conform to the 1940 Act as interpreted or modified, the Fund is permitted, consistent with the 1940 Act, to borrow, and pledge its shares to secure such borrowing, provided, that immediately thereafter there is asset coverage of at least 300% for all borrowings by the Fund from a bank. If borrowings exceed this 300% asset coverage requirement by reason of a decline in net assets of the Fund, the Fund will reduce its borrowings within three days (not including Sundays and holidays) to the extent necessary to comply with the 300% asset coverage requirement. The 1940 Act also permits the Fund to borrow for temporary purposes only in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time when the loan is made. A loan shall be presumed to be for temporary purposes if it is repaid within 60 days and is not extended or renewed. To the extent outstanding borrowings of the Fund exceed 5% of the value of the total assets of the Fund, the Fund will not make additional purchases of securities – the foregoing shall not be construed to prevent the Fund from settling portfolio transactions or satisfying shareholder redemptions orders. The SEC has indicated, however, that certain types of transactions, which could be deemed “borrowings” (such as firm commitment agreements and reverse repurchase agreements), are permissible if a Fund “covers” the agreements by establishing and maintaining segregated accounts.

 

6 

 

 

Currently, with respect to senior securities, the 1940 Act and regulatory interpretations of relevant provisions of the 1940 Act establish the following general limits, subject to modification to conform to the 1940 Act as interpreted or modified: Open-end registered investment companies such as the Fund is not permitted to issue any class of senior security or to sell any senior security of which they are the issuers. The Trust is, however, permitted to issue separate series of shares and to divide those series into separate classes. The Fund currently offers one class of shares. The Fund has no intention of issuing senior securities, except that the Trust has issued its shares in separate series and may divide those series into classes of shares. Collateral arrangements with respect to forward contracts, futures contracts or options, including deposits of initial and variation margin, are not considered to be the issuance of a senior security for purposes of this restriction.

 

With respect to the Fund’s Fundamental Policy #4 as described above, the Fund will consider, to the extent practicable and consistent with applicable rules, regulations of the SEC and applicable guidance from the staff of the SEC, investments of its underlying investment companies when determining its compliance with the policy.

 

Notwithstanding any of the foregoing limitations, any investment company, whether organized as a trust, association or corporation, or a personal holding company, may be merged or consolidated with or acquired by the Trust, provided that if such merger, consolidation or acquisition results in an investment in the securities of any issuer prohibited by said paragraphs, the Trust shall, within ninety days after the consummation of such merger, consolidation or acquisition, dispose of all of the securities of such issuer so acquired or such portion thereof as shall bring the total investment therein within the limitations imposed by said paragraphs above as of the date of consummation.

 

MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

 

Investment Adviser. Ultra Blue Capital, LLC (the “Adviser”), 1735 Technology Drive, #650, San Jose, California, is the investment adviser to the Fund. The Adviser is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The Adviser is a Delaware limited liability company and was organized in 2017.

 

The Adviser currently provides investment advisory services pursuant to an investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”). Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser manages the investment portfolio of the Fund, subject to the policies adopted by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. In addition, the Adviser: (i) furnishes office space and all necessary office facilities, equipment and executive personnel necessary for managing the assets of the Fund; (ii) provides guidance and policy direction in connection with its daily management of the Fund’s assets, subject to the authority of the Trust’s Board of Trustees; and (iii) is responsible for oversight of the Sub-Adviser. Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser assumes and pays, at its own expense and without reimbursement from the Trust, all ordinary expenses of the Fund, except the fee paid to the Adviser pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, interest expenses, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions and any other portfolio transaction related expenses and fees arising out of transactions effected on behalf of the Fund, credit facility fees and expenses, including interest expenses, and litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business.

 

7 

 

 

For its services with respect to the Fund, the Adviser is entitled to receive an annual management fee, calculated daily and payable monthly as a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets, at the rate of 0.75%. The Adviser retains the right to use the name “Ultra Blue Capital” or any derivative thereof in connection with another investment company or business enterprise with which the Adviser is or may become associated. The Trust’s right to use the name “Ultra Blue Capital” or any derivative thereof automatically ceases ninety days after termination of the Advisory Agreement and may be withdrawn by the Adviser on ninety days written notice. The services furnished by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement are not exclusive, and the Adviser is free to perform similar services for others.

 

The Advisory Agreement was approved by the Trustees (including all the Independent Trustees) in compliance with the 1940 Act. The Advisory Agreement will continue in force for an initial period of up to two years. Thereafter, the Advisory Agreement is renewable from year to year with respect to the Fund, so long as its continuance is approved at least annually (1) by the vote, cast in person at a meeting called for that purpose, of a majority of those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust; and (2) by the majority vote of either the full Board or the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment, and is terminable at any time without penalty by the Board or by a majority of a Fund’s outstanding shares on not less than 60 days’ written notice to the Adviser, or by the Adviser on 90 days’ written notice to the Trust. The Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser shall not be protected against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard of its obligations or duties thereunder.

 

The Adviser may make payments to banks or other financial institutions that provide shareholder services and administer shareholder accounts. If a bank or other financial institution were prohibited from continuing to perform all or a part of such services, management of the Fund believes that there would be no material impact on the Fund or its shareholders. Financial institutions may charge their customers fees for offering these services to the extent permitted by applicable regulatory authorities, and the overall return to those shareholders availing themselves of the financial institution’s services will be lower than to those shareholders who do not. The Fund may purchase securities issued by financial institutions that provide such services; however, in selecting investments for the Fund, no preference will be shown for such securities.

 

The Sub-Adviser. The Adviser has retained _______________________ (the “Sub-Adviser”) to serve as sub-adviser for the Fund. The Sub-Adviser has its principal office at ____________________________________. The Sub-Adviser was established in _________ and provides investment advisory, investment research, and portfolio construction services to ETF clients. No outside companies or individuals currently own more than 25% of the Sub-Adviser’s voting rights. Over 50% of the Sub-Adviser’s voting rights are with employee-members.

 

Pursuant to an Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement”), the Sub-Adviser assists the Adviser in providing day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio. The Sub-Adviser is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s trading process, which includes Creation and/or Redemption basket processing. The Sub-Adviser will work directly with the Fund’s Custodian, Transfer Agent and Adviser to carry out the trading process for the Fund. The Sub-Adviser does not select investments for the Fund’s portfolio. See below for description of the services being provided by the Custodian and the Transfer Agent.

 

8 

 

 

The Sub-Advisory Agreement was approved by the Trustees (including all the Independent Trustees) in compliance with the 1940 Act and by the Fund’s initial shareholder. The Sub-Advisory Agreement will continue in force for an initial period of up to two years. Thereafter, the Sub-Advisory Agreement is renewable from year to year with respect to the Fund, so long as its continuance is approved at least annually (1) by the vote, cast in person at a meeting called for that purpose, of a majority of those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust; and (2) by the majority vote of either the full Board or the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of a Fund. The Sub-Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment, and is terminable at any time without penalty by the Board or by a majority of each of the Fund’s outstanding shares or by the Adviser on not less than 60 days’ written notice to the Sub-Adviser, or by the Sub-Adviser on 90 days’ written notice to the Adviser and the Trust. The Sub-Advisory Agreement provides that the Sub-Adviser shall not be protected against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard of its obligations or duties thereunder. For its services, the Sub-Adviser is paid a fee by the Adviser, which is calculated daily and payable monthly as a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets, at the rate of 0.__%.

 

Portfolio Managers. As described in the prospectus, Pouya Taaghol, PhD serves as the Fund’s Portfolio Manager and is responsible for the day-to-day investment management of the Fund. In addition to the Fund, the Portfolio Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as listed below. The information below is provided as of November __, 2021:

 

Portfolio Manager

Other 

Registered 

Investment 

Company 

Accounts 

Assets 

Managed 

($ millions) 

Other Pooled 

Investment 

Vehicle 

Accounts 

Assets 

Managed 

($ millions)

Other 

Accounts 

Assets 

Managed 

($ millions) 

Total 

Assets 

Managed 

($ millions) 

Pouya Taaghol 0 0 2* $35M 0 0 0
  0 0 0 0 0 0 0
  0 0 0 0 0 0 0
                 

*The two Other Pooled Investment Vehicle Accounts pay a performance (incentive) fee.

 

Conflicts of Interests. The Portfolio Managers’ management of “other accounts” may give rise to potential conflicts of interest in connection with his management of the Fund’s investments, on the one hand, and the investments of the other accounts, on the other. The other accounts may have the same investment objective as the Fund. In addition, certain of the other accounts pay a performance (incentive) fee which could result in a Portfolio Manager favoring such account over the Fund. Another potential conflict could include a Portfolio Manager’s knowledge about the size, timing and possible market impact of Fund trades, whereby a Portfolio Manager could use this information to the advantage of other accounts and to the disadvantage of the Fund. However, the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser have established policies and procedures to ensure that the purchase and sale of securities among all accounts it manages are fairly and equitably allocated.

 

Compensation. Dr. Taaghol currently is paid by Big Data Federation, Inc., the parent company of the Adviser. Dr. Taaghol may also receive a discretionary bonus based on the quality of the advisory services and the overall financial performance of the Adviser. As the Principal of the Adviser and portfolio manager of the Fund, Dr. Taaghol may benefit economically from any profits generated by the Adviser.

 

9 

 

 

Mr. ____________________ do not receive compensation that is based upon the pre- or after-tax performance of the Fund; however, _______________, on behalf of the Sub-Adviser, may enter into incentive fee arrangements with its other non-Fund related client accounts. The Portfolio Manager does not receive any special or additional compensation from the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser, respectively, for his services as Portfolio Manager. The Portfolio Manager’s compensation is based solely on the overall financial operating results of the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser, respectively. Mr. ___________________ may receive compensation from the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser for his respective services to each firm.

 

Portfolio Manager Share Ownership. As of the date of this SAI, the Portfolio Managers did not beneficially own shares of the Fund.

 

Administrator. Pursuant to a Fund Services Agreement, Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, VA 23235 (the “Administrator”) serves as the Fund’s administrator. In its capacity as administrator, the Administrator supervises all aspects of the operations of the Fund except those performed by the Adviser. The Administrator provides certain administrative services and facilities to the Fund, including, among other responsibilities, assisting in the preparation and filing of documents required for compliance by the Fund with applicable laws and regulations and arranging for the maintenance of books and records of the Fund. The Administrator receives an asset-based fee computed daily and paid monthly on the average daily net assets of the Fund, subject to a minimum fee plus out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Fund Accountant, Transfer Agency and Other Services. Pursuant to a Services Agreement with Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. (“Citi”), located at 4400 Easton Commons, Suite 200, Columbus, OH, 43219, Citi provides certain financial administration services (other than those provided by the Administrator), transfer agency, and fund accounting services to the Fund. As financial administrator, Citi performs services including but not limited to: (1) calculating Fund expenses; (2) calculating the Fund performance data; and (3) providing certain compliance support services. As fund accountant, Citi maintains certain financial records of the Trust and provides accounting services to the Fund that include the daily calculation of the Fund’s NAV. Citi also performs certain other services on behalf of the Trust including providing financial information for the Trust’s federal and state tax returns and financial reports required to be filed with the SEC. As transfer agent, Citi issues shares of the Fund in Creation Units to fill purchase orders for the Fund’s shares, maintains records of the issuance and redemption of the Fund’s shares, and acts as the Fund’s dividend disbursing agent.

 

For the financial administration and fund accounting services provided to the Trust, the Trust has agreed to pay to Citi an annual asset based fee as a percentage of the aggregate net assets of the Fund, subject to certain breakpoints and minimum fee requirements. Citi is also entitled to fees for services that it renders with respect to the filing of Form N-PORT, its services related to liquidity risk management and out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Custodian. Pursuant to a Custodial and Agency Services Agreement with the Trust, Citibank, N.A. (“Custodian”), located at 388 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10048, serves as Custodian for the Fund and safeguards and holds the Fund’s cash and securities, settles the Fund’s securities transactions and collects income on the Fund’s investments. Under the agreement, the Custodian also: (1) provides data required by the Adviser to determine the Fund’s Creation Basket and estimated All Cash Amount for each Business Day (this service is paid for by the Adviser directly pursuant to the Support Services Agreement between Citi and the Adviser (see “Support Services Agreement,” above)); (2) monitors the settlement of securities comprising the Creation Basket and any cash in connection with the purchase and redemption of Creation Units and requests the issuance of related Creation Units; (3) deposits securities comprising the Creation Basket and/or cash received from Authorized Participants in connection with purchases of Creation Units into the Fund’s custody and cash accounts; (4) disburses securities comprising the Creation Basket and/or cash from the Fund’s custody and cash accounts to Authorized Participants in connection with the redemptions of Creation Units; and (5) performs certain other related services, (See “Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units,” below).

 

10 

 

 

Distributor and Principal Underwriter. Foreside Fund Services, LLC (the “Distributor”) the Fund’s distributor, is located at Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101. The Distributor is a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”).

 

Shares will be continuously offered for sale by the Trust through the Distributor only in whole Creation Units, as described in the section of this SAI entitled “Additional Information About Purchases and Sales.” The Distributor also acts as an agent for the Trust. The Distributor will deliver a prospectus to persons purchasing Shares in Creation Units and will maintain records of both orders placed with it and confirmations of acceptance furnished by it. The Distributor has no role in determining the investment policies of the Fund or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Fund.

 

The Board has not adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (“Rule 12b-1 Plan”) under the 1940 Act with respect to the Fund. No Rule 12b-1 fees are currently paid by the Fund and there are no plans to impose these fees.

 

The Adviser and its affiliates may, out of their own resources, pay amounts to third parties for distribution or marketing services on behalf of the Fund. The making of these payments could create a conflict of interest for a financial intermediary receiving such payments.

 

Legal Counsel. Practus, LLP, 11300 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Suite 310, Leawood, KS 66211, serves as legal counsel to the Trust and the Fund.

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. The Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, __TBD_________________________, audits the Fund’s annual financial statements, assists in the preparation of certain reports to the SEC, and prepares the Trust’s tax returns. ________________________ is located at _____________________________________.

 

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE TRUST

 

Trustees and Officers. The Trust is governed by the Board, which is responsible for protecting the interests of shareholders. The trustees are experienced businesspersons who meet throughout the year to oversee the Trust’s activities, review contractual arrangements with companies that provide services to the Fund and review performance. The names, addresses and ages of the trustees and officers of the Trust, together with information as to their principal occupations during the past five years, are listed below.

 

Each Trustee was nominated to serve on the Board of Trustees based on their particular experiences, qualifications, attributes and skills. Generally, the Trust believes that each Trustee is competent to serve because of their individual overall merits including: (i) experience; (ii) qualifications; (iii) attributes; and (iv) skills. Mr. David J. Urban has been a Professor of Education since 1989. His strategic planning, organizational and leadership skills help the Board set long-term goals. Ms. Mary Lou H. Ivey has business experience as a practicing tax accountant since 1996 and, as such, brings tax, budgeting and financial reporting skills to the Board. Mr. Theo H. Pitt has experience as an investor, including his role as trustee of several other investment companies and business experience as Senior Partner of a financial consulting company, as a partner of a real estate partnership and as an Account Administrator for a money management firm. Mr. Kevin Farragher has experience as an executive in multiple roles in the investment management industry, including product management, mutual fund, ETF and brokerage operations, and trade supervision and compliance. The Trust does not believe any one factor is determinative in assessing a Trustee’s qualifications, but that the collective experience of each Trustee makes them each highly qualified.

 

11 

 

 

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees is Ms. Ivey, who is not an “interested person” of the Trust, within the meaning of the 1940 Act. The Trust also has an independent Audit Committee that allows the Board to access the expertise necessary of oversee the Trust, identify risks, recognize shareholder concerns and needs and highlight opportunities. The Audit Committee is able to focus Board time and attention to matters of interest to shareholders and, through its private sessions with the Trust’s auditor, Chief Compliance Officer and legal counsel, stay fully informed regarding management decisions.

 

ETFs face a number of risks, including investment risk, compliance risk and valuation risk. The Board oversees management of the Fund’s risks directly and through its officers. While day-to-day risk management responsibilities rest with the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer, investment advisers and other service providers, the Board monitors and tracks risk by: (1) receiving and reviewing quarterly reports related to the performance and operations of the Fund; (2) reviewing and approving, as applicable, the compliance policies and procedures of the Trust, including the Trust’s valuation policies and transaction procedures; (3) periodically meeting with the portfolio manager to review investment strategies, techniques and related risks; (4) meeting with representatives of key service providers, including the Fund’s investment advisers, administrator, distributor, transfer agent and the independent registered public accounting firm, to discuss the activities of the Fund; (5) engaging the services of the Chief Compliance Officer of the Fund to monitor and test the compliance procedures of the Trust and its service providers; (6) receiving and reviewing reports from the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding the Fund’s financial condition and the Trust’s internal controls; and (7) receiving and reviewing an annual written report prepared by the Chief Compliance Officer reviewing the adequacy of the Trust’s compliance policies and procedures and the effectiveness of their implementation. The Board has concluded that its general oversight of the investment adviser and other service providers as implemented through the reporting and monitoring process outlined above allows the Board to effectively administer its risk oversight function.

 

Following is a list of the Trustees and executive officers of the Trust and their principal occupation over the last five years. The mailing address of each Trustee and officer is 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond Virginia, 23235, unless otherwise indicated.

 

12 

 

 

NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES

 

NAME, AGE AND POSITION WITH THE TRUST TERM OF OFFICE AND LENGTH OF TIME SERVED

PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S) DURING
THE PAST FIVE 

YEARS 

NUMBER OF FUNDS IN FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE

OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS 

HELD BY TRUSTEE  

David J. Urban 

(66) 

Trustee

 

Indefinite, Since December, 2019

Dean, Jones College of Business, Middle Tennessee State University since July 2013.

 

9 Independent Trustee of World Funds Trust for the twenty series of that trust.

Mary Lou H. Ivey 

(63) 

Trustee

 

Indefinite, Since December, 2019 Accountant, Harris, Hardy & Johnstone, P.C., (accounting firm), since 2008. 9 Independent Trustee of World Funds Trust for the twenty series of that trust.

Theo H. Pitt, Jr. 

(85) 

Trustee

 

Indefinite, Since December, 2019 Senior Partner, Community Financial Institutions Consulting (bank consulting) since 1997 to present. 9

Independent Trustee of Chesapeake Investment Trust for the one series of that trust; Leeward Investment Trust for the one series of that trust; Hillman Capital Management Investment Trust for the one series of that trust; World Funds Trust for the twenty series of that trust; and Starboard Investment Trust for the twelve series of that trust; (all registered investment companies).

 

Kevin Farragher (61) Indefinite, Since December, 2019 Independent Consultant since 2014. 9 None

 

OFFICERS WHO ARE NOT TRUSTEES

 

NAME, AGE AND POSITION(S) WITH THE TRUST TERM OF OFFICE AND LENGTH OF TIME SERVED

PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S) DURING
THE PAST FIVE
 

YEARS 

NUMBER OF FUNDS IN FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE

OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS 

HELD BY TRUSTEE 

David Bogaert 

(57) 

President

 

Indefinite, Since December 2019 Managing Director of Business Development, Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. (fund administration), October 2013 – present; Senior Vice President of Business Development and other positions for Huntington Asset Services, Inc. from 1986 to 2013. N/A N/A

 

13 

 

 

NAME, AGE AND POSITION(S) WITH THE TRUST TERM OF OFFICE AND LENGTH OF TIME SERVED

PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S) DURING
THE PAST FIVE
 

YEARS 

NUMBER OF FUNDS IN FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE

OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS 

HELD BY TRUSTEE 

Karen M. Shupe 

(57) 

Treasurer and Principal Executive Officer

 

Indefinite, Since December 2019 Managing Director of Fund Operations, Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., 2003 to present. N/A N/A

Ann T. MacDonald 

(66) 

Assistant Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer

 

Indefinite, Since December 2019 Managing Director, Fund Administration and Fund Accounting, Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., 2003 to present. N/A N/A

John H. Lively 

(52) 

Secretary

 

Indefinite, Since December 2019

Attorney, Practus, LLP (law firm), May 2018 to present; Attorney, The Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc. (law firm), March 2010 to May 2018.

 

N/A N/A

Holly B. Giangiulio 

(59) 

Assistant Secretary

 

Indefinite, Since December 2019

Managing Director, Corporate Operations, Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., January 2015 to present, Corporate Accounting and HR Manager from 2010 to 2015.

 

N/A N/A

Julian G. Winters 

(52) 

Chief Compliance Officer

 

Indefinite, Since December 2019

Managing Member of Watermark Solutions, LLC (investment compliance and consulting) since March 2007.

 

N/A N/A

 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

 

The Board of Trustees oversees the Trust and certain aspects of the services provided by the Adviser and the Fund’s other service providers. Each Trustee will hold office until their successors have been duly elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal. Each officer of the Trust serves at the pleasure of the Board and for a term of one year or until their successors have been duly elected and qualified.

 

The Trust has a standing Audit Committee of the Board composed of Mr. Urban, Ms. Ivey, Mr. Pitt and Mr. Farragher. The functions of the Audit Committee are to meet with the Trust’s independent auditors to review the scope and findings of the annual audit, discuss the Trust’s accounting policies, discuss any recommendations of the independent auditors with respect to the Trust’s management practices, review the impact of changes in accounting standards on the Trust’s financial statements, recommend to the Board the selection of independent registered public accounting firm, and perform such other duties as may be assigned to the Audit Committee by the Board. The Trust recently commenced operations, and the Audit Committee met once during the 12-month period ended December 31, 2020.

 

14 

 

 

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is comprised of Mr. Urban, Ms. Ivey, Mr. Pitt and Mr. Farragher. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s purposes, duties and powers are set forth in its written charter, which is described in Exhibit C – the charter also describes the process by which shareholders of the Trust may make nominations. The Trust recently commenced operations, and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee did not meet during the 12-month period ended December 31, 2020.

 

The Valuation Committee is comprised of Mr. Urban, Ms. Ivey, Mr. Pitt and Mr. Farragher. The Valuation Committee meets as needed in the event that the Fund holds any securities that are subject to valuation and it reviews the fair valuation of such securities on an as needed basis. The Trust recently commenced operations, and the Valuation Committee did not meet during the 12-month period ended December 31, 2020.

 

The Qualified Legal Compliance Committee is comprised of Mr. Urban, Ms. Ivey, Mr. Pitt and Mr. Farragher. The Qualified Legal Compliance Committee receives, investigates, and makes recommendations as to the appropriate remedial action in connection with any report of evidence of a material violation of the securities laws or breach of fiduciary duty or similar violation by the Trust, its officers, Trustees, or agents. The Trust recently commenced operations, and the Qualified Legal Compliance Committee did not meet during the 12-month period ended December 31, 2020.

 

Trustee Compensation. Each Trustee who is not an “interested person” of the Trust may receive compensation for their services to the Trust. All Trustees are reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attendance at meetings. Each Trustee receives a retainer fee at the annualized rate of $7,500. Additionally, each Trustee may receive a fee of $2,500 per special in person meeting and $1,500 per special telephonic meeting. Compensation to be received by each Trustee from the Trust for the Fund’s first fiscal year is estimated as follows:

 

Name of Person /
Position

Aggregate
Compensation

From Fund 

Pension or Retirement
Benefits Accrued as Part
of Fund Expenses
Estimated Annual
Benefits Upon
Retirement
Total Compensation From
Fund and Fund Complex Paid
To Trustees (*)(1)
         
David J. Urban, Trustee $7,500 $0 $0 $7,500
         

Mary Lou H. Ivey, Trustee

 

Theo H. Pitt, Jr., Trustee

 

$7,500

 

$7,500

 

$0

 

$0

 

$0

 

$0

 

$7,500

 

$7,500

 

Kevin Farragher, Trustee $7,500 $0 $0 $7,500

 

*The Trust does not pay deferred compensation.
(1)The “Fund Complex” consists of the Fund.

 

Trustee Ownership of Fund Shares – The table below shows for each Trustee, the amount of Fund equity securities beneficially owned by each Trustee, and the aggregate value of all investments in equity securities of the Fund of the Trust, as of December 31, 2020, and stated as one of the following ranges: A = None; B = $1-$10,000; C = $10,001-$50,000; D = $50,001-$100,000; and E = over $100,000.

 

15 

 

 

Name of Trustee Dollar Range of Equity Securities
in the Fund
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity
Securities in all Registered Investment
Companies Overseen by the Trustees in
Family of Investment Companies
Non-Interested Trustees    
David J. Urban A A
Mary Lou H. Ivey A A
Theo H. Pitt, Jr. A A
Kevin Farragher A A

 

Sales Loads. No front-end or deferred sales charges are applied to purchase of Fund shares by current or former trustees, officers, employees or agents of the Trust, the Adviser, the Sub-Adviser or the principal underwriter and by the members of their immediate families. No front-end or deferred sales charges are applied to the purchase of Shares.

 

Policies Concerning Personal Investment Activities. The Fund, the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser have each adopted a Code of Ethics, pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act that permit investment personnel, subject to their particular code of ethics, to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund, for their own account.

 

The Codes of Ethics are on file with, and can be reviewed and copied at the SEC Public Reference Room in Washington, D. C. In addition, the Codes of Ethics are also available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Proxy Voting Policies. The Trust is required to disclose information concerning the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures to shareholders. The Board has delegated to Adviser the responsibility for decisions regarding proxy voting for securities held by the Fund. The Adviser will vote such proxies in accordance with its proxy policies and procedures, which have been reviewed by the Board. The proxy voting policy for the Trust can be found in Exhibit A and the proxy voting policy of the Adviser can be found in Exhibit B. Any material changes to the proxy policies and procedures will be submitted to the Board for approval. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent 12-month period ending June 30, will be available (1) without charge, upon request by calling xxx-xxx-xxxx; and (2) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL SECURITIES HOLDERS

 

A principal shareholder is any person who owns (either of record or beneficially) 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund. A control person is one who owns, either directly or indirectly, more than 25% of the voting securities of the Fund or acknowledges the existence of such control. As a controlling shareholder, each of these persons could control the outcome of any proposal submitted to the shareholders for approval, including changes to a Fund’s fundamental policies or the terms of the management agreement with the Adviser.

 

The Fund has not yet commenced operations as of the date of this SAI.

 

16 

 

 

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

 

Calculation of Share Price

 

The NAV of the Fund’s shares is determined by dividing the total value of the Fund’s portfolio investments and other assets, less any liabilities, by the total number of shares outstanding of the Fund.

 

Generally, the Fund’s domestic securities (including underlying ETFs which hold portfolio securities primarily listed on foreign (non-U.S.) exchanges) are valued each day at the last quoted sales price on each security’s primary exchange. Securities traded or dealt in upon one or more securities exchanges for which market quotations are readily available and not subject to restrictions against resale shall be valued at the last quoted sales price on the primary exchange or, in the absence of a sale on the primary exchange, at the mean between the current bid and ask prices on such exchange. Securities primarily traded in the NASDAQ National Market System for which market quotations are readily available shall be valued using the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. If market quotations are not readily available, securities will be valued at their fair market value as determined in good faith by the Fund’s fair value committee in accordance with procedures approved by the Board and as further described below. Securities that are not traded or dealt in any securities exchange (whether domestic or foreign) and for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily available generally shall be valued at the last sale price or, in the absence of a sale, at the mean between the current bid and ask price on such over-the- counter market.

 

Certain securities or investments for which daily market quotes are not readily available may be valued, pursuant to guidelines established by the Board, with reference to other securities or indices. Debt securities not traded on an exchange may be valued at prices supplied by a pricing agent(s) based on broker or dealer supplied valuations or matrix pricing, a method of valuing securities by reference to the value of other securities with similar characteristics, such as rating, interest rate and maturity. Short-term investments having a maturity of 60 days or less may be generally valued at amortized cost when it approximated fair value.

 

Exchange traded options are valued at the last quoted sales price or, in the absence of a sale, at the mean between the current bid and ask prices on the exchange on which such options are traded. Futures and options on futures are valued at the settlement price determined by the exchange, or, if no settlement price is available, at the last sale price as of the close of business prior to when the Fund calculates NAV. Other securities for which market quotes are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board or persons acting at their direction. Swap agreements and other derivatives are generally valued daily depending on the type of instrument and reference assets based upon market prices, the mean between bid and asked prices quotations from market makers or by a pricing service or other parties in accordance with the valuation procedures approved by the Board.

 

Under certain circumstances, the Fund may use an independent pricing service to calculate the fair market value of foreign equity securities on a daily basis by applying valuation factors to the last sale price or the mean price as noted above. The fair market values supplied by the independent pricing service will generally reflect market trading that occurs after the close of the applicable foreign markets of comparable securities or the value of other instruments that have a strong correlation to the fair-valued securities. The independent pricing service will also take into account the current relevant currency exchange rate. A security that is fair valued may be valued at a price higher or lower than actual market quotations or the value determined by other funds using their own fair valuation procedures. Because foreign securities may trade on days when Shares are not priced, the value of securities held by the Fund can change on days when Shares cannot be redeemed or purchased. In the event that a foreign security’s market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable (for reasons other than because the foreign exchange on which it trades closed before the Fund’s calculation of NAV), the security will be valued at its fair market value as determined in good faith by the Fund’s fair value committee in accordance with procedures approved by the Board as discussed below. Without fair valuation, it is possible that short-term traders could take advantage of the arbitrage opportunity and dilute the NAV of long-term investors. Fair valuation of the Fund’s portfolio securities can serve to reduce arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders, but there is no assurance that it will prevent dilution of the Fund’s NAV by short-term traders. In addition, because the Fund may invest in underlying ETFs which hold portfolio securities primarily listed on foreign (non-U.S.) exchanges, and these exchanges may trade on weekends or other days when the underlying ETFs do not price their shares, the value of these portfolio securities may change on days when you may not be able to buy or sell Shares.

 

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Investments initially valued in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted to U.S. dollars using exchange rates obtained from pricing services or other parties in accordance with the valuation procedures approved by the Board. As a result, the NAV of the Shares may be affected by changes in the value of currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar. The value of securities traded in markets outside the United States or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar may be affected significantly on a day that the Exchange is closed and an investor is not able to purchase, redeem or exchange Shares.

 

Shares are valued at the close of regular trading on the Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) (the “Exchange Close”) on each day that the Exchange is open. For purposes of calculating the NAV, the Fund normally use pricing data for domestic equity securities received shortly after the Exchange Close and does not normally take into account trading, clearances or settlements that take place after the Exchange Close. Domestic fixed income and foreign securities are normally priced using data reflecting the earlier closing of the principal markets for those securities. Information that becomes known to the Fund or its agents after the NAV has been calculated on a particular day will not generally be used to retroactively adjust the price of the security or the NAV determined earlier that day.

 

When market quotations are insufficient or not readily available, the Fund may value securities at fair value or estimate their value as determined in good faith by the Board or its designees, pursuant to procedures approved by the Board. Fair valuation may also be used by the Board if extraordinary events occur after the close of the relevant market but prior to the Exchange Close.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PURCHASES AND SALES

 

The Trust issues and sells shares of the Fund only in Creation Units on a continuous basis through the Distributor, without a sales load, at a price based on a Fund’s NAV next determined after receipt, on any Business Day, of an order received by the transfer agent in proper form. On days when the Exchange closes earlier than normal, the Fund may require orders to be placed earlier in the day. The following table sets forth the number of shares of the Fund that constitute a Creation Unit for the Fund.  

 

Fund Shares Per Creation Unit
UBC Algorithmic Fundamentals ETF [5,000]

 

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The Adviser and the Board reserve the right to increase or decrease the number of the Fund’s shares that constitute a Creation Unit. The Board reserves the right to declare a split or a consolidation in the number of shares outstanding of the Fund, and to make a corresponding change in the number of shares constituting a Creation Unit, in the event that the per share price in the secondary market rises or declines to an amount that falls outside the range deemed desirable by the Board.

 

To the extent the Fund engages in in-kind transactions, the Fund intends to comply with the U.S. federal securities laws in accepting securities for deposit and satisfying redemptions with redemption securities by, among other means, assuring that any securities accepted for deposit and any securities used to satisfy redemption requests will be sold in transactions that would be exempt from registration under the Securities Act. Further, an AP that is not a “qualified institutional buyer,” as such term is defined under Rule 144A of the Securities Act, will not be able to receive securities that are restricted securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A.

 

Fund Deposit

 

The consideration for purchase of Creation Units of the Fund generally consists of the Deposit Securities (i.e., the in-kind deposit of a designated portfolio of securities (including any portion of such securities for which cash may be substituted)) and the Cash Component computed as described below. However, the Fund reserves the right to permit or require that creations of shares are effected fully or partially in cash. Together, the Deposit Securities and the Cash Component constitute the Fund Deposit, which will be applicable (subject to possible amendment or correction) to creation requests received in proper form. The Fund Deposit represents the minimum initial and subsequent investment amount for a Creation Unit of the Fund. The Cash Component is an amount equal to the difference between the NAV of the shares (per Creation Unit) and the Deposit Amount, which is an amount equal to the market value of the Deposit Securities, and serves to compensate for any differences between the NAV per Creation Unit and the Deposit Amount. Payment of any stamp duty or other similar fees and expenses payable upon transfer of beneficial ownership of the Deposit Securities are generally the responsibility of the AP purchasing the Creation Unit.

 

On each Business Day prior to the opening of business on the Exchange, the Fund’s custodian will transmit to each AP Representative the list of names and quantities of each Deposit Security and the amount of the Cash Component (if any) to be included in the current Fund Deposit (based on information as of the end of the previous Business Day for a Fund). Such Fund Deposit is applicable, subject to any adjustments as described below, to purchases of Creation Units of shares of the Fund until such time as the next-announced Fund Deposit is made available.

 

The identity and number of shares of the Deposit Securities and the amount of the Cash Component changes pursuant to changes in the composition of the Fund’s portfolio and as rebalancing adjustments and corporate action events are reflected from time to time by the Adviser with a view to the investment goal of the Fund. The composition of the Deposit Securities and the amount of the Cash Component may also change in response to adjustments to the Fund’s portfolio.

 

The Fund reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of a “cash in lieu” amount to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Security that may not be available in sufficient quantity for delivery or that may not be eligible for transfer through the facilities of the Depository Trust Company (“DTC Facilities”) or the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC (“NSCC Clearing Process”), a clearing agency that is registered with the SEC (as discussed below), or that the AP is not able to trade due to a trading restriction. The Fund also reserves the right to permit or require a “cash in lieu” amount in certain circumstances.

 

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Cash Purchase Method

 

When partial or full cash purchases of Creation Units are available or specified for the Fund, they will be effected in essentially the same manner as in-kind purchases thereof. In the case of a partial or full cash purchase, the AP, through the AP Representative, must pay the cash equivalent of the Deposit Securities it would otherwise be required to provide through an in-kind purchase, plus the same Cash Component required to be paid by an in-kind purchaser.

 

Purchases of Creation Units may be made in whole or in part on a cash basis, rather than in-kind, solely under the following circumstances:

 

to the extent there is a difference between the NAV attributable to a Creation Unit and the aggregate market value of the Creation Basket (as defined below) exchanged for the Creation Unit;

 

if, on a given Business Day, the Fund publicly announces before the open of trading that all purchases, all redemptions or all purchases and redemptions on that day will be made entirely in cash;

 

if, upon receiving a purchase or redemption order from an AP, the Fund determines to require the purchase or redemption, as applicable, to be made entirely in cash;

 

if, on a given Business Day, the Fund requires all APs purchasing or redeeming Shares on that day to deposit or receive (as applicable) cash in lieu of some or all of the Deposit Securities or in-kind transfer of specified instruments (“Redemption Instruments”), respectively, solely because such instruments are not eligible for transfer through either the NSCC Clearing Process or DTC Facilities; or

 

if the Fund permits an AP to deposit or receive (as applicable) cash in lieu of some or all of the Deposit Securities or Redemption Instruments, respectively, solely because: (i) such instruments are, in the case of the purchase of a Creation Unit, not available in sufficient quantity; or (ii) such instruments are not eligible for trading by an AP or the investor on whose behalf the AP is acting.

 

To be eligible to place orders and to create a Creation Unit of the Fund, an entity must be: (i) a “Participating Party,” i.e., a broker dealer or other participant in the NSCC Clearing Process, or (ii) a participant in Depository Trust Company (a “DTC Participant”), and, in either case, must have executed an agreement with the Distributor with respect to creations and redemptions of Creation Units (“AP Agreement”) and a Confidential Account Agreement (as defined below) with an AP Representative. A Participating Party or DTC Participant who has executed an AP Agreement is referred to as an AP. All shares of the Fund, however created, will be entered on the records of DTC in the name of Cede & Co. for the account of a DTC Participant.

 

Role of APs and AP Representatives

 

Creation Units may be purchased only by or through an AP Representative, for the benefit of an AP that has entered into an AP Agreement with the Distributor and a Confidential Account (as defined below) with the Fund. Such AP will agree, pursuant to the terms of such AP Agreement and on behalf of itself or any investor on whose behalf it will act, to certain conditions, including that such AP will make available in advance of each purchase of shares an amount of cash sufficient to pay the Cash Component, once the NAV of a Creation Unit is next determined after receipt of the purchase order in proper form, together with the transaction fees described below. An AP, acting on behalf of an investor, may require the investor to enter into an agreement with such AP with respect to certain matters, including payment of the Cash Component. Investors who are not APs must make appropriate arrangements with an AP. Investors should be aware that their broker may not be an AP or may not have executed an AP Agreement and that orders to purchase Creation Units may have to be placed by the investor’s broker through an AP. As a result, purchase orders placed through an AP may result in additional charges to such investor. The Trust may not enter into an AP Agreement with more than a small number of APs.

 

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Each AP will establish and maintain a confidential brokerage account (“Confidential Account”) with an AP Representative for the benefit of the AP, in order to engage in in-kind creation and redemption activity. Each day, the Fund’s custodian will transmit the Fund’s Creation Basket (defined below) to each AP Representative. Pursuant to a contract (the “Confidential Account Agreement”), the AP Representative will be restricted from disclosing the names and quantities of the in-kind instruments (and cash) that constitute, in either the case of a purchase or a redemption, the “Creation Basket.” In addition, the AP Representative will undertake an obligation not to use the identity of the securities in the Creation Basket for any purpose other than facilitating creations and redemptions for the Fund. The Confidential Account will enable APs to transact in the underlying securities of the Creation Basket through their AP Representatives, enabling them to engage in in-kind creation or redemption activity without knowing the identity of those securities. Acting on execution instructions from an AP, the AP Representative may purchase or sell the securities in the Creation Basket for purposes of effecting in-kind creation and redemption activity during the day. AP Representatives may not trade for their own accounts on information regarding the Deposit Securities, be a counterparty to the trades for an AP or its affiliates, or be an affiliate of the Fund, the Adviser, or the AP. APs are responsible for all order instructions and associated profit and loss.

 

Placement of Creation Orders

 

An AP must submit an irrevocable order to purchase shares of the Fund, in proper form, no later than two hours prior to the closing time of the regular trading session (normally 2 p.m. Eastern time), on any Business Day to receive that day’s NAV. On days when the Exchange closes earlier than normal, the Fund may require orders for Creation Units to be placed earlier in the day. Orders for Creation Units must be transmitted by an AP by telephone or other transmission method acceptable to the transfer agent pursuant to procedures set forth in the AP Agreement, as described below. Economic or market disruptions or changes, or telephone or other communication failure, may impede the ability to reach the transfer agent or an AP. The Fund’s deadlines specified above for the submission of purchase orders is referred to as the Fund’s “Cutoff Time.” The Trust or its designee, in their discretion, may permit the submission of such orders and requests by or through an AP at any time (including on days on which the Exchange is not open for business) via communication through the facilities of the transfer agent’s proprietary website maintained for this purpose.

 

Investors, other than APs, are responsible for making arrangements for a creation request to be made through an AP. Those placing orders to purchase Creation Units through an AP should allow sufficient time to permit proper submission of the purchase order to the transfer agent or its agent by the Cutoff Time on such Business Day. Upon receiving an order for a Creation Unit, the transfer agent will notify the Adviser and the custodian of such order. The custodian will then provide such information to any appropriate sub-custodian.

 

The AP must make available on or before the prescribed settlement date, by means satisfactory to the Fund, immediately available or same day funds estimated by the Fund to be sufficient to pay the Cash Component next determined after acceptance of the purchase order, together with the applicable purchase transaction fees. Those placing orders should ascertain the applicable deadline for cash transfers by contacting the operations department of the broker or depositary institution effectuating the transfer of the Cash Component. This deadline is likely to be significantly earlier than the Cutoff Time of the Fund. Investors should be aware that an AP may require orders for purchases of shares placed with it to be in the particular form required by the individual AP.

 

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The AP is responsible for all transaction-related fees, expenses and other costs (as described below), as well as any applicable cash amounts, in connection with any purchase order.

 

Once a purchase order has been accepted, it will be processed based on the NAV next determined after such acceptance in accordance with the Fund’s Cutoff Times as provided in the AP Agreement and disclosed in this SAI.

 

Acceptance of Orders for Creation Units

 

Subject to the conditions that (i) an irrevocable purchase order has been submitted by the AP (either on its own or another investor’s behalf) and (ii) arrangements satisfactory to the Fund are in place for payment of the Cash Component and any other cash amounts which may be due, an order will be accepted, subject to the Fund’s right to reject any order until acceptance, as set forth below.

 

Once a purchase order has been accepted, upon the next determination of the NAV of the shares, the Fund will confirm the issuance of a Creation Unit, against receipt of payment, at such NAV. The transfer agent will then transmit a confirmation of acceptance to the AP that placed the order.

 

The Fund reserves the absolute right to reject or revoke a purchase order transmitted to it by the transfer agent if: (i) the purchase order is not in proper form; (ii) the investor(s), upon obtaining the shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding shares of the Fund; (iii) the Deposit Securities delivered do not conform to the identity and number of shares specified, as described above; (iv) acceptance of the Fund Deposit would have certain adverse tax consequences to the Fund; (v) acceptance of the Fund Deposit would, in the opinion of the Fund, be unlawful; (vi) acceptance of the Fund Deposit would, in the discretion of the Fund or the Adviser, have an adverse effect on the fund or the rights of beneficial owners; or (vii) circumstances outside the control of the Fund make it impossible to process purchase orders for all practical purposes. The transfer agent shall notify a prospective purchaser of a Creation Unit and/or the AP acting on behalf of such purchaser of its rejection of such order. The Fund, the Fund’s custodian, the sub-custodian and the Distributor are under no duty, however, to give notification of any defects or irregularities in the delivery of Fund Deposits nor shall any of them incur any liability for failure to give such notification.

 

Issuance of a Creation Unit

 

Except as provided herein, a Creation Unit will not be issued until the transfer of good title to the Fund of the Deposit Securities and the payment of the Cash Component have been completed. When the custodian has confirmed that the securities included in the Fund Deposit (or the cash value thereof) have been delivered, the transfer agent and the Adviser shall be notified of such delivery and the Fund will issue and cause the delivery of the Creation Unit. Typically, Creation Units are issued on a “T+2 basis” (i.e., two Business Days after trade date). However, the Fund reserves the right to settle Creation Unit transactions on a basis other than T+2 if necessary or appropriate under the circumstances. To the extent contemplated by an AP Agreement, the Fund will issue Creation Units to an AP, notwithstanding the fact that the corresponding Fund Deposits have not been received in part or in whole, in reliance on the undertaking of the AP to deliver the missing Deposit Securities as soon as possible, which undertaking shall be secured by such AP’s delivery and maintenance of collateral having a value at least equal to 105% and up to 115%, which percentage the Trust may change at any time, in its sole discretion, of the value of the missing Deposit Securities in accordance with the Fund’s then-effective procedures. The only collateral that is acceptable to the Fund is cash in U.S. dollars. Such cash collateral must be delivered no later than 1 p.m., Eastern time on the prescribed settlement date or such other time as designated by the Fund’s custodian. Information concerning the Fund’s current procedures for collateralization of missing Deposit Securities is available from the transfer agent. The AP Agreement will permit the Fund to buy the missing Deposit Securities at any time and will subject the AP to liability for any shortfall between the cost to the Fund of purchasing such securities and the value of the cash collateral including, without limitation, liability for related brokerage, borrowings and other charges.

 

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In certain cases, APs may create and redeem Creation Units on the same trade date and in these instances, the Fund reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis or require a representation from the APs that the creation and redemption transactions are for separate beneficial owners. All questions as to the number of shares of each security in the Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility and acceptance for deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by the Fund and the Fund’s determination shall be final and binding.

 

Costs Associated with Creation Transactions

 

A standard creation transaction fee is imposed to offset the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the issuance of Creation Units. The standard creation transaction fee is charged to the AP on the day such AP creates a Creation Unit, and is the same, regardless of the number of Creation Units purchased by the AP on the applicable Business Day. The AP may also be required to cover certain brokerage, tax, execution, market impact and other costs and expenses related to the execution of trades resulting from such transaction (up to the maximum amount shown below). If the costs of executing the transaction exceed the maximum additional charge, such charges will be paid by the Fund. APs will also bear the costs of transferring the Deposit Securities to the Fund. Investors who use the services of a broker or other financial intermediary to acquire Fund shares may be charged a fee for such services.

 

The following table sets forth the Fund’s standard creation transaction fees and maximum additional charge (as described above). Transaction fees may be waived in certain circumstances deemed appropriate by the Trust.

 

Fund

Standard Creation  

Transaction Fee* 

Maximum Additional
Charge for Creations
UBC Algorithmic Fundamentals ETF $  

* Standard creation transaction fees will be waived for the first 30 days after the commencement of the Fund’s operations.

 

Redemption of Creation Units

 

Shares of the Fund may be redeemed by APs only in Creation Units at their NAV next determined after receipt of a redemption request in proper form by the transfer agent and only on a Business Day. The Fund will not redeem shares in amounts less than Creation Units. There can be no assurance, however, that there will be sufficient liquidity in the secondary market at any time to permit assembly of a Creation Unit. Investors should expect to incur brokerage and other costs in connection with assembling a sufficient number of shares to constitute a Creation Unit that could be redeemed by an AP. Beneficial owners may also sell shares in the secondary market. The Fund generally redeems Creation Units for Fund Securities (as defined below) and the Cash Amount (as defined below). Please see the Cash Redemption Method section below and the following discussion summarizing the in-kind method for further information on redeeming Creation Units of the Fund.

 

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Prior to the opening of business on the Exchange on each Business Day, the Fund’s custodian will transmit to each AP Representative the designated portfolio of securities (including any portion of such securities for which cash may be substituted) that will be applicable (subject to possible amendment or correction) to redemption requests received in proper form (as defined below) on that day (“Fund Securities”), and an amount of cash as described below (“Cash Amount”), if any. Such Fund Securities and the corresponding Cash Amount (each subject to possible amendment or correction) are applicable in order to effect redemptions of Creation Units of the Fund until such time as the next announced composition of the Fund Securities and Cash Amount is made available. Fund Securities received on redemption may not be identical to Deposit Securities that are applicable to creations of Creation Units under certain circumstances.

 

Unless cash redemptions are available or specified for the Fund, the redemption proceeds for a Creation Unit generally consist of Fund Securities, plus the Cash Amount, which is an amount equal to the difference between the NAV of the shares being redeemed, as next determined after the receipt of a redemption request in proper form, and the value of Fund Securities, less a redemption transaction fee (as described below).

 

The Fund may, in its sole discretion, substitute a “cash in lieu” amount to replace any Fund Security that may not be eligible for transfer through DTC Facilities or the NSCC Clearing Process or that the AP is not able to trade due to a trading restriction. The Fund also reserve the right to permit or require a “cash in lieu” amount in certain circumstances, including circumstances in which: (i) the delivery of the Fund Security to the AP would be restricted under applicable securities or other local laws; (ii) the delivery of the Fund Security to the AP would result in the disposition of the Fund Security by the AP becoming restricted under applicable securities or other local laws; or (iii) in certain other situations. The amount of cash paid out in such cases will be equivalent to the value of the substituted security listed as the Fund Security. In the event that the Fund Securities have a value greater than the NAV of the shares, a compensating cash payment equal to the difference is required to be made by or through an AP by the redeeming shareholder. The Fund generally redeems Creation Units for Fund Securities and the Cash Amount, but the Fund reserves the right to utilize a cash option for redemption of Creation Units.

 

Cash Redemption Method

 

When partial or full cash redemptions of Creation Units are available or specified for the Fund, they will be effected in essentially the same manner as in-kind purchases thereof. In the case of a partial or full cash redemption, the AP receives the cash equivalent of the Fund Securities it would otherwise receive through an in-kind redemption, plus the same Cash Amount to be paid to an in-kind redeemer. Redemptions may be made in whole or in part on a cash basis, rather than in-kind, solely under the circumstances described in the Cash Purchase Method section above.

 

Costs Associated with Redemption Transactions

 

A standard redemption transaction fee is imposed to offset transfer and other transaction costs that may be incurred by the Fund. The standard redemption transaction fee is charged to the AP on the day such AP redeems a Creation Unit, and is the same regardless of the number of Creation Units redeemed by an AP on the applicable Business Day. The AP may also be required to cover certain brokerage, tax, foreign exchange, execution, market impact and other costs and expenses related to the execution of trades resulting from such transaction (up to the maximum amount shown below). If the costs of executing the transaction exceed the maximum additional charge, such charges will be paid by the Fund. APs will also bear the costs of transferring the Fund Securities from the Fund to their account on their order. Investors who use the services of a broker or other financial intermediary to dispose of Fund shares may be charged a fee for such services.

 

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The following table sets forth the Fund’s standard redemption transaction fees and maximum additional charge (as described above). Transaction fees may be waived in certain circumstances deemed appropriate by the Trust.  

 

Fund

Standard Redemption 

Transaction Fee* 

Maximum Charge for
Redemptions%
UBC Algorithmic Fundamentals ETF $  

*As a percentage of the NAV per Creation Unit, inclusive of the standard redemption transaction fee.

 

Placement of Redemption Orders

 

Redemption requests for Creation Units of the Fund must be submitted to the transfer agent by or through an AP. An AP must submit an irrevocable request to redeem shares of the Fund, in proper form, no later than two hours prior to the closing time of the regular trading session (normally 2 p.m. Eastern time), on any Business Day, in order to receive that day’s NAV. On days when the Exchange closes earlier than normal, the Fund may require orders to redeem Creation Units to be placed earlier that day. Investors, other than APs, are responsible for making arrangements for a redemption request to be made through an AP.

 

The AP must transmit the request for redemption in the form required by the Fund to the transfer agent in accordance with procedures set forth in the AP Agreement. Investors should be aware that their particular broker may not have executed an AP Agreement and that, therefore, requests to redeem Creation Units may have to be placed by the investor’s broker through an AP who has executed an AP Agreement. At any time, only a limited number of broker-dealers may have an AP Agreement in effect. Investors making a redemption request should be aware that such request must be in the form specified by such AP. Investors making a request to redeem Creation Units should allow sufficient time to permit proper submission of the request by an AP and transfer of the shares to the Fund’s transfer agent; such investors should allow for the additional time that may be required to effect redemptions through their banks, brokers or other financial intermediaries if such intermediaries are not APs.

 

A redemption request is considered to be in “proper form” if: (i) an AP has transferred or caused to be transferred to the Fund’s transfer agent the Creation Unit redeemed through the book-entry system of DTC so as to be effective by the Exchange closing time on any Business Day; (ii) a request in form satisfactory to the Fund is received by the transfer agent from the AP on behalf of itself or another redeeming investor within the time periods specified above; and (iii) all other procedures set forth in the AP Agreement are properly followed. The Trust reserves the right in connection with a redemption request to verify that the AP owns the shares subject to the redemption at the close of business on the date of the redemption order. If the AP, upon receipt of this request, does not provide sufficient information to the Trust, the redemption request will not be considered to have been received in proper form and may be rejected. If the transfer agent does not receive the investor’s shares through DTC Facilities by 10 a.m., Eastern time on the prescribed settlement date, the redemption request may be deemed rejected. Investors should be aware that the deadline for such transfers of shares through the DTC Facilities may be significantly earlier than the close of business on the Exchange. Those making redemption requests should ascertain the deadline applicable to transfers of shares through the DTC Facilities by contacting the operations department of the broker or depositary institution effecting the transfer of the shares.

 

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Upon receiving a redemption request, the transfer agent shall notify the Fund and the Fund’s transfer agent of such redemption request. The tender of an investor’s shares for redemption and the distribution of the securities and/or cash included in the redemption payment made in respect of Creation Units redeemed will be made through DTC and the relevant AP to the owner of beneficial interests in shares of the Fund (“Beneficial Owner”) thereof as recorded on the book-entry system of DTC or the DTC Participant through which such investor holds, as the case may be, or by such other means specified by the AP submitting the redemption request.

 

A redeeming Beneficial Owner or AP acting on behalf of such Beneficial Owner must maintain appropriate security arrangements with a qualified broker-dealer, bank or other custody providers in each jurisdiction in which any of the portfolio securities are customarily traded, to which account such portfolio securities will be delivered. Deliveries of redemption proceeds by the Fund generally will be made within two Business Days (i.e., “T+2”). Each Fund reserves the right to settle redemption transactions later than T+2 if necessary or appropriate under the circumstances and compliant with applicable law. Delayed settlement may occur due to a number of different reasons, including, without limitation, settlement cycles for the underlying securities, unscheduled market closings, an effort to link distribution to dividend record dates and ex-dates and newly announced holidays.

 

If the AP Representative acting on behalf of an AP does not have appropriate arrangements to take delivery of Fund Securities, the Fund may in its discretion exercise its option to redeem such shares in cash. In such case, the AP Representative will receive a cash payment equal to the NAV of its shares based on the NAV of the Fund next determined after the redemption request is received in proper form (minus a redemption transaction fee and additional charges specified above, to offset the Fund’s brokerage and other transaction costs associated with the disposition of Fund Securities). Redemptions of shares for Fund Securities will be subject to compliance with applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws and the Fund (whether or not it otherwise permits cash redemptions) reserves the right to redeem Creation Units for cash to the extent that the Fund cannot lawfully deliver specific Fund Securities upon redemptions or cannot do so without first registering the Fund Securities under such laws.

 

In the event that cash redemptions are permitted or required by the Trust, proceeds will be paid to the AP redeeming shares as soon as practicable after the date of redemption (within seven calendar days thereafter). To the extent contemplated by an AP Agreement, in the event an AP has submitted a redemption request in proper form but is unable to transfer all or part of the Creation Unit to be redeemed to the Fund, at or prior to 10 a.m., Eastern time on the prescribed settlement date, the transfer agent may accept the redemption request in reliance on the undertaking by the AP to deliver the missing shares as soon as possible. Such undertaking shall be secured by the AP’s delivery and maintenance of collateral consisting of cash, in U.S. dollars in immediately available funds, having a value at least equal to 105% and up to 115%, which percentage the Trust may change at any time, in its sole discretion, of the value of the missing shares. Such cash collateral must be delivered at such time as designated by the custodian, but no later than 10 a.m., Eastern time on the prescribed settlement date and shall be held by the Fund’s custodian and marked-to-market daily. The fees of the Fund’s custodian and any sub-custodians in respect of the delivery, maintenance and redelivery of the cash collateral shall be payable by the AP. The AP Agreement may permit the Fund to purchase missing Fund shares or acquire the Deposit Securities and the Cash Amount underlying such shares, and may subject the AP to liability for any shortfall between the cost of the Fund acquiring such shares, the Deposit Securities or Cash Amount and the value of the cash collateral including, without limitation, liability for related brokerage and other charges.

 

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The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed with respect to the Fund: (i) for any period during which the Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings); (ii) for any period during which trading on the Exchange is restricted; (iii) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the shares of the Fund’s portfolio securities or determination of its NAV is not reasonably practicable; or (iv) in such other circumstances as is permitted by the SEC.

 

ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES

 

The Adviser and its affiliates may, out of its own resources and without additional cost to the Fund or its shareholders, pay a solicitation fee to securities dealers or other financial intermediaries (collectively, a “Financial Intermediary.”)

 

TAXES

 

The following discussion is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations affecting the Fund and its shareholders. The discussion reflects applicable federal income tax laws of the U.S. as of the date of this SAI, which tax laws may be changed or subject to new interpretations by the courts or the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”), possibly with retroactive effect. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of all U.S. income, estate or gift tax, or foreign, state or local tax concerns affecting the Fund and its shareholders (including shareholders owning large positions in the Fund). The discussion set forth herein does not constitute tax advice. Investors are urged to consult their own tax advisers to determine the tax consequences to them of investing in the Fund.

 

In addition, no attempt is made to address tax concerns applicable to an investor with a special tax status such as a financial institution, real estate investment trust, insurance company, regulated investment company (“RIC”), individual retirement account, other tax-exempt entity, dealer in securities or non-U.S. investor. Furthermore, this discussion does not reflect possible application of the alternative minimum tax (“AMT”). Unless otherwise noted, this discussion assumes shares of the Fund are held by U.S. shareholders and that such shares are held as capital assets.

 

A U.S. shareholder is a beneficial owner of shares of the Fund that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

 

a citizen or individual resident of the United States (including certain former citizens and former long-term residents);

a corporation or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

a trust with respect to which a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more U.S. shareholders have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions or the trust has made a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

 

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A “Non-U.S. shareholder” is a beneficial owner of shares of the Fund that is an individual, corporation, trust or estate and is not a U.S. shareholder. If a partnership (including any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds shares of the Fund, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally depends upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A prospective shareholder who is a partner of a partnership holding the Fund shares should consult its tax advisors with respect to the purchase, ownership and disposition of its Fund shares.

 

Taxation as a RIC. The Fund intends to qualify and remain qualified as a RIC under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”). A Fund will qualify as a RIC if, among other things, it meets the source-of-income and the asset-diversification requirements. With respect to the source-of-income requirement, the Fund must derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income (including tax-exempt interest) from (i) dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such shares, securities or currencies and (ii) net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership.” A “qualified publicly traded partnership” is generally defined as a publicly traded partnership under Internal Revenue Code section 7704. However, for these purposes, a qualified publicly traded partnership does not include a publicly traded partnership if 90% or more of its income is described in (i) above. Income derived from a partnership (other than a qualified publicly traded partnership) or trust is qualifying income to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership or trust which would be qualifying income if realized by the Fund in the same manner as realized by the partnership or trust.

 

If a RIC fails this 90% source-of-income test as long as such failure was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect it is no longer subject to a corporate level tax. Instead, the amount of the penalty for non-compliance is the amount by which the non-qualifying income exceeds one-ninth of the qualifying gross income.

 

With respect to the asset-diversification requirement, the Fund must diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of each taxable year (i) at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets is represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, the securities of other RICs and other securities, if such other securities of any one issuer do not represent more than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets is invested in the securities other than U.S. government securities or the securities of other RICs of (a) one issuer, (b) two or more issuers that are controlled by the Fund and that are engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or (c) one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.

 

If a RIC fails this asset-diversification test, such RIC, in addition to other cure provisions previously permitted, has a 6-month period to correct any failure without incurring a penalty if such failure is “de minimis,” meaning that the failure does not exceed the lesser of 1% of the RIC’s assets, or $10 million. Such cure right is similar to that previously and currently permitted for a REIT.

 

Similarly, if a RIC fails this asset-diversification test and the failure is not de minimis, a RIC can cure failure if: (a) the RIC files with the Treasury Department a description of each asset that causes the RIC to fail the diversification tests; (b) the failure is due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect; and (c) the failure is cured within six months (or such other period specified by the Treasury). In such cases, a tax is imposed on the RIC equal to the greater of: (a) $50,000 or (b) an amount determined by multiplying the highest rate of tax (currently 21%) by the amount of net income generated during the period of diversification test failure by the assets that caused the RIC to fail the diversification test.

 

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If the Fund qualifies as a RIC and distributes to its shareholders, for each taxable year, at least 90% of the sum of (i) its “investment company taxable income” as that term is defined in the Internal Revenue Code (which includes, among other things, dividends, taxable interest, the excess of any net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses and certain net foreign exchange gains as reduced by certain deductible expenses) without regard to the deduction for dividends paid, and (ii) the excess of its gross tax-exempt interest, if any, over certain deductions attributable to such interest that are otherwise disallowed, the Fund will be relieved of U.S. federal income tax on any income of the Fund, including long-term capital gains, distributed to shareholders. However, any ordinary income or capital gain retained by the Fund will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate federal income tax rates (currently at a maximum rate of 21%). The Fund intend to distribute at least annually substantially all of their investment company taxable income, net tax-exempt interest, and net capital gain.

 

The Fund will generally be subject to a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax on the portion of its undistributed ordinary income with respect to each calendar year and undistributed capital gains if it fails to meet certain distribution requirements with respect to the one-year period ending on October 31 in that calendar year. To avoid the 4% federal excise tax, the required minimum distribution is generally equal to the sum of (i) 98% of the Fund’s ordinary income (computed on a calendar year basis), (ii) 98.2% of the Fund’s capital gain net income (generally computed for the one-year period ending on October 31) and (iii) any income realized, but not distributed, and on which we paid no federal income tax in preceding years. The Fund generally intends to make distributions in a timely manner in an amount at least equal to the required minimum distribution and therefore, under normal market conditions, does not expect to be subject to this excise tax.

 

The Fund may be required to recognize taxable income in circumstances in which it does not receive cash. For example, if the Fund hold debt obligations that are treated under applicable tax rules as having original issue discount (such as debt instruments with payment in kind interest or, in certain cases, with increasing interest rates or that are issued with warrants), the Fund must include in income each year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over the life of the obligation regardless of whether cash representing such income is received by the Fund in the same taxable year. Because any original issue discount accrued will be included in the Fund’s “investment company taxable income” (discussed above) for the year of accrual, the Fund may be required to make a distribution to its shareholders to satisfy the distribution requirement, even though it will not have received an amount of cash that corresponds with the income earned.

 

To the extent that the Fund has capital loss carryforwards from prior tax years, those carryforwards will reduce the net capital gains that can support the Fund’s distribution of Capital Gain Dividends. If the Fund uses net capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning on or before December 22, 2010 (pre-2011 losses), those carryforwards will not reduce the Fund’s current earnings and profits, as losses incurred in later years will. As a result, if the Fund then makes distributions of capital gains recognized during the current year in excess of net capital gains (as reduced by carryforwards), the portion of the excess equal to pre-2011 losses factoring into net capital gain will be taxable as an ordinary dividend distribution, even though that distributed excess amount would not have been subject to tax if retained by the Fund. Capital loss carryforwards are reduced to the extent they offset current-year net realized capital gains, whether the Fund retains or distribute such gains. Beginning in 2011, a RIC is permitted to carry forward net capital losses indefinitely and may allow losses to retain their original character (as short or as long-term). For net capital losses recognized prior to such date, such losses are permitted to be carried forward up to 8 years and are characterized as short-term. These capital loss carryforwards may be utilized in future years to offset net realized capital gains of the Fund, if any, prior to distributing such gains to shareholders.

 

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Except as set forth in “Failure to Qualify as a RIC,” the remainder of this discussion assumes that the Fund will qualify as a RIC for each taxable year.

 

Failure to Qualify as a RIC. If the Fund is unable to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement or otherwise fail to qualify as a RIC in any year, it will be subject to corporate level income tax on all of its income and gain, regardless of whether or not such income was distributed. Distributions to the Fund’s shareholders of such income and gain will not be deductible by the Fund in computing its taxable income. In such event, the Fund’s distributions, to the extent derived from the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits, would constitute ordinary dividends, which would generally be eligible for the dividends received deduction available to corporate shareholders, and non-corporate shareholders would generally be able to treat such distributions as “qualified dividend income” eligible for reduced rates of U.S. federal income taxation, if holding period and other requirements are satisfied.

 

Distributions in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits would be treated first as a return of capital to the extent of the shareholders’ tax basis in their Fund shares, and any remaining distributions would be treated as a capital gain. To qualify as a RIC in a subsequent taxable year, the Fund would be required to satisfy the source-of-income, the asset diversification, and the annual distribution requirements for that year and dispose of any earnings and profits from any year in which the Fund failed to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC. Subject to a limited exception applicable to RICs that qualified as such under the Internal Revenue Code for at least one year prior to disqualification and that requalify as a RIC no later than the second year following the nonqualifying year, the Fund would be subject to tax on any unrealized built-in gains in the assets held by it during the period in which the Fund failed to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC that are recognized within the subsequent 10 years, unless the Fund made a special election to pay corporate-level tax on such built-in gain at the time of its requalification as a RIC.

 

Taxation for U.S. Shareholders. Distributions paid to U.S. shareholders by the Fund from its investment company taxable income (which is, generally, the Fund’s ordinary income plus net realized short-term capital gains in excess of net realized long-term capital losses) are generally taxable to U.S. shareholders as ordinary income to the extent of the Fund’s earnings and profits, whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Such distributions (if designated by the Fund) may qualify (i) for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders under Section 243 of the Internal Revenue Code to the extent that the Fund’s income consists of dividend income from U.S. corporations, excluding distributions from tax-exempt organizations, exempt farmers’ cooperatives or real estate investment trusts or (ii) in the case of individual shareholders, as qualified dividend income eligible to be taxed at reduced rates under Section 1(h)(11) of the Internal Revenue Code (which provides for a maximum 20% rate) to the extent that the Fund receives qualified dividend income, and provided in each case certain holding period and other requirements are met. Qualified dividend income is, in general, dividend income from taxable domestic corporations and qualified foreign corporations (e.g., generally, foreign corporations incorporated in a possession of the United States or in certain countries with a qualified comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States, or the stock with respect to which such dividend is paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States). A qualified foreign corporation generally excludes any foreign corporation, which for the taxable year of the corporation in which the dividend was paid, or the preceding taxable year, is a passive foreign investment company. Distributions made to a U.S. shareholder from an excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses (“capital gain dividends”), including capital gain dividends credited to such shareholder but retained by the Fund, are taxable to such shareholder as long-term capital gain if they have been properly designated by the Fund, regardless of the length of time such shareholder owned the shares of the Fund. The maximum tax rate on capital gain dividends received by individuals is generally 20%. Distributions in excess of the Fund’s earnings and profits will be treated by the U.S. shareholder, first, as a tax-free return of capital, which is applied against and will reduce the adjusted tax basis of the U.S. shareholder’s shares and, after such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gain to the U.S. shareholder (assuming the shares are held as a capital asset). The Fund is not required to provide written notice designating the amount of any qualified dividend income or capital gain dividends and other distributions. The Forms 1099 will instead serve this notice purpose.

 

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As a RIC, the Fund will be subject to the AMT, but any items that are treated differently for AMT purposes must be apportioned between the Fund and the shareholders and this may affect the shareholders’ AMT liabilities. The Fund intend in general to apportion these items in the same proportion that dividends paid to each shareholder bear to the Fund’s taxable income (determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction).

 

For purpose of determining (i) whether the annual distribution requirement is satisfied for any year and (ii) the amount of capital gain dividends paid for that year, the Fund may, under certain circumstances, elect to treat a dividend that is paid during the following taxable year as if it had been paid during the taxable year in question. If the Fund makes such an election, the U.S. shareholder will still be treated as receiving the dividend in the taxable year in which the distribution is made. However, any dividend declared by the Fund in October, November or December of any calendar year, payable to shareholders of record on a specified date in such a month and actually paid during January of the following year, will be treated as if it had been received by the U.S. shareholders on December 31 of the year in which the dividend was declared.

 

The Fund intends to distribute all realized capital gains, if any, at least annually. If, however, the Fund was to retain any net capital gain, the Fund may designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gains in a notice to shareholders who, if subject to U.S. federal income tax on long-term capital gains, (i) will be required to include in income as long-term capital gain, their proportionate shares of such undistributed amount, and (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the federal income tax paid by the Fund on the undistributed amount against their U.S. federal income tax liabilities, if any, and to claim refunds to the extent the credit exceeds such liabilities. If such an event occurs, the tax basis of shares owned by a shareholder of the Fund will, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, generally be increased by the difference between the amount of undistributed net capital gain included in the shareholder’s gross income and the tax deemed paid by the shareholders.

 

Sales of shares or redemption of creation units and other dispositions of the shares, such as exchanges, of the Fund generally are taxable events. U.S. shareholders should consult their own tax adviser with reference to their individual circumstances to determine whether any particular transaction in the shares of the Fund is properly treated as a sale or exchange for federal income tax purposes, as the following discussion assumes, and the tax treatment of any gains or losses recognized in such transactions. The sale of shares or redemption of creation units or other disposition of shares of the Fund will generally result in capital gain or loss to the shareholder equal to the difference between the amount realized and his adjusted tax basis in the shares sold or exchanged, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year at the time of sale. Any loss upon the sale or exchange of shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends received (including amounts credited as an undistributed capital gain dividend) by such shareholder with respect to such shares. A loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Fund generally will be disallowed if other substantially identical shares are acquired within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date that the shares are disposed. In such case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Present law taxes both long-term and short-term capital gain of corporations at the rates applicable to ordinary income of corporations. For non-corporate taxpayers, short-term capital gain will currently be taxed at the rate applicable to ordinary income, while long-term capital gain generally will be taxed at a maximum rate of 20%. Capital losses are subject to certain limitations.

 

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An Authorized Participant who exchanges securities for Creation Units generally will recognize gain or loss from the exchange. The gain or loss will be equal to the difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time of the exchange and the sum of the exchanger’s aggregate basis in the securities surrendered plus the amount of cash paid for such Creation Units. A person who redeems Creation Units will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the sum of the aggregate market value of any securities received plus the amount of any cash received for such Creation Units and the exchanger’s basis in the Creation Units. The IRS, however, may assert that an Authorized Participant which does not mark-to-market its holdings may not be permitted to currently deduct losses realized upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units under the rules governing “wash sales,” or on the basis that there has been no significant change in economic position.

 

Any capital gain or loss realized upon the creation of Creation Units will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the securities exchanged for such Creation Units have been held for more than one year. Any capital gain or loss realized upon the redemption of Creation Units will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the Shares comprising the Creation Units have been held for more than one year. Otherwise, such capital gains or losses will be treated as short-term capital gains or losses. Any loss realized upon a redemption of Creation Units held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions to the applicable Authorized Participant of long-term capital gains with respect to the Creation Units (including any amounts credited to the Authorized Participant as undistributed capital gains).

 

The Fund has the right to reject an order for a purchase of Shares of the Fund if the purchaser (or group of purchasers) would, upon obtaining the Shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding Shares of the Fund and if, pursuant to Section 351 of the Internal Revenue Code, the Fund would have a basis in the securities different from the market value of such securities on the date of deposit. The Fund also has the right to require information necessary to determine beneficial share ownership for purposes of the 80% determination. If the Fund does issue Creation Units to a purchaser (or group of purchasers) that would, upon obtaining the Shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding Shares of the Fund, the purchaser (or group of purchasers) may not recognize gain or loss upon the exchange of securities for Creation Units.

 

Persons purchasing or redeeming Creation Units should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the tax treatment of any creation or redemption transaction and whether the wash sales rules apply and when a loss might be deductible.

 

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Federal law requires that ETFs companies report their shareholders’ cost basis, gain/loss, and holding period to the Internal Revenue Service on the Fund’s shareholders’ Consolidated Form 1099s when “covered” securities are sold. Covered securities are any regulated investment company and/or dividend reinvestment plan shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012.

 

The Fund has chosen average cost as the standing (default) tax lot identification method for all shareholders. A tax lot identification method is the way the Fund will determine which specific shares are deemed to be sold when there are multiple purchases on different dates at differing net asset values, and the entire position is not sold at one time. The Fund has chosen average cost as its standing (default) tax lot identification method for all shareholders. The Fund’s standing tax lot identification method is the method covered shares will be reported on your Consolidated Form 1099 if you do not select a specific tax lot identification method. You may choose a method different than the Fund’s standing method and will be able to do so at the time of your purchase or upon the sale of covered shares. Please refer to the appropriate Internal Revenue Service regulations or consult your tax advisor with regard to your personal circumstances.

 

For those securities defined as “covered” under current Internal Revenue Service cost basis tax reporting regulations, the Fund is responsible for maintaining accurate cost basis and tax lot information for tax reporting purposes. The Fund is not responsible for the reliability or accuracy of the information for those securities that are not “covered.” The Fund and its service providers do not provide tax advice. You should consult independent sources, which may include a tax professional, with respect to any decisions you may make with respect to choosing a tax lot identification method.

 

For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2013, certain U.S. shareholders, including individuals and estates and trusts, will be subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax on all or a portion of their “net investment income,” which should include dividends from the Fund and net gains from the disposition of shares of the Fund. U.S. shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the implications of the additional Medicare tax resulting from an investment in the Fund.

 

Straddles. When the Fund enters into an offsetting position to limit the risk on another position, the “straddle” rules usually come into play. An option or other position entered into or held by the Fund in conjunction with any other position held by the Fund may constitute a “straddle” for Federal income tax purposes. In general, straddles are subject to certain rules that may affect the character and timing of the Fund’s gains and losses with respect to straddle positions. The key features of the straddle rules are as follows:

 

The Fund may have to wait to deduct any losses. If the Fund has a capital gain in one position of a straddle and a capital loss in the other, the Fund may not recognize the loss for federal income tax purposes until the Fund disposes of both positions. This might occur, for example, if the Fund had a highly appreciated stock position and the Fund purchased protective put options (which give the Fund the right to sell the stock to someone else for a period of time at a predetermined price) to offset the risk. If the stock continued to increase in value and the put options expired worthless, the Fund must defer recognition of the loss on its put options until the Fund sells and recognizes the gain on the original, appreciated position.

 

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The Fund’s capital gain holding period may get clipped. The moment the Fund enters into a typical straddle, the capital gains holding period on its offsetting positions is frozen. If the Fund held the original position for one year or less (thus not qualifying for the long-term capital gains rate), not only is the holding period frozen, it starts all over again when the Fund disposes of the offsetting position.

 

Losses recognized with respect to certain straddle positions that would otherwise constitute short-term capital losses may be treated as long-term capital losses. This generally has the effect of reducing the tax benefit of such losses.

 

The Fund may not be able to deduct any interest expenses or carrying charges. During the offsetting period, any interest or carrying charges associated with the straddle are not currently tax deductible, but must be capitalized (added to cost basis).

 

Original Issue Discount, Pay-In-Kind Securities, Market Discount and Commodity-Linked Notes. Some debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance (and zero-coupon debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund may be treated as debt obligations that are issued originally at a discount. Generally, the amount of the original issue discount (“OID”) is treated as interest income and is included in the Fund’s taxable income (and required to be distributed by the Fund) over the term of the debt obligation, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security.

 

Some debt obligations (with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund in the secondary market may be treated as having “market discount.” Very generally, market discount is the excess of the stated redemption price of a debt obligation (or in the case of an obligations issued with OID, its “revised issue price”) over the purchase price of such obligation. Generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of, and any partial payment of principal on, a debt obligation having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain, or principal payment, does not exceed the “accrued market discount” on such debt obligation. Alternatively, the Fund may elect to accrue market discount currently, in which case the Fund will be required to include the accrued market discount in the Fund’s income (as ordinary income) and thus distribute it over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security. The rate at which the market discount accrues, and thus is included in the Fund’s income, will depend upon which of the permitted accrual methods the Fund elects. In the case of higher-risk securities, the amount of market discount may be unclear. See “Higher-Risk Securities.”

 

Some debt obligations (with a fixed maturity date of one year or less from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund may be treated as having “acquisition discount” (very generally, the excess of the stated redemption price over the purchase price), or OID in the case of certain types of debt obligations. The Fund will be required to include the acquisition discount, or OID, in income (as ordinary income) over the term of the debt obligation, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security. The Fund may make one or more of the elections applicable to debt obligations having acquisition discount, or OID, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income.

 

In addition, payment-in-kind securities will, and commodity-linked notes may, give rise to income that is required to be distributed and is taxable even though the Fund holding the security receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year.

 

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If the Fund holds the foregoing kinds of securities, they may be required to pay out as an income distribution each year an amount that is greater than the total amount of cash interest the Fund actually received. Such distributions may be made from the cash assets of the Fund or by liquidation of portfolio securities, if necessary (including when it is not advantageous to do so). The Fund may realize gains or losses from such liquidations. In the event the Fund realizes net capital gains from such transactions, their shareholders may receive a larger capital gain distribution than they would in the absence of such transactions.

 

Higher-Risk Securities. To the extent such investments are permissible for the Fund, the Fund may invest in debt obligations that are in the lowest rating categories or are unrated, including debt obligations of issuers not currently paying interest or who are in default. Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default present special tax issues for the Fund. Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, OID or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless securities and how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and income. In limited circumstances, it may also not be clear whether the Fund should recognize market discount on a debt obligation, and if so, what amount of market discount the Fund should recognize. These and other related issues will be addressed by the Fund when, as and if it invests in such securities, in order to seek to ensure that it distributes sufficient income to preserve its status as a regulated investment company and does not become subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.

 

Issuer Deductibility of Interest. A portion of the interest paid or accrued on certain high yield discount obligations owned by the Fund may not be deductible to (and thus, may affect the cash flow of) the issuer. If a portion of the interest paid or accrued on certain high yield discount obligations is not deductible, that portion will be treated as a dividend for purposes of the corporate dividends-received deduction. In such cases, if the issuer of the high yield discount obligations is a domestic corporation, dividend payments by the Fund may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction to the extent of the deemed dividend portion of such accrued interest.

 

Interest paid on debt obligations owned by the Fund, if any, that are considered for U.S. tax purposes to be payable in the equity of the issuer or a related party will not be deductible to the issuer, possibly affecting the cash flow of the issuer.

 

Tax-Exempt Shareholders. A tax-exempt shareholder could recognize UBTI by virtue of its investment in the Fund if shares in the Fund constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Section 514(b). Furthermore, a tax-exempt shareholder may recognize UBTI if the Fund recognizes “excess inclusion income” derived from direct or indirect investments in residual interests in REMICs or equity interests in TMPs if the amount of such income recognized by the Fund exceeds the Fund’s investment company taxable income (after taking into account deductions for dividends paid by the Fund).

 

In addition, special tax consequences apply to charitable remainder trusts (“CRTs”) that invest in regulated investment companies that invest directly or indirectly in residual interests in REMICs or equity interests in TMPs. Under legislation enacted in December 2006, a CRT (as defined in section 664 of the Internal Revenue Code) that realizes any UBTI for a taxable year, must pay an excise tax annually of an amount equal to such UBTI. Under IRS guidance issued in October 2006, a CRT will not recognize UBTI solely as a result of investing in the Fund that recognize “excess inclusion income.” Rather, if at any time during any taxable year a CRT (or one of certain other tax-exempt shareholders, such as the United States, a state or political subdivision, or an agency or instrumentality thereof, and certain energy cooperatives) is a record holder of a share in the Fund that recognize “excess inclusion income,” then the regulated investment company will be subject to a tax on that portion of its “excess inclusion income” for the taxable year that is allocable to such shareholders, at the highest federal corporate income tax rate. The extent to which this IRS guidance remains applicable in light of the December 2006 legislation is unclear. To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, the Fund may elect to specially allocate any such tax to the applicable CRT, or other shareholder, and thus reduce such shareholder’s distributions for the year by the amount of the tax that relates to such shareholder’s interest in the Fund. The Fund has not yet determined whether such an election will be made. CRTs and other tax-exempt investors are urged to consult their tax advisers concerning the consequences of investing in the Fund.

 

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Foreign Taxation. Income received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes.

 

A “qualified fund of funds” is a RIC that has at least 50% of the value of its total interests invested in other RICs at the end of each quarter of the taxable year. If the Fund satisfies this requirement or if they meet certain other requirements, which include a requirement that more than 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the close of its taxable year consist of stocks or securities of foreign corporations, then the Fund should be eligible to file an election with the IRS that may enable its shareholders to receive either the benefit of a foreign tax credit, or a tax deduction, with respect to any foreign and U.S. possessions income taxes paid by the Fund, subject to certain limitations.

 

Foreign Shareholders. Capital Gain Dividends are generally not subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax. Absent a specific statutory exemption, dividends other than Capital Gain Dividends paid by the Fund to a shareholder that is not a “U.S. person” within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code (such shareholder, a “foreign shareholder”) are subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) even if they are funded by income or gains (such as portfolio interest, short-term capital gains, or foreign-source dividend and interest income) that, if paid to a foreign person directly, would not be subject to withholding.

 

A regulated investment company is not required to withhold any amounts (i) with respect to distributions (other than distributions to a foreign person (a) that does not provide a satisfactory statement that the beneficial owner is not a U.S. person, (b) to the extent that the dividend is attributable to certain interest on an obligation if the foreign person is the issuer or is a 10% shareholder of the issuer, (c) that is within a foreign country that has inadequate information exchange with the United States, or (d) to the extent the dividend is attributable to interest paid by a person that is a related person of the foreign person and the foreign person is a controlled foreign corporation) from U.S.-source interest income of types similar to those not subject to U.S. federal income tax if earned directly by an individual foreign person, to the extent such distributions are properly reported as such by the Fund in a written notice to shareholders (“interest-related dividends”), and (ii) with respect to distributions (other than (a) distributions to an individual foreign person who is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the distribution and (b) distributions subject to special rules regarding the disposition of U.S. real property interests as described below) of net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses to the extent such distributions are properly reported by the regulated investment company (“short-term capital gain dividends”). If the Fund invests in an underlying fund that pays such distributions to the Fund, such distributions retain their character as not subject to withholding if properly reported when paid by the Fund to foreign persons.

 

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The Fund is permitted to report such part of their dividends as interest-related or short-term capital gain dividends as are eligible, but is not required to do so. These exemptions from withholding will not be available to foreign shareholders of the Fund that do not currently report dividends as interest-related or short-term capital gain dividends.

 

In the case of shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may withhold even if the Fund report all or a portion of a payment as an interest-related or short-term capital gain dividend to shareholders. Foreign persons should contact their intermediaries regarding the application of these rules to their accounts.

 

Under U.S. federal tax law, a beneficial holder of shares who is a foreign shareholder generally is not subject to U.S. federal income tax on gains (and is not allowed a deduction for losses) realized on the sale of shares of the Fund or on Capital Gain Dividends unless (i) such gain or dividend is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business carried on by such holder within the United States, (ii) in the case of an individual holder, the holder is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the sale or the receipt of the Capital Gain Dividend and certain other conditions are met, or (iii) the special rules relating to gain attributable to the sale or exchange of “U.S. real property interests” (“USRPIs”) apply to the foreign shareholder’s sale of shares of the Fund or to the Capital Gain Dividend the foreign shareholder received (as described below).

 

Special rules would apply if the Fund is either a “U.S. real property holding corporation” (“USRPHC”) or would be a USRPHC but for the operation of certain exceptions to the definition thereof. Very generally, a USRPHC is a domestic corporation that holds USRPIs the fair market value of which equals or exceeds 50% of the sum of the fair market values of the corporation’s USPRIs, interests in real property located outside the United States, and other assets. USRPIs are generally defined as any interest in U.S. real property and any interest (other than solely as a creditor) in a USRPHC or former USRPHC.

 

If the Fund were a USRPHC or would be a USRPHC but for the exceptions referred to above, any distributions by the Fund to a foreign shareholder (including, in certain cases, distributions made by the Fund in redemption of its shares) attributable to gains realized by the Fund on the disposition of USRPIs or to distributions received by the Fund from a lower-tier regulated investment company or REIT that the Fund are required to treat as USRPI gain in its hands generally would be subject to U.S. tax withholding. In addition, such distributions could result in the foreign shareholder being required to file a U.S. tax return and pay tax on the distributions at regular U.S. federal income tax rates. The consequences to a foreign shareholder, including the rate of such withholding and character of such distributions (e.g., as ordinary income or USRPI gain), would vary depending upon the extent of the foreign shareholder’s current and past ownership of the Fund. On and after January 1, 2012, this “look-through” USRPI treatment for distributions by the Fund, if it were either a USRPHC or would be a USRPHC but for the operation of the exceptions referred to above, to foreign shareholders applies only to those distributions that, in turn, are attributable to distributions received by the Fund from a lower-tier REIT, unless Congress enacts legislation providing otherwise.

 

In addition, if the Fund were a USRPHC or former USRPHC, it could be required to withhold U.S. tax on the proceeds of a share redemption by a greater-than-5% foreign shareholder, in which case such foreign shareholder generally would also be required to file U.S. tax returns and pay any additional taxes due in connection with the redemption.

 

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Whether or not the Fund is characterized as a USRPHC will depend upon the nature and mix of the Fund’s assets. The Fund does not expect to be a USRPHC. Foreign shareholders should consult their tax advisors concerning the application of these rules to their investment in the Fund.

 

If a beneficial holder of Fund shares who is a foreign shareholder has a trade or business in the United States, and the dividends are effectively connected with the beneficial holder’s conduct of that trade or business, the dividend will be subject to U.S. federal net income taxation at regular income tax rates.

 

If a beneficial holder of Fund shares who is a foreign shareholder is eligible for the benefits of a tax treaty, any effectively connected income or gain will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis only if it is also attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by that beneficial holder in the United States.

 

To qualify for any exemptions from withholding described above or for lower withholding tax rates under income tax treaties, or to establish an exemption from backup withholding, a foreign shareholder must comply with special certification and filing requirements relating to its non-US status (including, in general, furnishing an IRS Form W-8BEN or substitute form). Foreign shareholders in the Fund should consult their tax advisers in this regard.

 

A beneficial holder of Fund shares who is a foreign shareholder may be subject to state and local tax and to the U.S. federal estate tax in addition to the federal tax on income referred to above.

 

Backup Withholding. The Fund generally are required to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage of the taxable distributions and redemption proceeds paid to any individual shareholder who fails to properly furnish the Fund with a correct taxpayer identification number, who has under-reported dividend or interest income, or who fails to certify to the Fund that he or she is not subject to such withholding. The backup withholding tax rate is currently 24%.

 

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the appropriate information is furnished to the IRS.

 

Tax Shelter Reporting Regulations. Under U.S. Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to the Fund’s shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a regulated investment company are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all regulated investment companies. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.

 

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Shareholder Reporting Obligations With Respect to Foreign Financial Assets. Certain individuals (and, if provided in future guidance, certain domestic entities) must disclose annually their interests in “specified foreign financial assets” on IRS Form 8938, which must be attached to their U.S. federal income tax returns for taxable years beginning after March 18, 2010. The IRS has not yet released a copy of the Form 8938 and has suspended the requirement to attach Form 8938 for any taxable year for which an income tax return is filed before the release of Form 8938. Following Form 8938’s release, individuals will be required to attach to their next income tax return required to be filed with the IRS a Form 8938 for each taxable year for which the filing of Form 8938 was suspended. Until the IRS provides more details regarding this reporting requirement, including in Form 8938 itself and related Treasury regulations, it remains unclear under what circumstances, if any, a shareholder’s (indirect) interest in the Fund’s “specified foreign financial assets,” if any, will be required to be reported on this Form 8938.

 

Other Reporting and Withholding Requirements. Rules enacted in March 2010 require the reporting to the IRS of direct and indirect ownership of foreign financial accounts and foreign entities by U.S. persons. Failure to provide this required information can result in a 30% withholding tax on certain payments (“withholdable payments”) made after December 31, 2013. Specifically, withholdable payments subject to this 30% withholding tax include payments of U.S.-source dividends and interest made on or after January 1, 2014, and payments of gross proceeds from the sale or other disposal of property that can produce U.S.-source dividends or interest made on or after January 1, 2015.

 

The IRS has issued only very preliminary guidance with respect to these new rules; their scope remains unclear and potentially subject to material change. Very generally, it is possible that distributions made by the Fund after the dates noted above (or such later dates as may be provided in future guidance) to a shareholder, including a distribution in redemption of shares and a distribution of income or gains otherwise exempt from withholding under the rules applicable to non-U.S. shareholders described above (e.g., Capital Gain Dividends, Short-Term Capital Gain Dividends and interest-related dividends, as described above) will be subject to the new 30% withholding requirement. Payments to a foreign shareholder that is a “foreign financial institution” will generally be subject to withholding, unless such shareholder enters into a timely agreement with the IRS. Payments to shareholders that are U.S. persons or foreign individuals will generally not be subject to withholding, so long as such shareholders provide the Fund with such certifications or other documentation, including, to the extent required, with regard to such shareholders’ direct and indirect owners, as the Fund require to comply with the new rules. Persons investing in the Fund through an intermediary should contact their intermediary regarding the application of the new reporting and withholding regime to their investments in the Fund.

 

Shareholders are urged to consult a tax advisor regarding this new reporting and withholding regime, in light of their particular circumstances.

 

Shares Purchased through Tax-Qualified Plans. Special tax rules apply to investments through defined contribution plans and other tax-qualified plans. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the suitability of shares of the Fund as an investment through such plans, and the precise effect of an investment on their particular tax situation.

 

FATCA. Payments to a shareholder that is either a foreign financial institution (“FFI”) or a non-financial foreign entity (“NFFE”) within the meaning of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”) may be subject to a generally nonrefundable 30% withholding tax on: (a) income dividends paid by the Fund after June 30, 2014 and (b) certain capital gain distributions and the proceeds arising from the sale of Fund shares paid by the Fund after December 31, 2016. FATCA withholding tax generally can be avoided: (a) by an FFI, subject to any applicable intergovernmental agreement or other exemption, if it enters into a valid agreement with the IRS to, among other requirements, report required information about certain direct and indirect ownership of foreign financial accounts held by U.S. persons with the FFI and (b) by an NFFE, if it: (i) certifies that it has no substantial U.S. persons as owners or (ii) if it does have such owners, reports information relating to them. A Fund may disclose the information that it receives from its shareholders to the IRS, non-U.S. taxing authorities or other parties as necessary to comply with FATCA. Withholding also may be required if a foreign entity that is a shareholder of the Fund fails to provide the Fund with appropriate certifications or other documentation concerning its status under FATCA.

 

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The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and the Treasury regulations in effect as they directly govern the taxation of the Fund and its shareholders. These provisions are subject to change by legislative and administrative action, and any such change may be retroactive. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding specific questions as to U.S. federal income, estate or gift taxes, or foreign, state, local taxes or other taxes.

 

BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES

 

Brokerage Transactions. Generally, equity securities are bought and sold through brokerage transactions for which commissions are payable. Purchases from underwriters will include the underwriting commission or concession, and purchases from dealers serving as market makers will include a dealer’s mark-up or reflect a dealer’s mark-down. The purchase price for securities bought from dealers serving as market makers will similarly include the dealer’s mark up or reflect a dealer’s mark down. When the Fund execute transactions in the over-the-counter market, it will generally deal with primary market makers unless prices that are more favorable are otherwise obtainable.

 

In selecting brokers and dealers to execute portfolio transactions, the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser may consider research and brokerage services furnished to the Adviser, the Sub-Adviser or their affiliates. The Adviser or the Sub-Adviser may not consider sales of shares of the Fund as a factor in the selection of brokers and dealers, but may place portfolio transactions with brokers and dealers that promote or sell the Fund’s shares so long as such transactions are done in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the Trustees that are designed to ensure that the selection is based on the quality of execution and not on sales efforts. When placing portfolio transactions with a broker or dealer, the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser may aggregate securities to be sold or purchased for the Fund with those to be sold or purchased for other advisory accounts managed by the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser. In aggregating such securities, the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser will average the transaction as to price and will allocate available investments in a manner that the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser believes to be fair and reasonable to the Fund and such other advisory accounts. An aggregated order will generally be allocated on a pro rata basis among all participating accounts, based on the relative dollar values of the participating accounts, or using any other method deemed to be fair to the participating accounts, with any exceptions to such methods involving the Trust being reported to the Trustees.

 

Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “1934 Act”) permits the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser, under certain circumstances, to cause the Fund to pay a broker or dealer a commission for effecting a transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting the transaction in recognition of the value of brokerage and research services provided by the broker or dealer. In addition to agency transactions, the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser may receive brokerage and research services in connection with certain riskless principal transactions, in accordance with applicable SEC guidance. Brokerage and research services include: (1) furnishing advice as to the value of securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities, and the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities; (2) furnishing analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic factors and trends, Fund strategy, and the performance of accounts; and (3) effecting securities transactions and performing functions incidental thereto (such as clearance, settlement, and custody). In the case of research services, the Adviser believes that access to independent investment research is beneficial to its investment decision-making processes and, therefore, to the Fund.

 

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To the extent that research services may be a factor in selecting brokers, such services may be in written form or through direct contact with individuals and may include information as to particular companies and securities as well as market, economic, or institutional areas and information which assists in the valuation and pricing of investments. Examples of research-oriented services for which the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser might utilize Fund commissions include research reports and other information on the economy, industries, sectors, groups of securities, individual companies, statistical information, political developments, technical market action, pricing and appraisal services, credit analysis, risk measurement analysis, performance and other analysis. The Adviser or the Sub-Adviser may use research services furnished by brokers in servicing all client accounts and not all services may necessarily be used in connection with the account that paid commissions to the broker providing such services. Information so received by the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser will be in addition to and not in lieu of the services required to be performed by the Adviser or Sub-Adviser under their respective advisory agreements. Any advisory or other fees paid to the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser are not reduced as a result of the receipt of research services.

 

In some cases the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser may receive a service from a broker that has both a “research” and a “non-research” use. When this occurs, the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser makes a good faith allocation, under all the circumstances, between the research and non-research uses of the service. The percentage of the service that is used for research purposes may be paid for with client commissions, while the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser will use its own funds to pay for the percentage of the service that is used for non-research purposes. In making this good faith allocation, the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser faces a potential conflict of interest, but the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser believes that its allocation procedures are reasonably designed to ensure that it appropriately allocates the anticipated use of such services to their research and non-research uses.

 

From time to time, the Fund may purchase new issues of securities in a fixed price offering. In these situations, the seller may be a member of the selling group that will, in addition to selling securities, provide the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser with research services. FINRA has adopted rules expressly permitting these types of arrangements under certain circumstances. Generally, the seller will provide research “credits” in these situations at a rate that is higher than that which is available for typical secondary market transactions. These arrangements may not fall within the safe harbor of Section 28(e).

 

Brokerage with Fund Affiliates. The Fund may execute brokerage or other agency transactions through registered broker-dealer affiliates of either the Fund, the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser for a commission in conformity with the 1940 Act, the 1934 Act and rules promulgated by the SEC. These rules further require that commissions paid to the affiliate by the Fund for exchange transactions not exceed “usual and customary” brokerage commissions. The rules define “usual and customary” commissions to include amounts which are “reasonable and fair compared to the commission, fee or other remuneration received or to be received by other brokers in connection with comparable transactions involving similar securities being purchased or sold on a securities exchange during a comparable period of time.” The Trustees, including those who are not “interested persons” of the Fund, have adopted procedures for evaluating the reasonableness of commissions paid to affiliates and review these procedures periodically.

 

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Securities of “Regular Broker-Dealers”. The Fund is required to identify any securities of its “regular brokers and dealers” (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) which the Fund may hold at the close of its most recent fiscal year. The Fund is newly formed and has not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI.

 

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES HOLDINGS

 

The Fund has adopted policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of Fund portfolio holdings and characteristics, which are described below. Additionally, the Board periodically reviews this policy to ensure that it remains accurate and in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders.

 

The Fund makes its full holdings available semi-annually in shareholder reports filed on Form N-CSR and after the first and third fiscal quarters as an exhibit to their regulatory filings on Form N-PORT. These shareholder reports and regulatory filings are filed with the SEC, as required by federal securities laws, and are generally available within sixty (60) days of the end of the Fund’s fiscal quarter.

 

In addition, each business day certain service providers, such as the Fund’s custodian, pricing verification agent or AP Representatives have access to the identity and/or weightings of the Fund’s portfolio securities. Because the Fund will not publicly disclose its portfolio holdings daily, the selective disclosure of material nonpublic information, including information other than portfolio information, would be more likely to provide an unfair advantage to the recipient than in other ETFs. Accordingly, the Fund and each person acting on behalf of the Fund will be required to comply with Regulation Fair Disclosure as if it applied to them (except that the exemptions provided in Rule 100(b)(2)(iii) therein shall not apply). In addition, the portfolio holdings will be considered material, non-public information under the Code of Ethics of the Fund and the Adviser and the agreements related to each Fund’s other service providers with, or any other party given, access to the portfolio holdings, including the custodian, administrator and fund accountant, will include appropriate confidentiality provisions and be generally prohibited from using this information for any purpose other than providing services to the Fund, including trading based upon this information. As described below, the Fund will select and utilize an AP Representative who will establish and maintain a Confidential Account (as defined in the section Role of APs and AP Representatives) for the benefit of an AP, in order to engage in in-kind creation and redemption activity. Each day, the Fund’s custodian will transmit the composition of the Fund’s Creation Basket to each AP Representative.

 

Pursuant to a Confidential Account Agreement (as defined in the section Role of APs and AP Representatives), the AP Representative will be restricted from disclosing the Creation Basket and will undertake an obligation not to use the identity or weighting of the securities in the Creation Basket for any purpose other than executing creations and redemptions for the Fund. The Confidential Account will enable APs to transact in the underlying securities of the Creation Basket through their AP Representatives, enabling them to engage in in-kind creation or redemption activity. No consideration may be received by the Fund, the Adviser, or any other person in connection with the disclosure of portfolio information. The Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer or his delegate may authorize disclosure of portfolio holdings information pursuant to the above policy and procedures, subject to restrictions on selective disclosure imposed by applicable law. The Board reviews the policy and procedures for disclosure of portfolio holdings information at least annually.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF SHARES

 

The Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust authorizes the Board to issue an unlimited number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest in the Trust and to classify or reclassify any unissued shares into one or more series of shares. The Agreement and Declaration of Trust further authorizes the trustees to classify or reclassify any series of shares into one or more classes. The Trust’s shares of beneficial interest have no par value.

 

The Fund is authorized to issue one class of shares imposing no front-end or deferred sales charges, no 12b-1 fee and no service fee.

 

Shares have no preemptive rights and only such conversion or exchange rights as the Board may grant in its discretion. When issued for payment as described in the applicable prospectus, shares will be fully paid and non-assessable. In the event of a liquidation or dissolution of the Trust or an individual fund, shareholders of a fund are entitled to receive the assets available for distribution belonging to the particular fund, and a proportionate distribution, based upon the relative asset values of the respective fund, of any general assets of the Trust not belonging to any particular fund which are available for distribution.

 

Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each full share held, and a proportionate fractional vote for each fractional share held and will vote in the aggregate and not by class, except as otherwise expressly required by law or when the Board determines that the matter to be voted on affects only the interests of shareholders of a particular class. Voting rights are not cumulative and, accordingly, the holders of more than 50% of the aggregate of the Trust’s outstanding shares may elect all of the trustees, irrespective of the votes of other shareholders.

 

Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that any matter required to be submitted to the holders of the outstanding voting securities of an investment company such as the Trust shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of each fund affected by the matter. A particular fund is deemed to be affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each fund in the matter are substantially identical or that the matter does not affect any interest of the fund. Under the Rule, the approval of an investment management agreement or any change in an investment objective, if fundamental, or in a fundamental investment policy would be effectively acted upon with respect to a fund only if approved by a majority of the outstanding shares of such fund. However, the Rule also provides that the ratification of the appointment of independent public accountants, the approval of principal underwriting contracts and the election of trustees may be effectively acted upon by shareholders of the Trust voting without regard to series or class.

 

The Trust does not presently intend to hold annual meetings of shareholders except as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law. Upon the written request of shareholders owning at least 25% of the Trust’s shares, the Trust will call for a meeting of shareholders to consider the removal of one or more trustees and other certain matters. To the extent required by law, the Trust will assist in shareholder communication in such matters.

 

The Board has full power and authority, in its sole discretion, and without obtaining shareholder approval, to divide or combine the shares of any class or series thereof into a greater or lesser number, to classify or reclassify any issued shares or any class or series thereof into one or more classes or series of shares, and to take such other action with respect to the Trust’s shares as the Board may deem desirable. The Agreement and Declaration of Trust authorizes the Trustees, without shareholder approval, to cause the Trust to merge or to consolidate with any corporation, association, trust or other organization in order to change the form of organization and/or domicile of the Trust or to sell or exchange all or substantially all of the assets of the Trust, or any series or class thereof, in dissolution of the Trust, or any series or class thereof. The Agreement and Declaration of Trust permits the termination of the Trust or of any series or class of the Trust by the Trustees without shareholder approval. However, the exercise of such authority by the Board without shareholder approval may be subject to certain restrictions or limitations under the 1940 Act.

 

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PROXY VOTING

 

The Board of Trustees of the Trust has delegated responsibility for decisions regarding proxy voting for securities held by the Fund to the Adviser. The Adviser will vote such proxies in accordance with its proxy voting policies and procedures, which are included in Exhibit B to this SAI. The Board of Trustees will periodically review the Fund’s proxy voting record. The proxy voting policies and procedures of the Trust are included as Exhibit A to this SAI.

 

The Trust is required to disclose annually the Fund’s complete proxy voting record on Form N-PX. Any material changes to the proxy policies and procedures will be submitted to the Board for approval. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent 12-month period ending June 30, will be available (1) without charge, upon request by calling xxx-xxx-xxxx or by writing to the Fund at 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, Virginia 23235; and (2) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

CODES OF ETHICS

 

The Board of Trustees, on behalf of the Trust, has adopted a Code of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act. In addition, the Adviser, the Sub-Adviser and the Administrator have each adopted Codes of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1. These Codes of Ethics apply to the personal investing activities of trustees, officers and certain employees (“access persons”). Rule 17j-1 and the Codes of Ethics are designed to prevent unlawful practices in connection with the purchase or sale of securities by access persons. Under each Code of Ethics, access persons are permitted to engage in personal securities transactions, but are required to report their personal securities transactions for monitoring purposes. The personnel subject to the Codes are permitted to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund. In addition, certain access persons are required to obtain approval before investing in initial public offerings or private placements, or are prohibited from making such investments. Copies of these Codes of Ethics are on file with the SEC, and are available to the public on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

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EXHIBIT A

 

ETF Opportunities Trust

 

PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES

 

The ETF Opportunities Trust (the “Trust”) is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”). The Trust offers multiple series (each a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”). Consistent with its fiduciary duties and pursuant to Rule 30b1-4 under the 1940 Act (the “Proxy Rule”), the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) has adopted this proxy voting policy on behalf of the Trust (the “Policy”) to reflect its commitment to ensure that proxies are voted in a manner consistent with the best interests of the Funds’ shareholders.

 

Delegation of Proxy Voting Authority to Fund Advisers

 

The Board believes that the investment adviser, or the investment sub-adviser as appropriate, of the Fund (each an “Adviser”), as the entity that selects the individual securities that comprise its Fund’s portfolio, is the most knowledgeable and best-suited to make decisions on how to vote proxies of portfolio companies held by that Fund. The Trust shall therefore defer to, and rely on, the Adviser of the Fund to make decisions on how to cast proxy votes on behalf of such Fund.

 

The Trust hereby designates the Adviser of the Fund as the entity responsible for exercising proxy voting authority with regard to securities held in the Fund’s investment portfolio. Consistent with its duties under this Policy, each Adviser shall monitor and review corporate transactions of corporations in which the Fund has invested, obtain all information sufficient to allow an informed vote on all proxy solicitations, ensure that all proxy votes are cast in a timely fashion, and maintain all records required to be maintained by the Fund under the Proxy Rule and the 1940 Act. Each Adviser shall perform these duties in accordance with the Adviser’s proxy voting policy, a copy of which shall be presented to this Board for its review. Each Adviser shall promptly provide to the Board updates to its proxy voting policy as they are adopted and implemented.

 

Conflict of Interest Transactions 

 

In some instances, an Adviser may be asked to cast a proxy vote that presents a conflict between the interests of the Fund’s shareholders and those of the Adviser or an affiliated person of the Adviser. In such case, the Adviser is instructed to abstain from making a voting decision and to forward all necessary proxy voting materials to the Trust to enable the Board to make a voting decision. When the Board is required to make a proxy voting decision, only the Trustees without a conflict of interest with regard to the security in question or the matter to be voted upon shall be permitted to participate in the decision of how the Fund’s vote will be cast. In the event that the Board is required to vote a proxy because an Adviser has a conflict of interest with respect to the proxy, the Board will vote such proxy in accordance with the Adviser’s proxy voting policy, to the extent consistent with the shareholders’ best interests, as determined by the Board in its discretion. The Board shall notify the Adviser of its final decision on the matter and the Adviser shall vote in accordance with the Board’s decision.

 

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Availability of Proxy Voting Policy and Records Available to Fund Shareholders

 

If the Fund has a website, the Fund may post a copy of its Adviser’s proxy voting policy and this Policy on such website. A copy of such policies and of the Fund’s proxy voting record shall also be made available, without charge, upon request of any shareholder of the Fund, by calling the applicable Fund’s toll-free telephone number as printed in the Fund’s prospectus. The Trust’s administrator shall reply to any Fund shareholder request within three business days of receipt of the request, by first-class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery.

 

Each Adviser shall provide a complete voting record, as required by the Proxy Rule, for each series of the Trust for which it acts as adviser, to the Trust’s administrator within 30 days following the end of each 12-month period ending June 30. The Trust’s administrator will file a report based on such record on Form N-PX on an annual basis with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission no later than August 31st of each year.

 

Adopted: December 4, 2019

 

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EXHIBIT B

 

PROXY VOTING AND DISCLOSURE POLICY

 

Ultra Blue Capital, LLC

 

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EXHIBIT C

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter 

ETF Opportunities Trust

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Membership

 

1.The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of ETF Opportunities Trust (the “Trust”) shall be composed entirely of Independent Trustees.

 

Board Nominations and Functions

 

1.The Committee shall make nominations for Trustee membership on the Board of Trustees, including the Independent Trustees. The Committee shall evaluate candidates’ qualifications for Board membership and their independence from the investment advisers to the Trust’s series portfolios and the Trust’s other principal service providers. Persons selected as Independent Trustees must not be “interested person” as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, nor shall Independent Trustee have and affiliations or associations that shall preclude them from voting as an Independent Trustee on matters involving approvals and continuations of Rule 12b-1 Plans, Investment Advisory Agreements and such other standards as the Committee shall deem appropriate. The Committee shall also consider the effect of any relationships beyond those delineated in the 1940 Act that might impair independence, e.g., business, financial or family relationships with managers or service providers. See Appendix A for Procedures with Respect to Nominees to the Board.

2.The Committee shall periodically review Board governance procedures and shall recommend any appropriate changes to the full Board of Trustees.

3.The Committee shall periodically review the composition of the Board of Trustees to determine whether it may be appropriate to add individuals with different backgrounds or skill sets from those already on the Board.

4.The Committee shall periodically review trustee compensation and shall recommend any appropriate changes to the Independent Trustees as a group.

 

Committee Nominations and Functions

 

1.The Committee shall make nominations for membership on all committees and shall review committee assignments at least annually.

2.The Committee shall review, as necessary, the responsibilities of any committees of the Board, whether there is a continuing need for each committee, whether there is a need for additional committees of the Board, and whether committees should be combined or reorganized. The Committee shall make recommendations for any such action to the full Board.

 

Other Powers and Responsibilities

 

1.The Committee shall have the resources and authority appropriate to discharge its responsibilities, including authority to retain special counsel and other experts or consultants at the expense of the Trust.

 

48 

 

 

2.The Committee shall review this Charter at least annually and recommend any changes to the full Board of Trustees.

 

Adopted:        December 4, 2019

 

49 

 

 

APPENDIX A TO THE NOMINATING AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE CHARTER

 

ETF OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

 

PROCEDURES WITH RESPECT TO NOMINEES TO THE BOARD

 

I.Identification of Candidates. When a vacancy on the Board of Trustees exists or is anticipated, and such vacancy is to be filled by an Independent Trustee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall identify candidates by obtaining referrals from such sources as it may deem appropriate, which may include current Trustees, management of the Trust, counsel and other advisors to the Trustees, and shareholders of the Trust who submit recommendations in accordance with these procedures. In no event shall the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consider as a candidate to fill any such vacancy an individual recommended by any investment adviser of any series portfolio of the Trust, unless the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has invited management to make such a recommendation.

 

II.Shareholder Candidates. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall, when identifying candidates for the position of Independent Trustee, consider any such candidate recommended by a shareholder if such recommendation contains: (i) sufficient background information concerning the candidate, including evidence the candidate is willing to serve as an Independent Trustee if selected for the position; and (ii) is received in a sufficiently timely manner as determined by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in its discretion. Shareholders shall be directed to address any such recommendations in writing to the attention of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, c/o the Secretary of the Trust. The Secretary shall retain copies of any shareholder recommendations which meet the foregoing requirements for a period of not more than 12 months following receipt. The Secretary shall have no obligation to acknowledge receipt of any shareholder recommendations.

 

III.Evaluation of Candidates. In evaluating a candidate for a position on the Board of Trustees, including any candidate recommended by shareholders of the Trust, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall consider the following: (i) the candidate’s knowledge in matters relating to the mutual fund industry; (ii) any experience possessed by the candidate as a director or senior officer of public companies; (iii) the candidate’s educational background; (iv) the candidate’s reputation for high ethical standards and professional integrity; (v) any specific financial, technical or other expertise possessed by the candidate, and the extent to which such expertise would complement the Board’s existing mix of skills, core competencies and qualifications; (vi) the candidate’s perceived ability to contribute to the ongoing functions of the Board, including the candidate’s ability and commitment to attend meetings regularly and work collaboratively with other members of the Board; (vii) the candidate’s ability to qualify as an Independent Trustee and any other actual or potential conflicts of interest involving the candidate and the Trust; and (viii) such other factors as the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee determines to be relevant in light of the existing composition of the Board and any anticipated vacancies. Prior to making a final recommendation to the Board, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall conduct personal interviews with those candidates it concludes are the most qualified candidates.

 

 

50 

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 28. Exhibits

 

(a)(1)   Certificate of Trust of ETF Opportunities Trust (“Registrant”) is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No 1 on Form N-1A/A filed on June 15, 2020. 
     
(a)(2)   Agreement and Declaration of Trust is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No 1 on Form N-1A/A filed on June 15, 2020.
     
(b)   By-Laws of the Registrant is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No 1 on Form N-1A/A filed on June 15, 2020.
     
(c)   Articles IV, VII and VIII of the Declaration of Trust, Exhibit 28(a)(2) above, define the rights of holders of the securities being registered. (Certificates for shares are not issued.)
     
(d)(1)   Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Ridgeline Research LLC on behalf of the American Conservative Values ETF and American Conservative Values Small-Cap ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No 1 on Form N-1A/A filed on June 15, 2020.
     
(d)(2)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between Vident Advisory, LLC and Ridgeline Research LLC on behalf of the American Conservative Values ETF and American Conservative Values Small-Cap ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 on Form N-1A filed on April 16, 2021.
     
(d)(3)   Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Real Asset Strategies, LLC on behalf of the Real Asset Strategies ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 on Form N-1A filed on March 12, 2021.
     
(d)(4)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between Enduring Investments, LLC and Real Asset Strategies, LLC on behalf of the Real Asset Strategies ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 on Form N-1A filed on March 12, 2021.
     
(d)(5)   Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Formidable Asset Management, LLC on behalf of the Formidable ETF, the Formidable Small/Mid Cap ETF and the Formidable Fortress ETF (“Formidable ETFs”) (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(d)(6)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between Toroso Asset Management and Formidable Asset Management, LLC on behalf of the Formidable ETFs (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(d)(7)   Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Applied Finance Advisors, LLC on behalf of the Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 on Form N-1A filed on July 20, 2021.
     
(d)(8)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between Toroso Asset Management and Applied Finance Advisors, LLC on behalf of the Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 on Form N-1A filed on July 20, 2021.
     
(d)(9)   Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Gea Sphere, LLC on behalf of the Alpha Dog ETF (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(d)(10)   Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Kingsbarn Capital Management, LLC on behalf of the Kingsbarn Tactical Bond ETF (To be Filed by Amendment).

 

 

 

 

     
(d)(11)   Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Ultra Blue Capital, LLC on behalf of the UBC Algorithmic Fundamentals ETF (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(e)(1)   Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and Foreside Fund Services, LLC on behalf of  the American Conservative Values ETF and American Conservative Values Small-Cap ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 on Form N-1A filed on April 16, 2021.
     
(e)(2)   First Amendment to the ETF Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and Foreside Fund Services, LLC on behalf of the American Conservative Values ETF, the American Conservative Values Small-Cap ETF and the Real Asset Strategies ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 on Form N-1A filed on April 16, 2021.
     
(e)(3)   Amended Schedule to the Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and Foreside Fund Services, LLC on behalf of the Funds in the Trust  (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(e)(4)   Form of Authorized Participant Agreement with Foreside Fund Services, LLC is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No 1 on Form N-1A/A filed on June 15, 2020.
     
(f)   Not applicable.
     
(g)(1)   Global Custodial and Transfer Agency Services Agreement between the Registrant and Citibank, N.A. on behalf of the American Conservative Values ETF and American Conservative Values Small-Cap ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 on Form N-1A filed on April 16, 2021.
     
(g)(2)  

Amendment No. 1 to the Global Custodial and Transfer Agency Services Agreement between the Registrant and Citibank, N.A. on behalf of the American Conservative Values ETF and American Conservative Values Small-Cap ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 on Form N-1A filed on April 16, 2021.

(g)(3)   Amendment No. 2 to the Global Custodial and Transfer Agency Services Agreement between the Registrant and Citibank, N.A. on behalf of the Real Asset Strategies ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 on Form N-1A filed on April 16, 2021.
     
(g)(4)   Amendment No. 4 to the Global Custodial and Transfer Agency Services Agreement between the Registrant and Citibank, N.A. on behalf of the Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 on Form N-1A filed on July 20, 2021.
     
 (g)(5)   Amendment No. 5 to the Global Custodial and Transfer Agency Services Agreement between the Registrant and Citibank, N.A. on behalf of the Formidable ETFs is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 on Form N-1A filed on July 20, 2021.
     
(g)(6)   Amendment No. __ to the Global Custodial and Transfer Agency Services Agreement between the Registrant and Citibank, N.A. on behalf of the Alpha Dog ETF (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(g)(7)   Amendment No. __ to the Global Custodial and Transfer Agency Services Agreement between the Registrant and Citibank, N.A. on behalf of the Kingsbarn Tactical Bond ETF (To be Filed by Amendment).

 

 

 

 

     
(g)(8)   Amendment No. __ to the Global Custodial and Transfer Agency Services Agreement between the Registrant and Citibank, N.A. on behalf of the UBC Algorithmic Fundamentals ETF (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(h)(1)   Fund Services Agreement between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. on behalf of the American Conservative Values ETF and American Conservative Values Small-Cap ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 on Form N-1A filed on April 16, 2021.
     
(h)(2)   Fund Services Agreement between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. on behalf of the Real Asset Strategies ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 on Form N-1A filed on April 16, 2021.
     
(h)(3)   Fund Services Agreement between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. on behalf of the Formidable ETFs (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(h)(4)   Fund Services Agreement between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. on behalf of the Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No 11 on Form N-1A filed on July 20, 2021.
     
(h)(5)   Fund Services Agreement between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. on behalf of the Alpha Dog ETF (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(h)(6)   Fund Services Agreement between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. on behalf of the Kingsbarn Tactical Bond ETF (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(h)(7)   Fund Services Agreement between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. on behalf of the UBC Algorithmic Fundamentals ETF (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(h)(8)   Services Agreement (Fund Accounting services) between the Registrant, Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. and Citibank, N.A. on behalf of the American Conservative Values ETF and the American Conservative Values Small-Cap ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 on Form N-1A filed on April 16, 2021.
     
(h)(9)   Amendment No. 4 to the Services Agreement (Fund Accounting services) between the Registrant, Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. and Citibank, N.A. on behalf of the Funds of the Trust is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 on Form N-1A filed on April 16, 2021.
     
(h)(10)   Amendment No. 6 to the Services Agreement (Fund Accounting services) between the Registrant, Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. and Citibank, N.A. on behalf of the Funds of the Trust is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 on Form N-1A filed on July 20, 2021.
     
(h)(11)   Amendment No. __ to the Services Agreement (Fund Accounting services) between the Registrant, Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. and Citibank, N.A. on behalf of the Alpha Dog ETF (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(h)(12)   Amendment No. __ to the Services Agreement (Fund Accounting services) between the Registrant, Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. and Citibank, N.A. on behalf of the Kingsbarn Tactical Bond ETF (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(h)(13)   Amendment No. __ to the Services Agreement (Fund Accounting services) between the Registrant, Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. and Citibank, N.A. on behalf of the UBC Algorithmic Fundamentals ETF (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(i)(1)   Opinion and Consent of Practus, LLP regarding the legality of securities registered with respect to the American Conservative Values ETF and the American Conservative Values Small-Cap ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No 1 on Form N-1A/A filed on June 15, 2020.

 

 

 

 

     
(i)(2)   Opinion and Consent of Counsel regarding the legality of securities registered with respect to the Real Asset Strategies ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 on Form N-1A filed on March 12, 2021.
     
(i)(3)   Opinion and Consent of Counsel regarding the legality of securities registered with respect to the Formidable ETFs is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 on Form N-1A filed on March 12, 2021.
     
(i)(4)   Opinion and Consent of Counsel regarding the legality of securities registered with respect to the Applied Finance Valuation  Large Cap ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 on Form N-1A filed on April 16, 2021.
     
(i)(5)   Opinion and Consent of Counsel regarding the legality of securities registered with respect to the Alpha Dog ETF (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(i)(6)   Opinion and Consent of Counsel regarding the legality of securities registered with respect to the Kingsbarn Tactical Bond ETF (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(i)(7)   Opinion and Consent of Counsel regarding the legality of securities registered with respect to the UBC Algorithmic Fundamentals ETF (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(j)(1)   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on behalf of the American Conservative Values ETF and the American Conservative Values Small-Cap ETF was filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 on Form N-1A/A filed on July 27, 2020.
     
(j)(2)   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on behalf of the Formidable ETFs was filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 on Form N-1A filed on March 12, 2021.
     
(k)   Not applicable.
     
(l)   Initial Capital Agreement is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 on Form N-1A/A filed on June 15, 2020.
     
(m)(1)   Plan of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1. Not Applicable.
     
(n)(1)   Rule 18f-3 Multi-Class Plan. Not applicable.
     
(o)   Reserved.
     
(p)(1)   Code of Ethics for the Registrant is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 on Form N-1A/A filed on June 15, 2020.
     
(p)(2)   Code of Ethics for Ridgeline Research, LLC is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 on Form N-1A/A filed on June 15, 2020.
     
(p)(3)   Code of Ethics for Vident Investment Advisory, LLC is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 on Form N-1A/A filed on July 27, 2020. 
     
(p)(4)   Code of Ethics for Real Asset Strategies, LLC is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 on Form N-1A filed on March 12, 2021.
     
(p)(5)   Code of Ethics for Enduring Investment, LLC (To be Filed by Amendment).

 

 

 

 

     
(p)(6)   Code of Ethics for Formidable Asset Management, LLC is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 on Form N-1A filed on March 12, 2021.
     
(p)(7)   Code of Ethics for Toroso Asset Management (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(p)(8)   Code of Ethics for Applied Finance Advisors, LLC is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 on Form N-1A filed on July 20, 2021.
     
(p)(9)   Code of Ethics for Kingsbarn Capital Management, LLC (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(p)(10)   Code of Ethics for Ultra Blue Capital, LLC (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(q)   Power of Attorney for Mary Lou H. Ivey, David J. Urban, Theo H. Pitt, Jr. and Kevin Farragher is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 on Form N-1A/A filed on June 15, 2020.
     

Item 29. Persons Controlled By or Under Common Control With Registrant

 

    Not Applicable.

 

Item 30. Indemnification

 

See Article VIII, Section 2 of the Registrant’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust and the section titled “Indemnification of Trustees, Officers, Employees and Other Agents” in the Registrant’s By-Laws.

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”), may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant by the Registrant pursuant to the Declaration of Trust or otherwise, the Registrant is aware that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and, therefore, is unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by trustees, officers or controlling persons of the Registrant in connection with the successful defense of any act, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustees, officers or controlling persons in connection with the shares being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issues.

 

Item 31. Business and other Connections of the Investment Adviser

 

The description of the Investment Adviser is found under the caption “Management,” “The Investment Adviser” in the Prospectus and under the caption “Investment Adviser” in the Statement of Additional Information constituting Parts A and B, respectively, of this Registration Statement, which are incorporated by reference herein. The Investment Adviser may provide investment advisory services to persons or entities other than the Registrant.

 

 

 

 


Item 32. Distributor

 

(a)Foreside Fund Services, LLC (the “Distributor”) serves as principal underwriter for the following investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended:

 

1.ABS Long/Short Strategies Fund
2.Absolute Shares Trust
3.AdvisorShares Trust
4.AFA Multi-Manager Credit Fund
5.AGF Investments Trust (f/k/a FQF Trust)
6.AIM ETF Products Trust
7.Alexis Practical Tactical ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
8.AlphaCentric Prime Meridian Income Fund
9.American Century ETF Trust
10.American Customer Satisfaction ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
11.Amplify ETF Trust
12.ARK ETF Trust
13.ASYMmetric ETFs Trust
14.Bluestone Community Development Fund (f/k/a The 504 Fund)
15.Braddock Multi-Strategy Income Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust
16.Bridgeway Funds, Inc.
17.Brinker Capital Destinations Trust
18.Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund Inc.
19.Cabot Equity Growth ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
20.Calamos Convertible and High Income Fund
21.Calamos Convertible Opportunities and Income Fund
22.Calamos Dynamic Convertible and Income Fund
23.Calamos Global Dynamic Income Fund
24.Calamos Global Total Return Fund
25.Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund
26.Carlyle Tactical Private Credit Fund
27.Center Coast Brookfield MLP & Energy Infrastructure Fund
28.Changebridge Capital Long/Short ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
29.Changebridge Capital Sustainable Equity ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
30.Cliffwater Corporate Lending Fund
31.Cliffwater Enhanced Lending Fund
32.Cohen & Steers Infrastructure Fund, Inc.
33.CornerCap Group of Funds
34.Davis Fundamental ETF Trust
35.Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
36.Defiance Nasdaq Junior Biotechnology ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
37.Defiance Next Gen Altered Experience ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
38.Defiance Next Gen Big Data ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
39.Defiance Next Gen Connectivity ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
40.Defiance Next Gen H2 ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
41.Defiance Next Gen SPAC Derived ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
42.Defiance Quantum ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
43.Direxion Shares ETF Trust

 

 

 

 

44.DoubleLine Opportunistic Credit Fund
45.Eaton Vance NextShares Trust
46.Eaton Vance NextShares Trust II
47.EIP Investment Trust
48.Ellington Income Opportunities Fund
49.EntrepreneurShares Series Trust
50.Esoterica Thematic ETF Trust
51.ETF Opportunities Trust
52.Evanston Alternative Opportunities Fund
53.Exchange Listed Funds Trust (f/k/a Exchange Traded Concepts Trust II)
54.Fat Tail Risk ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust
55.Fiera Capital Series Trust
56.FlexShares Trust
57.FOMO ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust
58.Forum Funds
59.Forum Funds II
60.Friess Small Cap Growth Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
61.Guinness Atkinson Funds
62.Horizon Kinetics Inflation Beneficiaries ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
63.Infinity Core Alternative Fund
64.Innovator ETFs Trust
65.Innovator ETFs Trust II (f/k/a Elkhorn ETF Trust)
66.Ironwood Institutional Multi-Strategy Fund LLC
67.Ironwood Multi-Strategy Fund LLC
68.John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund Trust
69.Mairs & Power Funds Trust
70.Mairs & Power Minnesota Municipal Bond ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
71.Manor Investment Funds
72.Moerus Worldwide Value Fund, Series of Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
73.Morgan Creek - Exos SPAC Originated ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
74.Morningstar Funds Trust
75.OSI ETF Trust
76.Overlay Shares Core Bond ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
77.Overlay Shares Foreign Equity ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
78.Overlay Shares Hedged Large Cap Equity ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
79.Overlay Shares Large Cap Equity ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
80.Overlay Shares Municipal Bond ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
81.Overlay Shares Short Term Bond ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
82.Overlay Shares Small Cap Equity ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
83.Pacific Global ETF Trust
84.Palmer Square Opportunistic Income Fund
85.Partners Group Private Income Opportunities, LLC
86.PENN Capital Funds Trust
87.Performance Trust Mutual Funds, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
88.Plan Investment Fund, Inc.
89.PMC Funds, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
90.Point Bridge GOP Stock Tracker ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
91.Putnam ETF Trust
92.Quaker Investment Trust
93.Rareview Dynamic Fixed Income ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust

 

 

 

 

94.Rareview Tax Advantaged Income ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust
95.Renaissance Capital Greenwich Funds
96.Revere Sector Opportunity ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust
97.Reverse Cap Weighted U.S. Large Cap ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
98.RMB Investors Trust (f/k/a Burnham Investors Trust)
99.Robinson Opportunistic Income Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust
100.Robinson Tax Advantaged Income Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust
101.Roundhill BITKRAFT Esports & Digital Entertainment ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
102.Roundhill MVP ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
103.Roundhill Sports Betting & iGaming ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
104.Roundhill Streaming Services & Technology ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
105.Salient MF Trust
106.Securian AM Balanced Stabilization Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust
107.Securian AM Equity Stabilization Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust
108.Securian AM Real Asset Income Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust
109.SHP ETF Trust
110.Six Circles Trust
111.Sound Shore Fund, Inc.
112.Spear Alpha ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
113.Strategy Shares
114.Swan Hedged Equity US Large Cap ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
115.Syntax ETF Trust
116.The Active Dividend Stock ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust
117.The Chartwell Funds
118.The Community Development Fund
119.The De-SPAC ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust
120.The Private Shares Fund (f/k/a SharesPost 100 Fund)
121.The Relative Value Fund
122.The Short De-SPAC ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust
123.The SPAC and New Issue ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust
124.Third Avenue Trust
125.Third Avenue Variable Series Trust
126.Tidal ETF Trust
127.TIFF Investment Program
128.Timothy Plan High Dividend Stock Enhanced ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan
129.Timothy Plan High Dividend Stock ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan
130.Timothy Plan International ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan
131.Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Core Enhanced ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan
132.Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Cap Core ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan
133.Timothy Plan US Small Cap Core ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan
134.Transamerica ETF Trust
135.Trend Aggregation Aggressive Growth ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust
136.Trend Aggregation Conservative ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust
137.Trend Aggregation ESG ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust
138.Trend Aggregation US ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust
139.TrueShares AI & Deep Learning ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
140.TrueShares ESG Active Opportunities ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
141.TrueShares Low Volatility Equity Income ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
142.TrueShares Structured Outcome (April) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
143.TrueShares Structured Outcome (August) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

 

 

 

 

144.TrueShares Structured Outcome (December) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
145.TrueShares Structured Outcome (February) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
146.TrueShares Structured Outcome (January) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
147.TrueShares Structured Outcome (July) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
148.TrueShares Structured Outcome (June) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
149.TrueShares Structured Outcome (March) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
150.TrueShares Structured Outcome (May) ETF, Listed Funds Trust
151.TrueShares Structured Outcome (November) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
152.TrueShares Structured Outcome (October) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
153.TrueShares Structured Outcome (September) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
154.U.S. Global Investors Funds
155.Variant Alternative Income Fund
156.VictoryShares Developed Enhanced Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
157.VictoryShares Dividend Accelerator ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
158.VictoryShares Emerging Market High Div Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
159.VictoryShares International High Div Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
160.VictoryShares International Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
161.VictoryShares NASDAQ Next 50 ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
162.VictoryShares Protect America ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
163.VictoryShares Top Veteran Employers ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
164.VictoryShares US 500 Enhanced Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
165.VictoryShares US 500 Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
166.VictoryShares US Discovery Enhanced Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
167.VictoryShares US EQ Income Enhanced Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
168.VictoryShares US Large Cap High Div Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
169.VictoryShares US Multi-Factor Minimum Volatility ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
170.VictoryShares US Small Cap High Div Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
171.VictoryShares US Small Cap Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
172.VictoryShares USAA Core Intermediate-Term Bond ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
173.VictoryShares USAA Core Short-Term Bond ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
174.VictoryShares USAA MSCI Emerging Markets Value Momentum ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
175.VictoryShares USAA MSCI International Value Momentum ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
176.VictoryShares USAA MSCI USA Small Cap Value Momentum ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
177.VictoryShares USAA MSCI USA Value Momentum ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
178.West Loop Realty Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust (f/k/a Chilton Realty Income & Growth Fund)
179.WisdomTree Trust
180.WST Investment Trust
181.XAI Octagon Floating Rate & Alternative Income Term Trust

 

 

 

 

Item 32(b)The following are the Officers and Manager of the Distributor, the Registrant’s underwriter. The Distributor’s main business address is Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, Maine 04101.

 

Name Address Position with Underwriter Position with Registrant
       
Richard J. Berthy Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME  04101 President, Treasurer and Manager None

 

Mark A. Fairbanks Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME  04101 Vice President None
       
Teresa Cowan 111 E. Kilbourn Ave, Suite 2200, Milwaukee, WI 53202 Vice President None
       
Jennifer K. DiValerio 899 Cassatt Road, 400 Berwyn Park, Suite 110, Berwyn, PA 19312 Vice President None
       
Nanette K. Chern Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME  04101 Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer None
       
Jennifer E. Hoopes Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME  04101 Secretary None

 

(c)Not applicable.

 

Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records

 

The accounts, books or other documents of the Registrant required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules promulgated thereunder are kept in several locations:

 

a)            Adviser

Ridgeline Research LLC, 14961 Finegan Farm Drive, Darnestown, Maryland 20874 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to the American Conservative Values ETF and the American Conservative Values Small-Cap ETF).

     
b)            Sub-Adviser

Vidant Investment Advisory, LLC, 1125 Sanctuary Parkway, Suite 515, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009 (records relating to its function as sub-adviser to the American Conservative Values ETF and the American Conservative Values Small-Cap ETF).

     
c)             Adviser

Real Asset Strategies, LLC, 5775 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 700, St. Louis Park, Minnesota 55416 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to the Real Asset Strategies ETF).

     
d)            Sub-Adviser

Enduring Investments, LLC, 12 Ironwood Road, Morristown, New Jersey 07960 (records relating to its function as sub-adviser to the Real Asset Strategies ETF).

     
e)            Adviser

Formidable Asset Management, LLC, 221 East fourth Street, Suite 2700, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to the Formidable ETFs).

     
f)             Sub-Adviser

Toroso Asset Management, 898 N. Broadway, Suite 2, Massapequa, New York 11758 (records relating to its function as sub-adviser to the Formidable ETFs and the Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap ETF).

 

 

 

 

     
g)            Adviser

Applied Finance Advisors, LLC , 17806 IH 10, Suite 300, San Antonio, Texas 78257 (records relating to its function as adviser to the Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap ETF).

     
h)            Adviser

Gea Sphere, LLC, 55 Mystery Farm Road, Cranston, Rhode Island, 02921 (records relating to its function as adviser to the Alpha Dog ETF).

     
i)              Adviser

Kingsbarn Capital Management, LLC, 1645 Village Center Circle, Suite 200, Las Vegas, Nevada 89134 (records relating to its function as adviser to the Kingsbarn Tactical Bond ETF).

     
j)             Adviser

Ultra Blue Capital, LLC, 1735 Technology Drive, #650, San Jose, California 95110 (records relating to its function as adviser to the UBC Algorithmic Fundamental ETF).

     
k)            Custodian, Transfer Agency Citibank, N.A., 390 Greenwich Street, 6th Floor, New York, New York 10013.
     
l)              Administrator Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, Virginia 23235.
     
m)           Distributor

Foreside Fund Services, LLC, Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, Maine 04101.

     
n)            Fund Accountant

Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc., located at 4400 Easton Commons, Suite 200, Columbus, Ohio, 43219.

 


Item 34. Management Services

 

    Not applicable.

 

Item 35. Undertakings

 

    Not applicable.

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Richmond, Commonwealth of Virginia on the 7th day of September, 2021.

 

ETF OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

By: /s/ Karen M. Shupe  
  Karen M. Shupe  
  Treasurer and Principal Executive Officer  

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

     
Signature Title Date
     
*David J. Urban Trustee September 7, 2021
     
*Mary Lou H. Ivey Trustee September 7, 2021
     
*Theo H. Pitt, Jr. Trustee September 7, 2021
     
*Kevin M. Farragher Trustee September 7, 2021
     
     
/s/ Karen M. Shupe Treasurer and Principal Executive Officer September 7, 2021
 Karen M. Shupe    
     
/s/ Ann T. MacDonald Assistant Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer September 7, 2021
 Ann T. MacDonald    
     
*By: /s/ Karen M. Shupe    
Karen M. Shupe    
     

*Attorney-in-fact pursuant to Powers of Attorney