As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on
File No. 033-22821
File No. 811-05601
U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
________________________
FORM
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 81 ☒
and
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
AMENDMENT NO. 82 ☒
________________________
(Formerly, "SEI International Trust")
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
SEI Investments Company
One Freedom Valley Drive
Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(610) 676-1000
(Registrant's Telephone Number)
Timothy D. Barto, Esq.
SEI Investments Company
One Freedom Valley Drive
Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copy to:
Timothy W. Levin, Esq.
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
2222 Market Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
________________________
Title of Securities Being Registered...Units of Beneficial Interest
________________________
It is proposed that the filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
☐ immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
☒ on
☐ 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.
PROSPECTUS
SEI Institutional International Trust
Class F Shares
• International Equity Fund (
• Emerging Markets Equity Fund (
• International Fixed Income Fund (
• Emerging Markets Debt Fund (
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Not all Funds appearing in this prospectus are available for purchase in all states. You may purchase Fund shares only if they are registered in your state.
seic.com
SEI / PROSPECTUS
SEI INSTITUTIONAL INTERNATIONAL TRUST
About This Prospectus
FUND SUMMARY |
|||||||
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND |
1 |
||||||
EMERGING MARKETS EQUITY FUND |
8 |
||||||
INTERNATIONAL FIXED INCOME FUND |
14 |
||||||
EMERGING MARKETS DEBT FUND |
21 |
||||||
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares |
28 |
||||||
Tax Information |
28 |
||||||
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries |
28 |
||||||
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENTS |
28 |
||||||
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RISKS |
29 |
||||||
Risk Information Common to the Funds |
29 |
||||||
More Information About Principal Risks |
29 |
||||||
GLOBAL ASSET ALLOCATION |
44 |
||||||
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS' BENCHMARK INDEXES |
45 |
||||||
INVESTMENT ADVISER |
45 |
||||||
SUB-ADVISERS |
48 |
||||||
Information About Fee Waivers |
49 |
||||||
Sub-Advisers and Portfolio Managers |
50 |
||||||
PURCHASING, EXCHANGING AND SELLING FUND SHARES |
60 |
||||||
HOW TO PURCHASE FUND SHARES |
60 |
||||||
Pricing of Fund Shares |
61 |
||||||
Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares |
64 |
||||||
Foreign Investors |
65 |
||||||
Customer Identification and Verification and Anti-Money Laundering Program |
65 |
HOW TO EXCHANGE YOUR FUND SHARES |
66 |
||||||
HOW TO SELL YOUR FUND SHARES |
66 |
||||||
Receiving Your Money |
66 |
||||||
Methods Used to Meet Redemption Obligations |
67 |
||||||
Low Balance Redemptions |
67 |
||||||
Suspension of Your Right to Sell Your Shares |
67 |
||||||
Large Redemptions |
67 |
||||||
Telephone Transactions |
67 |
||||||
Unclaimed Property |
68 |
||||||
DISTRIBUTION OF FUND SHARES |
68 |
||||||
SERVICE OF FUND SHARES |
68 |
||||||
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION |
68 |
||||||
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES |
69 |
||||||
Dividends and Distributions |
69 |
||||||
Taxes |
69 |
||||||
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
71 |
||||||
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
72 |
||||||
HOW TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SEI INSTITUTIONAL INTERNATIONAL TRUST |
Back Cover |
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Fund Summary
Long-term capital appreciation.
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell Fund shares. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in this table and examples below.
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
Class F Shares |
||||||
Management Fees |
|
% |
|||||
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
|
||||||
Other Expenses |
|
% |
|||||
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
|
%* |
*
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem or hold 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.
1 Year |
3 Years |
5 Years |
10 Years |
||||||||||||||||
International Equity Fund — Class F Shares |
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
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. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was
Under normal circumstances, the International Equity Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities. Equity securities may include
1
SEI / PROSPECTUS
common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants, participation notes and depositary receipts. The Fund will invest primarily in equity securities of issuers of all capitalization ranges that are located in at least three countries other than the U.S. It is expected that at least 40% of the Fund's assets will be invested outside the U.S. The Fund will invest primarily in companies located in developed countries, but may also invest in companies located in emerging markets. Generally, the Fund will invest less than 20% of its assets in emerging markets. Emerging market countries are those countries that: (i) are characterized as developing or emerging by any of the World Bank, the United Nations, the International Finance Corporation, or the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; (ii) are included in an emerging markets index by a recognized index provider; or (iii) have similar developing or emerging characteristics as countries classified as emerging market countries pursuant to sub-paragraph (i) and (ii) above, in each case determined at the time of purchase. Due to its investment strategy, the Fund may buy and sell securities and other instruments frequently.
The Fund uses a multi-manager approach, relying upon a number of sub-advisers (each, a Sub-Adviser and collectively, the Sub-Advisers) with differing investment philosophies to manage portions of the Fund's portfolio under the general supervision of SEI Investments Management Corporation (SIMC), the Fund's adviser. One or more Sub-Advisers may apply a quantitative investment style, which generally involves a systematic or rules-based approach to selecting investments based on specific measurable factors. A Sub-Adviser may take long positions with respect to investments it believes to be undervalued and likely to increase in price, while also taking short positions (including through derivative instruments) with respect to investments it believes to be overvalued and likely to decrease in price.
The Fund may invest in futures contracts, forward contracts, options and swaps for hedging or investment purposes, including seeking to manage the Fund's currency exposure to foreign securities and mitigate the Fund's overall risk.
The Fund may purchase futures contracts or shares of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to gain exposure to a particular portion of the market while awaiting an opportunity to purchase securities or other instruments directly.
2
SEI / PROSPECTUS
3
SEI / PROSPECTUS
4
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Investing in the Fund involves risk, and there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment goal.
|
|
International Equity Fund — Class F Shares |
1 Year |
5 Years |
10 Years |
Since Inception ( |
|||||||||||||||
|
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|||||||||||
|
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|||||||||||
|
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|||||||||||
|
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
5
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Management
Investment Adviser and Portfolio Managers. SEI Investments Management Corporation
Portfolio Manager |
Experience with the Fund |
Title with Adviser |
|||||||||
Rich Carr, CFA |
Since 2022 |
Portfolio Manager |
|||||||||
Jason Collins |
Since 2019 |
Portfolio Manager, Head of Sub-Advised Equity |
Sub-Advisers and Portfolio Managers.
Sub-Adviser |
Portfolio Manager |
Experience with the Fund |
Title with Sub-Adviser |
||||||||||||
Acadian Asset Management LLC |
Brendan O. Bradley Fanesca Young |
Since 2009 Since 2023 |
Executive Vice President, Chief Investment Officer Senior Vice President, Director, Equity Portfolio Management |
||||||||||||
Causeway Capital Management LLC |
Sarah H. Ketterer Harry W. Hartford Jonathan P. Eng Conor Muldoon, CFA Alessandro Valentini, CFA Ellen Lee Steven Nguyen, CFA Brian Cho |
Since 2010 Since 2010 Since 2010 Since 2010 Since 2013 Since 2015 Since 2019 Since 2021 |
Chief Executive Officer President Director Director Director Director Director Director |
||||||||||||
Delaware Investments Fund Advisers, a series of Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust |
Jens Hansen Klaus Petersen, CFA Claus Juul Asa Annerstedt Allan Jensen, CFA, CAIA Chris Gowlland, CFA |
Since 2021 Since 2021 Since 2021 Since 2021 Since 2021 Since 2021 |
Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer — Global Equity Team Managing Director, Senior Portfolio Manager Vice President, Portfolio Manager Vice President, Portfolio Manager Vice President, Portfolio Manager Senior Vice President, Head of Equity Quantitative Research |
||||||||||||
Lazard Asset Management LLC |
Paul Moghtader, CFA Susanne Willumsen Taras Ivanenko, CFA Peter Kashanek Alex Lai, CFA Ciprian Marin |
Since 2023 Since 2023 Since 2023 Since 2023 Since 2023 Since 2023 |
Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst |
||||||||||||
Pzena Investment Management, LLC |
Rakesh Bordia Caroline Cai Allison Fisch John Goetz |
Since 2023 Since 2022 Since 2022 Since 2022 |
Principal and Portfolio Manager Managing Principal, Chief Executive Officer and Portfolio Manager Managing Principal, President and Portfolio Manager Managing Principal, Co-Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager |
6
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Sub-Adviser |
Portfolio Manager |
Experience with the Fund |
Title with Sub-Adviser |
||||||||||||
WCM Investment Management, LLC |
Sanjay Ayer Paul R. Black Michael B. Trigg Jon Tringale |
Since 2015 Since 2015 Since 2015 Since 2022 |
Portfolio Manager & Business Analyst Portfolio Manager, CEO Portfolio Manager, President Portfolio Manager |
For important information about the Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares, Tax Information and Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries, please turn to page 28 of this prospectus.
7
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Fund Summary
Capital appreciation.
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell Fund shares. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in this table and examples below.
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
Class F Shares |
||||||
Management Fees |
|
% |
|||||
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
|
||||||
Other Expenses |
|
% |
|||||
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
|
%* |
*
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem or hold 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. The effect of the Fund's fee waivers and expense reimbursements is reflected for only the first year in the below examples.
1 Year |
3 Years |
5 Years |
10 Years |
||||||||||||||||
Emerging Markets Equity Fund — Class F Shares |
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
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. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was
8
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Under normal circumstances, the Emerging Markets Equity Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of emerging market issuers. Equity securities include common stocks, preferred stock, warrants, participation notes and depositary receipts of all capitalization ranges. The Fund normally maintains investments in at least six emerging market countries, however, it may invest a substantial amount of its assets in issuers located in a single country or a limited number of countries. Due to the size of its economy relative to other emerging market countries, it is expected that China will generally constitute a significant exposure in the Fund. Emerging market countries are those countries that: (i) are characterized as developing or emerging by any of the World Bank, the United Nations, the International Finance Corporation, or the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; (ii) are included in an emerging markets index by a recognized index provider; or (iii) have similar developing or emerging characteristics as countries classified as emerging market countries pursuant to sub-paragraph (i) and (ii) above, in each case determined at the time of purchase.
The Fund uses a multi-manager approach, relying upon a number of sub-advisers (each, a Sub-Adviser and collectively, the Sub-Advisers) with differing investment philosophies to manage portions of the Fund's portfolio under the general supervision of SEI Investments Management Corporation (SIMC), the Fund's adviser. One or more Sub-Advisers may apply a quantitative investment style, which generally involves a systematic or rules-based approach to selecting investments based on specific measurable factors.
The Fund may invest in swaps based on a single security or an index of securities, futures contracts, forward contracts and options to synthetically obtain exposure to securities or baskets of securities or for hedging purposes, including seeking to manage the Fund's currency exposure to foreign securities and mitigate the Fund's overall risk. Swaps may be used to obtain exposure to different foreign equity markets.
The Fund may purchase futures contracts or shares of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to gain exposure to a particular portion of the market while awaiting an opportunity to purchase securities or other instruments directly. The Fund may also invest a portion of its assets in securities of companies located in developed foreign countries.
9
SEI / PROSPECTUS
10
SEI / PROSPECTUS
11
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Investing in the Fund involves risk, and there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment goal.
|
|
Emerging Markets Equity Fund — Class F Shares |
1 Year |
5 Years |
10 Years |
Since Inception ( |
|||||||||||||||
|
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|||||||||||
|
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|||||||||||
|
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|||||||||||
fees or expenses) |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
†
12
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Management
Investment Adviser and Portfolio Managers. SEI Investments Management Corporation
Portfolio Manager |
Experience with the Fund |
Title with Adviser |
|||||||||
Jason Collins |
Since 2019 |
Portfolio Manager, Head of Sub-Advised Equity |
|||||||||
John Lau |
Since 2019 |
Portfolio Manager |
Sub-Advisers and Portfolio Managers.
Sub-Adviser |
Portfolio Manager |
Experience with the Fund |
Title with Sub-Adviser |
||||||||||||
Aikya Investment Management Limited |
Ashish Swarup Rahul Desai Tom Allen |
Since 2023 Since 2023 Since 2023 |
Lead Portfolio Manager and Investment Analyst Co-Portfolio Manager and Investment Analyst Co-Portfolio Manager and Investment Analyst |
||||||||||||
JOHCM (USA) Inc. |
Emery Brewer Dr. Ivo Kovachev |
Since 2010 Since 2010 |
Senior Fund Manager Senior Fund Manager |
||||||||||||
KBI Global Investors (North America) Ltd |
Gareth Maher David Hogarty Ian Madden James Collery John Looby Massimiliano Tondi, CFA, FRM |
Since 2012 Since 2012 Since 2012 Since 2012 Since 2014 Since 2014 |
Head of Portfolio Management Head of Strategy Development Senior Portfolio Manager Senior Portfolio Manager Senior Portfolio Manager Senior Portfolio Manager |
||||||||||||
Qtron Investments LLC |
Dmitri Kantsyrev, Ph.D., CFA Ronald Hua, CFA |
Since 2018 Since 2018 |
Partner, Portfolio Manager Partner, Portfolio Manager |
||||||||||||
Robeco Institutional Asset Management US Inc. |
Jaap van der Hart Karnail Sangha |
Since 2020 Since 2021 |
Portfolio Manager Portfolio Manager |
For important information about the Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares, Tax Information and Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries, please turn to page 28 of this prospectus.
13
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Fund Summary
Capital appreciation and current income.
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell Fund shares. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in this table and examples below.
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
Class F Shares |
||||||
Management Fees |
|
% |
|||||
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
|
||||||
Other Expenses |
|
% |
|||||
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
|
%* |
*
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem or hold 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.
1 Year |
3 Years |
5 Years |
10 Years |
||||||||||||||||
International Fixed Income Fund — Class F Shares |
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
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. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was
Under normal circumstances, the International Fixed Income Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in fixed income securities. The Fund will invest
14
SEI / PROSPECTUS
primarily in investment grade foreign government and corporate fixed income securities, as well as foreign mortgage-backed and/or asset-backed fixed income securities, of issuers located in at least three countries other than the U.S. (including, to a lesser extent, emerging market countries). It is expected that at least 40% of the Fund's assets will be invested in non-U.S. securities. Other fixed income securities in which the Fund may invest include: (i) securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies and instrumentalities and obligations of U.S. commercial banks, such as certificates of deposit, time deposits, bankers' acceptances and bank notes; (ii) U.S. corporate debt securities and mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities; and (iii) obligations of supranational entities.
The Fund uses a multi-manager approach, relying upon a number of sub-advisers (each, a Sub-Adviser and collectively, the Sub-Advisers) with differing investment philosophies to manage portions of the Fund's portfolio under the general supervision of SEI Investments Management Corporation (SIMC), the Fund's adviser. In selecting investments for the Fund, the Sub-Advisers choose securities issued by corporations and governments located in various countries, looking for opportunities to achieve capital appreciation and gain, as well as current income. There are no restrictions on the Fund's average portfolio maturity or on the maturity of any specific security.
The Sub-Advisers may seek to enhance the Fund's return by actively managing the Fund's foreign currency exposure. In managing the Fund's currency exposure, the Sub-Advisers buy and sell currencies (i.e., take long or short positions) using derivatives, principally futures, foreign currency forward contracts and currency swaps. The Fund may take long and short positions in foreign currencies in excess of the value of the Fund's assets denominated in a particular currency or when the Fund does not own assets denominated in that currency. The Fund may also engage in currency transactions in an attempt to take advantage of certain inefficiencies in the currency exchange market, to increase its exposure to a foreign currency or to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one currency to another. In managing the Fund's currency exposure from foreign securities, the Sub-Advisers may buy and sell currencies for hedging or for speculative purposes.
The Fund may also invest in futures contracts, forward contracts and swaps for speculative or hedging purposes. Futures contracts, forward contracts and swaps are used to synthetically obtain exposure to the securities identified above or baskets of such securities and to manage the Fund's interest rate duration and yield curve exposure. These derivatives are also used to mitigate the Fund's overall level of risk and/or the Fund's risk to particular types of securities, currencies or market segments. Interest rate swaps are further used to manage the Fund's yield spread sensitivity. When the Fund seeks to take an active long or short position with respect to the likelihood of an event of default of a security or basket of securities, the Fund may use credit default swaps. The Fund may buy credit default swaps in an attempt to manage credit risk where the Fund has credit exposure to an issuer and the Fund may sell credit default swaps to more efficiently gain credit exposure to such security or basket of securities.
The Fund will also invest in securities rated below investment grade (junk bonds). However, in general, the Fund will purchase bonds with a rating of CCC or above. The Fund also invests a portion of its assets in bank loans, which are generally non-investment grade floating rate instruments. The Fund may invest in bank loans in the form of participations in the loans or assignments of all or a portion of the loans from third parties.
The Fund may purchase shares of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to gain exposure to a particular portion of the market while awaiting an opportunity to purchase securities or other instruments directly.
15
SEI / PROSPECTUS
16
SEI / PROSPECTUS
17
SEI / PROSPECTUS
18
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Investing in the Fund involves risk, and there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment goal.
|
|
19
SEI / PROSPECTUS
International Fixed Income Fund — Class F Shares |
1 Year |
5 Years |
10 Years |
Since Inception ( |
|||||||||||||||
|
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|||||||||||
|
|
% |
- |
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|||||||||||
|
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|||||||||||
deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
Management
Investment Adviser and Portfolio Managers. SEI Investments Management Corporation
Portfolio Manager |
Experience with the Fund |
Title with Adviser |
|||||||||
Anthony Karaminas, CFA |
Since 2021 |
Portfolio Manager, Head of Sub-Advised Fixed Income |
|||||||||
James Mashiter, CFA |
Since 2016 |
Portfolio Manager |
Sub-Advisers and Portfolio Managers.
Sub-Adviser |
Portfolio Manager |
Experience with the Fund |
Title with Sub-Adviser |
||||||||||||
AllianceBernstein L.P. |
Scott DiMaggio, CFA John Taylor Nicholas Sanders, CFA Jamie Harding, CFA |
Since 2006 Since 2012 Since 2016 Since 2019 |
Head — Fixed Income Director — Global Multi-Sector Portfolio Manager — Global Multi-Sector Portfolio Manager — European Credit |
||||||||||||
Colchester Global Investors Ltd |
Ian Sims Keith Lloyd, CFA |
Since 2017 Since 2017 |
Chairman and Chief Investment Officer Group Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chief Investment Officer |
||||||||||||
Wellington Management Company LLP |
Ed Meyi, FRM Martin Harvey, CFA Sam Hogg, CFA |
Since 2022 Since 2022 Since 2022 |
Managing Director and Fixed Income Portfolio Manager Managing Director and Fixed Income Portfolio Manager Vice President and Fixed Income Portfolio Manager |
For important information about the Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares, Tax Information and Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries, please turn to page 28 of this prospectus.
20
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Fund Summary
Maximize total return.
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell Fund shares. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in this table and examples below.
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
Class F Shares |
||||||
Management Fees |
|
% |
|||||
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
|
||||||
Other Expenses |
|
% |
|||||
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
|
%* |
*
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem or hold 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.
1 Year |
3 Years |
5 Years |
10 Years |
||||||||||||||||
Emerging Markets Debt Fund — Class F Shares |
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
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. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was
Under normal circumstances, the Emerging Markets Debt Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in fixed income securities of emerging market
21
SEI / PROSPECTUS
issuers. The Fund will invest in debt securities of government, government-related, supranational entities, and corporate issuers in emerging market countries, as well as debt securities of entities organized to restructure the outstanding debt of any such issuers. The Fund may obtain its exposures by investing directly (e.g., in fixed income securities and other instruments) or indirectly/synthetically (e.g., through the use of derivative instruments, principally futures contracts, forward contracts and swaps and structured securities, such as credit-linked and inflation-linked notes). The Fund may invest in swaps based on a single security or an index of securities, including interest rate swaps, credit default swaps, currency swaps and fully-funded total return swaps. Emerging market countries are those countries that: (i) are characterized as developing or emerging by any of the World Bank, the United Nations, the International Finance Corporation, or the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; (ii) are included in an emerging markets index by a recognized index provider; or (iii) have similar developing or emerging characteristics as countries classified as emerging market countries pursuant to sub-paragraph (i) and (ii) above, in each case determined at the time of purchase.
The Fund uses a multi-manager approach, relying upon a number of sub-advisers (each, a Sub-Adviser and collectively, the Sub-Advisers) with differing investment philosophies to manage portions of the Fund's portfolio under the general supervision of SEI Investments Management Corporation (SIMC), the Fund's adviser. The Sub-Advisers will spread the Fund's holdings across a number of countries and industries to limit its exposure to any single emerging market economy and may not invest more than 25% of its assets in any single country. There are no restrictions on the Fund's average portfolio maturity or on the maturity of any specific security. There is no minimum rating standard for the Fund's securities, and the Fund's securities will generally be in the lower or lowest rating categories (including those below the fourth highest rating category by a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (NRSRO), commonly referred to as junk bonds).
The Sub-Advisers may seek to enhance the Fund's return by actively managing the Fund's foreign currency exposure. In managing the Fund's currency exposure, the Sub-Advisers buy and sell currencies (i.e., take long or short positions) using derivatives, principally futures, foreign currency forward contracts, options on foreign currencies and currency swaps. The Fund may take long and short positions in foreign currencies in excess of the value of the Fund's assets denominated in a particular currency or when the Fund does not own assets denominated in that currency. The Fund may also engage in currency transactions in an attempt to take advantage of certain inefficiencies in the currency exchange market, to increase its exposure to a foreign currency or to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one currency to another. In managing the Fund's currency exposure from foreign securities, the Sub-Advisers may buy and sell currencies for hedging or for speculative purposes.
The Fund may also invest in futures contracts, forward contracts and swaps for speculative or hedging purposes. Futures contracts, forward contracts and swaps are used to synthetically obtain exposure to the securities identified above or baskets of such securities and to manage the Fund's interest rate duration and yield curve exposure. These derivatives are also used to mitigate the Fund's overall level of risk and/or the Fund's risk to particular types of securities, currencies or market segments. Interest rate swaps are further used to manage the Fund's yield spread sensitivity. When the Fund seeks to take an active long or short position with respect to the likelihood of an event of default of a security or basket of securities, the Fund may use credit default swaps. The Fund may buy credit default swaps in an attempt to manage credit risk where the Fund has credit exposure to an issuer and the Fund may sell credit default swaps to more efficiently gain credit exposure to such security or basket of securities.
22
SEI / PROSPECTUS
The Fund may purchase shares of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to gain exposure to a particular portion of the market while awaiting an opportunity to purchase securities or other instruments directly.
23
SEI / PROSPECTUS
24
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Investing in the Fund involves risk, and there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment goal.
25
SEI / PROSPECTUS
on full calendar years.
|
|
Emerging Markets Debt Fund — Class F Shares |
1 Year |
5 Years |
10 Years |
Since Inception ( |
|||||||||||||||
|
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|||||||||||
|
|
% |
|
% |
- |
% |
|
% |
|||||||||||
|
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|||||||||||
fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|||||||||||
expenses or taxes) |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
†
26
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Management
Investment Adviser and Portfolio Managers. SEI Investments Management Corporation
Portfolio Manager |
Experience with the Fund |
Title with Adviser |
|||||||||
Anthony Karaminas, CFA |
Since 2021 |
Portfolio Manager, Head of Sub-Advised Fixed Income |
|||||||||
Hardeep Khangura, CFA |
Since 2015 |
Portfolio Manager |
Sub-Advisers and Portfolio Managers.
Sub-Adviser |
Portfolio Manager |
Experience with the Fund |
Title with Sub-Adviser |
||||||||||||
Colchester Global Investors Ltd |
Ian Sims Keith Lloyd, CFA |
Since 2018 Since 2018 |
Chairman and Chief Investment Officer Group Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chief Investment Officer |
||||||||||||
Grantham, Mayo, Van Otterloo & Co. LLC |
Tina Vandersteel |
Since 2023 |
Head, Emerging Country Debt Team, GMO |
||||||||||||
Marathon Asset Management, L.P. |
Lou Hanover Gaby Szpigiel Andrew Szmulewicz |
Since 2018 Since 2018 Since 2018 |
CIO & Co-Founder of Marathon Partner & Head of Emerging Markets Managing Director, Portfolio Manager & Strategist |
||||||||||||
Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC |
Rob Drijkoningen Gorky Urquieta Jennifer Gorgoll, CFA Raoul Luttik Nish Popat Prashant Singh, CFA Bart van der Made, CFA Vera Kartseva |
Since 2013 Since 2013 Since 2013 Since 2013 Since 2013 Since 2013 Since 2013 Since 2013 |
Managing Director Managing Director Managing Director Managing Director Managing Director Managing Director Managing Director Senior Vice President |
||||||||||||
Ninety One UK Ltd. |
Christine Reed Antoon De Klerk Werner Gey van Pittius |
Since 2023 Since 2017 Since 2013 |
Co-Portfolio Manager Emerging Markets Local Currency Debt Co-Head of Emerging Markets Sovereign & FX; Co-Portfolio Manager of Emerging Markets Local Currency Debt Co-Head of Emerging Markets Fixed Income; Co-Portfolio Manager Emerging Markets Local Currency Debt |
For important information about the Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares, Tax Information and Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries, please turn to page 28 of this prospectus.
27
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
The minimum initial investment for Class F Shares is $100,000 with minimum subsequent investments of $1,000. Such minimums may be waived at the discretion of SIMC. You may purchase and redeem shares of a Fund on any day that the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open for business (a Business Day). You may sell your Fund shares by contacting your authorized financial institution or intermediary directly. Authorized financial institutions and intermediaries may redeem Fund shares on behalf of their clients by contacting the Funds' transfer agent (the Transfer Agent) or the Funds' authorized agent, using certain SEI Investments Company (SEI) or third party systems or by calling 1-800-858-7233, as applicable.
Tax Information
The distributions made by the Funds generally are taxable and will be taxed as qualified dividend income, ordinary income or capital gains. If you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or individual retirement account, you will generally not be subject to federal taxation on Fund distributions until you begin receiving distributions from your tax-deferred arrangement. You should consult your tax advisor regarding the rules governing your tax-deferred arrangement.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), a 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 intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENTS
Each Fund is a mutual fund. A mutual fund pools shareholders' money and, using professional investment managers, invests it in securities and certain other instruments.
Each Fund has its own investment goal and strategies for reaching that goal. Each Fund's assets are managed under the direction of SIMC and one or more Sub-Advisers who manage portions of a Fund's assets in a way that they believe will help the Fund achieve its goal.
This prospectus describes the Funds' primary investment strategies. However, each Fund may also invest in other securities, use other strategies or engage in other investment practices. These investments and strategies, as well as those described in this prospectus, are described in more detail in the Funds' Statement of Additional Information (SAI).
The investments and strategies described in this prospectus are those that SIMC and the Sub-Advisers use under normal conditions. For temporary defensive or liquidity purposes during unusual economic or market conditions, each Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in cash, money market instruments, repurchase agreements and other short-term obligations that would not ordinarily be consistent with a Fund's strategies. During such time, the Funds may not achieve their investment goals. A Fund will do so only if SIMC or a Sub-Adviser believes that the risk of loss outweighs the opportunity for capital gains and higher income. Of course, there is no guarantee that any Fund will achieve its investment goal. Although not expected to be a component of the Funds' principal investment strategies, each Fund may lend its securities to certain financial institutions in an attempt to earn additional income.
28
SEI / PROSPECTUS
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RISKS
Risk Information Common to the Funds
Investing in the Funds involves risk, and there is no guarantee that a Fund will achieve its goal. SIMC and the Sub-Advisers, as applicable, make judgments about the securities markets, the economy and companies, but these judgments may not anticipate actual market movements or the impact of economic conditions on company performance. You could lose money on your investment in a Fund, just as you could with other investments. An investment in a Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
The value of your investment in a Fund is based on the market prices of the securities the Fund holds. These prices change daily due to economic and other events that affect securities markets generally, as well as those that affect particular companies and other issuers. These price movements, sometimes called volatility, may be greater or lesser depending on the types of securities a Fund owns and the markets in which those securities trade. The effect on a Fund's share price of a change in the value of a single security will depend on how widely the Fund diversifies its holdings.
Investing in issuers located in foreign countries poses distinct risks because political and economic events unique to a country or region will affect those markets and their issuers. These events will not necessarily affect the U.S. economy or similar issuers located in the U.S. In addition, investments in foreign countries are generally denominated in a foreign currency. As a result, changes in the value of those currencies compared to the U.S. dollar may affect (positively or negatively) the value of a Fund's investments. These currency movements may happen in response to events that do not otherwise affect the value of the security in the issuer's home country. These various risks will be even greater for investments in emerging market countries where political turmoil and rapid changes in economic conditions are more likely to occur.
More Information About Principal Risks
The following descriptions provide additional information about some of the risks of investing in the Funds:
Asset-Backed Securities — The International Fixed Income Fund may invest in asset-backed securities. Asset-backed securities are securities that are backed primarily by the cash flows of a discrete pool of fixed or revolving receivables or other financial assets that by their terms convert into cash within a finite time period. Asset-backed securities include mortgage-backed securities, but the term is more commonly used to refer to securities supported by non-mortgage assets such as auto loans, motor vehicle leases, student loans, credit card receivables, floorplan receivables, equipment leases and peer-to-peer loans. The assets are removed from any potential bankruptcy estate of an operating company through the true sale of the assets to an issuer that is a special purpose entity, and the issuer obtains a perfected security interest in the assets. Payments of principal of and interest on asset-backed securities rely entirely on the performance of the underlying assets. Asset-backed securities are generally not insured or guaranteed by the related sponsor or any other entity and therefore, if the assets or sources of funds available to the issuer are insufficient to pay those securities, the Fund will incur losses. In addition, asset-backed securities entail prepayment risk that may vary depending on the type of asset, but is generally less than the prepayment risk associated with mortgage-backed securities. Additional risks related to collateralized debt obligations (CDOs), collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) and mortgage-backed securities are described below.
Losses may be greater for asset-backed securities that are issued as "pass-through certificates" rather than as debt securities, because those types of certificates only represent a beneficial ownership interest in the
29
SEI / PROSPECTUS
related assets and their payment is based primarily on collections actually received. For asset-backed securities as a whole, if a securitization issuer defaults on its payment obligations due to losses or shortfalls on the assets held by the issuer, a sale or liquidation of the assets may not be sufficient to support payments on the securities and the Fund, as a securityholder, may suffer a loss.
There is a limited secondary market for asset-backed securities. Consequently, it may be difficult for the Funds to sell or realize profits on those securities at favorable times or for favorable prices.
Bank Loans — The International Fixed Income Fund may invest in bank loans. Bank loans are arranged through private negotiations between a company and one or more financial institutions (lenders). Many of the risks associated with bank loans are similar to the risks of investing in below investment grade debt securities. Bank loans may be adversely affected by changes in market or economic conditions and may default or enter bankruptcy. Bank loans made in connection with highly leveraged transactions, including operating loans, leveraged buyout loans, leveraged capitalization loans and other types of acquisition financing, are subject to greater credit risks than other types of bank loans. In addition, it may be difficult to obtain reliable information about and value any bank loan.
The Fund may invest in bank loans in the form of participations in the loans or assignments of all or a portion of the loans from third parties. In connection with purchasing participations, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement relating to the loan, nor any rights of set-off against the borrower, and the Fund may not benefit directly from any collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, the Fund will assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the participation. When the Fund purchases assignments from lenders, the Fund will acquire direct rights against the borrower on the loan. The Fund may have difficulty disposing of bank loans because, in certain cases, the market for such instruments is not highly liquid. The lack of a highly liquid secondary market may have an adverse impact on the value of such instruments and on the Fund's ability to dispose of the bank loan in response to a specific economic event, such as deterioration in the creditworthiness of the borrower. Furthermore, transactions in many loans settle on a delayed basis, and the Fund may not receive the proceeds from the sale of a loan for a substantial period of time after the sale. As a result, those proceeds will not be available during that time to make additional investments or to meet the Fund's redemption obligations.
Bank loans may not be considered "securities," and purchasers, such as the Fund, therefore may not be entitled to rely on the anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws.
Below Investment Grade Fixed Income Securities (Junk Bonds) — The International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds may invest in below investment grade securities (commonly referred to as junk bonds). Junk bonds involve greater risks of default or downgrade and are generally more volatile than investment grade securities. Junk bonds involve a greater risk of price declines than investment grade securities due to actual or perceived changes in an issuer's creditworthiness. In addition, issuers of junk bonds may be more susceptible than other issuers to economic downturns. Junk bonds are subject to the risk that the issuer may not be able to pay interest or dividends and ultimately to repay principal upon maturity. Discontinuation of these payments could substantially adversely affect the market value of the security. The volatility of junk bonds, particularly those issued by foreign governments, is even greater because the prospect for repayment of principal and interest of many of these securities is speculative. Some may even be in default. As an incentive to invest, these risky securities tend to offer higher returns, but there is no guarantee that an investment in these securities will result in a high rate of return.
30
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Corporate Fixed Income Securities — The International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds may invest in corporate fixed income securities. Corporate fixed income securities are fixed income securities issued by public and private businesses. Corporate fixed income securities respond to economic developments, especially changes in interest rates, as well as perceptions of the creditworthiness and business prospects of individual issuers. Corporate fixed income securities are subject to the risk that the issuer may not be able to pay interest or, ultimately, to repay principal upon maturity. Interruptions or delays of these payments could adversely affect the market value of the security. In addition, due to lack of uniformly available information about issuers or differences in the issuers' sensitivity to changing economic conditions, it may be difficult to measure the credit risk of securities issued by private businesses.
Country Concentration — The Emerging Markets Equity Fund's concentration of its assets in issuers located in a single country or a limited number of countries will increase the impact of, and potential losses associated with, the risks set forth in Foreign Investment/Emerging and Frontier Markets.
Credit — Credit risk is the risk that a decline in the credit quality of an investment could cause the Funds to lose money. The Funds could lose money if the issuer or guarantor of a portfolio security or a counterparty to a derivative contract fails to make timely payment or otherwise honor its obligations. Fixed income securities rated below investment grade (junk bonds) (described above) involve greater risks of default or downgrade and are generally more volatile than investment grade securities. Discontinuation of these payments could substantially adversely affect the market value of the security.
Credit-Linked Notes — The Emerging Markets Debt Fund may invest in credit-linked notes. Credit-linked securities and similarly structured products typically are issued by a limited purpose trust or other vehicle that, in turn, enters into a credit protection agreement or invests in a derivative instrument or basket of derivative instruments, such as credit default swaps or interest rate swaps, to obtain exposure to certain fixed-income markets or to remain fully invested when more traditional income producing securities are not available. Like an investment in a bond, an investment in credit-linked notes represents the right to receive periodic income payments (in the form of distributions) and payment of principal at the end of the term of the security. However, these payments are conditioned on the issuer's receipt of payments from, and the issuer's potential obligations to, the counterparties to certain credit protection agreements or derivative instruments entered into by the issuer of the credit-linked note. For example, the issuer may sell one or more credit default swaps entitling the issuer to receive a stream of payments over the term of the swap agreements provided that no event of default has occurred with respect to the referenced debt obligation upon which the swap is based. If a default occurs, then the stream of payments may stop and the issuer would be obligated to pay the counterparty the par (or other agreed upon value) of the referenced debt obligation. An investor holding a credit-linked note generally receives a fixed or floating coupon and the note's par value upon maturity, unless the referenced creditor defaults or declares bankruptcy, in which case the investor receives the amount recovered. In effect, investors holding credit-linked notes receive a higher yield in exchange for assuming the risk of a specified credit event. The Fund's investments in credit-linked notes are indirectly subject to the risks associated with derivative instruments, which are described below, and may be illiquid.
Currency — The International Fixed Income Fund and Emerging Markets Debt Fund take active positions in currencies, which involve different techniques and risk analyses than the Funds' purchase of securities or other investments. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate in response to factors extrinsic to that country's economy, which makes the forecasting of currency market movements extremely difficult. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates, intervention (or failure to intervene) by U.S. or foreign governments, central banks
31
SEI / PROSPECTUS
or supranational entities, such as the International Monetary Fund, or by the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the United States or abroad. These can result in losses to the Funds if they are unable to deliver or receive currency or funds in settlement of obligations and could also cause hedges they have entered into to be rendered useless, resulting in full currency exposure as well as incurring transaction costs. The International Equity Fund and the Emerging Markets Equity Fund take passive positions in currencies, which may, to a lesser extent, also subject the Funds to these same risks. The value of the Funds' investments may fluctuate in response to broader macroeconomic risks than if the Funds invested only in U.S. equity securities.
Current Market Conditions Risk — Current market conditions risk is the risk that a particular investment, or shares of the Funds in general, may fall in value due to current market conditions. As a means to fight inflation, which remains at elevated levels, the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks have raised interest rates and expect to continue to do so, and the Federal Reserve has announced that it intends to reverse previously implemented quantitative easing. U.S. regulators have proposed several changes to market and issuer regulations that could directly impact the Funds, and any regulatory changes could adversely impact the Funds' ability to achieve its investment strategies or make certain investments. Recent and potential future bank failures could result in disruption to the broader banking industry or markets generally and reduce confidence in financial institutions and the economy as a whole, which may also heighten market volatility and reduce liquidity. The ongoing adversarial political climate in the United States, as well as political and diplomatic events both domestic and abroad, have and may continue to have an adverse impact on the U.S. regulatory landscape, markets and investor behavior, which could have a negative impact on the Funds' investments and operations. Other unexpected political, regulatory and diplomatic events within the U.S. and abroad may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy. The economies of the United States and its trading partners, as well as the financial markets generally, may be adversely impacted by trade disputes and other matters. If any geopolitical conflicts develop or worsen, economies, markets and individual securities may be adversely affected, and the value of the Funds' assets may go down. The COVID-19 global pandemic, or any future public health crisis, and the ensuing policies enacted by governments and central banks have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets, negatively impacting global growth prospects. Advancements in technology may also adversely impact markets and the overall performance of the Funds. These events, and any other future events, may adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the Funds' investments and could result in disruptions in the trading markets.
Depositary Receipts — Depositary receipts are alternatives to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities in their national markets and currencies. However, depositary receipts, including American Depositary Receipts, are subject to many of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities, which are further described below.
Derivatives — Derivatives are instruments that derive their value from an underlying security, financial asset or an index. Examples of derivative instruments include futures contracts, options, forward contracts and swaps. Changes in the market value of a security that is a reference asset for a derivative instrument may not be proportionate to changes in the market value of the derivative instrument itself. There may not be a liquid market for the Funds to sell a derivative instrument, which could result in difficulty in closing the position prior to expiration. Moreover, certain derivative instruments can magnify the extent of losses incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities to which they relate. Some derivative instruments are subject to counterparty risk. A default by the counterparty on its payments to the Funds will cause the value of your investment in the Funds to decrease. The Funds' use of derivatives is also subject to credit risk, leverage risk,
32
SEI / PROSPECTUS
lack of availability risk, valuation risk, correlation risk, counterparty risk and tax risk. Credit risk is described above and leverage risk is described below. A Fund's counterparties to its derivative contracts present the same types of credit risk as issuers of fixed income securities. Lack of availability risk is the risk that suitable derivative transactions, such as roll-forward contracts, may not be available in all circumstances for risk management or other purposes. Valuation risk is the risk that a particular derivative may be valued incorrectly. Correlation risk is the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index. Counterparty risk is the risk that the counterparty to a derivatives contract, a clearing member used by a Fund to hold a cleared derivative contract, or a borrower of the Fund's securities is unable or unwilling to make timely settlement payments, return the Fund's margin or otherwise honor its obligations. Tax risk is the risk that the use of derivatives may cause the Funds to realize higher amounts of short-term capital gains or otherwise affect a Fund's ability to pay out dividends subject to preferential rates or the dividends received deduction, thereby increasing the amount of taxes payable by some shareholders. These risks could cause the Funds to lose more than the principal amount invested. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the Funds' initial investment.
Derivatives are also subject to a number of other risks described elsewhere in this prospectus. Derivatives transactions conducted outside the U.S. may not be conducted in the same manner as those entered into on U.S. exchanges, and may be subject to different margin, exercise, settlement or expiration procedures. Derivatives transactions conducted outside the U.S. also are subject to the risks affecting foreign securities, currencies and other instruments, in addition to other risks.
Duration — Duration is a measure of the expected life of a fixed income security that is used to determine the sensitivity of a security's price to changes in interest rates. For example, if a fixed income security has a five-year duration, it will decrease in value by approximately 5% if interest rates rise 1% and increase in value by approximately 5% if interest rates fall 1%. Fixed income instruments with longer duration typically have higher risk and higher volatility. Longer-term fixed income securities in which a portfolio may invest are more volatile than shorter-term fixed income securities. A portfolio with a longer average portfolio duration is typically more sensitive to changes in interest rates than a portfolio with a shorter average portfolio duration.
Equity Market — Because the International Equity and Emerging Markets Equity Funds may purchase equity securities, the Funds are 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 Funds' securities may fluctuate drastically 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. In the case of foreign stocks, these fluctuations will reflect international economic and political events, as well as changes in currency valuations relative to the U.S. dollar. These factors contribute to price volatility, which is a principal risk of investing in the Funds.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) — ETFs are investment companies whose shares are bought and sold on a securities exchange. The shares of certain ETFs may trade at a premium or discount to their intrinsic value (i.e., the market value may differ from the net asset value (NAV) of an ETF's shares). For example, supply and demand for shares of an ETF or market disruptions may cause the market price of the ETF to deviate from the value of the ETF's investments, which may be emphasized in less liquid markets. By investing in an ETF, a Fund indirectly bears the proportionate share of any fees and expenses of the ETF in addition to the fees and expenses that the Fund and its shareholders directly bear in connection with the Fund's operations. Most ETFs are passively-managed, meaning they invest in a portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market segment or index. ETFs, like mutual funds, have expenses associated with their operation, including advisory fees. Such ETF expenses may make owning shares of the ETF more costly than owning the underlying
33
SEI / PROSPECTUS
securities directly. The risks of owning shares of a passively-managed ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities the ETF is designed to track, although lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in its value being more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities.
Leveraged ETFs contain all of the risks that non-leveraged ETFs present. Additionally, to the extent a Fund invests in ETFs that achieve leveraged exposure to their underlying indexes through the use of derivative instruments, the Fund will indirectly be subject to leverage risk, described below. Inverse ETFs seek to provide investment results that match a negative of the performance of an underlying index. Leveraged inverse ETFs seek to provide investment results that match a negative multiple of the performance of an underlying index. To the extent that a Fund invests in leveraged inverse ETFs, the Fund will indirectly be subject to the risk that the performance of such ETF will fall as the performance of that ETF's benchmark rises. Leveraged, inverse and leveraged inverse ETFs often "reset" daily, meaning that they are designed to achieve their stated objectives on a daily basis. Due to the effect of compounding, their performance over longer periods of time can differ significantly from the performance (or inverse of the performance) of their underlying index or benchmark during the same period of time. These investment vehicles may be extremely volatile and can potentially expose a Fund to complete loss of its investment.
Extension — Investments in fixed income securities are subject to extension risk. Generally, rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of fixed income securities, making them more sensitive to changes in interest rates. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, a Fund may exhibit additional volatility.
Fixed Income Market — The prices of a Fund's fixed income securities respond to economic developments, particularly interest rate changes, as well as to perceptions about the creditworthiness of individual issuers, including governments and their agencies. Generally, the Fund's fixed income securities will decrease in value if interest rates rise and vice versa. Fixed income securities may have fixed-, variable- or floating-rates. There is a risk that the current interest rate on floating and variable rate instruments may not accurately reflect existing market interest rates. Also, longer-term securities are generally more sensitive to changes in the level of interest rates, so the average maturity or duration of these securities affects risk. Changes in government policy, including the Federal Reserve's decisions with respect to raising interest rates or terminating certain programs such as quantitative easing, could increase the risk that interest rates will rise. Rising interest rates may, in turn, increase volatility and reduce liquidity in the fixed income markets, and result in a decline in the value of the fixed income investments held by the Fund. These risks may be heightened in a low interest rate environment. In addition, reductions in dealer market-making capacity as a result of structural or regulatory changes could further decrease liquidity and/or increase volatility in the fixed income markets. As a result of these conditions, the Fund's value may fluctuate and/or the Fund may experience increased redemptions from shareholders, which may impact the Fund's liquidity or force the Fund to sell securities into a declining or illiquid market.
Foreign Investment/Emerging and Frontier Markets — The Funds may invest in foreign issuers, including issuers located in emerging and frontier market countries. Investing in issuers located in foreign countries poses distinct risks because political and economic events unique to a country or region will affect those markets and their issuers. These events will not necessarily affect the U.S. economy or similar issuers located in the United States. In addition, investments in foreign countries are generally denominated in a foreign currency. As a result, changes in the value of those currencies compared to the U.S. dollar may affect (positively or negatively) the value of a Fund's investments. These currency movements may happen separately from, and in response to, events that do not otherwise affect the value of the security in the issuer's home country. Investments in emerging markets are subject to the added risk that information in emerging market investments may be unreliable or outdated due to differences in regulatory, accounting or auditing and
34
SEI / PROSPECTUS
financial record keeping standards, or because less information about emerging market investments is publicly available. In addition, the rights and remedies associated with emerging market investments may be different than investments in developed markets. A lack of reliable information, rights and remedies increase the risks of investing in emerging markets in comparison to more developed markets.
Emerging market countries are those countries that are: (i) characterized as developing or emerging by any of the World Bank, the United Nations, the International Finance Corporation, or the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; (ii) included in an emerging markets index by a recognized index provider; or (iii) countries with similar developing or emerging characteristics as countries classified as emerging market countries pursuant to sub-paragraph (i) and (ii) above, in each case determined at the time of purchase. "Frontier market countries" are a subset of emerging market countries with even smaller national economies. Emerging market countries, and, to an even greater extent, frontier market countries, may be more likely to experience political turmoil or rapid changes in market or economic conditions than more developed countries. Emerging market and frontier market countries often have less uniformity in accounting and reporting requirements and unreliable securities valuation. It is sometimes difficult to obtain and enforce court judgments in such countries and there is often a greater potential for nationalization and/or expropriation of assets by the government of an emerging market country. In addition, the financial stability of issuers (including governments) in emerging market and frontier market countries may be more precarious than in other countries. As a result, there will tend to be an increased risk of price volatility associated with a Fund's investments in emerging market and frontier market countries, which may be magnified by currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.
Frontier countries are a subset of emerging market countries with even smaller national economies. The economies of frontier market countries tend to be less correlated to global economic cycles than the economies of more developed countries and their markets have lower trading volumes and may exhibit greater price volatility and illiquidity. A small number of large investments in these markets may affect these markets to a greater degree than more developed markets. Frontier market countries may also be affected by government activities to a greater degree than more developed countries. For example, the governments of frontier market countries may exercise substantial influence within the private sector or subject investments to government approval, and governments of other countries may impose or negotiate trade barriers, exchange controls, adjustments to relative currency values and other measures that adversely affect a frontier market country. Governments of other countries may also impose sanctions or embargoes on frontier market countries. Although all of these risks are generally heightened with respect to frontier market countries, they also apply to emerging market countries.
Additionally, periodic U.S. Government restrictions on investments in issuers from certain foreign countries may result in a Fund having to sell such prohibited securities at inopportune times. Such prohibited securities may have less liquidity as a result of such U.S. Government designation and the market price of such prohibited securities may decline, which may cause the Fund to incur losses. In addition, the large-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022 and the resulting responses, including economic sanctions by the U.S. and other countries against certain Russian individuals and companies could negatively impact the Funds' performance and cause losses on your investment in the Funds.
Foreign Sovereign Debt Securities — The risks that (i) the governmental entity that controls the repayment of sovereign debt may not be willing or able to repay the principal and/or interest when it becomes due because of factors such as debt service burden, political constraints, cash flow problems and other national economic factors; (ii) governments may default on their debt securities, which may require holders of such securities to
35
SEI / PROSPECTUS
participate in debt rescheduling or additional lending to defaulting governments; and (iii) there is no bankruptcy proceeding by which defaulted sovereign debt may be collected in whole or in part.
Forward Contracts — A forward contract, also called a "forward," involves a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific security or currency at a future date (with or without delivery required), which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward contracts are not traded on exchanges; rather, a bank or dealer will act as agent or as principal in order to make or take future delivery of a specified lot of a particular security or currency for a Fund's account. Risks associated with forwards may include: (i) an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of forward contracts and the securities or currencies underlying them; (ii) an illiquid market for forwards; (iii) difficulty in obtaining an accurate value for the forwards; and (iv) the risk that the counterparty to the forward contract will default or otherwise fail to honor its obligation. Because forwards require only a small initial investment in the form of a deposit or margin, they involve a high degree of leverage. Forwards are also subject to credit risk, liquidity risk and leverage risk, each of which is further described elsewhere in this section.
Futures Contracts — Futures contracts, or "futures," provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific security or asset at a specified future time and at a specified price (with or without delivery required). The risks of futures include (i) leverage risk; (ii) correlation or tracking risk; and (iii) liquidity risk. Because futures require only a small initial investment in the form of a deposit or margin, they involve a high degree of leverage. Accordingly, the fluctuation of the value of futures in relation to the underlying assets upon which they are based is magnified. Thus, a Fund may experience losses that exceed losses experienced by funds that do not use futures contracts and which may be unlimited, depending on the structure of the contract.
There may be imperfect correlation, or even no correlation, between price movements of a futures contract and price movements of investments for which futures are used as a substitute or which futures are intended to hedge. Lack of correlation (or tracking) may be due to factors unrelated to the value of the investments being substituted or hedged, such as speculative or other pressures on the markets in which these instruments are traded. Consequently, the effectiveness of futures as a security substitute or as a hedging vehicle will depend in part on the degree of correlation between price movements in the futures and price movements in underlying securities or assets. While futures contracts are generally liquid instruments, under certain market conditions they may become illiquid. Futures exchanges may impose daily or intra-day price change limits and/or limit the volume of trading. Additionally, government regulation may further reduce liquidity through similar trading restrictions. As a result, a Fund may be unable to close out its futures contracts at a time that is advantageous. If movements in the markets for security futures contracts or the underlying security decrease the value of a Fund's positions in security futures contracts, the Fund may be required to have or make additional funds available to its brokerage firm as margin. If the Fund's account is under the minimum margin requirements set by the exchange or the brokerage firm, its position may be liquidated at a loss, and the Fund will be liable for the deficit, if any, in its account. The Fund may also experience losses due to systems failures or inadequate system back-up or procedures at the brokerage firm(s) carrying the Fund's positions. The successful use of futures depends upon a variety of factors, particularly the ability of SIMC or the Sub-Advisers to predict movements of the underlying securities markets, which requires different skills than predicting changes in the prices of individual securities. There can be no assurance that any particular futures strategy adopted will succeed.
Inflation Protected Securities — The Funds may invest in inflation protected securities, including Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS), the value of which generally will fluctuate in response to changes in
36
SEI / PROSPECTUS
"real" interest rates. Real interest rates represent nominal (or stated) interest rates reduced by the expected impact of inflation. The value of an inflation-protected security generally decreases when real interest rates rise and generally increases when real interest rates fall. In addition, the principal value of an inflation-protected security is periodically adjusted up or down along with the rate of inflation. If the measure of inflation falls, the principal value of the inflation-protected security will be adjusted downwards, and consequently, the interest payable on the security will be reduced. Repayment of the original bond principal upon maturity (as adjusted for inflation) is guaranteed by the United States Treasury in the case of TIPS. For securities that do not provide a similar guarantee, the adjusted principal value of the security to be repaid at maturity is subject to credit risk.
Interest Rate — The risk that a change in interest rates will cause a fall in the value of fixed income securities, including U.S. Government securities, in which a Fund invests. In a low interest rate environment, the risk of a decline in value of the Fund's portfolio securities associated with rising rates are heightened because there may be a greater likelihood of rates increasing, potentially rapidly. In a declining interest rate environment, the Fund generally will be required to invest available cash in instruments with lower interest rates than those of the current portfolio securities. Although U.S. Government securities are considered to be among the safest investments, they are not guaranteed against price movements due to changing interest rates. Obligations issued by some U.S. Government agencies are backed by the U.S. Treasury, whereas others are backed solely by the ability of the agency to borrow from the U.S. Treasury or by the agency's own resources.
Investment Company — The Funds may purchase shares of investment companies, such as open-end funds, ETFs and closed-end funds. When a Fund invests in an investment company, it will bear a pro rata portion of the investment company's expenses in addition to directly bearing the expenses associated with its own operations. Such expenses may make owning shares of an investment company more costly than owning the underlying securities directly. The Funds may invest in affiliated funds including, for example, money market funds for reasons such as cash management or other purposes. In such cases, the Funds' adviser and its affiliates will earn fees at both the Fund level and within the underlying fund with respect to the Funds' assets invested in the underlying fund. In part because of these additional expenses, the performance of an investment company may differ from the performance a Fund would achieve if it invested directly in the underlying investments of the investment company. In addition, while the risks of owning shares of an investment company generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying investments of the investment company, the Fund may be subject to additional or different risks than if the Fund had invested directly in the underlying investments. See also, "Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)," above.
Investment Style — Investment style risk is the risk that a Fund's investment in certain securities in a particular market segment pursuant to its particular investment strategy may underperform other market segments or the market as a whole.
Leverage — Certain Fund transactions, such as derivatives or reverse repurchase agreements, may give rise to a form of leverage. The use of leverage can amplify the effects of market volatility on a Fund's share price and make the Fund's returns more volatile. This is because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of a Fund's portfolio securities. Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act requires, among other things, that a Fund either use derivatives in a limited manner or comply with an outer limit on fund leverage risk based on one of two value-at-risk (VaR) tests. The use of leverage may also cause a Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations or to meet the applicable requirements of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder.
37
SEI / PROSPECTUS
LIBOR Replacement — Effective June 30, 2023, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority stopped compelling or inducing banks to submit London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) rates. Investments impacted by the discontinuation of LIBOR may include bank loans, derivatives, floating rate securities, and other assets or liabilities tied to LIBOR. Actions by regulators have resulted in the establishment of alternative reference rates to LIBOR in most major currencies. The U.S. Federal Reserve, based on the recommendations of the New York Federal Reserve's Alternative Reference Rate Committee (composed of major derivative market participants and their regulators), has begun publishing a Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), a broad measure of secured overnight U.S. Treasury repo rates, to replace U.S. dollar LIBOR. In response to the discontinuation of LIBOR, investors have added fallback provisions to existing contracts for investments whose value is tied to LIBOR, with most fallback provisions requiring the adoption of SOFR as a replacement rate. On March 15, 2022, the Adjustable Interest Rate Act was signed into law (the "LIBOR Act"), which, in conjunction with regulations adopted by the Federal Reserve Board, establishes SOFR as the default fallback rate for any U.S. contract without a fallback provision. As of July 1, 2023 and continuing through September 30, 2024, U.K. Financial Conduct Authority has permitted the publishing 1-, 3- and 6-month synthetic U.S. dollar LIBOR settings based on SOFR to serve as a fallback for non-U.S. contracts. Transitioning away from LIBOR may affect the value, liquidity or return of an investment or result in administrative costs or delays.
Liquidity — Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are difficult to purchase or sell. The market for certain investments may become illiquid due to specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer or under adverse market or economic conditions independent of the issuer. A Fund's investments in illiquid securities may reduce the returns of the Fund because it may be unable to sell the illiquid securities at an advantageous time or price. Further, transactions in illiquid securities may entail transaction costs that are higher than those for transactions in liquid securities.
Long/Short Strategy — The International Equity Fund seeks long exposure to certain financial instruments and short exposure to certain other financial instruments. There is no guarantee that the returns on the Fund's long or short positions will produce positive returns and the Fund could lose money if either or both the Fund's long and short positions produce negative returns. In addition, the Fund may gain enhanced long exposure to certain financial instruments (i.e., obtain investment exposure that exceeds the amount directly invested in those assets, a form of leverage) and, under such circumstances, will lose more money in market environments that are adverse to its long positions than funds that do not employ such leverage. As a result, such investments may give rise to losses that exceed the amount invested in those assets.
Market — Each Fund is subject to market risk, which is the risk that the market value of a security may move up and down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Market risk may affect a single issuer, an industry, a sector or the market as a whole.
Mortgage-Backed Securities — The International Fixed Income Fund may invest in mortgage-backed securities. Mortgage-backed securities are a class of asset-backed securities representing an interest in a pool or pools of whole mortgage loans (which may be residential mortgage loans or commercial mortgage loans). Mortgage-backed securities held or acquired by the Fund could include (i) obligations guaranteed by federal agencies of the U.S. Government, such as the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), which are backed by the "full faith and credit" of the United States, (ii) securities issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), which are not backed by the "full faith and credit" of the United States but are guaranteed by the U.S. Government as to timely payment of principal and interest, (iii) securities (commonly referred to as "private-label RMBS") issued by private issuers that represent an interest in or are collateralized by whole
38
SEI / PROSPECTUS
residential mortgage loans without a government guarantee and (iv) commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS), which are multi-class or pass-through securities backed by a mortgage loan or a pool of mortgage loans secured by commercial property such as industrial and warehouse properties, office buildings, retail space and shopping malls, multifamily properties and cooperative apartments. Because private-label RMBS and CMBS are not issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, those securities generally are structured with one or more types of credit enhancement. There can be no assurance, however, that credit enhancements will support full payment to the Fund of the principal and interest on such obligations. In addition, changes in the credit quality of the entity that provides credit enhancement could cause losses to the Fund and affect its share price.
The Fund may invest in mortgage-backed securities in the form of debt or in the form of "pass-through" certificates. Pass-through certificates, which represent beneficial ownership interests in the related mortgage loans, differ from debt securities, which generally provide for periodic fixed payments of interest on and principal of the related notes. Mortgage pass-through securities provide for monthly payments that are a "pass-through" of the monthly interest and principal payments (including any prepayments) made by the individual borrowers on the pooled mortgage loans, net of any fees and expenses owed to the servicers of the mortgage loans and other transaction parties that receive payment from collections on the mortgage loans.
The performance of mortgage loans and, in turn, the mortgage-backed securities acquired by the Fund, is influenced by a wide variety of economic, geographic, social and other factors, including general economic conditions, the level of prevailing interest rates, the unemployment rate, the availability of alternative financing and homeowner behavior.
The rate and aggregate amount of distributions on mortgage-backed securities, and therefore the average lives of those securities and the yields realized by the Fund, will be sensitive to the rate of prepayments (including liquidations) and modifications of the related mortgage loans, any losses and shortfalls on the related mortgage loans allocable to the tranches held by the Fund and the manner in which principal payments on the related mortgage loans are allocated among the various tranches in the particular securitization transaction. Furthermore, mortgage-backed securities are sensitive to changes in interest rates, but may respond to those changes differently from other fixed income securities due to the possibility of prepayment of the mortgage loans. Among other factors, a significant amount of defaults, rapid prepayments or prepayment interest shortfalls may erode amounts available for distributions to the Fund. The timing of changes in the rate of prepayments of the mortgage loans may significantly affect the Fund's actual yield to maturity, even if the average rate of principal payments is consistent with the Fund's expectations. If prepayments of mortgage loans occur at a rate faster than that anticipated by the Fund, payments of interest on the mortgage-backed securities could be significantly less than anticipated. Similarly, if the number of mortgage loans that are modified is larger than that anticipated by the Fund, payments of principal and interest on the mortgage-backed securities could be significantly less than anticipated.
Non-Diversification — The International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds are non-diversified, which means that they may invest in the securities of relatively few issuers. As a result, the Funds may be more susceptible to a single adverse economic or political occurrence affecting one or more of these issuers and may experience increased volatility due to its investments in those securities. However, the International Fixed Income Fund and Emerging Markets Debt Fund each intend to satisfy the asset diversification requirements under the Code for classification as a regulated investment company (RIC).
Options — An option is a contract between two parties for the purchase and sale of a financial instrument for a specified price at a specified date. Unlike a futures contract, an option grants the purchaser, in exchange for
39
SEI / PROSPECTUS
a premium payment, a right (not an obligation) to buy or sell a financial instrument. An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in exchange for a premium, to assume a position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price during the term of the option. The seller of an uncovered call (buy) option assumes the risk of a theoretically unlimited increase in the market price of the underlying security above the exercise price of the option. The securities necessary to satisfy the exercise of the call option may be unavailable for purchase except at much higher prices. Purchasing securities to satisfy the exercise of the call option can itself cause the price of the securities to rise further, sometimes by a significant amount, thereby exacerbating the loss. The buyer of a call option assumes the risk of paying an entire premium in the call option without ever getting the opportunity to execute the option. The seller (writer) of a covered put (sell) option (e.g., the writer has a short position in the underlying security) will suffer a loss if the increase in the market price of the underlying security is greater than the premium received from the buyer of the option. The seller of an uncovered put option assumes the risk of a decline in the market price of the underlying security below the exercise price of the option. The buyer of a put option assumes the risk of paying an entire premium in the put option without ever getting the opportunity to exercise the option. An option's time value (i.e., the component of the option's value that exceeds the in-the-money amount) tends to diminish over time. Even though an option may be in-the-money to the buyer at various times prior to its expiration date, the buyer's ability to realize the value of an option depends on when and how the option may be exercised. For example, the terms of a transaction may provide for the option to be exercised automatically if it is in-the-money on the expiration date. Conversely, the terms may require timely delivery of a notice of exercise, and exercise may be subject to other conditions (such as the occurrence or non-occurrence of certain events, such as knock-in, knock-out or other barrier events) and timing requirements, including the "style" of the option.
Participation Notes (P-Notes) — P-Notes are participation interest notes that are issued by banks or broker-dealers and are designed to offer a return linked to a particular underlying equity, debt, currency or market. Investments in P-Notes involve the same risks associated with a direct investment in the underlying foreign companies or foreign securities markets that they seek to replicate. However, there can be no assurance that the trading price of P-Notes will equal the underlying value of the foreign companies or foreign securities markets that they seek to replicate.
Portfolio Turnover — Due to its investment strategy, a Fund may buy and sell securities frequently. This may result in higher transaction costs and additional capital gains tax liabilities, which may affect the Fund's performance.
Preferred Stock — The International Equity and Emerging Markets Equity Funds may invest in preferred stocks. Preferred stocks involve credit risk and certain other risks. Certain preferred stocks contain provisions that allow an issuer under certain conditions to skip distributions (in the case of "non-cumulative" preferred stocks) or defer distributions (in the case of "cumulative" preferred stocks). If a Fund owns a preferred stock on which distributions are deferred, the Fund may nevertheless be required to report income for tax purposes while it is not receiving distributions on that security. Preferred stocks are subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a company's capital structure in terms of priority to corporate income and liquidation payments and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than those debt instruments.
Prepayment — Investments in fixed income securities are subject to prepayment risk. In a declining interest rate environment, fixed income securities with stated interest rates may have their principal paid earlier than expected. This may result in a Fund having to reinvest that money at lower prevailing interest rates, which can reduce the returns of the Fund.
40
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Quantitative Investing — A quantitative investment style generally involves the use of computers to implement a systematic or rules-based approach to selecting investments based on specific measurable factors. Due to the significant role technology plays in such strategies, they carry the risk of unintended or unrecognized issues or flaws in the design, coding, implementation or maintenance of the computer programs or technology used in the development and implementation of the quantitative strategy. These issues or flaws, which can be difficult to identify, may result in the implementation of a portfolio that is different from that which was intended, and could negatively impact investment returns. Such risks should be viewed as an inherent element of investing in an investment strategy that relies heavily upon quantitative models and computerization. Utility interruptions or other key systems outages also can impair the performance of quantitative investment strategies.
Reallocation — In addition to managing the Funds, SIMC constructs and maintains strategies (Strategies) for certain clients, and the Funds are designed in part to implement those Strategies. Within the Strategies, SIMC periodically adjusts the target allocations among the Funds to ensure that the appropriate mix of assets is in place. SIMC also may create new Strategies that reflect significant changes in allocation among the Funds. Because a significant portion of the assets in the Funds may be composed of investors in Strategies controlled or influenced by SIMC, this reallocation activity could result in significant purchase or redemption activity in the Funds. Although reallocations are intended to benefit investors that invest in the Funds through the Strategies, they could in certain cases have a detrimental effect on Funds that are being materially reallocated, including by increasing portfolio turnover (and related transactions costs), disrupting the portfolio management strategy, and causing a Fund to incur taxable gains. SIMC seeks to manage the impact to the Funds resulting from reallocations in the Strategies.
Risk of Investing in China — China is an emerging market, and as a result, investments in securities of companies organized and listed in China may be subject to liquidity constraints and significantly higher volatility, from time to time, than investments in securities of more developed markets. China may be subject to considerable government intervention and varying degrees of economic, political and social instability. Internal social unrest or confrontations with other neighboring countries could have a significant impact on the economy of China. Reduction in spending on Chinese products and services, institution of tariffs or other trade barriers, or a downturn in any of the economies of China's key trading partners may have an adverse impact on the Chinese economy. There also is no guarantee that the Chinese government will not revert from its current open-market economy to an economic policy of central planning. These factors may result in, among other things, a greater risk of stock market, interest rate, and currency fluctuations, as well as inflation. Accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards in China are different from U.S. standards and, therefore, disclosure of certain material information may not be made, may be less available, or may be less reliable. It may also be difficult or impossible for the Fund, U.S. authorities and regulators to obtain or enforce a judgment in a Chinese court. In addition, periodic U.S. Government restrictions on investments in Chinese companies may result in a Fund having to sell such prohibited securities at inopportune times. Such prohibited securities may have less liquidity as a result of such U.S. Government designation and the market price of such prohibited securities may decline, which may cause the Fund to incur losses. A Fund may also be subject to additional risks related to investments in variable interest entities (VIEs). Instead of directly owning the equity securities of a Chinese company, a VIE enters into service and other contracts with the Chinese company. Although the VIE has no equity ownership of the Chinese company, the contractual arrangements permit the VIE to consolidate the Chinese company into its financial statements. Intervention by the Chinese government with respect to VIEs could significantly affect the Chinese company's performance and the enforceability of the VIE's contractual arrangements with the Chinese company.
41
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Securities Lending — Each Fund may lend its securities to certain financial institutions in an attempt to earn additional income. The Funds may lend their portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions provided a number of conditions are satisfied, including that the loan is fully collateralized. When a Fund lends portfolio securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned, and the Fund will also receive a fee or interest on the collateral. Securities lending involves the risk of loss of rights, including voting rights, in the loaned securities during the term of the loan or delay in recovering loaned securities if the borrower fails to return them or becomes insolvent. A Fund that lends its securities may pay lending fees to a party arranging the loan.
Short Sales — Short sales are transactions in which the Funds sell a security they do not own. To complete a short sale, the Funds must borrow the security to deliver to the buyer. The Funds are then obligated to replace the borrowed security by purchasing the security at the market price at the time of replacement. This price may be more or less than the price at which the security was sold by the Funds, and the Funds will incur a loss if the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time the Funds replace the borrowed security. In addition, until the security is replaced, a Fund is required to pay the lender amounts equal to any dividends or interest that accrue during the period of the loan. Certain Funds' investment strategies of reinvesting proceeds received from selling securities short may effectively create leverage, which can amplify the effects of market volatility on the Funds' share price and make the Funds' returns more volatile. This is because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Funds' portfolio securities. The use of leverage may also cause the Funds to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy their obligations. Pursuant to its particular investment strategy, a Sub-Adviser may have a net short exposure in the portfolio of assets allocated to the Sub-Adviser.
Small and Medium Capitalization Issuers — The International Equity and Emerging Markets Equity Funds may invest in small and medium capitalization issuers. Investing in equity securities of small and medium capitalization companies often involves greater risk than is customarily associated with investments in larger capitalization companies. This increased risk may be due to the greater business risks of smaller size companies, limited markets and financial resources, narrow product lines and the frequent lack of depth of management. Stock prices of smaller companies may be based in substantial part on future expectations rather than current achievements. The securities of smaller companies are often traded over-the-counter and, even if listed on a national securities exchange, may not be traded in volumes typical for that exchange. Consequently, the securities of smaller companies may be less liquid, may have limited market stability and may be subject to more severe, abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of larger, more established companies or the market averages in general. Further, smaller companies may have less publicly available information and, when available, it may be inaccurate or incomplete.
Structured Securities — A structured security is a type of instrument designed to offer a return linked to particular underlying securities, currencies, or markets. A Fund's investment in structured securities involves the same risks associated with direct investments in the underlying securities or other instruments they seek to replicate, as well as additional risks. Structured securities may present a greater degree of market risk than many types of securities and may be more volatile, less liquid and more difficult to price accurately than less complex securities. Structured securities are also subject to the risk that the issuer of the structured securities may fail to perform its contractual obligations. Certain issuers of structured products may be deemed to be investment companies as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (Investment Company Act). As a result, the Portfolio's investments in structured securities may be subject to the limits applicable to investments in other investment companies.
42
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Swap Agreements — Swaps are agreements whereby two parties agree to exchange payment streams calculated by reference to an underlying asset, such as a rate, index, instrument or securities. Swaps typically involve credit risk, market risk, liquidity risk, funding risk, operational risk, legal and documentation risk, counterparty risk, regulatory risk and/or tax risk. Interest rate swaps involve one party, in return for a premium, agreeing to make payments to another party to the extent that interest rates exceed or fall below a specified rate (a "cap" or "floor," respectively). Swap agreements involve the risk that the party with whom a Fund has entered into the swap will default on its obligation to pay the Fund and the risk that the Fund will not be able to meet its obligations to the other party to the agreement.
Total return swaps are contracts that obligate a party to pay interest in exchange for payment by the other party of the total return generated by a security, a basket of securities, an index or an index component. Total return swaps give a Fund the right to receive the appreciation in the value of a specified security, index or other instrument in return for a fee paid to the counterparty, which will typically be an agreed upon interest rate. If the underlying asset in a total return swap declines in value over the term of the swap, the Fund may also be required to pay the dollar value of that decline to the counterparty. Fully funded total return swaps have economic and risk characteristics similar to credit-linked notes, which are described above. Fully funded equity swaps have economic and risk characteristics similar to participation notes (P-Notes).
A credit default swap enables a Fund to buy or sell protection against a defined credit event of an issuer or a basket of securities. The buyer of a credit default swap is generally obligated to pay the seller a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract in return for a contingent payment upon the occurrence of a credit event with respect to an underlying reference obligation. If a Fund is a seller of protection and a credit event occurs (as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement), the Fund will generally either: (i) pay to the buyer an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and take delivery of the referenced obligation, other deliverable obligations or underlying securities comprising a referenced index or (ii) pay a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising a referenced index. If a Fund is a buyer of protection and a credit event occurs (as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement), the Fund will either: (i) receive from the seller of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and deliver the referenced obligation, other deliverable obligations or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) receive a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index. Recovery values are calculated by market makers considering either industry standard recovery rates or entity specific factors and other considerations until a credit event occurs. If a credit event has occurred, the recovery value is generally determined by a facilitated auction whereby a minimum number of allowable broker bids, together with a specified valuation method, are used to calculate the settlement value.
Credit default swaps involve special risks in addition to those mentioned above because they are difficult to value, are highly susceptible to liquidity and credit risk, and generally pay a return to the party that has paid the premium only in the event of an actual default by the issuer of the underlying obligation (as opposed to a credit downgrade or other indication of financial difficulty). Like a long or short position in a physical security, credit default swaps are subject to the same factors that cause changes in the market value of the underlying asset.
The Dodd-Frank Act, which was signed into law on July 21, 2010, established a comprehensive new regulatory framework for swaps and security-based swaps. Key Dodd-Frank Act provisions relating to swaps and security-based swaps require rulemaking by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the
43
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), not all of which have been completed as of the date of this prospectus. Prior to the Dodd-Frank Act, the swaps and security-based swaps transactions generally occurred on a bilateral basis in the over-the-counter (OTC) market (so-called "bilateral OTC transactions"). Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, some, but not all, swaps and security-based swaps transactions are now required to be centrally cleared and traded on exchanges or electronic trading platforms. Bilateral OTC transactions differ from exchange-traded or cleared swaps and security-based swaps in several respects. Bilateral OTC transactions are transacted directly between counterparties and not through an exchange (although they may be submitted for clearing with a clearing corporation). As bilateral OTC transactions are entered into directly with a counterparty, there is a risk of nonperformance by the counterparty as a result of its insolvency or otherwise. Under certain risk mitigation regulations adopted pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act (commonly referred to as "Margin Rules"), the Fund is required to post collateral (known as variation margin) to cover the mark-to-market exposure in respect of its uncleared transactions in swaps and security-based swaps. The Margin Rules also mandate that collateral in the form of initial margin be posted to cover potential future exposure attributable to uncleared transactions in swaps and security-based swaps for certain entities, which may include the Funds. In addition, clearing agencies may impose separate margin requirements for certain cleared transactions in swaps and security-based swaps.
U.S. Government Securities — U.S. Government securities are obligations of, or guaranteed by, the U.S. Government, its agencies or government-sponsored entities. U.S. Government securities include issues by non-governmental entities (such as financial institutions) that carry direct guarantees from U.S. Government agencies as part of government initiatives in response to a market crisis or otherwise. Although the U.S. Government guarantees principal and interest payments on securities issued by the U.S. Government and some of its agencies, such as securities issued by the Government National Mortgage Association, this guarantee does not apply to losses resulting from declines in the market value of these securities. U.S. Government securities include zero coupon securities that make payments of interest and principal only upon maturity, which tend to be subject to greater volatility than interest bearing securities with comparable maturities. Some of the U.S. Government securities that a Fund may hold are not guaranteed or backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, such as those issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. Government securities may greatly exceed their current resources, including any legal right to support from the U.S. Government. Although U.S. Government securities are considered to be among the safest investments, they are still subject to the credit risk of the U.S. Government and are not guaranteed against price movements due to changing interest rates.
Warrants — The International Equity and Emerging Markets Equity Funds may invest in warrants. The holder of a warrant has the right to purchase a given number of shares of a particular issuer at a specified price until expiration of the warrant. Such investments can provide a greater potential for profit or loss than an equivalent investment in the underlying security. Prices of warrants do not necessarily move in tandem with the prices of the underlying securities and are speculative investments. Warrants pay no dividends and confer no rights other than a purchase option. If a warrant is not exercised by the date of its expiration, the Funds will lose their entire investment in such warrant.
GLOBAL ASSET ALLOCATION
The Funds and other funds managed by SIMC are used within the Strategies that SIMC constructs and maintains for certain clients (Strategy Clients). The Funds are designed in part to be used as a component within those Strategies. The degree to which a Strategy Client's portfolio is invested in the particular market
44
SEI / PROSPECTUS
segments and/or asset classes represented by the Funds and other funds varies. SIMC believes that an investment in a portfolio of funds representing a range of asset classes as part of a Strategy may reduce the Strategy's overall level of volatility.
Within the Strategies, SIMC periodically adjusts the target allocations among the Funds and other funds to ensure that the appropriate mix of assets is in place. SIMC also may create new Strategies that reflect significant changes in allocation among the Funds and other funds. Because a significant portion of the assets in the Funds and other funds may be attributable to investors in Strategies controlled or influenced by SIMC, this reallocation activity could result in significant purchase or redemption activity in the Funds. Although reallocations are intended to benefit investors that invest in the Funds through the Strategies, they could, in certain cases, have a detrimental effect on the Funds. Such detrimental effects could include: transaction costs, capital gains and other expenses resulting from an increase in portfolio turnover; and disruptions to the portfolio management strategy, such as foregone investment opportunities or the inopportune sale of securities to facilitate redemptions.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS' BENCHMARK INDEXES
The following information describes the various indexes referred to in the Performance Information sections of this prospectus, including those indexes that compose the Emerging Markets Debt Fund's Blended Benchmark.
The Bloomberg Global Aggregate Ex-US Index, Hedged, is an index of government, corporate and collateralized bonds denominated in foreign currencies.
The J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Index (EMBI) Global Diversified Index tracks the total returns for U.S. dollar-denominated debt instruments issued by sovereign and quasi-sovereign entities.
The J.P. Morgan Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets (GBI-EM) Global Diversified Index is a comprehensive global local emerging markets index, and consists of liquid, fixed-income rate, domestic currency government bonds.
The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Europe, Australasia and the Far East (EAFE) Index is a widely-recognized, capitalization-weighted (companies with larger market capitalizations have more influence than those with smaller capitalizations) index of developed market countries in Europe, Australasia and the Far East.
The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Emerging Markets Index is a widely-recognized, capitalization-weighted (companies with larger market capitalizations have more influence than those with smaller capitalizations) index of 24 emerging market countries.
INVESTMENT ADVISER
SIMC, a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registered investment adviser, located at One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, PA 19456, serves as the investment adviser to the Funds. As of September 30, 2023, SIMC had approximately $181.95 billion in assets under management.
The Funds are managed by SIMC and one or more Sub-Advisers. SIMC acts as a "manager of managers" of the Funds and, subject to the oversight of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (Board), is responsible for:
— researching and recommending to the Board, the hiring, termination and replacement of Sub-Advisers;
45
SEI / PROSPECTUS
— allocating, on a continuous basis, assets of a Fund among the Sub-Advisers (to the extent a Fund has more than one Sub-Adviser);
— monitoring and evaluating each Sub-Adviser's performance;
— overseeing the Sub-Advisers to ensure compliance with the Funds' investment objectives, policies and restrictions; and
— monitoring each Sub-Adviser's adherence to its investment style.
SIMC acts as manager of managers for the Funds pursuant to an exemptive order obtained from the SEC. The exemptive order permits SIMC, with the approval of the Board, to retain unaffiliated sub-advisers for the Funds without submitting the sub-advisory agreements to a vote of the applicable Funds' shareholders. Among other things, the exemptive order permits the non-disclosure of amounts payable by SIMC under a particular sub-advisory agreement, but instead requires SIMC to disclose the aggregate amount of sub-advisory fees paid by SIMC with respect to each Fund. In accordance with a separate exemptive order that the Trust and SIMC have obtained from the SEC, the Board may approve a new sub-advisory agreement or a material amendment to an existing sub-advisory agreement at a meeting that is not in person, subject to certain conditions, including that the Trustees are able to participate in the meeting using a means of communication that allows them to hear each other simultaneously during the meeting. As a manager of managers, SIMC is ultimately responsible for the investment performance of the Funds. The Board supervises SIMC and the Sub-Advisers and establishes policies that they must follow in their management activities.
SIMC sources, analyzes, selects and monitors a wide array of Sub-Advisers across multiple asset classes. Differentiating manager skill from market-generated returns is one of SIMC's primary objectives, as it seeks to identify Sub-Advisers that can deliver attractive investment results. SIMC believes that a full assessment of qualitative as well as quantitative factors is required to identify truly skilled managers. In carrying out this function, SIMC forms forward-looking expectations regarding how a Sub-Adviser will execute a given investment mandate; defines environments in which the strategy is likely to outperform or underperform; and seeks to identify the relevant factors behind a Sub-Adviser's performance. It also utilizes this analysis to identify catalysts that would lead SIMC to reevaluate its view of a Sub-Adviser.
SIMC then constructs a portfolio that seeks to maximize the risk-adjusted rate of return by finding a proper level of diversification between sources of excess return (at an asset class level) and the investment managers implementing them. The allocation to a given investment manager is based on SIMC's analysis of the manager's particular array of alpha sources, the current macroeconomic environment, expectations about the future macroeconomic environment, and the level of risk inherent in a particular manager's investment strategy. SIMC measures and allocates to Sub-Advisers based on risk allocations in an attempt to ensure that one manager does not dominate the risk of a multi-manager, multi-return-source fund.
The following portfolio managers are primarily responsible for the management and oversight of the Funds, as described above.
Rich Carr, CFA, serves as a Portfolio Manager for the International Equity Fund. Mr. Carr serves as a Portfolio Manager within SIMC's Investment Management Unit where he is responsible for the management of international developed markets equity funds. Previously, Mr. Carr was a Director on SEI's Manager Research team where he led the due diligence and selection process for SEI's equity fund management and separate account business. Prior to joining SEI, he worked at MFP Strategies where he managed the firm's investment process and was responsible for asset-class valuation research and investment manager due diligence. Before
46
SEI / PROSPECTUS
MFP Strategies, Mr. Carr worked for Brinker Capital where he was responsible for portfolio management and investment manager due diligence. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance and a minor in Economics from the University of Delaware. Mr. Carr is a CFA charterholder and a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Philadelphia.
Jason Collins serves as Portfolio Manager for the International Equity Fund and Emerging Markets Equity Fund. Mr. Collins is the global head of Equity Portfolio Management and the Head of the U.K. Investment Management Unit. Mr. Collins is also a Senior Portfolio Manager responsible for U.K. and European equity funds. Mr. Collins joined SEI in 2009 and coordinates resources and investment strategy for all equity portfolios. Previously, he served as Head of Equity in the London office and, most recently, as Head of Portfolio Management in London, overseeing both equity and fixed-income strategies. Prior to his employment with SEI, Mr. Collins was a founding partner of Maia Capital Partners — a specialist multi-manager investment firm providing multi-asset unit trusts to U.K. retail investors. Before founding Maia Capital, Mr. Collins was a Portfolio Manager at Fidelity International, and, prior to joining Fidelity, he spent over nine years at Skandia as head of Investment Research. Mr. Collins earned his Bachelor of Arts in financial services, with honors, from Bournemouth University and is a member of the CFA society.
Anthony Karaminas, CFA, serves as Portfolio Manager for the International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds. Mr. Karaminas is the Head of Sub-Advisory Fixed Income & Multi-Asset within the Investment Management Unit and is responsible for Portfolio Management leadership and oversight duties. Prior to joining SEI, he was an Associate Portfolio Manager/Analyst within the Multi-Manager Solution team at UBS Asset Management. Previously, Mr. Karaminas held the role of Sector Head of Global Fixed Income and Global High Yield Funds Research at S&P Capital IQ. Mr. Karaminas was also a Senior Analyst at Goldman Sachs JBWere. Mr. Karaminas received a Bachelor of Business (with honors) from Swinburne University in Melbourne, Australia. He is a CFA charterholder and a member of the CFA Institute.
John Lau serves as Portfolio Manager for the Emerging Markets Equity Fund and Asia Pacific Equity strategies. In this role, Mr. Lau focuses on investment research, risk management, and portfolio construction of equity strategies in Emerging Markets and Asia Pacific, including the China A-share market. Mr. Lau is based in Hong Kong and is a senior member of the SEI Global Equity Committee. Prior to joining SEI in 2007, Mr. Lau spent eleven years as Senior Portfolio Manager of a quantitative equity team within Citigroup Asset Management, where he managed global equity strategies, an equity market-neutral fund, and structured products. Mr. Lau earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan. Mr. Lau also holds a Master of Science in Engineering from University of California, Berkeley and a Master of Business Administration from Columbia University.
James Mashiter, CFA, serves as Portfolio Manager for the International Fixed Income Fund. Mr. Mashiter is a Fixed Income Portfolio Manager within the Investment Management Unit. Mr. Mashiter joined SEI in 2011 as a Senior Fixed Income Analyst in the London Fixed Income Team. Prior to joining SEI, Mr. Mashiter worked in fixed income fund research at Standard & Poor's for four years. Previously, Mr. Mashiter worked at Henderson Global Investors. Mr. Mashiter earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics and Politics from the University of Warwick and his Master of Arts in Finance and Investment from the University of Nottingham.
Hardeep Khangura, CFA, serves as a Portfolio Manager to the Emerging Market Debt Fund. Mr. Khangura joined SEI in 2015 and currently supports Global Fixed Income portfolios. Mr. Khangura was previously a member of SEI's Fixed Income Manager Research team with coverage of global fixed income manager exposures across emerging markets, credit, sovereign and FX. Prior to joining SEI, Mr. Khangura operated in a similar capacity as a Fixed Income Manager Researcher at Willis Towers Watson. Previously, Mr. Khangura
47
SEI / PROSPECTUS
also headed the Fees ASK (Area of Specialist Knowledge), leading a team that analyzed, modelled and advised clients on the suitability and competitiveness of their investment manager fees. Mr. Khangura earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting & Finance, with honors, from the University of Warwick. Mr. Khangura is a CFA charterholder from the CFA Institute.
SUB-ADVISERS
Each Sub-Adviser makes investment decisions for the assets it manages and continuously reviews, supervises and administers its investment program. Each Sub-Adviser must also operate within each Fund's investment objective, restrictions and policies, and within specific guidelines and instructions established by SIMC from time to time. Each Sub-Adviser is responsible for managing only the portion of the Fund allocated to it by SIMC, and Sub-Advisers may not consult with each other concerning transactions for a Fund. SIMC pays the Sub-Advisers out of the investment advisory fees it receives (as described below).
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, SIMC received investment advisory fees as a percentage of each Fund's average daily net assets, at the following annual rates:
Investment Advisory Fees |
Investment Advisory Fees After Fee Waivers |
||||||||||
International Equity Fund |
0.51 |
% |
0.51 |
% |
|||||||
Emerging Markets Equity Fund* |
1.00 |
% |
0.90 |
% |
|||||||
International Fixed Income Fund |
0.30 |
% |
0.27 |
% |
|||||||
Emerging Markets Debt Fund* |
0.80 |
% |
0.57 |
% |
* Investment Advisory Fees (before and after waivers) reflect the impact of changes made to fee waiver arrangements and contractual advisory fees that became effective July 1, 2023. Accordingly, the Investment Advisory Fees stated above will differ from those stated in the Funds' Annual Fund Operating Expenses tables earlier in the prospectus.
In addition, for the current fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, SIMC is expected to receive investment advisory fees, as a percentage of each of the Emerging Markets Equity and Emerging Market Debt Funds' average daily net assets, at the following annual rates:
Investment Advisory Fees |
Investment Advisory Fees After Fee Waivers |
||||||||||
Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
0.85 |
% |
0.77 |
% |
|||||||
Emerging Markets Debt Fund |
0.65 |
% |
0.42 |
% |
A discussion regarding the basis of the Board's approval of the Funds' investment advisory and/or sub-advisory agreements is available in the Funds' Semi-Annual Report, which covers the period of October 1, 2022 through March 31, 2023, and the Funds' Annual Report, which covers the period of October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023.
SIMC has registered with the National Futures Association as a "commodity pool operator" under the Commodities Exchange Act (CEA) with respect to certain products not included in this prospectus. SIMC has claimed, on behalf of each Fund in accordance with CFTC Regulation 4.5 and other relevant rules, regulations and no-action relief, an exclusion from the definition of the term "commodity pool operator" under the CEA.
48
SEI / PROSPECTUS
SIMC is therefore not subject to regulation as a pool operator under the CEA with regard to the operation of the Funds.
Information About Fee Waivers
Actual total annual fund operating expenses of the Class F Shares of certain of the Funds for the most recent fiscal year differ from the amounts shown in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses tables in the Fund Summary sections because, among other reasons, the Funds' adviser, the Funds' distributor and/or the Funds' administrator voluntarily waived and/or reimbursed a portion of their fees in order to keep total direct operating expenses (exclusive of interest from borrowings, brokerage commissions and prime broker fees, taxes, costs associated with litigation- or tax-related services, Trustee fees, interest and dividend expenses related to short sales and extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Funds' business) at a specified level. The waivers of fees by the Funds' adviser, the Funds' distributor and/or the Funds' administrator were limited to the Funds' direct operating expenses and, therefore, did not apply to indirect expenses incurred by the Funds, such as acquired fund fees and expenses (AFFE). The Funds' adviser, the Funds' distributor and/or the Funds' administrator may discontinue all or part of these voluntary waivers and/or reimbursements at any time. With these fee waivers and/or reimbursements, the actual total annual fund operating expenses of the Class F Shares of the Funds for the most recent fiscal year (ended September 30, 2023) were as follows:
Fund Name — Class F Shares |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (before fee waivers) |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (after fee waivers) |
|||||||||
International Equity Fund |
1.11 |
% |
1.10 |
% |
|||||||
Emerging Markets Equity Fund* |
1.78 |
% |
1.68 |
% |
|||||||
International Fixed Income Fund |
1.06 |
% |
1.02 |
% |
|||||||
Emerging Markets Debt Fund* |
1.56 |
% |
1.30 |
% |
* Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (before and after waivers) reflect the impact of changes made to fee waiver arrangements and contractual advisory fees that became effective July 1, 2023. Accordingly, the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses stated above will differ from those stated in the Funds' Annual Fund Operating Expenses tables earlier in the prospectus.
As a result of the changes in the Emerging Markets Equity, International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds' fees and expenses, the total annual Fund operating expenses for the current fiscal year for those Funds are expected to differ from those of the prior year. Accordingly, the fees voluntarily waived by SIMC, the Funds' administrator and/or the Funds' distributor with respect to those Funds will also differ to keep total direct annual Fund operating expenses (exclusive of interest from borrowings, brokerage commissions and prime broker fees, taxes, costs associated with litigation- or tax-related services, Trustee fees, interest and dividend expenses related to short sales and extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Funds' business) at the level specified in the table below. The voluntary waivers of SIMC, the Funds' administrator and/or the Funds' distributor are limited to the Funds' direct operating expenses and therefore do not apply to indirect expenses incurred by each Fund, such as AFFE, if any. The Funds' adviser, the Funds' administrator and/or the Funds' distributor may discontinue all or part of these waivers at any time. With these fee waivers, the Emerging Markets Equity, International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds' total annual Fund operating expenses for the current fiscal year (ending September 30, 2024) are expected to be as follows:
Fund Name — Class F Shares |
Expected Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (before fee waivers) |
Expected Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (after fee waivers) |
|||||||||
Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
1.59 |
% |
1.46 |
% |
|||||||
International Fixed Income Fund |
1.03 |
% |
1.01 |
% |
|||||||
Emerging Markets Debt Fund |
1.38 |
% |
1.11 |
% |
49
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Sub-Advisers and Portfolio Managers
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND:
Acadian Asset Management LLC: Acadian Asset Management LLC (Acadian), located at 260 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the International Equity Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the International Equity Fund's assets allocated to Acadian. Brendan O. Bradley, Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Chief Investment Officer, serves as lead Portfolio Manager to the International Equity Fund. Mr. Bradley joined Acadian in 2004 and previously served as the firm's director of portfolio management, overseeing portfolio management policy, and was also previously the director of Acadian's Managed Volatility strategies. Mr. Bradley is a member of the Acadian Board of Managers and Executive Committee. Fanesca Young, Ph.D., CFA, Senior Vice President, Director, Equity Portfolio Management, serves as lead Portfolio Manager. Prior to joining Acadian, she was head of global systematic equities at GIC Private Ltd. Prior to that, she was managing director and director of quantitative research at Los Angeles Capital Management. Ms. Young is also a member of the editorial boards of the Financial Analyst Journal and the Journal of Systematic Investing, as well as a member of the Q Group's program committee. She earned a Ph.D. in statistics from Columbia University and an M.Phil. and an M.A. in statistics from Columbia University. She also holds a B.A. in mathematics from the University of Virginia. She is a CFA charterholder.
Causeway Capital Management LLC: Causeway Capital Management LLC (Causeway), located at 11111 Santa Monica Boulevard, 15th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90025, serves as a Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the International Equity Fund. The following team of portfolio managers manages the portion of the International Equity Fund's assets allocated to Causeway. Sarah H. Ketterer is the Chief Executive Officer of Causeway and co-founded Causeway in June 2001. Ms. Ketterer is a Portfolio Manager of Causeway's international value equity, international value select, global value equity, international opportunities, global opportunities, international small cap, and concentrated strategies. Ms. Ketterer has a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from Stanford University and an M.B.A. from the Amos Tuck School, Dartmouth College. Harry W. Hartford is the President of Causeway and co-founded Causeway in June 2001. Mr. Hartford is a Portfolio Manager of Causeway's international value equity, international value select, global value equity, international opportunities, global opportunities, international small cap, and concentrated strategies. Mr. Hartford has a B.A., with honors, in Economics from the University of Dublin, Trinity College, and an M.Sc. in Economics from Oklahoma State University, and is a Phi Kappa Phi member. Jonathan P. Eng is a Director of Causeway and is a Portfolio Manager of Causeway's international value equity, international value select, global value equity, international opportunities, global opportunities, international small cap, and concentrated strategies. Mr. Eng joined the firm in July 2001. Mr. Eng has a B.A. in History and Economics from Brandeis University and an M.B.A. from the Anderson Graduate School of Management at UCLA. Conor Muldoon, CFA, is a Director of Causeway and is a Portfolio Manager of Causeway's international value equity, international value select, global value equity, international opportunities, global opportunities, international small cap, and concentrated strategies. Mr. Muldoon joined the firm in June 2003. Mr. Muldoon has a B.Sc. and an M.A. from the University of Dublin, Trinity College and an M.B.A., with high honors, from the University of Chicago. Mr. Muldoon was inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma honors society and is also a CFA charterholder. Alessandro Valentini, CFA, is a Director of Causeway and is a Portfolio Manager of Causeway's international value equity, international value select, global value equity, international opportunities, global opportunities, international small cap, and concentrated strategies. Mr. Valentini joined the firm in July 2006 as a Research Associate and was promoted to Portfolio Manager in April 2013. Mr. Valentini has an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School, with honors, an M.A. in
50
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Economics from Georgetown University and a B.S., magna cum laude, from Georgetown University. Mr. Valentini is a CFA charterholder. Ellen Lee is a Director of Causeway and is a Portfolio Manager of Causeway's international value equity, international value select, global value equity, international opportunities, global opportunities, international small cap, and concentrated strategies. Ms. Lee joined the firm in August 2007 as a Research Associate and was promoted to Portfolio Manager in January 2015. Ms. Lee has an M.B.A. from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a B.A. in Business Administration from Seoul National University. Steven Nguyen, CFA, is a Director of Causeway and is a Portfolio Manager of Causeway's international value equity, international value select, global value equity, international opportunities, global opportunities, international small cap, and concentrated strategies. Mr. Nguyen joined the firm in April 2012 as a Research Associate and was promoted to Portfolio Manager in January 2019. Mr. Nguyen has M.B.A., with honors, from the UCLA Anderson School of Management and a B.A. in Business Economics from Brown University and is also a CFA charterholder. Brian Cho is a Director of Causeway and is a Portfolio Manager of Causeway's international value equity, international value select, global value equity, international opportunities, global opportunities, international small cap, and concentrated strategies. Mr. Cho joined the firm in September 2013 as a Research Associate and was promoted to Portfolio Manager in January 2021. Mr. Cho earned a B.S. in management science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Delaware Investments Fund Advisers, a series of Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust: Delaware Investments Fund Advisers (DIFA), a series of Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust (MIMBT), located at 610 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the International Equity Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the International Equity Fund's assets allocated to DIFA. MIMBT is a subsidiary of Macquarie Management Holdings, Inc. (MMHI). DIFA is responsible for day-to-day portfolio management of its portion of the Fund but may delegate certain of its duties to its affiliates, Macquarie Investment Management Global Limited (MIMGL). MIMGL is located at 50 Martin Place, Sydney, Australia 2000. DIFA and MIMGL are each U.S. registered investment advisers and are subsidiaries of Macquarie Group Limited. Jens Hansen heads the firm's Global Equity Compounders Team and is a Portfolio Manager for the team's strategies. He joined Macquarie Asset Management (MAM) in June 2018 as part of the firm's acquisition of ValueInvest Asset Management. Mr. Hansen has been a Portfolio Manager since 2001. Mr. Hansen started his career in 1982 with Spar Nord Bank, where he worked as an analyst and trader of bonds, equities, and derivatives. In 1994, he joined Nykredit Bank, where he worked as a bond trader. Mr. Hansen attended the Aarhus School of Business where he gained a graduate diploma in business administration within finance and international trade. Klaus Petersen is a Senior Portfolio Manager for the firm's Global Equity Compounders Team. He joined MAM in June 2018 as part of the firm's acquisition of ValueInvest Asset Management. Mr. Petersen has been a Portfolio Manager since 2006. Previously, he worked for ATP, Denmark's largest pension fund, beginning in 1999 as a Senior Portfolio Manager and later in the role as team leader of the technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) team. He joined Codan Bank in 1996, first as a Senior Sales Analyst and later as a Senior Portfolio Manager. Between 1988 and 1996, Mr. Petersen worked for various brokers as an Equity Sales Analyst. He started his career in 1984 as an administrator of pension pools at Faellesbanken in Denmark. Mr. Petersen attended the Copenhagen Business School where he gained a graduate diploma in business administration (financial and management accounting). Claus Juul is a Portfolio Manager for the firm's Global Equity Compounders Team. He joined MAM in June 2018 as part of the firm's acquisition of ValueInvest Asset Management. Mr. Juul has been a portfolio manager since 2004. Prior to that, he was an Equity Analyst at Spar Nord Bank before becoming Vice President of the research department in 2001. He started his career in 1998 with Sydbank as an Equity Analyst. He attended the Aarhus School of Business where he gained a master's degree in economics and business administration. Åsa Annerstedt is a Portfolio
51
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Manager for the firm's Global Equity Compounders Team. She joined MAM in June 2018 as part of the firm's acquisition of ValueInvest Asset Management. Ms. Annerstedt has been a Portfolio Manager since 2013. Previously, she was a member of the investment committee of a European Union fund dedicated to the financing of companies. Between 1999 and 2009, Ms. Annerstedt managed award-winning European Small Cap and Global Equity portfolios at SEB Asset Management in Denmark. She started her career in 1996 as a business controller and consultant in Sweden. Ms. Annerstedt attended Ecole Supérieur de Commerce in Paris and Marseille and earned a master's degree in finance and international trade from Lund University in Sweden. Allan Saustrup Jensen is a Portfolio Manager for the firm's Global Equity Compounders Team. He joined MAM in May 2020. He has more than 20 years of experience in the asset management industry. Prior to joining MAM, he spent five years at European Capital Partners as a fund manager. From 2010 to 2015, Mr. Jensen was a trader at European Value Partners. Prior to that, he spent four years at UBS Wealth Management as a Portfolio Manager. He began his investment career at Nordea Bank. Mr. Jensen attended Copenhagen Business School where he earned a Graduate Diploma in finance. Chris Gowlland is a Senior Quantitative Analyst, a role he assumed in July 2019. As part of his role, he also serves as Portfolio Manager for certain portfolios managed by the Global Equity team and for several different strategies in the firm's multi-asset class offerings. Prior to joining Delaware Investments (later acquired by MAM) in May 2007, he spent seven years working in fundamental equity research and corporate finance for Morgan Stanley and Commerzbank Securities, followed by two years as a quantitative strategist at Morgan Stanley and at State Street Global Markets. Mr. Gowlland holds a bachelor's degree in Chinese and Spanish from the University of Leeds (U.K.), a master's degree in development studies from Brown University, and another master's degree in international management from Thunderbird. He also spent several years in a Ph.D. program in political economy at Harvard University. Mr. Gowlland is a member of the CFA Institute, the CFA Society New York, the CFA Society of Philadelphia, and the Society of Quantitative Analysts.
Lazard Asset Management LLC: Lazard Asset Management LLC (Lazard), located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York 10112, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the International Equity Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the International Equity Fund's assets allocated to Lazard. Paul Moghtader is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager/Analyst, leading Lazard's Equity Advantage team. He began working in the investment field in 1992. Prior to joining Lazard in 2007, Mr. Moghtader was Head of the Global Active Equity Group and a Senior Portfolio Manager at State Street Global Advisors (SSgA). At SSgA he was the senior manager responsible for the research and portfolio management of all multi-regional active quantitative equity strategies. Previously, he was an analyst at State Street Bank. He began his career at Dain Bosworth as a research assistant. Mr. Moghtader has a Master of Management (MM) from Northwestern University and a BA in Economics from Macalester College. Mr. Moghtader is a CFA® charterholder. Susanne Willumsen is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager/Analyst on Lazard's Equity Advantage team. She began working in the investment field in 1993. Prior to joining Lazard in 2008, Ms. Willumsen was Managing Director, Head of Active Equities Europe with SSgA. During her 13 year tenure at SSgA, she was responsible for the research and portfolio management of all UK and European equity strategies. Prior to joining SSgA, Ms. Willumsen traded equity derivatives for the proprietary desk at Investcorp. She received an MSc in Shipping, Trade and Finance from City University and a BSc in Management Studies from the University of Surrey. Taras Ivanenko is a Director and Portfolio Manager/Analyst on Lazard's Equity Advantage team. He began working in the investment field in 1995. Prior to joining Lazard in 2007, Mr. Ivanenko was a Senior Portfolio Manager in the Global Active Equity group at SSgA. Earlier at SSgA, he was a Principal and Senior Application Development Architect in the Equity Systems group. Previously, he was an analyst in Quantitative Research and Trading Systems at Oxbridge Research. He has a PhD in Physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an Engineer-Physicist
52
SEI / PROSPECTUS
degree from Moscow Physical-Technical Institute. Mr. Ivanenko is a CFA® charterholder. Peter Kashanek is a Director and Portfolio Manager/Analyst on Lazard's Equity Advantage team. Mr. Kashanek began working in the investment field in 1994. Prior to joining Lazard in 2007, Mr. Kashanek was a Principal and a Portfolio Manager in the Global Active Equity group at SSgA. Previously, he was an investment analyst in the Institutional Equity Research Group at Bank of Montreal where he focused on global energy companies. Prior to that, he was an Associate in the Global Equity Research Group at Deutsche Bank Securities. Mr. Kashanek also worked at Reliant Energy in Houston as a member of its Corporate Development team. He has an MBA with a concentration in Finance from Vanderbilt University and a BA in Government from St. Lawrence University. Alex Lai is a Director and Portfolio Manager/Analyst on Lazard's Equity Advantage team. He began working in the investment field in 2002. Prior to joining Lazard in 2008, Mr. Lai was a Vice President and Quantitative Portfolio Manager in the Global Active Equity group at SSgA. Prior to that, Mr. Lai was an investment-banking analyst at Lehman Brothers Asia in Hong Kong. He has an MSc in Finance from Boston College and a BBA (Hons) in Finance and Accounting from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He is a CFA® charterholder. Ciprian Marin is a Director of Quantitative Research and Portfolio Manager/Analyst on Lazard's Equity Advantage team. He began working in the investment field in 1997. Prior to joining Lazard in 2008, Mr. Marin was a Senior Portfolio Manager at SSgA, managing European, UK and Global funds. He was also responsible for quantitative research on the European team of the Global Active Equity Group. Prior to joining SSgA, he was a Quantitative Analyst at Citigroup where he focused on developing stock selection models, statistical arbitrage trading strategies and factor research. Previously, Mr. Marin was a quantitative research associate at Nikko Salomon Smith Barney. He has an MBA in Finance from the International University of Japan and a BS in International Economics from the Academy of Economic Studies Bucharest. He is a Certified Investment Adviser (UK).
Pzena Investment Management, LLC: Pzena Investment Management, LLC (Pzena), located at 320 Park Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10022, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the International Equity Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the International Equity Fund's assets allocated to Pzena. Rakesh Bordia is a Principal and a Portfolio Manager. Mr. Bordia is a co-portfolio manager for the Emerging Markets and International strategies. Mr. Bordia became a member of the firm in 2007. Prior to joining Pzena, Mr. Bordia was a principal at Booz Allen Hamilton focusing on innovation and growth strategies, and a software engineer at River Run Software Group. He earned a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India and an M.B.A. from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, India. Caroline Cai, CFA, is a Managing Principal, the Chief Executive Officer, a Portfolio Manager, and a member of the firm's Executive Committee. Ms. Cai is a co-portfolio manager for the Global, International, and Emerging Markets strategies, and the Financial Opportunities service. Ms. Cai became a member of the firm in 2004. Prior to joining Pzena, Ms. Cai was a senior analyst at AllianceBernstein LLP, and a business analyst at McKinsey & Company. She earned a B.A. summa cum laude in Math and Economics from Bryn Mawr College. Ms. Cai holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation. Allison Fisch is a Managing Principal, the President, a Portfolio Manager and a member of the firm's Executive Committee. Ms. Fisch became a member of the firm in 2001 and helped to launch the Emerging Markets strategy in 2008, on which she has been a co-portfolio manager since inception. She joined the International portfolio management team in 2016. Ms. Fisch also co-managed the International Small Cap Value and oversaw Global Best Ideas from 2017 to 2022. She was promoted to President in 2023. Prior to joining Pzena, Ms. Fisch was a business analyst at McKinsey & Company. She earned a B.A. summa cum laude in Psychology and a minor in Drama from Dartmouth College. John P. Goetz is a Managing Principal, the Co-Chief Investment Officer, a Portfolio Manager, and a member of the firm's Executive Committee. Mr. Goetz is a co-portfolio manager for the Global, International, European and Japan Focused Value strategies. He also
53
SEI / PROSPECTUS
previously served as the Director of Research and was responsible for building and training the research team. Mr. Goetz became a member of the firm in 1996. Prior to joining Pzena, Mr. Goetz held a range of key positions at Amoco Corporation, his last as the Global Business Manager for Amoco's $1 billion polypropylene business where he had bottom-line responsibility for operations and development worldwide. Prior positions included strategic planning, joint venture investments, and project financing in various oil and chemical businesses. Before joining Amoco, Mr. Goetz had been employed by The Northern Trust Company and Bank of America. He earned a B.A. summa cum laude in Mathematics and Economics from Wheaton College and an M.B.A from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University.
WCM Investment Management, LLC: WCM Investment Management, LLC (WCM), located at 281 Brooks Street, Laguna Beach, California 92651, serves as a Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the International Equity Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the International Equity Fund's assets allocated to WCM. Sanjay Ayer serves as Portfolio Manager and Business Analyst at WCM and has been with the firm since 2007. Mr. Ayer's primary responsibilities are portfolio management and equity research. Paul R. Black serves as Portfolio Manager and CEO at WCM, and has been with the firm since 1989. Mr. Black's primary responsibilities are portfolio management and equity research. Michael B. Trigg serves as Portfolio Manager and President at WCM and has been with the firm since 2006. Mr. Trigg's primary responsibilities are portfolio management and equity research. Jon Tringale serves as Portfolio Manager at WCM, and has been with the firm since 2015. Mr. Tringale's primary responsibility is portfolio management.
EMERGING MARKETS EQUITY FUND:
Aikya Investment Management Limited: Aikya Investment Management Limited (Aikya), located at Octagon Point 5 Cheapside, London, United Kingdom EC2V 6AA, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the Emerging Markets Equity Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund's assets allocated to Aikya. Ashish Swarup, Lead Portfolio Manager and Investment Analyst, joined Aikya in 2020 and worked at Aikya's predecessor business, Stewart Investors, from 2014 to 2020. During his time at Stewart Investors Mr. Swarup was the Lead Manager on the Emerging Markets and Asia Pacific strategies, including the Stewart Investors Emerging Markets Leaders Fund. Rahul Desai, Co-Portfolio Manager and Investment Analyst, joined Aikya in 2019. Prior to Aikya, Mr. Desai served as a Portfolio Manager at Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc. for the Fidelity Institutional (FIAM) EM All Cap Strategy from 2014 to 2019. He joined Fidelity in 2008 as an Emerging Markets analyst. Mr. Tom Allen, Co-Portfolio Manager and Investment Analyst, joined Aikya in 2020 and worked at Aikya's predecessor business, Stewart Investors, from 2012 to 2019. When he joined Stewart Investors, he worked in Singapore, before moving to Edinburgh to work on Asia Pacific strategies. Subsequently from 2015 to 2019, Mr. Allen joined Stewart Investors' London team where he co-managed Asia Pacific and Emerging Markets strategies.
JOHCM (USA) Inc.: JOHCM (USA) Inc. (JOHCM), located at 53 State Street Suite 1302, 13th Floor Boston, MA 02109, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the Emerging Markets Equity Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund's assets allocated to JOHCM. Emery Brewer is the Lead Senior Fund Manager of the JOHCM Emerging Markets Fund. Mr. Brewer has 30 years' industry experience. 23 of those years have been in Emerging Markets equity fund management, which he gained while working at Driehaus Capital Management from 1997-2007, as a private investor from 2008-2009, and after joining JOHCM in 2010. Mr. Brewer has a B.S. in Economics from the University of Utah and an M.B.A. from the University of Rochester. Dr. Ivo Kovachev is Senior Fund Manager of the JOHCM Emerging Markets Fund. Dr. Kovachev joined JOHCM in 2010 from Kinsale Capital Management, where he was Chief Investment Officer. Previously, Dr. Kovachev spent ten years at Driehaus Capital Management. Dr. Kovachev holds a Masters in Engineering in Management Information Systems from the Prague School of Economics
54
SEI / PROSPECTUS
and an M.Sc. in Technology and Innovation Management from the University of Sussex. In addition, Dr. Kovachev holds a Ph.D. in Industrial and Development Policy from the Open University. Dr. Kovachev is also a Fulbright Scholar, having attended the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Arizona.
KBI Global Investors (North America) Ltd: KBI Global Investors (North America) Ltd (KBIGI (North America)), located at 3rd Floor, 2 Harbourmaster Place, IFSC, Dublin 1, D01 X5P3, Ireland, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the Emerging Markets Equity Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund's assets allocated to KBIGI (North America). Gareth Maher is Head of Portfolio Management and has been with the firm since 2000. Mr. Maher joined KBIGI (North America)'s investment team in 2008 and holds a master's degree in Economic Science from University College Dublin. David Hogarty, Head of Strategy Development, was instrumental in developing the strategy in 2003 and has been a member of the investment team since launch. Mr. Hogarty has over 30 years of industry experience. Ian Madden, a Senior Portfolio Manager, joined the firm in 2000 as a Portfolio Assistant. Mr. Madden was appointed Manager of KBIGI (North America)'s Institutional Business Support unit in 2002 and joined the investment team as a Portfolio Manager in 2004. James Collery, a Senior Portfolio Manager, joined the firm in 2001 as a Performance & Risk Analyst. Mr. Collery was appointed a Portfolio Manager on KBIGI (North America)'s Hedge Fund team in 2003 and joined the team as a Portfolio Manager in 2007. John Looby, a Senior Portfolio Manager with KBIGI (North America), joined the firm in September 2014 and has over 30 years of industry experience. Prior to joining KBIGI (North America), Mr. Looby was a Senior Investment Manager at Setanta Asset Management, where he was the Lead Senior Portfolio Manager of the flagship Global Equity Fund. Massimiliano Tondi, CFA, FRM, a Senior Portfolio Manager, joined the firm in September 2014 and has 19 years of industry experience. Prior to joining KBIGI (North America), Mr. Tondi was a Quantitative Portfolio Manager at Fideuram Asset Management Ireland since 2011 and served as a Risk Manager at Fideuram Asset Management Ireland since 2007.
Qtron Investments LLC: Qtron Investments LLC (Qtron), located at 200 High Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02110, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the Emerging Markets Equity Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund's assets allocated to Qtron. Dmitri Kantsyrev and Ronald Hua are the cofounders and Partners of Qtron and serve as its Portfolio Managers. Prior to Qtron, Dr. Kantsyrev served as a director for PanAgora Asset Management's (PanAgora) Dynamic Equity team and was a member of the firm's Operating Committee (2007-2016). Dr. Kantsyrev led portfolio management and research for the Dynamic Equity team's global, international, and emerging markets strategies. Prior to PanAgora, Dr. Kantsyrev pursued an academic career as a lecturer at the USC Marshall School of Business and Pepperdine University. Before his switch to finance, Dr. Kantsyrev was a research scientist at the University of Michigan Spin Physics Center. Dr. Kantsyrev holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Southern California and M.S. degrees in Mathematical Finance and Physics. Dr. Kantsyrev is a CFA charterholder, has been published in the Journal of Portfolio Management, and has presented at conferences and seminars. Prior to Qtron, Mr. Hua was a partner at Goldman Sachs Asset Management and served as Chief Investment Officer in the Quantitative Investment Strategies Group (2011-2016). Before joining Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Mr. Hua served as the Chief Investment Officer of Equities at PanAgora where he oversaw Dynamic Equity products (2004-2011). Prior to PanAgora, Mr. Hua was a portfolio manager at Putnam Investments managing international and US small-cap funds (1999-2004). Before that, Mr. Hua was a Quantitative Research Analyst at Fidelity Management and Research Company (1994-1999). Mr. Hua holds an M.B.A. and an M.S. in Computer Science from New York University. Mr. Hua is a CFA charterholder. Mr. Hua is on the editorial board of the Journal of Portfolio Management (JPM) and has been published in the JPM.
55
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Robeco Institutional Asset Management US Inc.: Robeco Institutional Asset Management US Inc. (Robeco), located at 230 Park Avenue, Suite 3330, New York, NY 10169, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the Emerging Markets Equity Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund's assets allocated to Robeco. Jaap van der Hart is the Lead Portfolio Manager of Robeco's High Conviction Emerging Stars strategy. Previously, he was responsible for investments in South America, Eastern Europe, South Africa, Mexico, China and Taiwan. He started his career in the investment industry in 1994 in Robeco's Quantitative Research department and moved to the Emerging Markets Equity team in 2000. Mr. van der Hart holds an M.S. in Econometrics from Erasmus University Rotterdam. Karnail Sangha is a Portfolio Manager to Robeco's High Conviction Emerging Stars Strategy and the Lead Portfolio Manager for Emerging Smaller Companies. He is a global strategies Research Analyst with a focus on India and Pakistan. Prior to joining Robeco in 2000, Mr. Sangha was a Risk Manager/Controller at Aegon Asset Management, where he started his career in the industry in 1999. He holds an M.S. in Economics from Erasmus University Rotterdam and is a CFA® Charterholder.
INTERNATIONAL FIXED INCOME FUND:
AllianceBernstein L.P.: AllianceBernstein L.P. (AllianceBernstein), located at 501 Commerce St. Nashville, TN 37203, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the International Fixed Income Fund. A team of investment professionals, led by Scott DiMaggio, CFA, John Taylor, Nicholas Sanders, CFA and Jamie Harding manage the portion of the International Fixed Income Fund's assets allocated to AllianceBernstein. Mr. DiMaggio currently serves as the Head of Fixed Income of AllianceBernstein. In this capacity, Mr. DiMaggio is responsible for the management and strategic growth of AllianceBernstein's fixed-income business and investment decisions across the department. Mr. DiMaggio has been with AllianceBernstein for twenty-four years. Mr. Taylor currently serves as Director of Global Multi-Sector at AllianceBernstein and is a member of the Global Fixed Income, UK and European Fixed Income, and Absolute Return portfolio-management teams. As a member of the Absolute Return portfolio-management team, Mr. Taylor is also the lead portfolio manager across the Diversified Yield Plus Strategies. Mr. Taylor has been with AllianceBernstein for twenty-three years. Mr. Sanders is a Vice President and Portfolio Manager at AllianceBernstein and a member of the Global Fixed Income, Absolute Return, UK Fixed Income and Euro Fixed Income portfolio-management teams. Since 2013, he has been responsible for the analysis of sovereign and other liquid markets globally, with a focus on the European market. Mr. Sanders joined AllianceBernstein in 2006. Mr. Harding is a Vice President and Portfolio Manager for European Credit, focusing on high-yield and income strategies. He joined the firm in 2013 and assumed the role of Portfolio Manager in 2022.
Colchester Global Investors Ltd: Colchester Global Investors Ltd (Colchester), located at Heathcoat House, 20 Savile Row, London, United Kingdom W1S 3PR, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the International Fixed Income Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the International Fixed Income Fund's assets allocated to Colchester. Ian Sims is the Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Colchester. Mr. Sims founded the firm in 1999 and is responsible for the strategic direction of the firm. Mr. Sims oversees the management of the firm's assets globally as Chief Investment Officer and has final say on any investment matter. Prior to Colchester, Mr. Sims was founder and Chief Investment Officer for Global Fixed Income at Delaware International Advisors, Ltd., subsequently renamed Mondrian, where he worked for nearly 10 years. Mr. Sims' previous work experience includes fixed income portfolio management at Royal Bank of Canada and Hill Samuel Investment Advisers. Mr. Sims has authored a widely read publication on the use of real yields in global bond management. Mr. Sims holds a B.Sc. in Economics from Leicester University and an M.Sc. in Statistics from Newcastle University. Keith Lloyd, CFA, is the Group Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chief Investment Officer of Colchester and has been with the firm since its inception. Mr. Lloyd
56
SEI / PROSPECTUS
manages the Investment and Operations teams and oversees investment research, portfolio construction and implementation on a day to day basis. Mr. Lloyd regularly contributes his insights to Investment Outlook papers. Prior to Colchester, Mr. Lloyd spent eight years in the World Bank's Investment Department managing global real and leveraged money as a lead fixed income portfolio manager, senior investment strategist and proprietary trader. Mr. Lloyd's previous work experience includes seven years with the Reserve Bank of New Zealand as an economist where he served on its policy-making committee. Mr. Lloyd began his career in 1983 as an international macro-monetary economist and Investment Manager. Mr. Lloyd has authored several exchange and interest rate papers. Mr. Lloyd is a CFA charter holder and has a B.A. in Economics from Massey University and an M.Sc. in Economics from the London School of Economics.
Wellington Management Company LLP: Wellington Management Company LLP (Wellington Management), a Delaware limited liability partnership with principal offices located at 280 Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the International Fixed Income Fund. Wellington Management is owned by the partners of Wellington Management Group LLP, a Massachusetts limited liability partnership. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the International Fixed Income Fund's assets allocated to Wellington. Ed Meyi, FRM, Managing Director and Fixed Income Portfolio Manager, has served as the Portfolio Manager of the portion of the International Fixed Income Fund's assets allocated to Wellington Management since 2022. Mr. Meyi has been involved in the management of benchmark-relative fixed income portfolios since he joined Wellington Management as an investment professional in 2002. Martin Harvey, CFA, Managing Director and Fixed Income Portfolio Manager, focuses on managing the total return suite of products, specializing in government bond and currency market strategies, and co-manages benchmark-relative fixed income portfolios. Mr. Harvey joined Wellington Management in 2016. Sam Hogg, CFA, Vice President and Fixed Income Portfolio Manager, works closely with Mr. Meyi and Mr. Harvey in the management of benchmark-relative global fixed income portfolios. Mr. Hogg joined Wellington Management in 2022. Prior to joining Wellington, Mr. Hogg worked at Allianz Global Investors and Rogge Global Partners for 11 years as a Portfolio Manager.
EMERGING MARKETS DEBT FUND:
Colchester Global Investors Ltd.: Colchester Global Investors Ltd (Colchester), located at Heathcoat House, 20 Savile Row, London, United Kingdom W1S 3PR, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the Emerging Markets Debt Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the Emerging Markets Debt Fund's assets allocated to Colchester. Ian Sims is the Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Colchester. Mr. Sims founded the firm in 1999 and is responsible for the strategic direction of the firm. Mr. Sims oversees the management of the firm's assets globally as Chief Investment Officer and has final say on any investment matter. Prior to Colchester, Mr. Sims was founder and Chief Investment Officer for Global Fixed Income at Delaware International Advisors, Ltd., subsequently renamed Mondrian, where he worked for nearly 10 years. Mr. Sims' previous work experience includes fixed income portfolio management at Royal Bank of Canada and Hill Samuel Investment Advisers. Mr. Sims has authored a widely read publication on the use of real yields in global bond management. Mr. Sims holds a B.Sc. in Economics from Leicester University and an M.Sc. in Statistics from Newcastle University. Keith Lloyd, CFA, is the Group Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chief Investment Officer of Colchester and has been with the firm since its inception. Mr. Lloyd manages the Investment and Operations teams and oversees investment research, portfolio construction and implementation on a day to day basis. Mr. Lloyd regularly contributes his insights to Investment Outlook papers. Prior to Colchester, Mr. Lloyd spent eight years in the World Bank's Investment Department managing global real and leveraged money as a lead fixed income Portfolio Manager, Senior Investment Strategist and Proprietary Trader. Mr. Lloyd's previous work experience includes seven years with the
57
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Reserve Bank of New Zealand as an economist where he served on its policy-making committee. Mr. Lloyd began his career in 1983 as an international macro-monetary economist and Investment Manager. Mr. Lloyd has authored several exchange and interest rate papers. Mr. Lloyd is a CFA charter holder and has a B.A. in Economics from Massey University and an M.Sc. in Economics from the London School of Economics.
Grantham, Mayo, Van Otterloo & Co. LLC: Grantham, Mayo, Van Otterloo & Co. LLC (GMO), located at 53 State Street, 33rd Floor Boston, MA 02109, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the Emerging Markets Debt Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the Emerging Markets Debt Fund's assets allocated to GMO. Tina Vandersteel is the head of GMO's Emerging Country Debt team, the lead portfolio manager for its strategies, and a partner of the firm. In her role as portfolio manager, she focuses on security selection and portfolio construction. Prior to joining GMO in 2004, she worked at J.P. Morgan in fixed income research developing quantitative arbitrage strategies for emerging debt and high yield bonds. Ms. Vandersteel began her career at Morgan Guaranty Trust, attending Morgan Finance Program #18, before establishing her career in emerging debt. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Economics from Washington & Lee University. Ms. Vandersteel is a CFA charterholder.
Marathon Asset Management, L.P.: Marathon Asset Management, L.P. (Marathon), located at One Bryant Park, 38th Floor, New York, New York 10036, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the Emerging Markets Debt Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the Emerging Markets Debt Fund's assets allocated to Marathon. Lou Hanover, CIO & Co-Managing Partner, Co-Founder of Marathon, has been with Marathon since its founding in 1998. Mr. Hanover oversees Marathon's portfolio managers and their investment activities. His responsibilities also include managing risk on a firm-wide basis, as well as serving as Senior Portfolio Manager for the firm's multi-strategy credit investment funds and separate accounts. Gaby Szpigiel is a Partner & Head of Marathon's Emerging Markets Group. Mr. Szpigiel joined Marathon in September of 2003 and is responsible for asset management of sovereign and corporate credit, local markets and equities (including distressed debt and special situations) across Latin America, Asia, EMEA and the Middle East and Africa. Andrew Szmulewicz is a Managing Director, Portfolio Manager & Strategist in Marathon's Emerging Markets Group. Mr. Szmulewicz joined Marathon in August of 2014 and is responsible for the development of new Emerging Market strategies from a technical perspective. Mr. Szmulewicz spent 9 years at J.P. Morgan Chase prior to joining Marathon.
Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC: Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC (NBIA; and, together with its affiliates, Neuberger Berman), located at 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10104, serves as the Sub-Adviser to the Emerging Markets Debt Fund. Portfolio managers Rob Drijkoningen, Gorky Urquieta, Jennifer Gorgoll, CFA, Raoul Luttik, Nish Popat, Prashant Singh, CFA, Bart van der Made, CFA and Vera Kartseva are responsible for the management of the assets of the Emerging Markets Debt Fund allocated to NBIA. Mr. Drijkoningen, Managing Director, joined Neuberger Berman in 2013. Mr. Drijkoningen is a Global Co-Head of the Emerging Markets Debt team, Senior Portfolio Manager, and Head of Fixed Income Europe. Mr. Drijkoningen joined Neuberger Berman after working at ING Investment Management for almost 18 years, most recently as the global Co-Head of the Emerging Markets Debt team. Mr. Drijkoningen earned his Macro-Economics degree from Erasmus University in Rotterdam and has authored numerous articles on emerging markets debt subjects. Mr. Drijkoningen is DSI qualified. Mr. Urquieta, Managing Director, joined Neuberger Berman in 2013. Mr. Urquieta is a Global Co-Head of the Emerging Markets Debt team and Senior Portfolio Manager. Mr. Urquieta joined Neuberger Berman from ING Investment Management where he was most recently global Co-Head of Emerging Markets Debt, responsible for global emerging markets debt external and local currency strategies. Mr. Urquieta joined ING Investment Management in 1997. Mr. Urquieta obtained a B.A. in Business Administration from the Bolivian
58
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Catholic University in La Paz, Bolivia, and a Master's degree in Finance from the University of Wisconsin. Ms. Gorgoll, CFA, Managing Director, joined Neuberger Berman in 2013. Ms. Gorgoll is a Co-Lead Portfolio Manager on the Emerging Markets Corporate Debt team responsible for global portfolios investing in high grade and high yield emerging market corporate debt across the regions. Ms. Gorgoll joined Neuberger Berman after working at ING Investment Management, where she was most recently the Head and a Senior Portfolio Manager of the Emerging Markets Corporate Debt team. Ms. Gorgoll started at ING Investment Management in 2002. Ms. Gorgoll received an M.B.A. with Honors from Columbia Business School with a concentration in Finance and a B.S. in Finance and Insurance from The Honors College at the University of South Carolina. Mr. Luttik, Managing Director, joined Neuberger Berman in 2013. Mr. Luttik is a Senior Portfolio Manager on the Emerging Markets Debt team, responsible for managing Emerging Markets Debt Local Currency strategies. Mr. Luttik joined Neuberger Berman after working at ING Investment Management, where he was a Lead Portfolio Manager within their Emerging Markets team (local currency). Mr. Luttik started at ING Investment Management in 1998. Mr. Luttik acquired a degree in Economics from Rijksuniversiteit Groningen in 1993. In 1997 Mr. Luttik became RBA registered (Register of Investment Analysts) a registration affiliated with the European Federation of Financial Analysts Societies. Mr. Luttik is also DSI qualified. Mr. Popat, Managing Director, joined Neuberger Berman in 2013. Mr. Popat is a Co-Lead Senior Portfolio Manager on the Emerging Markets Corporate Debt team. Mr. Popat joined Neuberger Berman after working at ING Investment Management, where he was most recently a Senior Portfolio Manager on the Emerging Markets Corporate Debt team. Mr. Popat joined ING Investment Management in 2008. Mr. Singh, CFA, Managing Director, joined Neuberger Berman in 2013. Mr. Singh is the Lead Portfolio Manager (Asia) on the Emerging Markets Debt team. Mr. Singh is responsible for managing the emerging markets debt portfolios in the Asia region, focusing on rates and currencies. Mr. Singh joined Neuberger Berman after working at ING Investment Management, where he held a similar role. Mr. Singh joined ING Investment Management in 2003. Mr. Singh graduated from St. Stephen's College, University of Delhi, India with a BS in Mathematics and earned an M.B.A. from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, specializing in Finance. Mr. van der Made, CFA, Managing Director, joined Neuberger Berman in 2013. Mr. van der Made is a Senior Portfolio Manager on the Emerging Markets Debt team, responsible for managing Emerging Markets Debt Hard Currency portfolios. Prior to joining Neuberger Berman, Mr. van der Made held various roles at ING Investment Management, most recently since 2009, as Lead Portfolio Manager of Emerging Markets Debt (hard currency). From 2005 onwards, Mr. van der Made was a Senior Portfolio Manager and before that was the Emerging Markets Debt Economist — the role in which he joined in 2000. Mr. van der Made earned a Master's degree in Econometrics from Erasmus University in Rotterdam, and has been awarded the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Ms. Kartseva, CFA, Senior Vice President, joined Neuberger Berman in 2013. Ms. Kartseva is a Portfolio Manager and Strategist on the Emerging Markets Debt team. In this role, Ms. Kartseva focuses on tactical asset allocation within Emerging Markets Debt. Ms. Kartseva joined the firm from ING Investment Management where she held a similar role, and was also managing an Emerging Markets Debt Opportunities fund, a blended strategy of hard and local currency debt. Prior to that, Ms. Kartseva was a Quantitative Analyst on the Multi-Asset Group of ING Investment Management.
Ninety One UK Ltd.: Ninety One UK Ltd. (Ninety One), located at 55 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7EL, United Kingdom, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the Emerging Markets Debt Fund. Werner Gey van Pittius, Antoon de Klerk and Christine Reed manage the portion of the assets of the Emerging Markets Debt Fund allocated to Ninety One. Mr. Gey van Pittius joined Ninety One in 2003. Mr. Gey van Pittius is the Co-Head of Emerging Markets Fixed Income and Co-Portfolio Manager of the Emerging Markets Local Currency Debt, Emerging Markets Hard Currency Debt and Emerging Markets Local Currency Total Return strategies.
59
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Mr. Gey van Pittius is jointly responsible for all global emerging markets sovereign debt strategies. Mr. de Klerk, having joined the firm in 2005, is the Co-Head of Emerging Markets Sovereign & FX and Co-Portfolio Manager on the Emerging Markets Local Currency Debt, Emerging Markets Local Currency Total Return, and African Fixed Income strategies. Ms. Reed joined Ninety One in 2022 and is the Co-Portfolio Manager of the Emerging Markets Local Currency Debt strategy. Prior to joining the firm, she worked for Goldman Sachs Asset Management from 2016 and was the Head of Emerging Markets Local Debt Trading, responsible for all emerging markets rates positions taken globally across their EM dedicated and crossover assets. Messrs. Gey van Pittius and de Klerk and Ms. Reed are responsible for the Ninety One's Emerging Markets Local Currency Debt strategy.
The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts they manage, and their ownership, if any, of Fund shares.
PURCHASING, EXCHANGING AND SELLING FUND SHARES
The following sections tell you how to purchase, exchange and sell (sometimes called "redeem") Class F Shares of the Funds. The Funds offer Class F Shares only to financial institutions and intermediaries for their own or their customers' accounts. For information on how to open an account and set up procedures for placing transactions, please call 1-800-DIAL-SEI.
HOW TO PURCHASE FUND SHARES
Fund shares may be purchased on any Business Day. Authorized financial institutions and intermediaries may purchase, sell or exchange Class F Shares by placing orders with the Transfer Agent or the Funds' authorized agent. Authorized financial institutions and intermediaries that use certain SEI or third party systems may place orders electronically through those systems. Authorized financial institutions and intermediaries may also place orders by calling 1-800-858-7233. Generally, cash investments must be transmitted or delivered in federal funds to the Funds' wire agent by the close of business on the day after the order is placed. However, in certain circumstances, the Funds, at their discretion, may allow purchases to settle (i.e., receive final payment) at a later date in accordance with the Funds' procedures and applicable law. The Funds reserve the right to refuse any purchase requests, particularly those that the Funds reasonably believe may not be in the best interest of the Funds or their shareholders and could adversely affect the Funds or their operations. This includes those from any individual or group who, in a Fund's view, is likely to engage in excessive trading (usually defined as four or more "round trips" in a Fund in any twelve-month period). For more information regarding the Funds' policies and procedures related to excessive trading, please see "Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares" below.
You may be eligible to purchase other classes of shares of a Fund. However, you may only purchase a class of shares that your financial institutions or intermediaries sell or service. Your financial institution representative or intermediaries can tell you which class of shares is available to you.
Each Fund calculates its NAV per share once each Business Day as of the close of normal trading on the NYSE (normally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time). So, for you to receive the current Business Day's NAV per share, generally the Funds (or an authorized agent) must receive your purchase order in proper form before 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. A Fund will not accept orders that request a particular day or price for the transaction or any other special conditions.
When you purchase, sell or exchange Fund shares through certain financial institutions, you may have to transmit your purchase, sale and exchange requests to these financial institutions at an earlier time for your
60
SEI / PROSPECTUS
transaction to become effective that day. This allows these financial institutions time to process your requests and transmit them to the Funds.
Certain other intermediaries, including certain broker-dealers and shareholder organizations, are authorized to accept purchase, redemption and exchange requests for Fund shares. These requests are executed at the next determined NAV per share after the intermediary receives the request if transmitted to the Funds in accordance with the Funds' procedures and applicable law. These authorized intermediaries are responsible for transmitting requests and delivering funds on a timely basis.
You will have to follow the procedures of your financial institution or intermediary for transacting with the Funds. You may be charged a fee for purchasing and/or redeeming Fund shares by your financial institution or intermediary.
Pricing of Fund Shares
NAV for one Fund share is the value of that share's portion of the net assets of the Fund. In calculating NAV, the Fund generally values its investment portfolio at market price. You may obtain the current NAV of the Fund by calling 1-800-DIAL-SEI.
If a market quotation is readily available for the valuation of Fund investments, then it is valued by the Funds' administrator at current market value in accordance with the Funds' Pricing and Valuation Procedures. The Trust's Board of Trustees has designated SIMC as the Valuation Designee for the Funds pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act (the "Rule"). The Valuation Designee has the responsibility for the fair value determination with respect to all Fund investments that do not have readily available market quotations or quotations that are no longer reliable. SIMC, in furtherance of the Board's designation, has appointed a committee of SIMC persons to function as the Valuation Designee (the "Committee") and has established a Valuation and Pricing Policy to implement the Rule and the Funds' Valuation and Pricing Policy (together with SIMC's Valuation and Pricing Policy, the "Fair Value Procedures").
As discussed in detail below, the Committee will typically first seek to fair value investments with valuations received from an independent, third-party pricing agent (a "Pricing Service"). If such valuations are not available or are unreliable, the Committee will seek to obtain a bid price from at least one independent broker or dealer. If a broker or dealer quote is unavailable, the Committee will convene, subject to the Fair Value Procedures, to establish a fair value for the fair value investments.
When valuing portfolio securities, securities listed on a securities exchange, market or automated quotation system for which quotations are readily available (other than securities traded on National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ) or as otherwise noted below), including securities traded over the counter, are valued at the last quoted sale price on the primary exchange or market (foreign or domestic) on which the securities are traded or, if there is no such reported sale, at the most recent quoted bid price. Securities traded on NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price.
Redeemable securities issued by open-end investment companies are valued at the investment company's applicable NAV per share, with the exception of ETFs, which are priced as equity securities. These open-end investment company shares are offered in separate prospectuses, each of which describes the process by which the applicable investment company's NAV is determined. The prices of foreign securities are reported in local currency and converted to U.S. dollars using currency exchange rates.
61
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Options are valued at the last quoted sales price. If there is no such reported sale on the valuation date, then long positions are valued at the most recent bid price, and short positions are valued at the most recent ask price as provided by a Pricing Service.
Futures and swaps cleared through a central clearing house (centrally cleared swaps) are valued at the settlement price established each day by the board of exchange on which they are traded. The daily settlement prices for financial futures and centrally cleared swaps are provided by a Pricing Service. On days when there is excessive volume, market volatility or the future or centrally cleared swap does not end trading by the time the fund calculates its NAV, the settlement price may not be available at the time at which a fund calculates its NAV. On such days, the best available price (which is typically the last sales price) may be used to value a Fund's futures or centrally cleared swaps position.
If a security's price cannot be obtained, as noted above, or in the case of equity tranches of collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) or collateralized debt obligations (CDOs), the securities will be valued using a bid price from at least one independent broker. If such prices are not readily available, are determined to be unreliable or cannot be valued using the methodologies described above, the Committee will fair value the security using the Fair Value Procedures, as described below.
If available, debt securities, swaps (which are not centrally cleared), bank loans or debt tranches of CLOs/CDOs, such as those held by the Funds, are priced based upon valuations provided by a Pricing Service. Such values generally reflect the last reported sales price if the security is actively traded. The Pricing Service may also value debt securities at an evaluated bid price by employing methodologies that utilize actual market transactions, broker-supplied valuations or other methodologies designed to identify the market value for such securities.
On the first day a new debt security purchase is recorded, if a price is not available from a Pricing Service or an independent broker, the security may be valued at its purchase price. Each day thereafter, the debt security will be valued according to the Fair Value Procedures until an independent source can be secured. Securities held by a Fund with remaining maturities of 60 days or less will be valued at their amortized cost. Should existing credit, liquidity or interest rate conditions in the relevant markets and issuer specific circumstances suggest that amortized cost does not approximate fair value, then the security will be valued by an independent broker quote or fair valued by the Committee.
Foreign currency forward contracts are valued at the current day's interpolated foreign exchange rate, as calculated using forward rates provided by a Pricing Service.
The Committee and Funds' administrator, as applicable, reasonably believe that prices provided by Pricing Services are reliable. However, there can be no assurance that such Pricing Service's prices will be reliable. The Committee, who is responsible for making fair value determinations with respect to the Funds' portfolio securities, will, with assistance from the applicable Sub-Adviser, continuously monitor the reliability of readily available market quotations obtained from any Pricing Service and shall promptly notify the Funds' administrator if the Committee reasonably believes that a Pricing Service is no longer a reliable source of readily available market quotations. The Funds' administrator, in turn, will notify the Committee if it reasonably believes that a Pricing Service is no longer a reliable source for readily available market quotations.
The Fair Value Procedures provide that any change in a primary Pricing Service or a pricing methodology for investments with readily available market quotations requires prior approval by the Board. However, when the change would not materially affect the valuation of a Fund's net assets or involve a material departure in
62
SEI / PROSPECTUS
pricing methodology from that of the Fund's existing Pricing Service or pricing methodology, ratification may be obtained at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board. A change in a Pricing Service or a material change in a pricing methodology for investments with no readily available market quotations will be reported to the Board by the Committee in accordance with certain requirements.
Securities for which market prices are not "readily available" are valued in accordance with Rule 2a-5 and the Fair Value Procedures.
The Committee must monitor for circumstances that may necessitate that a security be valued using Fair Value Procedures, which can include: (i) the security's trading has been halted or suspended, (ii) the security has been de-listed from a national exchange, (iii) the security's primary trading market is temporarily closed at a time when under normal conditions it would be open, (iv) the security has not been traded for an extended period of time, (v) the security's primary pricing source is not able or willing to provide a price, (vi) trading of the security is subject to local government-imposed restrictions, or (vii) a significant event (as defined below). When a security is valued in accordance with the Fair Value Procedures, the Committee will determine the value after taking into consideration relevant information reasonably available to the Committee. Examples of factors the Committee may consider include: (i) the type of security or asset, (ii) the last trade price, (iii) evaluation of the forces that influence the market in which the security is purchased and sold, (iv) the liquidity of the security, (v) the size of the holding in a Fund or (vi) any other appropriate information.
The Committee is responsible for selecting and applying, in a consistent manner, the appropriate methodologies for determining and calculating the fair value of holdings of the Funds, including specifying the key inputs and assumptions specific to each asset class or holding.
The determination of a security's fair value price often involves the consideration of a number of subjective factors and is therefore subject to the unavoidable risk that the value assigned to a security may be higher or lower than the security's value would be if a reliable market quotation for the security was readily available.
With respect to any investments in foreign securities, the Funds use a third-party fair valuation vendor, which provides a fair value for such foreign securities based on certain factors and methodologies (generally involving tracking valuation correlations between the U.S. market and each foreign security). Values from the vendor are applied in the event that there is a movement in the U.S. market that exceeds a specific threshold that has been established by the Committee. The Committee has also established a "confidence interval," which is used to determine the level of historical correlation between the value of a specific foreign security and movements in the U.S. market before a particular security will be fair-valued when the threshold is exceeded. In the event that the threshold established by the Committee is exceeded on a specific day, the Funds shall value the foreign securities in their portfolios that exceed the applicable "confidence interval" based upon the adjusted prices provided by the vendor. Additionally, if a local market in which the Funds own securities is closed for one or more days (scheduled or unscheduled) while a Fund is open, and if such securities in a Fund's portfolio exceed the predetermined confidence interval discussed above, then such Fund shall value such securities based on the fair value prices provided by the vendor.
For securities that principally trade on a foreign market or exchange, a significant gap in time can exist between the time of a particular security's last trade and the time at which a Fund calculates its NAV. The readily available market quotations of such securities may no longer reflect their market value at the time a Fund calculates NAV if an event that could materially affect the value of those securities (a Significant Event) has occurred between the time of the security's last close and the time that the Fund calculates NAV thereby rendering the readily available market quotations as unreliable. A Fund may invest in securities that are
63
SEI / PROSPECTUS
primarily listed on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the Fund does not price its shares. As a result, the NAV of a Fund's shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem Fund shares. A Significant Event may relate to a single issuer or to an entire market sector.
The Committee is primarily responsible for the obligation to monitor for Significant Events as part of the Committee's ongoing responsibility to determine whether a Fund investment is required to be fair valued (i.e., the investment does not have a reliable readily available market quotation). The Committee may consider input from a Fund's service providers, including the Fund's administrator or a Sub-Adviser, if applicable and as appropriate. If the Committee becomes aware of a Significant Event that has occurred with respect to a security or group of securities after the closing of the exchange or market on which the security or securities principally trade, but before the time at which a Fund calculates net asset value, the Committee shall notify the Fund's administrator.
Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares
"Market timing" refers to a pattern of frequent purchases and sales of a Fund's shares, often with the intent of earning arbitrage profits. Market timing of a Fund could harm other shareholders in various ways, including by diluting the value of the shareholders' holdings, increasing Fund transaction costs, disrupting the portfolio management strategy, causing the Funds to incur unwanted taxable gains and forcing the Funds to hold excess levels of cash.
The Funds are intended to be long-term investment vehicles and are not designed for investors that engage in short-term trading activity (i.e., a purchase of Fund shares followed shortly thereafter by a redemption of such shares, or vice versa, in an effort to take advantage of short-term market movements). Accordingly, the Board has adopted policies and procedures on behalf of the Funds to deter short-term trading. The Transfer Agent will monitor trades in an effort to detect short-term trading activities. If, as a result of this monitoring, a Fund determines, in its sole discretion, that a shareholder has engaged in excessive short-term trading, it will refuse to process future purchases or exchanges into the Fund from that shareholder's account.
A shareholder will be considered to be engaging in excessive short-term trading in a Fund in the following circumstances:
i. if the shareholder conducts four or more "round trips" in a Fund in any twelve-month period. A round trip involves the purchase of shares of a Fund and the subsequent redemption of all or most of those shares. An exchange into and back out of a Fund in this manner is also considered a round trip.
ii. if a Fund determines, in its sole discretion, that a shareholder's trading activity constitutes excessive short-term trading, regardless of whether such shareholder exceeds the foregoing round trip threshold.
The Funds, in their sole discretion, also reserve the right to reject any purchase request (including exchange requests) for any reason without notice.
Judgments with respect to implementation of the Funds' policies are made uniformly and in good faith in a manner that the Funds believe is consistent with the best long-term interests of shareholders. When applying the Funds' policy, the Funds may consider (to the extent reasonably available) an investor's trading history in all SEI funds, as well as trading in accounts under common ownership, influence or control, and any other information available to the Funds.
64
SEI / PROSPECTUS
The Funds' monitoring techniques are intended to identify and deter short-term trading in the Funds. However, despite the existence of these monitoring techniques, it is possible that short-term trading may occur in the Funds without being identified. For example, certain investors seeking to engage in short-term trading may be adept at taking steps to hide their identity or activity from the Funds' monitoring techniques. Operational or technical limitations may also limit the Funds' ability to identify short-term trading activity.
The Funds and/or their service providers have entered into agreements with financial intermediaries that require them to provide the Funds and/or their service providers with certain shareholder transaction information to enable the Funds and/or their service providers to review the trading activity in the omnibus accounts maintained by financial intermediaries. The Funds may also delegate trade monitoring to the financial intermediaries. If excessive trading is identified in an omnibus account, the Funds will work with the financial intermediary to restrict trading by the shareholder and may request that the financial intermediary prohibit the shareholder from future purchases or exchanges into the Funds.
Certain of the Funds may be sold to participant-directed employee benefit plans. The Funds' ability to monitor or restrict trading activity by individual participants in a plan may be constrained by regulatory restrictions or plan policies. In such circumstances, the Funds will take such action, which may include taking no action, as deemed appropriate in light of all the facts and circumstances.
The Funds may amend these policies and procedures in response to changing regulatory requirements or to enhance the effectiveness of the program.
Foreign Investors
The Funds do not generally accept investments by non-U.S. persons. Non-U.S. persons may be permitted to invest in a Fund subject to the satisfaction of enhanced due diligence. Prospective investors should consult their own financial institution or financial intermediary regarding their eligibility to invest in a Fund. The Funds may rely on representations from such financial institutions and financial intermediaries regarding their investor eligibility.
Customer Identification and Verification and Anti-Money Laundering Program
Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each customer who opens an account. Accounts for the Funds are generally opened through other financial institutions or financial intermediaries. When you open your account through your financial institution or financial intermediary, you will have to provide your name, address, date of birth, identification number and other information that will allow the financial institution or financial intermediary to identify you. When you open an account on behalf of an entity you will have to provide formation documents and identifying information about beneficial owner(s) and controlling parties. This information is subject to verification by the financial institution or financial intermediary to ensure the identity of all persons opening an account.
Your financial institution or financial intermediary is required by law to reject your new account application if the required identifying information is not provided. Your financial institution or intermediary may contact you in an attempt to collect any missing information required on the application, and your application may be rejected if they are unable to obtain this information. In certain instances, your financial institution or financial intermediary may be required to collect documents to establish and verify your identity.
The Funds will accept investments and your order will be processed at the next determined NAV after receipt of your application in proper form (which includes receipt of all identifying information required on the application). The Funds, however, reserve the right to close and/or liquidate your account at the then-current
65
SEI / PROSPECTUS
day's price if the financial institution or financial intermediary through which you open your account is unable to verify your identity. As a result, you may be subject to a gain or loss on Fund shares as well as corresponding tax consequences.
Customer identification and verification are part of the Funds' overall obligation to deter money laundering under Federal law. The Funds have adopted an Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Program designed to prevent the Funds from being used for money laundering or the financing of terrorist activities. In this regard, the Funds reserve the right to (i) refuse, cancel or rescind any purchase or exchange order; (ii) freeze any account and/or suspend account services; or (iii) involuntarily close your account in cases of threatening conduct or suspected fraudulent or illegal activity. These actions will be taken when, in the sole discretion of Fund management, they are deemed to be in the best interest of a Fund or in cases when a Fund is requested or compelled to do so by governmental or law enforcement authority. If your account is closed at the request of governmental or law enforcement authority, you may not receive proceeds of the redemption if a Fund is required to withhold such proceeds.
HOW TO EXCHANGE YOUR FUND SHARES
An authorized financial institution or intermediary may exchange Class F Shares of any Fund for Class F Shares of any other fund of SEI Institutional International Trust on any Business Day by placing orders with the Transfer Agent or the Fund's authorized agent. For information about how to exchange Fund shares through your authorized financial institution or intermediary, you should contact your authorized financial institution or intermediary directly. This exchange privilege may be changed or canceled at any time upon 60 days' notice. When you exchange shares, you are really selling shares of one fund and buying shares of another fund. Therefore, your sale price and purchase price will be based on the next calculated NAV after the Funds receive your exchange request. All exchanges are based on the eligibility requirements of the fund into which you are exchanging and any other limits on sales of or exchanges in that fund. Each Fund reserves the right to refuse or limit any exchange order for any reason, including if the transaction is deemed not to be in the best interest of the Fund's other shareholders or if it is deemed possibly disruptive to the management of the Fund. When a purchase or exchange order is rejected, the Fund will send notice to the prospective investor or the prospective investor's financial intermediary.
HOW TO SELL YOUR FUND SHARES
Authorized financial institutions and intermediaries may sell Fund shares on any Business Day by placing orders with the Transfer Agent or the Funds' authorized agent. Authorized financial institutions and intermediaries that use certain SEI or third party systems may place orders electronically through those systems. Authorized financial institutions and intermediaries may also place orders by calling 1-800-858-7233. For information about how to sell Fund shares through your authorized financial institution or intermediary, you should contact your authorized financial institution or intermediary directly. Your authorized financial institution or intermediary may charge a fee for its services. The sale price of each share will be the next determined NAV after the Funds receive your request or after the Funds' authorized intermediary receives your request if transmitted to the Funds in accordance with the Funds' procedures and applicable law.
Receiving Your Money
Normally, the Funds will make payment on your redemption request on the Business Day following the day on which they receive your request regardless of the method the Funds use to make such payment, but it may take up to seven days. You may arrange for your proceeds to be wired to your bank account.
66
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Methods Used to Meet Redemption Obligations
The Funds generally pay sale (redemption) proceeds in cash during normal market conditions. To the extent that a Fund does not have sufficient cash holdings for redemption proceeds, it will typically seek to generate such cash through the sale of portfolio assets. The Funds also operate an interfund lending program that enables a Fund to borrow from another Fund on a temporary basis, which, on a less regular basis, may be used to help a Fund satisfy redemptions. Under stressed or unusual conditions that make the payment of cash unwise (and for the protection of the Funds' remaining shareholders), the Funds might pay all or part of your redemption proceeds in liquid securities with a market value equal to the redemption price (redemption in kind). Although it is highly unlikely that your shares would ever be redeemed in kind, you would probably have to pay brokerage costs to sell the securities distributed to you, as well as taxes on any capital gains from the sale as with any redemption and you will bear the investment risk of the distributed securities until the distributed securities are sold. These methods may be used during both normal and stressed market conditions.
Low Balance Redemptions
A Fund (or its delegate) may, in its discretion, and upon reasonable notice, redeem in full a financial institution, intermediary or shareholder that fails to maintain an investment of at least $1,000 in the Fund. A financial institution, intermediary or shareholder, as applicable, will receive prior notice of a pending redemption using such account's preferred method of communication as reflected on the records of the Trust.
Suspension of Your Right to Sell Your Shares
The Funds may suspend your right to sell your shares if the NYSE restricts trading, the SEC declares an emergency or for other reasons, as permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. More information about such suspension can be found in the SAI.
Large Redemptions
Large unexpected redemptions to a Fund can disrupt portfolio management and increase trading costs by causing the Fund to liquidate a substantial portion of its assets in a short period of time. Large redemptions may arise from the redemption activity of a single investor, or the activity of a single investment manager managing multiple underlying accounts. In the event of a large unexpected redemption, a Fund may take such steps as implementing a redemption in kind or delaying the delivery of redemption proceeds for up to seven days. Further, the Funds may reject future purchases from that investor or investment manager. An investor or investment manager with a large position in a Fund may reduce the likelihood of these actions if it works with the Fund to mitigate the impact of a large redemption by, for example, providing advance notice to the Fund of a large redemption or by implementing the redemption in stages over a period of time.
Telephone Transactions
Purchasing, selling and exchanging Fund shares over the telephone is extremely convenient, but not without risk. The Funds have certain safeguards and procedures to confirm the identity of callers and the authenticity of instructions. If the Funds follow these procedures, the Funds will not be responsible for any losses or costs incurred by following telephone instructions that the Funds reasonably believe to be genuine.
67
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Unclaimed Property
Each state has unclaimed property rules that generally provide for escheatment (or transfer) to the state of unclaimed property, including mutual fund shares, under various circumstances. Such circumstances include inactivity (i.e., no owner-initiated contact for a certain period), returned mail (i.e., when mail sent to a shareholder is returned by the post office, or "RPO," as undeliverable), or a combination of both inactivity and returned mail. More information on unclaimed property and how to maintain an active account is available through your state.
If you are a resident of certain states, you may designate a representative to receive notice of the potential escheatment of your property. The designated representative would not have any rights to your shares. Please contact your financial intermediary for additional information.
DISTRIBUTION OF FUND SHARES
SEI Investments Distribution Co. (SIDCo.) is the distributor of the Funds' shares.
The Funds are sold primarily through independent registered investment advisers, financial planners, bank trust departments and other financial advisors (Financial Advisors) who provide their clients with advice and services in connection with their investments in the Funds. Many Financial Advisors are also associated with broker-dealer firms. SIMC and its affiliates, at their expense, may pay compensation to these broker-dealers or other financial institutions for marketing, promotional or other services. These payments may be significant to these firms and may create an incentive for the firm or its associated Financial Advisors to recommend or offer shares of the Funds to its customers rather than other funds or investment products. These payments are made by SIMC and its affiliates out of their past profits or other available resources. SIMC and its affiliates may also provide other products and services to Financial Advisors. For additional information, please see the Funds' SAI. You can also ask your Financial Advisor about any payments it receives from SIMC and its affiliates, as well as about fees it charges.
SERVICE OF FUND SHARES
The Funds have adopted a shareholder services plan and agreement (the Service Plan) with respect to Class F Shares that allows such shares to pay service providers a fee in connection with the ongoing servicing of shareholder accounts owning such shares at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets of the Class F Shares. The Service Plan provides that shareholder service fees on Class F Shares will be paid to SIDCo., which may then be used by SIDCo. to compensate financial intermediaries for providing shareholder services with respect to Class F Shares.
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION
Portfolio holdings information for a Fund can be obtained on the Internet at the following address: http://www.seic.com/holdings (the Portfolio Holdings Website). Five calendar days after each month end, a list of all portfolio holdings in each Fund as of the end of such month shall be made available on the Portfolio Holdings Website. Beginning on the day after any portfolio holdings information is posted on the Portfolio Holdings Website, such information will be delivered directly to any person who requests it, through electronic or other means. The portfolio holdings information placed on the Portfolio Holdings Website shall remain there until the fifth calendar day of the thirteenth month after the date of which the data relates, at which time it will be permanently removed from the site.
68
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Additional information regarding the information disclosed on the Portfolio Holdings website and the Funds' policies and procedures on the disclosure of portfolio holdings information is available in the SAI.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Dividends and Distributions
The Funds distribute their investment income periodically as dividends to shareholders. It is the policy of the International Equity, Emerging Markets Equity and International Fixed Income Funds to pay dividends at least once annually. It is the policy of the Emerging Markets Debt Fund to pay dividends quarterly. The Funds make distributions of capital gains, if any, at least annually.
You will receive dividends and distributions in cash unless otherwise stated.
Taxes
Please consult your tax advisor regarding your specific questions about federal, state, local and foreign income taxes. Below, the Funds have summarized certain important U.S. federal income tax issues that affect the Funds and their shareholders. This summary is based on current tax laws, which may change. If you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or other retirement account, you generally will not be subject to federal taxation on Fund distributions until you begin receiving distributions from your tax-deferred arrangement.
Each Fund has elected and intends to qualify each year for treatment as a regulated investment company (a RIC) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). If it meets certain minimum distribution requirements, a RIC is not subject to tax at the fund level on income and gains from investments that are timely distributed to shareholders. However, a Fund's failure to qualify as a RIC or to meet minimum distribution requirements would result (if certain relief provisions were not available) in fund-level taxation and, consequently, a reduction in income available for distribution to shareholders.
At least annually, each Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and its net realized capital gains, if any. The dividends and distributions you receive may be subject to federal, state and local taxation, depending upon your tax situation. Distributions you receive are taxable whether or not you reinvest them. Income distributions, other than distributions of qualified dividend income, and distributions of net short-term capital gains are generally taxable at ordinary income tax rates. Dividends that are qualified dividend income are currently eligible for the reduced maximum tax rate to individuals of 20% (lower rates apply to individuals in lower tax brackets) to the extent that a Fund receives qualified dividend income and certain requirements are satisfied by you and by the Fund. Qualified dividend income is, in general, dividends from domestic corporations and from certain eligible foreign corporations that include those incorporated in possessions of the United States, those incorporated in certain countries with comprehensive tax treaties with the United States and those whose stock is tradable on an established securities market in the United States. Capital gains distributions are generally taxable at the rates applicable to long-term capital gains regardless of how long you have held your Fund shares. Long-term capital gains are currently taxable at the maximum tax rate of 20%. It is expected that distributions from the International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds will primarily consist of ordinary income and that distributions from these Funds will not be eligible for the lower tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income. The investment strategies of the International Equity Fund and Emerging Markets Equity Fund may limit their ability to make distributions eligible for the lower tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income.
69
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Because the Funds' income is derived primarily from investments in foreign rather than domestic U.S. securities their distributions are generally not expected to be eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporate shareholders.
A RIC that receives business interest income may pass through its net business interest income for purposes of the tax rules applicable to the interest expense limitations under Section 163(j) of the Code. A RIC's total "Section 163(j) Interest Dividend" for a tax year is limited to the excess of the RIC's business interest income over the sum of its business interest expense and its other deductions properly allocable to its business interest income. A RIC may, in its discretion, designate all or a portion of ordinary dividends as Section 163(j) Interest Dividends, which would allow the recipient shareholder to treat the designated portion of such dividends as interest income for purposes of determining such shareholder's interest expense deduction limitation under Section 163(j). This can potentially increase the amount of a shareholder's interest expense deductible under Section 163(j). In general, to be eligible to treat a Section 163(j) Interest Dividend as interest income, you must have held your shares in a Fund for more than 180 days during the 361-day period beginning on the date that is 180 days before the date on which the share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend. Section 163(j) Interest Dividends, if so designated by a Fund, will be reported to your financial intermediary or otherwise in accordance with the requirements specified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
If a Fund distributes more than its net investment income and net capital gains, the excess generally would be treated as nontaxable return of capital that would reduce your cost basis in your Fund shares and would increase your capital gain or decrease your capital loss when you sell your shares.
If you buy shares when a Fund has realized but not yet distributed income or capital gains, you will be "buying a dividend" by paying the full price for the shares and gains and receiving back a portion of the price in the form of a taxable distribution, even though, as an economic matter, the distribution simply constitutes a return of your investment. "Buying a dividend" generally should be avoided by taxable investors.
Each sale of Fund shares may be a taxable event. Assuming a shareholder holds Fund shares as a capital asset, the gain or loss on the sale of Fund shares generally will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss if you held the shares for 12 months or less, or a long-term capital gain or loss if you held the shares for longer. Any capital loss arising from the sale of the Fund shares held for six months or less, however, will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the amount of net long-term capital gain dividends that were paid with respect to those shares. All or a portion of any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares will be disallowed if you purchase other substantially identical shares within 30 days before or after the disposition. In such case, the basis of the newly purchased shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.
U.S. individuals with income exceeding $200,000 ($250,000 if married and filing jointly) are subject to a 3.8% tax on their "net investment income," including interest, dividends and capital gains (including capital gains realized on the sale or exchange of shares of a Fund).
Each Fund (or their administrative agents) must report to the IRS and furnish to Fund shareholders the cost basis information for Fund shares. In addition to reporting the gross proceeds from the sale of Fund shares, each Fund (or its administrative agent) is also required to report the cost basis information for such shares and indicate whether these shares have a short-term or long-term holding period. For each sale of its shares, each Fund (or its administrative agent) will permit shareholders to elect from among several IRS-accepted cost basis methods, including average cost. In the absence of an election, each Fund (or its administrative agent) will use the average cost basis method as the default cost basis method. The cost basis method elected by shareholders (or the cost basis method applied by default) for each sale of a Fund's shares may not be
70
SEI / PROSPECTUS
changed after the settlement date of each such sale of a Fund's shares. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation and to obtain more information about cost basis reporting. Shareholders also should carefully review any cost basis information provided to them and make any additional basis, holding period or other adjustments that are required when reporting these amounts on their federal income tax returns.
Some foreign governments levy withholding taxes against dividend and interest income. Although in some countries a portion of these taxes is recoverable, the non-recovered portion will reduce the income received from the securities comprising the portfolios of the Funds. If more than 50% of the value of a Fund's total assets at the close of its taxable year consists of stocks and securities of foreign corporations, a Fund may elect to pass through to you your pro rata share of foreign income taxes paid by the Fund, which would allow shareholders to offset some of their U.S. federal income tax. A Fund (or its administrative agent) will notify you if it makes such an election and provide you with the information necessary to reflect foreign taxes paid on your income tax return.
Non-U.S. investors in the Funds may be subject to U.S. withholding tax and are encouraged to consult their tax advisor prior to investing in the Funds.
Because each shareholder's tax situation is different, you should consult your tax advisor about the tax implications of an investment in the Funds.
The SAI contains more information about taxes.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Trust enters into contractual arrangements with various parties (including, among others, the Funds' investment adviser, custodian, administrator and transfer agent, accountants and distributor) who provide services to the Funds. Shareholders are not parties to, or intended (or "third-party") beneficiaries of, any of those contractual arrangements, and those contractual arrangements are not intended to create in any individual shareholder or group of shareholders any right to enforce the terms of the contractual arrangements against the service providers or any right to seek any remedy under the contractual arrangements against the service providers, either directly or on behalf of the Trust.
This prospectus and the SAI provide information concerning the Trust and the Funds that you should consider in determining whether to purchase shares of the Funds. The Funds may make changes to this information from time to time. Neither this prospectus, the SAI nor any document filed as an exhibit to the Trust's registration statement, is intended to, nor does it, give rise to an agreement or contract between the Trust or the Funds and any shareholder, or give rise to any contract or other rights in any individual shareholder, group of shareholders or other person other than any rights conferred explicitly (and which may not be waived) by federal or state securities laws.
71
SEI / PROSPECTUS
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The tables that follow present performance information about the Class F Shares of each Fund. This information is intended to help you understand each Fund's financial performance for the past five years. Some of this information reflects financial information for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that you would have earned (or lost) on an investment in a Fund, assuming you reinvested all of your dividends and distributions.
This information has been derived from the Funds' financial statements, which have been audited by KPMG LLP, the Funds' independent registered public accounting firm. Its report, along with each Fund's financial statements, appears in the annual report. You can obtain the annual report, which contains more performance information, at no charge by calling 1-800-DIAL-SEI.
FOR THE YEARS OR PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH YEAR
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year |
Net Investment Income (Loss)(1) |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments |
Total from Operations |
Dividends from Net Investment Income |
Distributions from Net Realized Gains |
Total Dividends and Distributions |
Net Asset Value, End of Year |
Total Return† |
Net Assets End of Year ($ Thousands) |
Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets* |
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers)** |
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets |
Portfolio Turnover Rate† |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
International Equity Fund |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CLASS F |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 |
$ |
8.66 |
$ |
0.21 |
$ |
2.18 |
$ |
2.39 |
$ |
(0.18 |
) |
$ |
— |
$ |
(0.18 |
) |
$ |
10.87 |
27.81 |
% |
$ |
3,415,372 |
1.10 |
% |
1.11 |
% |
1.99 |
% |
87 |
% |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2022 |
13.57 |
0.21 |
(3.38 |
) |
(3.17 |
) |
(0.23 |
) |
(1.51 |
) |
(1.74 |
) |
8.66 |
(26.82 |
) |
3,114,144 |
1.09 |
1.09 |
1.91 |
108 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 |
10.86 |
0.16 |
2.67 |
2.83 |
(0.12 |
) |
— |
(0.12 |
) |
13.57 |
26.18 |
4,242,911 |
1.08 |
1.08 |
1.19 |
105 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 |
10.68 |
0.10 |
0.28 |
0.38 |
(0.20 |
) |
— |
(0.20 |
) |
10.86 |
3.44 |
3,568,373 |
1.11 |
1.11 |
0.94 |
102 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 |
11.38 |
0.20 |
(0.75 |
) |
(0.55 |
) |
(0.15 |
) |
— |
(0.15 |
) |
10.68 |
(4.63 |
) |
3,686,195 |
1.10 |
1.10 |
1.92 |
73 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CLASS F |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 |
$ |
9.18 |
$ |
0.19 |
$ |
0.94 |
$ |
1.13 |
$ |
(0.21 |
) |
$ |
— |
$ |
(0.21 |
) |
$ |
10.10 |
12.32 |
% |
$ |
1,267,365 |
1.68 |
% |
1.78 |
% |
1.82 |
% |
95 |
% |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2022 |
14.23 |
0.14 |
(3.96 |
) |
(3.82 |
) |
(0.15 |
) |
(1.08 |
) |
(1.23 |
) |
9.18 |
(29.26 |
) |
1,229,709 |
1.71 |
1.81 |
1.21 |
93 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 |
12.06 |
0.11 |
2.14 |
2.25 |
(0.08 |
) |
— |
(0.08 |
) |
14.23 |
18.63 |
1,786,493 |
1.70 |
1.80 |
0.73 |
100 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 |
11.21 |
0.05 |
0.93 |
0.98 |
(0.13 |
) |
— |
(0.13 |
) |
12.06 |
8.75 |
1,542,551 |
1.71 |
1.81 |
0.43 |
90 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 |
11.47 |
0.10 |
(0.29 |
) |
(0.19 |
) |
(0.07 |
) |
— |
(0.07 |
) |
11.21 |
(1.64 |
) |
1,564,523 |
1.70 |
1.81 |
0.92 |
89 |
72
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year |
Net Investment Income (Loss)(1) |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments |
Total from Operations |
Dividends from Net Investment Income |
Distributions from Net Realized Gains |
Total Dividends and Distributions |
Net Asset Value, End of Year |
Total Return† |
Net Assets End of Year ($ Thousands) |
Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets* |
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers)** |
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets |
Portfolio Turnover Rate† |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
International Fixed Income Fund |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CLASS F |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 |
$ |
9.13 |
$ |
0.11 |
$ |
0.05 |
$ |
0.16 |
$ |
(1.05 |
) |
$ |
(0.01 |
) |
$ |
(1.06 |
) |
$ |
8.23 |
1.88 |
% |
$ |
384,986 |
1.02 |
% |
1.06 |
% |
1.35 |
% |
44 |
% |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2022 |
10.37 |
0.05 |
(1.08 |
) |
(1.03 |
) |
(0.08 |
) |
(0.13 |
) |
(0.21 |
) |
9.13 |
(10.15 |
) |
410,864 |
1.02 |
1.07 |
0.53 |
47 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 |
10.46 |
0.03 |
(0.12 |
) |
(0.09 |
) |
— |
— |
^ |
— |
10.37 |
(0.83 |
) |
485,178 |
1.02 |
1.07 |
0.32 |
65 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 |
10.73 |
0.03 |
0.04 |
0.07 |
(0.26 |
) |
(0.08 |
) |
(0.34 |
) |
10.46 |
0.73 |
445,864 |
1.02 |
1.08 |
0.29 |
64 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 |
10.27 |
0.04 |
0.88 |
0.92 |
(0.40 |
) |
(0.06 |
) |
(0.46 |
) |
10.73 |
9.28 |
452,150 |
1.02 |
1.07 |
0.42 |
58 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Emerging Markets Debt Fund |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CLASS F |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 |
$ |
7.52 |
$ |
0.48 |
$ |
0.51 |
$ |
0.99 |
$ |
(0.32 |
) |
$ |
— |
$ |
(0.32 |
) |
$ |
8.19 |
13.13 |
% |
$ |
1,102,419 |
1.30 |
% |
1.56 |
% |
5.79 |
% |
95 |
% |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2022 |
10.06 |
0.40 |
(2.78 |
) |
(2.38 |
) |
(0.16 |
) |
— |
(0.16 |
) |
7.52 |
(24.04 |
) |
1,108,531 |
1.36 |
1.62 |
4.52 |
88 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 |
9.80 |
0.40 |
0.06 |
0.46 |
(0.20 |
) |
— |
(0.20 |
) |
10.06 |
4.71 |
1,433,739 |
1.36 |
1.61 |
3.87 |
91 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 |
9.93 |
0.40 |
(0.45 |
) |
(0.05 |
) |
(0.08 |
) |
— |
(0.08 |
) |
9.80 |
(0.53 |
) |
1,374,566 |
1.36 |
1.61 |
4.07 |
95 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 |
9.30 |
0.47 |
0.32 |
0.79 |
(0.16 |
) |
— |
(0.16 |
) |
9.93 |
8.51 |
1,483,467 |
1.36 |
1.62 |
4.93 |
114 |
^ Amount represents less than $0.005.
† Returns and portfolio turnover rates are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares.
* Includes Fees Paid Indirectly, if applicable. There was no impact to the expense ratios. See Note 5 in Notes to Financial Statements.
** See Note 5 in Notes to Financial Statements.
(1) Per share calculated using average shares.
Amounts designated as "—" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
73
Investment Adviser
SEI Investments Management Corporation
One Freedom Valley Drive
Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456
Distributor
SEI Investments Distribution Co.
One Freedom Valley Drive
Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456
Legal Counsel
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
2222 Market Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
More information about the Funds is available without charge through the following:
Statement of Additional Information (SAI)
The SAI, dated January 31, 2024, includes detailed information about the SEI Institutional International Trust. The SAI is on file with the SEC and is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. This means that the SAI, for legal purposes, is a part of this prospectus.
Annual and Semi-Annual Reports
These reports list the Funds' holdings and contain information from the Funds' managers about Fund strategies, and market conditions and trends and their impact on Fund performance. The reports also contain detailed financial information about the Funds.
To Obtain an SAI, Annual or Semi-Annual Report, or More Information:
By Telephone: Call 1-800-DIAL-SEI
By Mail: Write to the Funds at:
One Freedom Valley Drive
Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456
By Internet: The Funds make available their SAI and Annual and Semi-Annual Reports, free of charge, on or through the Funds' Website at www.seic.com/fundprospectuses. You can also obtain the SAI, Annual or Semi-Annual Report upon request by telephone or mail.
From the SEC: You can also obtain the SAI or the Annual and Semi-Annual Reports, as well as other information about SEI Institutional International Trust, from the EDGAR Database on the SEC's website ("http://www.sec.gov"). You may request documents by mail from the SEC, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by e-mailing the SEC at the following address: publicinfo@sec.gov.
SEI Institutional International Trust's Investment Company Act registration number is 811-05601.
SEI-F-095 (1/24)
seic.com
January 31, 2024
PROSPECTUS
SEI Institutional International Trust
Class I Shares
• International Equity Fund (
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Class I Shares of the International Equity Fund are not available for purchase in all states. You may purchase Fund shares only if they are registered in your state.
seic.com
SEI / PROSPECTUS
SEI INSTITUTIONAL INTERNATIONAL TRUST
About This Prospectus
FUND SUMMARY |
1 |
||||||
Investment Goal |
1 |
||||||
Fees and Expenses |
1 |
||||||
Principal Investment Strategies |
1 |
||||||
Principal Risks |
2 |
||||||
Performance Information |
5 |
||||||
Management |
6 |
||||||
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares |
7 |
||||||
Tax Information |
7 |
||||||
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries |
7 |
||||||
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENTS |
7 |
||||||
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RISKS |
8 |
||||||
Risk Information |
8 |
||||||
More Information About Principal Risks |
8 |
||||||
GLOBAL ASSET ALLOCATION |
16 |
||||||
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND'S BENCHMARK INDEX |
17 |
||||||
INVESTMENT ADVISER |
17 |
||||||
SUB-ADVISERS |
18 |
||||||
Sub-Advisers and Portfolio Managers |
19 |
||||||
PURCHASING AND SELLING FUND SHARES |
23 |
||||||
HOW TO PURCHASE FUND SHARES |
24 |
||||||
Pricing of Fund Shares |
24 |
||||||
Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares |
27 |
||||||
Foreign Investors |
29 |
||||||
Customer Identification and Verification and Anti-Money Laundering Program |
29 |
HOW TO SELL YOUR FUND SHARES |
29 |
||||||
Receiving Your Money |
30 |
||||||
Methods Used to Meet Redemption Obligations |
30 |
||||||
Low Balance Redemptions |
30 |
||||||
Suspension of Your Right to Sell Your Shares |
30 |
||||||
Large Redemptions |
30 |
||||||
Telephone Transactions |
31 |
||||||
Unclaimed Property |
31 |
||||||
DISTRIBUTION OF FUND SHARES |
31 |
||||||
SERVICE OF FUND SHARES |
31 |
||||||
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION |
32 |
||||||
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES |
32 |
||||||
Dividends and Distributions |
32 |
||||||
Taxes |
32 |
||||||
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
34 |
||||||
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
35 |
||||||
HOW TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SEI INSTITUTIONAL INTERNATIONAL TRUST |
Back Cover |
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Fund Summary
Long-term capital appreciation.
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell Fund shares. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in this table and examples below.
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
Class I Shares |
||||||
Management Fees |
|
% |
|||||
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
|
||||||
Other Expenses |
|
% |
|||||
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
|
%* |
*
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem or hold 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.
1 Year |
3 Years |
5 Years |
10 Years |
||||||||||||||||
International Equity Fund — Class I Shares |
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
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. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was
Under normal circumstances, the International Equity Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities. Equity securities may include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants, participation notes and depositary receipts. The Fund will invest
1
SEI / PROSPECTUS
primarily in equity securities of issuers of all capitalization ranges that are located in at least three countries other than the U.S. It is expected that at least 40% of the Fund's assets will be invested outside the U.S. The Fund will invest primarily in companies located in developed countries, but may also invest in companies located in emerging markets. Generally, the Fund will invest less than 20% of its assets in emerging markets. Emerging market countries are those countries that: (i) are characterized as developing or emerging by any of the World Bank, the United Nations, the International Finance Corporation, or the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; (ii) are included in an emerging markets index by a recognized index provider; or (iii) have similar developing or emerging characteristics as countries classified as emerging market countries pursuant to sub-paragraph (i) and (ii) above, in each case determined at the time of purchase. Due to its investment strategy, the Fund may buy and sell securities and other instruments frequently.
The Fund uses a multi-manager approach, relying upon a number of sub-advisers (each, a Sub-Adviser and collectively, the Sub-Advisers) with differing investment philosophies to manage portions of the Fund's portfolio under the general supervision of SEI Investments Management Corporation (SIMC), the Fund's adviser. One or more Sub-Advisers may apply a quantitative investment style, which generally involves a systematic or rules-based approach to selecting investments based on specific measurable factors. A Sub-Adviser may take long positions with respect to investments it believes to be undervalued and likely to increase in price, while also taking short positions (including through derivative instruments) with respect to investments it believes to be overvalued and likely to decrease in price.
The Fund may invest in futures contracts, forward contracts, options and swaps for hedging or investment purposes, including seeking to manage the Fund's currency exposure to foreign securities and mitigate the Fund's overall risk.
The Fund may purchase futures contracts or shares of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to gain exposure to a particular portion of the market while awaiting an opportunity to purchase securities or other instruments directly.
2
SEI / PROSPECTUS
3
SEI / PROSPECTUS
4
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Investing in the Fund involves risk, and there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment goal. You could lose money on your investment in the Fund, just as you could with other investments.
|
|
International Equity Fund — Class I Shares* |
1 Year |
5 Years |
10 Years |
Since Inception ( |
|||||||||||||||
|
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|||||||||||
|
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|||||||||||
|
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|||||||||||
|
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
*
5
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Management
Investment Adviser and Portfolio Managers. SEI Investments Management Corporation
Portfolio Manager |
Experience with the Fund |
Title with Adviser |
|||||||||
Rich Carr, CFA |
Since 2022 |
Portfolio Manager |
|||||||||
Jason Collins |
Since 2019 |
Portfolio Manager, Head of Sub-Advised Equity |
Sub-Advisers and Portfolio Managers.
Sub-Adviser |
Portfolio Manager |
Experience with the Fund |
Title with Sub-Adviser |
||||||||||||
Acadian Asset Management LLC |
Brendan O. Bradley Fanesca Young |
Since 2009 Since 2023 |
Executive Vice President, Chief Investment Officer Senior Vice President, Director, Equity Portfolio Management |
||||||||||||
Causeway Capital Management LLC |
Sarah H. Ketterer Harry W. Hartford Jonathan P. Eng Conor Muldoon, CFA Alessandro Valentini, CFA Ellen Lee Steven Nguyen, CFA Brian Cho |
Since 2010 Since 2010 Since 2010 Since 2010 Since 2013 Since 2015 Since 2019 Since 2021 |
Chief Executive Officer President Director Director Director Director Director Director |
||||||||||||
Delaware Investments Fund Advisers, a series of Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust |
Jens Hansen Klaus Petersen, CFA Claus Juul Asa Annerstedt Allan Jensen, CFA, CAIA Chris Gowlland, CFA |
Since 2021 Since 2021 Since 2021 Since 2021 Since 2021 Since 2021 |
Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer — Global Equity Team Managing Director, Senior Portfolio Manager Vice President, Portfolio Manager Vice President, Portfolio Manager Vice President, Portfolio Manager Senior Vice President, Head of Equity Quantitative Research |
||||||||||||
Lazard Asset Management LLC |
Paul Moghtader, CFA Susanne Willumsen Taras Ivanenko, CFA Peter Kashanek Alex Lai, CFA Ciprian Marin |
Since 2023 Since 2023 Since 2023 Since 2023 Since 2023 Since 2023 |
Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst |
||||||||||||
Pzena Investment Management, LLC |
Rakesh Bordia Caroline Cai Allison Fisch John Goetz |
Since 2023 Since 2022 Since 2022 Since 2022 |
Principal and Portfolio Manager Managing Principal, Chief Executive Officer and Portfolio Manager Managing Principal, President and Portfolio Manager Managing Principal, Co-Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager |
||||||||||||
WCM Investment Management, LLC |
Sanjay Ayer Paul R. Black Michael B. Trigg Jon Tringale |
Since 2015 Since 2015 Since 2015 Since 2022 |
Portfolio Manager & Business Analyst Portfolio Manager, CEO Portfolio Manager, President Portfolio Manager |
6
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
The minimum initial investment for Class I Shares is $100,000 with minimum subsequent investments of $1,000. Such minimums may be waived at the discretion of SIMC. You may purchase and redeem shares of the Fund on any day that the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open for business (a Business Day). You may sell your Fund shares by contacting your authorized financial institution or intermediary directly. Authorized financial institutions and intermediaries may redeem Fund shares on behalf of their clients by contacting the Fund's transfer agent (the Transfer Agent) or the Fund's authorized agent, using certain SEI Investments Company (SEI) or third party systems or by calling 1-800-858-7233, as applicable.
Tax Information
The distributions made by the Fund generally are taxable and will be taxed as qualified dividend income, ordinary income or capital gains. If you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or individual retirement account, you will generally not be subject to federal taxation on Fund distributions until you begin receiving distributions from your tax-deferred arrangement. You should consult your tax advisor regarding the rules governing your tax-deferred arrangement.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund shares 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 intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENTS
The Fund is a mutual fund. A mutual fund pools shareholders' money and, using professional investment managers, invests it in securities and certain other instruments.
The Fund has its own investment goal and strategies for reaching that goal. The Fund's assets are managed under the direction of SIMC and one or more Sub-Advisers who manage portions of the Fund's assets in a way that they believe will help the Fund achieve its goal.
This prospectus describes the Fund's primary investment strategies. However, the Fund may also invest in other securities, use other strategies or engage in other investment practices. These investments and strategies, as well as those described in this prospectus, are described in more detail in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information (SAI).
The investments and strategies described in this prospectus are those that SIMC and the Sub-Advisers use under normal conditions. For temporary defensive or liquidity purposes during unusual economic or market conditions, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in cash, money market instruments, repurchase agreements and other short-term obligations that would not ordinarily be consistent with the Fund's strategies. During such time, the Fund may not achieve its investment goals. The Fund will do so only if SIMC or a Sub-Adviser believes that the risk of loss outweighs the opportunity for capital gains and higher income. Of course, there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment goal. Although not expected to be a component of the Fund's principal investment strategies, the Fund may lend its securities to certain financial institutions in an attempt to earn additional income.
7
SEI / PROSPECTUS
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RISKS
Risk Information
Investing in the Fund involves risk, and there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its goal. SIMC and the Sub-Advisers, as applicable, make judgments about the securities markets, the economy and companies, but these judgments may not anticipate actual market movements or the impact of economic conditions on company performance. You could lose money on your investment in the Fund, just as you could with other investments. An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
The value of your investment in the Fund is based on the market prices of the securities the Fund holds. These prices change daily due to economic and other events that affect securities markets generally, as well as those that affect particular companies and other issuers. These price movements, sometimes called volatility, may be greater or lesser depending on the types of securities the Fund owns and the markets in which those securities trade. The effect on the Fund's share price of a change in the value of a single security will depend on how widely the Fund diversifies its holdings.
Investing in issuers located in foreign countries poses distinct risks because political and economic events unique to a country or region will affect those markets and their issuers. These events will not necessarily affect the U.S. economy or similar issuers located in the U.S. In addition, investments in foreign countries are generally denominated in a foreign currency. As a result, changes in the value of those currencies compared to the U.S. dollar may affect (positively or negatively) the value of the Fund's investments. These currency movements may happen in response to events that do not otherwise affect the value of the security in the issuer's home country. These various risks will be even greater for investments in emerging market countries where political turmoil and rapid changes in economic conditions are more likely to occur.
More Information About Principal Risks
The following descriptions provide additional information about some of the risks of investing in the Fund:
Credit — Credit risk is the risk that a decline in the credit quality of an investment could cause the Fund to lose money. The Fund could lose money if the issuer or guarantor of a portfolio security or a counterparty to a derivative contract fails to make timely payment or otherwise honor its obligations. Fixed income securities rated below investment grade (junk bonds) (described above) involve greater risks of default or downgrade and are generally more volatile than investment grade securities. Discontinuation of these payments could substantially adversely affect the market value of the security.
Currency — Currency exchange rates may fluctuate in response to factors extrinsic to that country's economy, which makes the forecasting of currency market movements extremely difficult. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates, intervention (or failure to intervene) by U.S. or foreign governments, central banks or supranational entities, such as the International Monetary Fund, or by the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the United States or abroad. These can result in losses to the Fund if it is unable to deliver or receive currency or funds in settlement of obligations and could also cause hedges it has entered into to be rendered useless, resulting in full currency exposure as well as incurring transaction costs. The value of the Fund's investments may fluctuate in response to broader macroeconomic risks than if the Fund invested only in U.S. equity securities.
8
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Current Market Conditions Risk — Current market conditions risk is the risk that a particular investment, or shares of the Funds in general, may fall in value due to current market conditions. As a means to fight inflation, which remains at elevated levels, the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks have raised interest rates and expect to continue to do so, and the Federal Reserve has announced that it intends to reverse previously implemented quantitative easing. U.S. regulators have proposed several changes to market and issuer regulations that could directly impact the Fund, and any regulatory changes could adversely impact the Fund's ability to achieve its investment strategies or make certain investments. Recent and potential future bank failures could result in disruption to the broader banking industry or markets generally and reduce confidence in financial institutions and the economy as a whole, which may also heighten market volatility and reduce liquidity. The ongoing adversarial political climate in the United States, as well as political and diplomatic events both domestic and abroad, have and may continue to have an adverse impact on the U.S. regulatory landscape, markets and investor behavior, which could have a negative impact on the Fund's investments and operations. Other unexpected political, regulatory and diplomatic events within the U.S. and abroad may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy. The economies of the United States and its trading partners, as well as the financial markets generally, may be adversely impacted by trade disputes and other matters. If any geopolitical conflicts develop or worsen, economies, markets and individual securities may be adversely affected, and the value of the Fund's assets may go down. The COVID-19 global pandemic, or any future public health crisis, and the ensuing policies enacted by governments and central banks have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets, negatively impacting global growth prospects. Advancements in technology may also adversely impact markets and the overall performance of the Fund. These events, and any other future events, may adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the Fund's investments and could result in disruptions in the trading markets.
Depositary Receipts — Depositary receipts are alternatives to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities in their national markets and currencies. However, depositary receipts, including American Depositary Receipts, are subject to many of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities, which are further described below.
Derivatives — Derivatives are instruments that derive their value from an underlying security, financial asset or an index. Examples of derivative instruments include futures contracts, options, forward contracts and swaps. Changes in the market value of a security that is a reference asset for a derivative instrument may not be proportionate to changes in the market value of the derivative instrument itself. There may not be a liquid market for the Fund to sell a derivative instrument, which could result in difficulty in closing the position prior to expiration. Moreover, certain derivative instruments can magnify the extent of losses incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities to which they relate. Some derivative instruments are subject to counterparty risk. A default by the counterparty on its payments to the Fund will cause the value of your investment in the Fund to decrease. The Fund's use of derivatives is also subject to credit risk, leverage risk, lack of availability risk, valuation risk, correlation risk, counterparty risk and tax risk. Credit risk is described above and leverage risk is described below. The Fund's counterparties to its derivative contracts present the same types of credit risk as issuers of fixed income securities. Lack of availability risk is the risk that suitable derivative transactions, such as roll-forward contracts, may not be available in all circumstances for risk management or other purposes. Valuation risk is the risk that a particular derivative may be valued incorrectly. Correlation risk is the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index. Counterparty risk is the risk that the counterparty to a derivatives contract, a clearing member used by the Fund to hold a cleared derivative contract, or a borrower of the Fund's securities is unable or unwilling to make timely settlement payments, return the Fund's margin or
9
SEI / PROSPECTUS
otherwise honor its obligations. Tax risk is the risk that the use of derivatives may cause the Fund to realize higher amounts of short-term capital gains, or otherwise affect the Fund's ability to pay out dividends subject to preferential rates or the dividends received deduction, thereby increasing the amount of taxes payable by some shareholders. These risks could cause the Fund to lose more than the principal amount invested. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the Fund's initial investment.
Derivatives are also subject to a number of other risks described elsewhere in this prospectus. Derivatives transactions conducted outside the U.S. may not be conducted in the same manner as those entered into on U.S. exchanges, and may be subject to different margin, exercise, settlement or expiration procedures. Derivatives transactions conducted outside the U.S. also are subject to the risks affecting foreign securities, currencies and other instruments, in addition to other risks.
Equity Market — Because the Fund 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 securities may fluctuate drastically 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. In the case of foreign stocks, these fluctuations will reflect international economic and political events, as well as changes in currency valuations relative to the U.S. dollar. These factors contribute to price volatility, which is a principal risk of investing in the Fund.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) — ETFs are investment companies whose shares are bought and sold on a securities exchange. The shares of certain ETFs may trade at a premium or discount to their intrinsic value (i.e., the market value may differ from the net asset value (NAV) of an ETF's shares). For example, supply and demand for shares of an ETF or market disruptions may cause the market price of the ETF to deviate from the value of the ETF's investments, which may be emphasized in less liquid markets. By investing in an ETF, the Fund indirectly bears the proportionate share of any fees and expenses of the ETF in addition to the fees and expenses that the Fund and its shareholders directly bear in connection with the Fund's operations. Most ETFs are passively-managed, meaning they invest in a portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market segment or index. ETFs, like mutual funds, have expenses associated with their operation, including advisory fees. Such ETF expenses may make owning shares of the ETF more costly than owning the underlying securities directly. The risks of owning shares of a passively-managed ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities the ETF is designed to track, although lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in its value being more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities.
Leveraged ETFs contain all of the risks that non-leveraged ETFs present. Additionally, to the extent the Fund invests in ETFs that achieve leveraged exposure to their underlying indexes through the use of derivative instruments, the Fund will indirectly be subject to leverage risk, described below. Inverse ETFs seek to provide investment results that match a negative of the performance of an underlying index. Leveraged inverse ETFs seek to provide investment results that match a negative multiple of the performance of an underlying index. To the extent that the Fund invests in leveraged inverse ETFs, the Fund will indirectly be subject to the risk that the performance of such ETF will fall as the performance of that ETF's benchmark rises. Leveraged, inverse and leveraged inverse ETFs often "reset" daily, meaning that they are designed to achieve their stated objectives on a daily basis. Due to the effect of compounding, their performance over longer periods of time can differ significantly from the performance (or inverse of the performance) of their underlying index or benchmark during the same period of time. These investment vehicles may be extremely volatile and can potentially expose the Fund to complete loss of its investment.
10
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Foreign Investment/Emerging and Frontier Markets — The Fund may invest in foreign issuers, including issuers located in emerging and frontier market countries. Investing in issuers located in foreign countries poses distinct risks because political and economic events unique to a country or region will affect those markets and their issuers. These events will not necessarily affect the U.S. economy or similar issuers located in the United States. In addition, investments in foreign countries are generally denominated in a foreign currency. As a result, changes in the value of those currencies compared to the U.S. dollar may affect (positively or negatively) the value of the Fund's investments. These currency movements may happen separately from, and in response to, events that do not otherwise affect the value of the security in the issuer's home country. Investments in emerging markets are subject to the added risk that information in emerging market investments may be unreliable or outdated due to differences in regulatory, accounting or auditing and financial record keeping standards, or because less information about emerging market investments is publicly available. In addition, the rights and remedies associated with emerging market investments may be different than investments in developed markets. A lack of reliable information, rights and remedies increase the risks of investing in emerging markets in comparison to more developed markets.
Emerging market countries are those countries that are: (i) characterized as developing or emerging by any of the World Bank, the United Nations, the International Finance Corporation, or the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; (ii) included in an emerging markets index by a recognized index provider; or (iii) countries with similar developing or emerging characteristics as countries classified as emerging market countries pursuant to sub-paragraph (i) and (ii) above, in each case determined at the time of purchase. "Frontier market countries" are a subset of emerging market countries with even smaller national economies. Emerging market countries, and, to an even greater extent, frontier market countries, may be more likely to experience political turmoil or rapid changes in market or economic conditions than more developed countries. Emerging market and frontier market countries often have less uniformity in accounting and reporting requirements and unreliable securities valuation. It is sometimes difficult to obtain and enforce court judgments in such countries and there is often a greater potential for nationalization and/or expropriation of assets by the government of an emerging market country. In addition, the financial stability of issuers (including governments) in emerging market and frontier market countries may be more precarious than in other countries. As a result, there will tend to be an increased risk of price volatility associated with the Fund's investments in emerging market and frontier market countries, which may be magnified by currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.
Frontier countries are a subset of emerging market countries with even smaller national economies. The economies of frontier market countries tend to be less correlated to global economic cycles than the economies of more developed countries and their markets have lower trading volumes and may exhibit greater price volatility and illiquidity. A small number of large investments in these markets may affect these markets to a greater degree than more developed markets. Frontier market countries may also be affected by government activities to a greater degree than more developed countries. For example, the governments of frontier market countries may exercise substantial influence within the private sector or subject investments to government approval, and governments of other countries may impose or negotiate trade barriers, exchange controls, adjustments to relative currency values and other measures that adversely affect a frontier market country. Governments of other countries may also impose sanctions or embargoes on frontier market countries. Although all of these risks are generally heightened with respect to frontier market countries, they also apply to emerging market countries.
Additionally, periodic U.S. Government restrictions on investments in issuers from certain foreign countries may result in the Fund having to sell such prohibited securities at inopportune times. Such prohibited
11
SEI / PROSPECTUS
securities may have less liquidity as a result of such U.S. Government designation and the market price of such prohibited securities may decline, which may cause the Fund to incur losses. In addition, the large-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022 and the resulting responses, including economic sanctions by the U.S. and other countries against certain Russian individuals and companies could negatively impact the Fund's performance and cause losses on your investment in the Fund.
Forward Contracts — A forward contract, also called a "forward," involves a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific security or currency at a future date (with or without delivery required), which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward contracts are not traded on exchanges; rather, a bank or dealer will act as agent or as principal in order to make or take future delivery of a specified lot of a particular security or currency for the Fund's account. Risks associated with forwards may include: (i) an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of forward contracts and the securities or currencies underlying them; (ii) an illiquid market for forwards; (iii) difficulty in obtaining an accurate value for the forwards; and (iv) the risk that the counterparty to the forward contract will default or otherwise fail to honor its obligation. Because forwards require only a small initial investment in the form of a deposit or margin, they involve a high degree of leverage. Forwards are also subject to credit risk, liquidity risk and leverage risk, each of which is further described elsewhere in this section.
Futures Contracts — Futures contracts, or "futures," provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific security or asset at a specified future time and at a specified price (with or without delivery required). The risks of futures include (i) leverage risk; (ii) correlation or tracking risk; and (iii) liquidity risk. Because futures require only a small initial investment in the form of a deposit or margin, they involve a high degree of leverage. Accordingly, the fluctuation of the value of futures in relation to the underlying assets upon which they are based is magnified. Thus, the Fund may experience losses that exceed losses experienced by funds that do not use futures contracts and which may be unlimited, depending on the structure of the contract.
There may be imperfect correlation, or even no correlation, between price movements of a futures contract and price movements of investments for which futures are used as a substitute or which futures are intended to hedge. Lack of correlation (or tracking) may be due to factors unrelated to the value of the investments being substituted or hedged, such as speculative or other pressures on the markets in which these instruments are traded. Consequently, the effectiveness of futures as a security substitute or as a hedging vehicle will depend in part on the degree of correlation between price movements in the futures and price movements in underlying securities or assets. While futures contracts are generally liquid instruments, under certain market conditions they may become illiquid. Futures exchanges may impose daily or intra-day price change limits and/or limit the volume of trading. Additionally, government regulation may further reduce liquidity through similar trading restrictions. As a result, the Fund may be unable to close out its futures contracts at a time that is advantageous. If movements in the markets for security futures contracts or the underlying security decrease the value of the Fund's positions in security futures contracts, the Fund may be required to have or make additional funds available to its brokerage firm as margin. If the Fund's account is under the minimum margin requirements set by the exchange or the brokerage firm, its position may be liquidated at a loss, and the Fund will be liable for the deficit, if any, in its account. The Fund may also experience losses due to systems failures or inadequate system back-up or procedures at the brokerage firm(s) carrying the Fund's positions. The successful use of futures depends upon a variety of factors, particularly the ability of SIMC or the Sub-Advisers to predict movements of the underlying securities
12
SEI / PROSPECTUS
markets, which requires different skills than predicting changes in the prices of individual securities. There can be no assurance that any particular futures strategy adopted will succeed.
Investment Style — Investment style risk is the risk that the Fund's investment in certain securities in a particular market segment pursuant to its particular investment strategy may underperform other market segments or the market as a whole.
Leverage — Certain Fund transactions, such as derivatives or reverse repurchase agreements, may give rise to a form of leverage. The use of leverage can amplify the effects of market volatility on the Fund's share price and make the Fund's returns more volatile. This is because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund's portfolio securities. Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act requires, among other things, that the Fund either use derivatives in a limited manner or comply with an outer limit on fund leverage risk based on one of two value-at-risk (VaR) tests. The use of leverage may also cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations or to meet the applicable requirements of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder.
LIBOR Replacement — Effective June 30, 2023, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority stopped compelling or inducing banks to submit London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) rates. Investments impacted by the discontinuation of LIBOR may include bank loans, derivatives, floating rate securities, and other assets or liabilities tied to LIBOR. Actions by regulators have resulted in the establishment of alternative reference rates to LIBOR in most major currencies. The U.S. Federal Reserve, based on the recommendations of the New York Federal Reserve's Alternative Reference Rate Committee (composed of major derivative market participants and their regulators), has begun publishing a Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), a broad measure of secured overnight U.S. Treasury repo rates, to replace U.S. dollar LIBOR. In response to the discontinuation of LIBOR, investors have added fallback provisions to existing contracts for investments whose value is tied to LIBOR, with most fallback provisions requiring the adoption of SOFR as a replacement rate. On March 15, 2022, the Adjustable Interest Rate Act was signed into law (the "LIBOR Act"), which, in conjunction with regulations adopted by the Federal Reserve Board, establishes SOFR as the default fallback rate for any U.S. contract without a fallback provision. As of July 1, 2023 and continuing through September 30, 2024, U.K. Financial Conduct Authority has permitted the publishing 1-, 3- and 6-month synthetic U.S. dollar LIBOR settings based on SOFR to serve as a fallback for non-U.S. contracts. Transitioning away from LIBOR may affect the value, liquidity or return of an investment or result in administrative costs or delays.
Liquidity — Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are difficult to purchase or sell. The market for certain investments may become illiquid due to specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer or under adverse market or economic conditions independent of the issuer. The Fund's investments in illiquid securities may reduce the returns of the Fund because it may be unable to sell the illiquid securities at an advantageous time or price. Further, transactions in illiquid securities may entail transaction costs that are higher than those for transactions in liquid securities.
Long/Short Strategy — The Fund seeks long exposure to certain financial instruments and short exposure to certain other financial instruments. There is no guarantee that the returns on the Fund's long or short positions will produce positive returns and the Fund could lose money if either or both the Fund's long and short positions produce negative returns. In addition, the Fund may gain enhanced long exposure to certain financial instruments (i.e., obtain investment exposure that exceeds the amount directly invested in those assets, a form of leverage) and, under such circumstances, will lose more money in market environments that are adverse to its long positions than funds that do not employ such leverage. As a result, such investments may give rise to losses that exceed the amount invested in those assets.
13
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Market — The Fund is subject to market risk, which is the risk that the market value of a security may move up and down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Market risk may affect a single issuer, an industry, a sector or the market as a whole.
Options — An option is a contract between two parties for the purchase and sale of a financial instrument for a specified price at a specified date. Unlike a futures contract, an option grants the purchaser, in exchange for a premium payment, a right (not an obligation) to buy or sell a financial instrument. An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in exchange for a premium, to assume a position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price during the term of the option. The seller of an uncovered call (buy) option assumes the risk of a theoretically unlimited increase in the market price of the underlying security above the exercise price of the option. The securities necessary to satisfy the exercise of the call option may be unavailable for purchase except at much higher prices. Purchasing securities to satisfy the exercise of the call option can itself cause the price of the securities to rise further, sometimes by a significant amount, thereby exacerbating the loss. The buyer of a call option assumes the risk of paying an entire premium in the call option without ever getting the opportunity to execute the option. The seller (writer) of a covered put (sell) option (e.g., the writer has a short position in the underlying security) will suffer a loss if the increase in the market price of the underlying security is greater than the premium received from the buyer of the option. The seller of an uncovered put option assumes the risk of a decline in the market price of the underlying security below the exercise price of the option. The buyer of a put option assumes the risk of paying an entire premium in the put option without ever getting the opportunity to exercise the option. An option's time value (i.e., the component of the option's value that exceeds the in-the-money amount) tends to diminish over time. Even though an option may be in-the-money to the buyer at various times prior to its expiration date, the buyer's ability to realize the value of an option depends on when and how the option may be exercised. For example, the terms of a transaction may provide for the option to be exercised automatically if it is in-the-money on the expiration date. Conversely, the terms may require timely delivery of a notice of exercise, and exercise may be subject to other conditions (such as the occurrence or non-occurrence of certain events, such as knock-in, knock-out or other barrier events) and timing requirements, including the "style" of the option.
Participation Notes (P-Notes) — P-Notes are participation interest notes that are issued by banks or broker-dealers and are designed to offer a return linked to a particular underlying equity, debt, currency or market. Investments in P-Notes involve the same risks associated with a direct investment in the underlying foreign companies or foreign securities markets that they seek to replicate. However, there can be no assurance that the trading price of P-Notes will equal the underlying value of the foreign companies or foreign securities markets that they seek to replicate.
Portfolio Turnover — Due to its investment strategy, the Fund may buy and sell securities frequently. This may result in higher transaction costs and additional capital gains tax liabilities, which may affect the Fund's performance.
Preferred Stock — Preferred stocks involve credit risk and certain other risks. Certain preferred stocks contain provisions that allow an issuer under certain conditions to skip distributions (in the case of "non-cumulative" preferred stocks) or defer distributions (in the case of "cumulative" preferred stocks). If the Fund owns a preferred stock on which distributions are deferred, the Fund may nevertheless be required to report income for tax purposes while it is not receiving distributions on that security. Preferred stocks are subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a company's capital structure in terms of priority to corporate income and liquidation payments and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than those debt instruments.
14
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Quantitative Investing — A quantitative investment style generally involves the use of computers to implement a systematic or rules-based approach to selecting investments based on specific measurable factors. Due to the significant role technology plays in such strategies, they carry the risk of unintended or unrecognized issues or flaws in the design, coding, implementation or maintenance of the computer programs or technology used in the development and implementation of the quantitative strategy. These issues or flaws, which can be difficult to identify, may result in the implementation of a portfolio that is different from that which was intended, and could negatively impact investment returns. Such risks should be viewed as an inherent element of investing in an investment strategy that relies heavily upon quantitative models and computerization. Utility interruptions or other key systems outages also can impair the performance of quantitative investment strategies.
Reallocation — In addition to managing the Fund, SIMC constructs and maintains strategies (Strategies) for certain clients, and the Fund is designed in part to implement those Strategies. Within the Strategies, SIMC periodically adjusts the target allocations among the Fund and other funds to ensure that the appropriate mix of assets is in place. SIMC also may create new Strategies that reflect significant changes in allocation among the Fund and other funds. Because a significant portion of the assets in the Fund may be composed of investors in Strategies controlled or influenced by SIMC, this reallocation activity could result in significant purchase or redemption activity in the Fund. Although reallocations are intended to benefit investors that invest in the Fund through the Strategies, they could in certain cases have a detrimental effect on the Fund, including by increasing portfolio turnover (and related transactions costs), disrupting the portfolio management strategy, and causing the Fund to incur taxable gains. SIMC seeks to manage the impact to the Fund resulting from reallocations in the Strategies.
Securities Lending — The Fund may lend its securities to certain financial institutions in an attempt to earn additional income. The Fund may lend their portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions provided a number of conditions are satisfied, including that the loan is fully collateralized. When the Fund lends portfolio securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned, and the Fund will also receive a fee or interest on the collateral. Securities lending involves the risk of loss of rights, including voting rights, in the loaned securities during the term of the loan or delay in recovering loaned securities if the borrower fails to return them or becomes insolvent. The Fund that lends its securities may pay lending fees to a party arranging the loan.
Short Sales — Short sales are transactions in which the Fund sell a security it does not own. To complete a short sale, the Fund must borrow the security to deliver to the buyer. The Fund is then obligated to replace the borrowed security by purchasing the security at the market price at the time of replacement. This price may be more or less than the price at which the security was sold by the Fund, and the Fund will incur a loss if the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time the Fund replaces the borrowed security. In addition, until the security is replaced, the Fund is required to pay the lender amounts equal to any dividends or interest that accrue during the period of the loan. Certain' investment strategies of reinvesting proceeds received from selling securities short may effectively create leverage, which can amplify the effects of market volatility on the Fund's share price and make the Fund's returns more volatile. This is because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund's portfolio securities. The use of leverage may also cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy their obligations. Pursuant to its particular investment strategy, a Sub-Adviser may have a net short exposure in the portfolio of assets allocated to the Sub-Adviser.
15
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Small and Medium Capitalization Issuers — Investing in equity securities of small and medium capitalization companies often involves greater risk than is customarily associated with investments in larger capitalization companies. This increased risk may be due to the greater business risks of smaller size companies, limited markets and financial resources, narrow product lines and the frequent lack of depth of management. Stock prices of smaller companies may be based in substantial part on future expectations rather than current achievements. The securities of smaller companies are often traded over-the-counter and, even if listed on a national securities exchange, may not be traded in volumes typical for that exchange. Consequently, the securities of smaller companies may be less liquid, may have limited market stability and may be subject to more severe, abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of larger, more established companies or the market averages in general. Further, smaller companies may have less publicly available information and, when available, it may be inaccurate or incomplete.
Structured Securities — A structured security is a type of instrument designed to offer a return linked to particular underlying securities, currencies, or markets. The Fund's investment in structured securities involves the same risks associated with direct investments in the underlying securities or other instruments they seek to replicate, as well as additional risks. Structured securities may present a greater degree of market risk than many types of securities and may be more volatile, less liquid and more difficult to price accurately than less complex securities. Structured securities are also subject to the risk that the issuer of the structured securities may fail to perform its contractual obligations. Certain issuers of structured products may be deemed to be investment companies as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (Investment Company Act). As a result, the Portfolio's investments in structured securities may be subject to the limits applicable to investments in other investment companies.
Warrants — The holder of a warrant has the right to purchase a given number of shares of a particular issuer at a specified price until expiration of the warrant. Such investments can provide a greater potential for profit or loss than an equivalent investment in the underlying security. Prices of warrants do not necessarily move in tandem with the prices of the underlying securities and are speculative investments. Warrants pay no dividends and confer no rights other than a purchase option. If a warrant is not exercised by the date of its expiration, the Fund will lose their entire investment in such warrant.
GLOBAL ASSET ALLOCATION
The Fund and other funds managed by SIMC are used within the Strategies that SIMC constructs and maintains for certain clients (Strategy Clients). The Fund is designed in part to be used as a component within those Strategies. The degree to which a Strategy Client's portfolio is invested in the particular market segments and/or asset classes represented by the Fund and other funds varies. SIMC believes that an investment in a portfolio of funds representing a range of asset classes as part of a Strategy may reduce the Strategy's overall level of volatility.
Within the Strategies, SIMC periodically adjusts the target allocations among the Fund and other funds to ensure that the appropriate mix of assets is in place. SIMC also may create new Strategies that reflect significant changes in allocation among the Fund and other funds. Because a significant portion of the assets in the Fund and other funds may be attributable to investors in Strategies controlled or influenced by SIMC, this reallocation activity could result in significant purchase or redemption activity in the Fund. Although reallocations are intended to benefit investors that invest in the Fund through the Strategies, they could, in certain cases, have a detrimental effect on the Fund. Such detrimental effects could include: transaction costs, capital gains and other expenses resulting from an increase in portfolio turnover; and disruptions to
16
SEI / PROSPECTUS
the portfolio management strategy, such as foregone investment opportunities or the inopportune sale of securities to facilitate redemptions.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND'S BENCHMARK INDEX
The following information describes the index referred to in the Performance Information section of this prospectus.
The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Europe, Australasia and the Far East (EAFE) Index is a widely-recognized, capitalization-weighted (companies with larger market capitalizations have more influence than those with smaller capitalizations) index of developed market countries in Europe, Australasia and the Far East.
INVESTMENT ADVISER
SIMC, a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registered investment adviser, located at One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, PA 19456, serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. As of September 30, 2023, SIMC had approximately $181.95 billion in assets under management.
The Fund is managed by SIMC and one or more Sub-Advisers. SIMC acts as a "manager of managers" of the Fund and, subject to the oversight of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (Board), is responsible for:
— researching and recommending to the Board, the hiring, termination and replacement of Sub-Advisers;
— allocating, on a continuous basis, assets of the Fund among the Sub-Advisers (to the extent the Fund has more than one Sub-Adviser);
— monitoring and evaluating each Sub-Adviser's performance;
— overseeing the Sub-Advisers to ensure compliance with the Fund's investment objectives, policies and restrictions; and
— monitoring each Sub-Adviser's adherence to its investment style.
SIMC acts as manager of managers for the Fund pursuant to an exemptive order obtained from the SEC. The exemptive order permits SIMC, with the approval of the Board, to retain unaffiliated sub-advisers for the Fund without submitting the sub-advisory agreements to a vote of the applicable Fund's shareholders. Among other things, the exemptive order permits the non-disclosure of amounts payable by SIMC under a particular sub-advisory agreement, but instead requires SIMC to disclose the aggregate amount of sub-advisory fees paid by SIMC with respect to the Fund. In accordance with a separate exemptive order that the Trust and SIMC have obtained from the SEC, the Board may approve a new sub-advisory agreement or a material amendment to an existing sub-advisory agreement at a meeting that is not in person, subject to certain conditions, including that the Trustees are able to participate in the meeting using a means of communication that allows them to hear each other simultaneously during the meeting. As a manager of managers, SIMC is ultimately responsible for the investment performance of the Fund. The Board supervises SIMC and the Sub-Advisers and establishes policies that they must follow in their management activities.
SIMC sources, analyzes, selects and monitors a wide array of Sub-Advisers across multiple asset classes. Differentiating manager skill from market-generated returns is one of SIMC's primary objectives, as it seeks to identify Sub-Advisers that can deliver attractive investment results. SIMC believes that a full assessment of qualitative as well as quantitative factors is required to identify truly skilled managers. In carrying out this
17
SEI / PROSPECTUS
function, SIMC forms forward-looking expectations regarding how a Sub-Adviser will execute a given investment mandate; defines environments in which the strategy is likely to outperform or underperform; and seeks to identify the relevant factors behind a Sub-Adviser's performance. It also utilizes this analysis to identify catalysts that would lead SIMC to reevaluate its view of a Sub-Adviser.
SIMC then constructs a portfolio that seeks to maximize the risk-adjusted rate of return by finding a proper level of diversification between sources of excess return (at an asset class level) and the investment managers implementing them. The allocation to a given investment manager is based on SIMC's analysis of the manager's particular array of alpha sources, the current macroeconomic environment, expectations about the future macroeconomic environment, and the level of risk inherent in a particular manager's investment strategy. SIMC measures and allocates to Sub-Advisers based on risk allocations in an attempt to ensure that one manager does not dominate the risk of a multi-manager, multi-return-source fund.
The following portfolio managers are primarily responsible for the management and oversight of the Fund, as described above.
Rich Carr, CFA, serves as a Portfolio Manager for the International Equity Fund. Mr. Carr serves as a Portfolio Manager within SIMC's Investment Management Unit where he is responsible for the management of international developed markets equity funds. Previously, Mr. Carr was a Director on SEI's Manager Research team where he led the due diligence and selection process for SEI's equity fund management and separate account business. Prior to joining SEI, he worked at MFP Strategies where he managed the firm's investment process and was responsible for asset-class valuation research and investment manager due diligence. Before MFP Strategies, Mr. Carr worked for Brinker Capital where he was responsible for portfolio management and investment manager due diligence. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance and a minor in Economics from the University of Delaware. Mr. Carr is a CFA charterholder and a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Philadelphia.
Jason Collins serves as Portfolio Manager for the International Equity Fund. Mr. Collins is the global head of Equity Portfolio Management and the Head of the U.K. Investment Management Unit. Mr. Collins is also a Senior Portfolio Manager responsible for U.K. and European equity funds. Mr. Collins joined SEI in 2009 and coordinates resources and investment strategy for all equity portfolios. Previously, he served as Head of Equity in the London office and, most recently, as Head of Portfolio Management in London, overseeing both equity and fixed-income strategies. Prior to his employment with SEI, Mr. Collins was a founding partner of Maia Capital Partners — a specialist multi-manager investment firm providing multi-asset unit trusts to U.K. retail investors. Before founding Maia Capital, Mr. Collins was a Portfolio Manager at Fidelity International, and, prior to joining Fidelity, he spent over nine years at Skandia as head of Investment Research. Mr. Collins earned his Bachelor of Arts in financial services, with honors, from Bournemouth University and is a member of the CFA society.
SUB-ADVISERS
Each Sub-Adviser makes investment decisions for the assets it manages and continuously reviews, supervises and administers its investment program. Each Sub-Adviser must also operate within the Fund's investment objective, restrictions and policies, and within specific guidelines and instructions established by SIMC from time to time. Each Sub-Adviser is responsible for managing only the portion of the Fund allocated to it by SIMC, and Sub-Advisers may not consult with each other concerning transactions for the Fund. SIMC pays the Sub-Advisers out of the investment advisory fees it receives (as described below).
18
SEI / PROSPECTUS
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, SIMC received investment advisory fees as a percentage of the Fund's average daily net assets, at the following annual rate:
Investment Advisory Fees |
Investment Advisory Fees After Fee Waivers |
||||||||||
International Equity Fund |
0.51 |
% |
0.51 |
% |
A discussion regarding the basis of the Board's approval of the Fund's investment advisory and/or sub-advisory agreements is available in the Fund's Semi-Annual Report, which covers the period of October 1, 2022 through March 31, 2023, and the Fund's Annual Report, which covers the period of October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023.
SIMC has registered with the National Futures Association as a "commodity pool operator" under the Commodities Exchange Act (CEA) with respect to certain products not included in this prospectus. SIMC has claimed, on behalf of the Fund in accordance with CFTC Regulation 4.5 and other relevant rules, regulations and no-action relief, an exclusion from the definition of the term "commodity pool operator" under the CEA. SIMC is therefore not subject to regulation as a pool operator under the CEA with regard to the operation of the Fund.
Sub-Advisers and Portfolio Managers
Acadian Asset Management LLC: Acadian Asset Management LLC (Acadian), located at 260 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the International Equity Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the International Equity Fund's assets allocated to Acadian. Brendan O. Bradley, Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Chief Investment Officer, serves as lead Portfolio Manager to the International Equity Fund. Mr. Bradley joined Acadian in 2004 and previously served as the firm's director of portfolio management, overseeing portfolio management policy, and was also previously the director of Acadian's Managed Volatility strategies. Mr. Bradley is a member of the Acadian Board of Managers and Executive Committee. Fanesca Young, Ph.D., CFA, Senior Vice President, Director, Equity Portfolio Management, serves as lead Portfolio Manager. Prior to joining Acadian, she was head of global systematic equities at GIC Private Ltd. Prior to that, she was managing director and director of quantitative research at Los Angeles Capital Management. Ms. Young is also a member of the editorial boards of the Financial Analyst Journal and the Journal of Systematic Investing, as well as a member of the Q Group's program committee. She earned a Ph.D. in statistics from Columbia University and an M.Phil. and an M.A. in statistics from Columbia University. She also holds a B.A. in mathematics from the University of Virginia. She is a CFA charterholder.
Causeway Capital Management LLC: Causeway Capital Management LLC (Causeway), located at 11111 Santa Monica Boulevard, 15th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90025, serves as a Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the International Equity Fund. The following team of portfolio managers manages the portion of the International Equity Fund's assets allocated to Causeway. Sarah H. Ketterer is the Chief Executive Officer of Causeway and co-founded Causeway in June 2001. Ms. Ketterer is a Portfolio Manager of Causeway's international value equity, international value select, global value equity, international opportunities, global opportunities, international small cap, and concentrated strategies. Ms. Ketterer has a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from Stanford University and an M.B.A. from the Amos Tuck School, Dartmouth College. Harry W. Hartford is the President of Causeway and co-founded Causeway in June 2001. Mr. Hartford is a Portfolio Manager of Causeway's international value equity, international value select, global value equity, international opportunities, global opportunities, international small cap, and
19
SEI / PROSPECTUS
concentrated strategies. Mr. Hartford has a B.A., with honors, in Economics from the University of Dublin, Trinity College, and an M.Sc. in Economics from Oklahoma State University, and is a Phi Kappa Phi member. Jonathan P. Eng is a Director of Causeway and is a Portfolio Manager of Causeway's international value equity, international value select, global value equity, international opportunities, global opportunities, international small cap, and concentrated strategies. Mr. Eng joined the firm in July 2001. Mr. Eng has a B.A. in History and Economics from Brandeis University and an M.B.A. from the Anderson Graduate School of Management at UCLA. Conor Muldoon, CFA, is a Director of Causeway and is a Portfolio Manager of Causeway's international value equity, international value select, global value equity, international opportunities, global opportunities, international small cap, and concentrated strategies. Mr. Muldoon joined the firm in June 2003. Mr. Muldoon has a B.Sc. and an M.A. from the University of Dublin, Trinity College and an M.B.A., with high honors, from the University of Chicago. Mr. Muldoon was inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma honors society and is also a CFA charterholder. Alessandro Valentini, CFA, is a Director of Causeway and is a Portfolio Manager of Causeway's international value equity, international value select, global value equity, international opportunities, global opportunities, international small cap, and concentrated strategies. Mr. Valentini joined the firm in July 2006 as a Research Associate and was promoted to Portfolio Manager in April 2013. Mr. Valentini has an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School, with honors, an M.A. in Economics from Georgetown University and a B.S., magna cum laude, from Georgetown University. Mr. Valentini is a CFA charterholder. Ellen Lee is a Director of Causeway and is a Portfolio Manager of Causeway's international value equity, international value select, global value equity, international opportunities, global opportunities, international small cap, and concentrated strategies. Ms. Lee joined the firm in August 2007 as a Research Associate and was promoted to Portfolio Manager in January 2015. Ms. Lee has an M.B.A. from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a B.A. in Business Administration from Seoul National University. Steven Nguyen, CFA, is a Director of Causeway and is a Portfolio Manager of Causeway's international value equity, international value select, global value equity, international opportunities, global opportunities, international small cap, and concentrated strategies. Mr. Nguyen joined the firm in April 2012 as a Research Associate and was promoted to Portfolio Manager in January 2019. Mr. Nguyen has M.B.A., with honors, from the UCLA Anderson School of Management and a B.A. in Business Economics from Brown University and is also a CFA charterholder. Brian Cho is a Director of Causeway and is a Portfolio Manager of Causeway's international value equity, international value select, global value equity, international opportunities, global opportunities, international small cap, and concentrated strategies. Mr. Cho joined the firm in September 2013 as a Research Associate and was promoted to Portfolio Manager in January 2021. Mr. Cho earned a B.S. in management science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Delaware Investments Fund Advisers, a series of Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust: Delaware Investments Fund Advisers (DIFA), a series of Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust (MIMBT), located at 610 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the International Equity Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the International Equity Fund's assets allocated to DIFA. MIMBT is a subsidiary of Macquarie Management Holdings, Inc. (MMHI). DIFA is responsible for day-to-day portfolio management of its portion of the Fund but may delegate certain of its duties to its affiliates, Macquarie Investment Management Global Limited (MIMGL). MIMGL is located at 50 Martin Place, Sydney, Australia 2000. DIFA and MIMGL are each U.S. registered investment advisers and are subsidiaries of Macquarie Group Limited. Jens Hansen heads the firm's Global Equity Compounders Team and is a Portfolio Manager for the team's strategies. He joined Macquarie Asset Management (MAM) in June 2018 as part of the firm's acquisition of ValueInvest Asset Management. Mr. Hansen has been a Portfolio Manager since 2001. Mr. Hansen started his career in 1982 with Spar Nord Bank, where he worked as an analyst and trader of bonds, equities, and derivatives. In 1994, he joined
20
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Nykredit Bank, where he worked as a bond trader. Mr. Hansen attended the Aarhus School of Business where he gained a graduate diploma in business administration within finance and international trade. Klaus Petersen is a Senior Portfolio Manager for the firm's Global Equity Compounders Team. He joined MAM in June 2018 as part of the firm's acquisition of ValueInvest Asset Management. Mr. Petersen has been a Portfolio Manager since 2006. Previously, he worked for ATP, Denmark's largest pension fund, beginning in 1999 as a Senior Portfolio Manager and later in the role as team leader of the technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) team. He joined Codan Bank in 1996, first as a Senior Sales Analyst and later as a Senior Portfolio Manager. Between 1988 and 1996, Mr. Petersen worked for various brokers as an Equity Sales Analyst. He started his career in 1984 as an administrator of pension pools at Faellesbanken in Denmark. Mr. Petersen attended the Copenhagen Business School where he gained a graduate diploma in business administration (financial and management accounting). Claus Juul is a Portfolio Manager for the firm's Global Equity Compounders Team. He joined MAM in June 2018 as part of the firm's acquisition of ValueInvest Asset Management. Mr. Juul has been a portfolio manager since 2004. Prior to that, he was an Equity Analyst at Spar Nord Bank before becoming Vice President of the research department in 2001. He started his career in 1998 with Sydbank as an Equity Analyst. He attended the Aarhus School of Business where he gained a master's degree in economics and business administration. Åsa Annerstedt is a Portfolio Manager for the firm's Global Equity Compounders Team. She joined MAM in June 2018 as part of the firm's acquisition of ValueInvest Asset Management. Ms. Annerstedt has been a Portfolio Manager since 2013. Previously, she was a member of the investment committee of a European Union fund dedicated to the financing of companies. Between 1999 and 2009, Ms. Annerstedt managed award-winning European Small Cap and Global Equity portfolios at SEB Asset Management in Denmark. She started her career in 1996 as a business controller and consultant in Sweden. Ms. Annerstedt attended Ecole Supérieur de Commerce in Paris and Marseille and earned a master's degree in finance and international trade from Lund University in Sweden. Allan Saustrup Jensen is a Portfolio Manager for the firm's Global Equity Compounders Team. He joined MAM in May 2020. He has more than 20 years of experience in the asset management industry. Prior to joining MAM, he spent five years at European Capital Partners as a fund manager. From 2010 to 2015, Mr. Jensen was a trader at European Value Partners. Prior to that, he spent four years at UBS Wealth Management as a Portfolio Manager. He began his investment career at Nordea Bank. Mr. Jensen attended Copenhagen Business School where he earned a Graduate Diploma in finance. Chris Gowlland is a Senior Quantitative Analyst, a role he assumed in July 2019. As part of his role, he also serves as Portfolio Manager for certain portfolios managed by the Global Equity team and for several different strategies in the firm's multi-asset class offerings. Prior to joining Delaware Investments (later acquired by MAM) in May 2007, he spent seven years working in fundamental equity research and corporate finance for Morgan Stanley and Commerzbank Securities, followed by two years as a quantitative strategist at Morgan Stanley and at State Street Global Markets. Mr. Gowlland holds a bachelor's degree in Chinese and Spanish from the University of Leeds (U.K.), a master's degree in development studies from Brown University, and another master's degree in international management from Thunderbird. He also spent several years in a Ph.D. program in political economy at Harvard University. Mr. Gowlland is a member of the CFA Institute, the CFA Society New York, the CFA Society of Philadelphia, and the Society of Quantitative Analysts.
Lazard Asset Management LLC: Lazard Asset Management LLC (Lazard), located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York 10112, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the International Equity Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the International Equity Fund's assets allocated to Lazard. Paul Moghtader is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager/Analyst, leading Lazard's Equity Advantage team. He began working in the investment field in 1992. Prior to joining Lazard in 2007, Mr. Moghtader was Head of the Global Active Equity Group and a Senior Portfolio Manager at State Street Global Advisors (SSgA). At
21
SEI / PROSPECTUS
SSgA he was the senior manager responsible for the research and portfolio management of all multi-regional active quantitative equity strategies. Previously, he was an analyst at State Street Bank. He began his career at Dain Bosworth as a research assistant. Mr. Moghtader has a Master of Management (MM) from Northwestern University and a BA in Economics from Macalester College. Mr. Moghtader is a CFA® charterholder. Susanne Willumsen is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager/Analyst on Lazard's Equity Advantage team. She began working in the investment field in 1993. Prior to joining Lazard in 2008, Ms. Willumsen was Managing Director, Head of Active Equities Europe with SSgA. During her 13 year tenure at SSgA, she was responsible for the research and portfolio management of all UK and European equity strategies. Prior to joining SSgA, Ms. Willumsen traded equity derivatives for the proprietary desk at Investcorp. She received an MSc in Shipping, Trade and Finance from City University and a BSc in Management Studies from the University of Surrey. Taras Ivanenko is a Director and Portfolio Manager/Analyst on Lazard's Equity Advantage team. He began working in the investment field in 1995. Prior to joining Lazard in 2007, Mr. Ivanenko was a Senior Portfolio Manager in the Global Active Equity group at SSgA. Earlier at SSgA, he was a Principal and Senior Application Development Architect in the Equity Systems group. Previously, he was an analyst in Quantitative Research and Trading Systems at Oxbridge Research. He has a PhD in Physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an Engineer-Physicist degree from Moscow Physical-Technical Institute. Mr. Ivanenko is a CFA® charterholder. Peter Kashanek is a Director and Portfolio Manager/Analyst on Lazard's Equity Advantage team. Mr. Kashanek began working in the investment field in 1994. Prior to joining Lazard in 2007, Mr. Kashanek was a Principal and a Portfolio Manager in the Global Active Equity group at SSgA. Previously, he was an investment analyst in the Institutional Equity Research Group at Bank of Montreal where he focused on global energy companies. Prior to that, he was an Associate in the Global Equity Research Group at Deutsche Bank Securities. Mr. Kashanek also worked at Reliant Energy in Houston as a member of its Corporate Development team. He has an MBA with a concentration in Finance from Vanderbilt University and a BA in Government from St. Lawrence University. Alex Lai is a Director and Portfolio Manager/Analyst on Lazard's Equity Advantage team. He began working in the investment field in 2002. Prior to joining Lazard in 2008, Mr. Lai was a Vice President and Quantitative Portfolio Manager in the Global Active Equity group at SSgA. Prior to that, Mr. Lai was an investment-banking analyst at Lehman Brothers Asia in Hong Kong. He has an MSc in Finance from Boston College and a BBA (Hons) in Finance and Accounting from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He is a CFA® charterholder. Ciprian Marin is a Director of Quantitative Research and Portfolio Manager/Analyst on Lazard's Equity Advantage team. He began working in the investment field in 1997. Prior to joining Lazard in 2008, Mr. Marin was a Senior Portfolio Manager at SSgA, managing European, UK and Global funds. He was also responsible for quantitative research on the European team of the Global Active Equity Group. Prior to joining SSgA, he was a Quantitative Analyst at Citigroup where he focused on developing stock selection models, statistical arbitrage trading strategies and factor research. Previously, Mr. Marin was a quantitative research associate at Nikko Salomon Smith Barney. He has an MBA in Finance from the International University of Japan and a BS in International Economics from the Academy of Economic Studies Bucharest. He is a Certified Investment Adviser (UK).
Pzena Investment Management, LLC: Pzena Investment Management, LLC (Pzena), located at 320 Park Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10022, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the International Equity Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the International Equity Fund's assets allocated to Pzena. Rakesh Bordia is a Principal and a Portfolio Manager. Mr. Bordia is a co-portfolio manager for the Emerging Markets and International strategies. Mr. Bordia became a member of the firm in 2007. Prior to joining Pzena, Mr. Bordia was a principal at Booz Allen Hamilton focusing on innovation and growth strategies, and a software engineer at River Run Software Group. He earned a Bachelor of Technology in Computer
22
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Science and Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India and an M.B.A. from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, India. Caroline Cai, CFA, is a Managing Principal, the Chief Executive Officer, a Portfolio Manager, and a member of the firm's Executive Committee. Ms. Cai is a co-portfolio manager for the Global, International, and Emerging Markets strategies, and the Financial Opportunities service. Ms. Cai became a member of the firm in 2004. Prior to joining Pzena, Ms. Cai was a senior analyst at AllianceBernstein LLP, and a business analyst at McKinsey & Company. She earned a B.A. summa cum laude in Math and Economics from Bryn Mawr College. Ms. Cai holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation. Allison Fisch is a Managing Principal, the President, a Portfolio Manager and a member of the firm's Executive Committee. Ms. Fisch became a member of the firm in 2001 and helped to launch the Emerging Markets strategy in 2008, on which she has been a co-portfolio manager since inception. She joined the International portfolio management team in 2016. Ms. Fisch also co-managed the International Small Cap Value and oversaw Global Best Ideas from 2017 to 2022. She was promoted to President in 2023. Prior to joining Pzena, Ms. Fisch was a business analyst at McKinsey & Company. She earned a B.A. summa cum laude in Psychology and a minor in Drama from Dartmouth College. John P. Goetz is a Managing Principal, the Co-Chief Investment Officer, a Portfolio Manager, and a member of the firm's Executive Committee. Mr. Goetz is a co-portfolio manager for the Global, International, European and Japan Focused Value strategies. He also previously served as the Director of Research and was responsible for building and training the research team. Mr. Goetz became a member of the firm in 1996. Prior to joining Pzena, Mr. Goetz held a range of key positions at Amoco Corporation, his last as the Global Business Manager for Amoco's $1 billion polypropylene business where he had bottom-line responsibility for operations and development worldwide. Prior positions included strategic planning, joint venture investments, and project financing in various oil and chemical businesses. Before joining Amoco, Mr. Goetz had been employed by The Northern Trust Company and Bank of America. He earned a B.A. summa cum laude in Mathematics and Economics from Wheaton College and an M.B.A from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University.
WCM Investment Management, LLC: WCM Investment Management, LLC (WCM), located at 281 Brooks Street, Laguna Beach, California 92651, serves as a Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the International Equity Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the International Equity Fund's assets allocated to WCM. Sanjay Ayer serves as Portfolio Manager and Business Analyst at WCM and has been with the firm since 2007. Mr. Ayer's primary responsibilities are portfolio management and equity research. Paul R. Black serves as Portfolio Manager and CEO at WCM, and has been with the firm since 1989. Mr. Black's primary responsibilities are portfolio management and equity research. Michael B. Trigg serves as Portfolio Manager and President at WCM and has been with the firm since 2006. Mr. Trigg's primary responsibilities are portfolio management and equity research. Jon Tringale serves as Portfolio Manager at WCM, and has been with the firm since 2015. Mr. Tringale's primary responsibility is portfolio management.
The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts they manage, and their ownership, if any, of Fund shares.
PURCHASING AND SELLING FUND SHARES
The following sections tell you how to purchase and sell (sometimes called "redeem") Class I Shares of the Fund. The Fund offers Class I Shares only to financial institutions and intermediaries for their own or their customers' accounts. For information on how to open an account and set up procedures for placing transactions, call 1-800-DIAL-SEI.
23
SEI / PROSPECTUS
HOW TO PURCHASE FUND SHARES
Fund shares may be purchased on any Business Day. Authorized financial institutions and intermediaries may purchase or sell Class I Shares by placing orders with the Transfer Agent or the Fund's authorized agent. Authorized financial institutions and intermediaries that use certain SEI or third party systems may place orders electronically through those systems. Authorized financial institutions and intermediaries may also place orders by calling 1-800-858-7233. Generally, cash investments must be transmitted or delivered in federal funds to the Fund's wire agent by the close of business on the day after the order is placed. However, in certain circumstances, the Fund, at its discretion, may allow purchases to settle (i.e., receive final payment) at a later date in accordance with the Fund's procedures and applicable law. The Fund reserves the right to refuse any purchase requests, particularly those that the Fund reasonably believes may not be in the best interests of the Fund or its shareholders and could adversely affect the Fund or its operations. This includes those from any individual or group who, in the Fund's view, is likely to engage in excessive trading (usually defined as four or more "round trips" in a fund in any twelve-month period). For more information regarding the Fund's policy and procedures related to excessive trading, please see "Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares" below.
You may be eligible to purchase other classes of shares of the Fund. However, you may only purchase a class of shares that your financial institutions or intermediaries sell or service. Your financial institution representative or intermediaries can tell you which class of shares is available to you.
The Fund calculates its NAV per share once each Business Day as of the close of normal trading on the NYSE (normally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time). So, for you to receive the current Business Day's NAV per share, generally the Fund (or an authorized agent) must receive your purchase order in proper form before 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Fund will not accept orders that request a particular day or price for the transaction or any other special conditions.
When you purchase or sell Fund shares through certain financial institutions, you may have to transmit your purchase and sale requests to these financial institutions at an earlier time for your transaction to become effective that day. This allows these financial institutions time to process your requests and transmit them to the Fund.
Certain other intermediaries, including certain broker-dealers and shareholder organizations, are authorized to accept purchase and redemption requests for Fund shares. These requests are executed at the next determined NAV per share after the intermediary receives the request if transmitted to the Fund in accordance with the Fund's procedures and applicable law. These authorized intermediaries are responsible for transmitting requests and delivering funds on a timely basis.
You will have to follow the procedures of your financial institution or intermediary for transacting with the Fund. You may be charged a fee for purchasing and/or redeeming Fund shares by your financial institution or intermediary.
Pricing of Fund Shares
NAV for one Fund share is the value of that share's portion of the net assets of the Fund. In calculating NAV, the Fund generally values its investment portfolio at market price. You may obtain the current NAV of the Fund by calling 1-800-DIAL-SEI.
If a market quotation is readily available for the valuation of Fund investments, then it is valued by the Fund's administrator at current market value in accordance with the Fund's Pricing and Valuation Procedures. The
24
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Trust's Board of Trustees has designated SIMC as the Valuation Designee for the Fund pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act (the "Rule"). The Valuation Designee has the responsibility for the fair value determination with respect to all Fund investments that do not have readily available market quotations or quotations that are no longer reliable. SIMC, in furtherance of the Board's designation, has appointed a committee of SIMC persons to function as the Valuation Designee (the "Committee") and has established a Valuation and Pricing Policy to implement the Rule and the Fund's Valuation and Pricing Policy (together with SIMC's Valuation and Pricing Policy, the "Fair Value Procedures").
As discussed in detail below, the Committee will typically first seek to fair value investments with valuations received from an independent, third-party pricing agent (a "Pricing Service"). If such valuations are not available or are unreliable, the Committee will seek to obtain a bid price from at least one independent broker or dealer. If a broker or dealer quote is unavailable, the Committee will convene, subject to the Fair Value Procedures, to establish a fair value for the fair value investments.
When valuing portfolio securities, securities listed on a securities exchange, market or automated quotation system for which quotations are readily available (other than securities traded on National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ) or as otherwise noted below), including securities traded over the counter, are valued at the last quoted sale price on the primary exchange or market (foreign or domestic) on which the securities are traded or, if there is no such reported sale, at the most recent quoted bid price. Securities traded on NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price.
Redeemable securities issued by open-end investment companies are valued at the investment company's applicable NAV per share, with the exception of ETFs, which are priced as equity securities. These open-end investment company shares are offered in separate prospectuses, each of which describes the process by which the applicable investment company's NAV is determined. The prices of foreign securities are reported in local currency and converted to U.S. dollars using currency exchange rates.
Options are valued at the last quoted sales price. If there is no such reported sale on the valuation date, then long positions are valued at the most recent bid price, and short positions are valued at the most recent ask price as provided by a Pricing Service.
Futures and swaps cleared through a central clearing house (centrally cleared swaps) are valued at the settlement price established each day by the board of exchange on which they are traded. The daily settlement prices for financial futures and centrally cleared swaps are provided by a Pricing Service. On days when there is excessive volume, market volatility or the future or centrally cleared swap does not end trading by the time the fund calculates its NAV, the settlement price may not be available at the time at which a fund calculates its NAV. On such days, the best available price (which is typically the last sales price) may be used to value the Fund's futures or centrally cleared swaps position.
If a security's price cannot be obtained, as noted above, or in the case of equity tranches of collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) or collateralized debt obligations (CDOs), the securities will be valued using a bid price from at least one independent broker. If such prices are not readily available, are determined to be unreliable or cannot be valued using the methodologies described above, the Committee will fair value the security using the Fair Value Procedures, as described below.
If available, debt securities, swaps (which are not centrally cleared), bank loans or debt tranches of CLOs/CDOs, such as those held by the Fund, are priced based upon valuations provided by a Pricing Service. Such values generally reflect the last reported sales price if the security is actively traded. The Pricing Service may also value debt securities at an evaluated bid price by employing methodologies that utilize actual
25
SEI / PROSPECTUS
market transactions, broker-supplied valuations or other methodologies designed to identify the market value for such securities.
On the first day a new debt security purchase is recorded, if a price is not available from a Pricing Service or an independent broker, the security may be valued at its purchase price. Each day thereafter, the debt security will be valued according to the Fair Value Procedures until an independent source can be secured. Securities held by the Fund with remaining maturities of 60 days or less will be valued at their amortized cost. Should existing credit, liquidity or interest rate conditions in the relevant markets and issuer specific circumstances suggest that amortized cost does not approximate fair value, then the security will be valued by an independent broker quote or fair valued by the Committee.
Foreign currency forward contracts are valued at the current day's interpolated foreign exchange rate, as calculated using forward rates provided by a Pricing Service.
The Committee and Fund's administrator, as applicable, reasonably believe that prices provided by Pricing Services are reliable. However, there can be no assurance that such Pricing Service's prices will be reliable. The Committee, who is responsible for making fair value determinations with respect to the Fund's portfolio securities, will, with assistance from the applicable Sub-Adviser, continuously monitor the reliability of readily available market quotations obtained from any Pricing Service and shall promptly notify the Fund's administrator if the Committee reasonably believes that a Pricing Service is no longer a reliable source of readily available market quotations. The Fund's administrator, in turn, will notify the Committee if it reasonably believes that a Pricing Service is no longer a reliable source for readily available market quotations.
The Fair Value Procedures provide that any change in a primary Pricing Service or a pricing methodology for investments with readily available market quotations requires prior approval by the Board. However, when the change would not materially affect the valuation of the Fund's net assets or involve a material departure in pricing methodology from that of the Fund's existing Pricing Service or pricing methodology, ratification may be obtained at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board. A change in a Pricing Service or a material change in a pricing methodology for investments with no readily available market quotations will be reported to the Board by the Committee in accordance with certain requirements.
Securities for which market prices are not "readily available" are valued in accordance with Rule 2a-5 and the Fair Value Procedures.
The Committee must monitor for circumstances that may necessitate that a security be valued using Fair Value Procedures which can include: (i) the security's trading has been halted or suspended, (ii) the security has been de-listed from a national exchange, (iii) the security's primary trading market is temporarily closed at a time when under normal conditions it would be open, (iv) the security has not been traded for an extended period of time, (v) the security's primary pricing source is not able or willing to provide a price, (vi) trading of the security is subject to local government-imposed restrictions; or (vii) a significant event (as defined below). When a security is valued in accordance with the Fair Value Procedures, the Committee will determine the value after taking into consideration relevant information reasonably available to the Committee. Examples of factors the Committee may consider include: (i) the type of security or asset, (ii) the last trade price, (iii) evaluation of the forces that influence the market in which the security is purchased and sold, (iv) the liquidity of the security, (v) the size of the holding in the Fund or (vi) any other appropriate information.
26
SEI / PROSPECTUS
The Committee is responsible for selecting and applying, in a consistent manner, the appropriate methodologies for determining and calculating the fair value of holdings of the Fund, including specifying the key inputs and assumptions specific to each asset class or holding.
The determination of a security's fair value price often involves the consideration of a number of subjective factors and is therefore subject to the unavoidable risk that the value assigned to a security may be higher or lower than the security's value would be if a reliable market quotation for the security was readily available.
With respect to any investments in foreign securities, the Fund uses a third-party fair valuation vendor, which provides a fair value for such foreign securities based on certain factors and methodologies (generally involving tracking valuation correlations between the U.S. market and each foreign security). Values from the vendor are applied in the event that there is a movement in the U.S. market that exceeds a specific threshold that has been established by the Committee. The Committee has also established a "confidence interval," which is used to determine the level of historical correlation between the value of a specific foreign security and movements in the U.S. market before a particular security will be fair-valued when the threshold is exceeded. In the event that the threshold established by the Committee is exceeded on a specific day, the Fund shall value the foreign securities in their portfolios that exceed the applicable "confidence interval" based upon the adjusted prices provided by the vendor. Additionally, if a local market in which the Fund own securities is closed for one or more days (scheduled or unscheduled) while the Fund is open, and if such securities in the Fund's portfolio exceed the predetermined confidence interval discussed above, then the Fund shall value such securities based on the fair value prices provided by the vendor.
For securities that principally trade on a foreign market or exchange, a significant gap in time can exist between the time of a particular security's last trade and the time at which the Fund calculates its NAV. The readily available market quotations of such securities may no longer reflect their market value at the time the Fund calculates NAV if an event that could materially affect the value of those securities (a Significant Event) has occurred between the time of the security's last close and the time that the Fund calculates NAV thereby rendering the readily available market quotations as unreliable. The Fund may invest in securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the Fund does not price its shares. As a result, the NAV of the Fund's shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem Fund shares. A Significant Event may relate to a single issuer or to an entire market sector.
The Committee is primarily responsible for the obligation to monitor for Significant Events as part of the Committee's ongoing responsibility to determine whether the Fund investment is required to be fair valued (i.e., the investment does not have a reliable readily available market quotation). The Committee may consider input from the Fund's service providers, including the Fund's administrator or a Sub-Adviser, if applicable and as appropriate. If the Committee becomes aware of a Significant Event that has occurred with respect to a security or group of securities after the closing of the exchange or market on which the security or securities principally trade, but before the time at which the Fund calculates net asset value, the Committee shall notify the Fund's administrator.
Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares
"Market timing" refers to a pattern of frequent purchases and sales of the Fund's shares, often with the intent of earning arbitrage profits. Market timing of the Fund could harm other shareholders in various ways, including by diluting the value of the shareholders' holdings, increasing Fund transaction costs, disrupting
27
SEI / PROSPECTUS
the portfolio management strategy, causing the Fund to incur unwanted taxable gains and forcing the Fund to hold excess levels of cash.
The Fund is intended to be a long-term investment vehicle and is not designed for investors that engage in short-term trading activity (i.e., a purchase of Fund shares followed shortly thereafter by a redemption of such shares, or vice versa, in an effort to take advantage of short-term market movements). Accordingly, the Board has adopted policies and procedures on behalf of the Fund to deter short-term trading. The Transfer Agent will monitor trades in an effort to detect short-term trading activities. If, as a result of this monitoring, the Fund determines, in its sole discretion, that a shareholder has engaged in excessive short-term trading, it will refuse to process future purchases or exchanges into the Fund from that shareholder's account.
A shareholder will be considered to be engaging in excessive short-term trading in the Fund in the following circumstances:
i. if the shareholder conducts four or more "round trips" in the Fund in any twelve-month period. A round trip involves the purchase of shares of the Fund and the subsequent redemption of all or most of those shares. An exchange into and back out of the Fund in this manner is also considered a round trip.
ii. if the Fund determines, in its sole discretion, that a shareholder's trading activity constitutes excessive short-term trading, regardless of whether such shareholder exceeds the foregoing round trip threshold.
The Fund, in its sole discretion, also reserves the right to reject any purchase request for any reason without notice.
Judgments with respect to implementation of the Fund's policies are made uniformly and in good faith in a manner that the Fund believes is consistent with the best long-term interests of shareholders. When applying the Fund's policy, the Fund may consider (to the extent reasonably available) an investor's trading history in all SEI funds, as well as trading in accounts under common ownership, influence or control, and any other information available to the Fund.
The Fund's monitoring techniques are intended to identify and deter short-term trading in the Fund. However, despite the existence of these monitoring techniques, it is possible that short-term trading may occur in the Fund without being identified. For example, certain investors seeking to engage in short-term trading may be adept at taking steps to hide their identity or activity from the Fund's monitoring techniques. Operational or technical limitations may also limit the Fund's ability to identify short-term trading activity.
The Fund and/or its service providers have entered into agreements with financial intermediaries that require them to provide the Fund and/or its service providers with certain shareholder transaction information to enable the Fund and/or its service providers to review the trading activity in the omnibus accounts maintained by financial intermediaries. The Fund may also delegate trade monitoring to the financial intermediaries. If excessive trading is identified in an omnibus account, the Fund will work with the financial intermediary to restrict trading by the shareholder and may request that the financial intermediary prohibit the shareholder from future purchases or exchanges into the Fund.
The Fund may be sold to participant-directed employee benefit plans. The Fund's ability to monitor or restrict trading activity by individual participants in a plan may be constrained by regulatory restrictions or plan policies. In such circumstances, the Fund will take such action, which may include taking no action, as deemed appropriate in light of all the facts and circumstances.
The Fund may amend these policies and procedures in response to changing regulatory requirements or to enhance the effectiveness of the program.
28
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Foreign Investors
The Fund does not generally accept investments by non-U.S. persons. Non-U.S. persons may be permitted to invest in the Fund subject to the satisfaction of enhanced due diligence. Prospective investors should consult their own financial institution or financial intermediary regarding their eligibility to invest in the Fund. The Fund may rely on representations from such financial institutions and financial intermediaries regarding their investor eligibility.
Customer Identification and Verification and Anti-Money Laundering Program
Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each customer who opens an account. Accounts for the Fund are generally opened through other financial institutions or financial intermediaries. When you open your account through your financial institution or financial intermediary, you will have to provide your name, address, date of birth, identification number and other information that will allow the financial institution or financial intermediary to identify you. When you open an account on behalf of an entity you will have to provide formation documents and identifying information about beneficial owner(s) and controlling parties. This information is subject to verification by the financial institution or financial intermediary to ensure the identity of all persons opening an account.
Your financial institution or financial intermediary is required by law to reject your new account application if the required identifying information is not provided. Your financial institution or intermediary may contact you in an attempt to collect any missing information required on the application, and your application may be rejected if they are unable to obtain this information. In certain instances, your financial institution or financial intermediary may be required to collect documents to establish and verify your identity.
The Fund will accept investments and your order will be processed at the next determined NAV after receipt of your application in proper form (which includes receipt of all identifying information required on the application). The Fund, however, reserves the right to close and/or liquidate your account at the then-current day's price if the financial institution or financial intermediary through which you open your account is unable to verify your identity. As a result, you may be subject to a gain or loss on Fund shares as well as corresponding tax consequences.
Customer identification and verification are part of the Fund's overall obligation to deter money laundering under Federal law. The Fund has adopted an Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Program designed to prevent the Fund from being used for money laundering or the financing of terrorist activities. In this regard, the Fund reserves the right to (i) refuse, cancel or rescind any purchase or exchange order; (ii) freeze any account and/or suspend account services; or (iii) involuntarily close your account in cases of threatening conduct or suspected fraudulent or illegal activity. These actions will be taken when, in the sole discretion of Fund management, they are deemed to be in the best interest of the Fund or in cases when the Fund is requested or compelled to do so by governmental or law enforcement authority. If your account is closed at the request of governmental or law enforcement authority, you may not receive proceeds of the redemption if the Fund is required to withhold such proceeds.
HOW TO SELL YOUR FUND SHARES
Authorized financial institutions and intermediaries may sell Fund shares on any Business Day by placing orders with the Transfer Agent or the Fund's authorized agent. Authorized financial institutions and intermediaries that use certain SEI or third party systems may place orders electronically through those systems. Authorized financial institutions and intermediaries may also place orders by calling
29
SEI / PROSPECTUS
1-800-858-7233. For information about how to sell Fund shares through your authorized financial institution or intermediary, you should contact your authorized financial institution or intermediary directly. Your authorized financial institution or intermediary may charge a fee for its services. The sale price of each share will be the next determined NAV after the Fund receives your request or after the Fund's authorized intermediary receives your request if transmitted to the Fund in accordance with the Fund's procedures and applicable law.
Receiving Your Money
Normally, the Fund will make payment on your redemption request on the Business Day following the day on which it receives your request regardless of the method the Fund uses to make such payment, but it may take up to seven days. You may arrange for your proceeds to be wired to your bank account.
Methods Used to Meet Redemption Obligations
The Fund generally pays sale (redemption) proceeds in cash during normal market conditions. To the extent that the Fund does not have sufficient cash holdings for redemption proceeds, it will typically seek to generate such cash through the sale of portfolio assets. The Fund also operates an interfund lending program that enables the Fund to borrow from another Fund on a temporary basis, which, on a less regular basis, may be used to help the Fund satisfy redemptions. Under stressed or unusual conditions that make the payment of cash unwise (and for the protection of the Fund's remaining shareholders), the Fund might pay all or part of your redemption proceeds in liquid securities with a market value equal to the redemption price (redemption in kind). Although it is highly unlikely that your shares would ever be redeemed in kind, you would probably have to pay brokerage costs to sell the securities distributed to you, as well as taxes on any capital gains from the sale as with any redemption and you will bear the investment risk of the distributed securities until the distributed securities are sold. These methods may be used during both normal and stressed market conditions.
Low Balance Redemptions
The Fund (or its delegate) may, in its discretion, and upon reasonable notice, redeem in full a financial institution, intermediary or shareholder that fails to maintain an investment of at least $1,000 in the Fund. A financial institution, intermediary or shareholder, as applicable, will receive prior notice of a pending redemption using such account's preferred method of communication as reflected on the records of the Trust.
Suspension of Your Right to Sell Your Shares
The Fund may suspend your right to sell your shares if the NYSE restricts trading, the SEC declares an emergency or for other reasons, as permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. More information about such suspension can be found in the SAI.
Large Redemptions
Large unexpected redemptions to the Fund can disrupt portfolio management and increase trading costs by causing the Fund to liquidate a substantial portion of its assets in a short period of time. Large redemptions may arise from the redemption activity of a single investor, or the activity of a single investment manager managing multiple underlying accounts. In the event of a large unexpected redemption, the Fund may take
30
SEI / PROSPECTUS
such steps as implementing a redemption in kind or delaying the delivery of redemption proceeds for up to seven days. Further, the Fund may reject future purchases from that investor or investment manager. An investor or investment manager with a large position in the Fund may reduce the likelihood of these actions if it works with the Fund to mitigate the impact of a large redemption by, for example, providing advance notice to the Fund of a large redemption or by implementing the redemption in stages over a period of time.
Telephone Transactions
Purchasing, selling and exchanging Fund shares over the telephone is extremely convenient, but not without risk. The Fund has certain safeguards and procedures to confirm the identity of callers and the authenticity of instructions. If the Fund follows these procedures, the Fund will not be responsible for any losses or costs incurred by following telephone instructions that the Fund reasonably believes to be genuine.
Unclaimed Property
Each state has unclaimed property rules that generally provide for escheatment (or transfer) to the state of unclaimed property, including mutual funds, under various circumstances. Such circumstances include inactivity (i.e., no owner-initiated contact for a certain period), returned mail (i.e., when mail sent to a shareholder is returned by the post office, or "RPO," as undeliverable), or a combination of both inactivity and returned mail. More information on unclaimed property and how to maintain an active account is available through your state.
If you are a resident of certain states, you may designate a representative to receive notice of the potential escheatment of your property. The designated representative would not have any rights to your shares. Please contact your financial intermediary for additional information.
DISTRIBUTION OF FUND SHARES
SEI Investments Distribution Co. (SIDCo.) is the distributor of the Fund's shares.
The Fund is sold primarily through independent registered investment advisers, financial planners, bank trust departments and other financial advisors (Financial Advisors) who provide their clients with advice and services in connection with their investments in the Fund. Many Financial Advisors are also associated with broker-dealer firms. SIMC and its affiliates, at their expense, may pay compensation to these broker-dealers or other financial institutions for marketing, promotional or other services. These payments may be significant to these firms, and may create an incentive for the firm or its associated Financial Advisors to recommend or offer shares of the Fund to its customers rather than other funds or investment products. These payments are made by SIMC and its affiliates out of their past profits or other available resources. SIMC and its affiliates may also provide other products and services to Financial Advisors. For additional information, please see the Fund's SAI. You can also ask your Financial Advisor about any payments it receives from SIMC and its affiliates, as well as about fees it charges.
SERVICE OF FUND SHARES
The Fund has adopted a shareholder services plan and agreement (the Service Plan) with respect to Class I Shares that allows such shares to pay service providers a fee in connection with the ongoing servicing of shareholder accounts owning such shares at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets of the Class I Shares. The Fund has adopted an administrative services plan and agreement (the Administrative Service Plan) with respect to Class I Shares that allows such shares to pay service providers a fee in connection with ongoing administrative services for shareholder accounts owning such shares at an annual
31
SEI / PROSPECTUS
rate of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets of the Class I Shares. The Service Plan and Administrative Service Plan provide that shareholder service fees and administrative service fees, respectively, on Class I Shares will be paid to SIDCo., which may then be used by SIDCo. to compensate financial intermediaries for providing shareholder services and administrative services, as applicable, with respect to Class I Shares.
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION
Portfolio holdings information for the Fund can be obtained on the Internet at the following address: http://www.seic.com/holdings (the Portfolio Holdings Website). Five calendar days after each month end, a list of all portfolio holdings in the Fund as of the end of such month shall be made available on the Portfolio Holdings Website. Beginning on the day after any portfolio holdings information is posted on the Portfolio Holdings Website, such information will be delivered directly to any person who requests it, through electronic or other means. The portfolio holdings information placed on the Portfolio Holdings Website shall remain there until the fifth calendar day of the thirteenth month after the date of which the data relates, at which time it will be permanently removed from the site.
Additional information regarding the information disclosed on the Portfolio Holdings website and the Fund's policies and procedures on the disclosure of portfolio holdings information is available in the SAI.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Dividends and Distributions
The Fund distributes its investment income periodically as dividends to shareholders. It is the Fund's policy to pay dividends at least once annually. The Fund makes distributions of capital gains, if any, at least annually.
You will receive dividends and distributions in cash unless otherwise stated.
Taxes
Please consult your tax advisor regarding your specific questions about federal, state, local and foreign income taxes. Below the Fund has summarized certain important U.S. federal income tax issues that affect the Fund and its shareholders. This summary is based on current tax laws, which may change. If you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or other retirement account, you generally will not be subject to federal taxation on Fund distributions until you begin receiving distributions from your tax-deferred arrangement.
The Fund has elected and intends to qualify each year for treatment as a regulated investment company (RIC) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. If it meets certain minimum distribution requirements, a RIC is not subject to tax at the fund level on income and gains from investments that are timely distributed to shareholders. However, the Fund's failure to qualify as a RIC or to meet minimum distribution requirements would result (if certain relief provisions were not available) in fund-level taxation and, consequently, a reduction in income available for distribution to shareholders.
At least annually, the Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and its net realized capital gains, if any. The dividends and distributions you receive from the Fund may be subject to federal, state and local taxation, depending upon your tax situation. If so, they are taxable whether or not you reinvest them. Income distributions, including distributions of net short-term capital gain but excluding distributions of qualified dividend income, are generally taxable at ordinary income tax rates. Dividends that are qualified dividend income are currently eligible for the reduced maximum tax rate to individuals of 20%
32
SEI / PROSPECTUS
(lower rates apply to individuals in lower tax brackets) to the extent that the Fund receives qualified dividend income and certain requirements are satisfied by you and by the Fund. Qualified dividend income is, in general, dividends from domestic corporations and from certain eligible foreign corporations that include those incorporated in possessions of the United States, those incorporated in certain countries with comprehensive tax treaties with the United States and those whose stock is tradable on an established securities market in the United States. Capital gains distributions are generally taxable at the rates applicable to long-term capital gains regardless of how long you have held your Fund shares. Long-term capital gains are currently taxable at the maximum tax rate of 20%. The investment strategies of the Fund may limit its ability to make distributions eligible for the lower tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income.
Because the Fund's income is derived primarily from investments in foreign rather than domestic U.S. securities, its distributions are generally not expected to be eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporate shareholders.
If you buy shares when the Fund has realized but not yet distributed income or capital gains, you will be "buying a dividend" by paying the full price for the shares and gains and receiving back a portion of the price in the form of a taxable distribution, even though, as an economic matter, the distribution simply constitutes a return of your investment. "Buying a dividend" generally should be avoided by taxable investors.
Each sale of Fund shares may be a taxable event. Assuming you hold your Fund shares as a capital asset, any gain or loss realized upon a sale of Fund shares is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than twelve months. Capital gain or loss realized upon a sale of Fund shares held for twelve months or less is generally treated as short-term gain or loss, except that any capital loss on the sale of the Fund shares held for six months or less is treated as long-term capital loss to the extent that capital gain dividends were paid with respect to such Fund shares. In certain circumstances, losses realized on the redemption or exchange of Fund shares may be disallowed.
U.S. individuals with income exceeding $200,000 ($250,000 if married and filing jointly) are subject to a 3.8% tax on their "net investment income," including interest, dividends and capital gains (including capital gains realized on the sale or exchange of shares of the Fund).
The Fund (or its administrative agent) must report to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and furnish to Fund shareholders the cost basis information for Fund shares. In addition to reporting the gross proceeds from the sale of Fund shares, the Fund (or its administrative agent) is also required to report the cost basis information for such shares and indicate whether these shares have a short-term or long-term holding period. For each sale of its shares, the Fund (or its administrative agent) will permit its shareholders to elect from among several IRS-accepted cost basis methods, including average cost. In the absence of an election, the Fund (or its administrative agent) will use a default cost basis method. The cost basis method elected by Fund shareholders (or the cost basis method applied by default) for each sale of the Fund's shares may not be changed after the settlement date of each such sale of the Fund's shares. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation and to obtain more information about cost basis reporting. Shareholders also should carefully review any cost basis information provided to them and make any additional basis, holding period or other adjustments that are required when reporting these amounts on their federal income tax returns.
Some foreign governments levy withholding taxes against dividend and interest income. Although in some countries a portion of these taxes is recoverable, the non-recovered portion will reduce the income received from the securities comprising the portfolios of the Fund. If more than 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets at the close of its taxable year consists of stocks and securities of foreign corporations, the Fund may
33
SEI / PROSPECTUS
elect to pass through to you your pro rata share of foreign income taxes paid by the Fund, which would allow shareholders to offset some of their U.S. federal income tax. The Fund (or its administrative agent) will notify you if it makes such an election and provide you with the information necessary to reflect foreign taxes paid on your income tax return.
Non-U.S. investors in the Fund may be subject to U.S. withholding tax and are encouraged to consult their tax advisor prior to investing in the Fund.
Because each shareholder's tax situation is different, you should consult your tax advisor about the tax implications of an investment in the Fund.
The SAI contains more information about taxes.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Trust enters into contractual arrangements with various parties (including, among others, the Fund's investment adviser, custodian, administrator and transfer agent, accountants and distributor) who provide services to the Fund. Shareholders are not parties to, or intended (or "third-party") beneficiaries of, any of those contractual arrangements, and those contractual arrangements are not intended to create in any individual shareholder or group of shareholders any right to enforce the terms of the contractual arrangements against the service providers or any right to seek any remedy under the contractual arrangements against the service providers, either directly or on behalf of the Trust.
This prospectus and the SAI provide information concerning the Trust and the Fund that you should consider in determining whether to purchase shares of the Fund. The Fund may make changes to this information from time to time. Neither this prospectus, the SAI nor any document filed as an exhibit to the Trust's registration statement, is intended to, nor does it, give rise to an agreement or contract between the Trust or the Fund and any shareholder, or give rise to any contract or other rights in any individual shareholder, group of shareholders or other person other than any rights conferred explicitly (and which may not be waived) by federal or state securities laws.
34
SEI / PROSPECTUS
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The table that follows presents performance information about Class I Shares of the Fund. This information is intended to help you understand the Fund's financial performance for the past five years. Some of this information reflects financial information for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that you would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund, assuming you reinvested all of your dividends and distributions.
This information has been derived from the Fund's financial statements, which have been audited by KPMG LLP, the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm. Its report, along with the Fund's financial statements, appears in the annual report. You can obtain the annual report, which contains more performance information, at no charge by calling 1-800-DIAL-SEI.
FOR THE YEARS OR PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH YEAR
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year |
Net Investment Income (Loss)(1) |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments |
Total from Operations |
Dividends from Net Investment Income |
Distributions from Net Realized Gains |
Total Dividends and Distributions |
Net Asset Value, End of Year |
Total Return† |
Net Assets End of Year ($ Thousands) |
Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets* |
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers)** |
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets |
Portfolio Turnover Rate† |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
International Equity Fund |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CLASS I |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 |
$ |
8.67 |
$ |
0.19 |
$ |
2.19 |
$ |
2.38 |
$ |
(0.15 |
) |
$ |
— |
$ |
(0.15 |
) |
$ |
10.90 |
27.63 |
% |
$ |
929 |
1.36 |
% |
1.36 |
% |
1.76 |
% |
87 |
% |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2022 |
13.59 |
0.17 |
(3.38 |
) |
(3.21 |
) |
(0.20 |
) |
(1.51 |
) |
(1.71 |
) |
8.67 |
(27.05 |
) |
743 |
1.34 |
1.34 |
1.44 |
108 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 |
10.87 |
0.12 |
2.69 |
2.81 |
(0.09 |
) |
— |
(0.09 |
) |
13.59 |
25.91 |
1,611 |
1.33 |
1.33 |
0.93 |
105 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 |
10.68 |
0.07 |
0.28 |
0.35 |
(0.16 |
) |
— |
(0.16 |
) |
10.87 |
3.19 |
1,350 |
1.36 |
1.36 |
0.63 |
102 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 |
11.37 |
0.17 |
(0.74 |
) |
(0.57 |
) |
(0.12 |
) |
— |
(0.12 |
) |
10.68 |
(4.90 |
) |
1,932 |
1.35 |
1.35 |
1.61 |
73 |
† Returns and portfolio turnover rates are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares.
* Includes Fees Paid Indirectly, if applicable. There was no impact to the expense ratios. See Note 5 in Notes to Financial Statements.
** See Note 5 in Notes to Financial Statements.
(1) Per share calculated using average shares.
Amounts designated as "—" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
35
Investment Adviser
SEI Investments Management Corporation
One Freedom Valley Drive
Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456
Distributor
SEI Investments Distribution Co.
One Freedom Valley Drive
Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456
Legal Counsel
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
2222 Market Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
More information about the Fund is available without charge through the following:
Statement of Additional Information (SAI)
The SAI, dated January 31, 2024, includes detailed information about the SEI Institutional International Trust. The SAI is on file with the SEC and is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. This means that the SAI, for legal purposes, is a part of this prospectus.
Annual and Semi-Annual Reports
These reports list the Fund's holdings and contain information from the Fund's managers about Fund strategies, and market conditions and trends and their impact on Fund performance. The reports also contain detailed financial information about the Fund.
To Obtain an SAI, Annual or Semi-Annual Report, or More Information:
By Telephone: Call 1-800-DIAL-SEI
By Mail: Write to the Fund at:
One Freedom Valley Drive
Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456
By Internet: The Fund makes available its SAI and Annual and Semi-Annual Reports, free of charge, on or through the Fund's Website at www.seic.com/fundprospectuses. You can also obtain the SAI, Annual or Semi-Annual Report upon request by telephone or mail.
From the SEC: You can also obtain the SAI or the Annual and Semi-Annual Reports, as well as other information about SEI Institutional International Trust, from the EDGAR Database on the SEC's website ("http://www.sec.gov"). You may request documents by mail from the SEC, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by e-mailing the SEC at the following address: publicinfo@sec.gov.
SEI Institutional International Trust's Investment Company Act registration number is 811-05601.
SEI-F-108 (1/24)
seic.com
January 31, 2024
PROSPECTUS
SEI Institutional International Trust
Class Y Shares
• International Equity Fund (
• Emerging Markets Equity Fund (
• International Fixed Income Fund (
• Emerging Markets Debt Fund (
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Not all Funds appearing in this prospectus are available for purchase in all states. You may purchase Fund shares only if they are registered in your state.
seic.com
SEI / PROSPECTUS
SEI INSTITUTIONAL INTERNATIONAL TRUST
About This Prospectus
FUND SUMMARY |
|||||||
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND |
1 |
||||||
EMERGING MARKETS EQUITY FUND |
7 |
||||||
INTERNATIONAL FIXED INCOME FUND |
13 |
||||||
EMERGING MARKETS DEBT FUND |
20 |
||||||
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares |
27 |
||||||
Tax Information |
27 |
||||||
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries |
27 |
||||||
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENTS |
27 |
||||||
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RISKS |
28 |
||||||
Risk Information Common to the Funds |
28 |
||||||
More Information About Principal Risks |
28 |
||||||
GLOBAL ASSET ALLOCATION |
43 |
||||||
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS' BENCHMARK INDEXES |
44 |
||||||
INVESTMENT ADVISER |
44 |
||||||
SUB-ADVISERS |
47 |
||||||
Information About Fee Waivers |
48 |
||||||
Sub-Advisers and Portfolio Managers |
48 |
||||||
PURCHASING, EXCHANGING AND SELLING FUND SHARES |
59 |
||||||
HOW TO PURCHASE FUND SHARES |
60 |
||||||
Pricing of Fund Shares |
60 |
||||||
Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares |
63 |
||||||
Foreign Investors |
65 |
||||||
Customer Identification and Verification and Anti-Money Laundering Program |
65 |
HOW TO EXCHANGE YOUR FUND SHARES |
66 |
||||||
HOW TO SELL YOUR FUND SHARES |
66 |
||||||
Receiving Your Money |
66 |
||||||
Methods Used to Meet Redemption Obligations |
66 |
||||||
Low Balance Redemptions |
67 |
||||||
Suspension of Your Right to Sell Your Shares |
67 |
||||||
Large Redemptions |
67 |
||||||
Telephone Transactions |
67 |
||||||
Unclaimed Property |
67 |
||||||
DISTRIBUTION OF FUND SHARES |
67 |
||||||
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION |
68 |
||||||
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES |
68 |
||||||
Dividends and Distributions |
68 |
||||||
Taxes |
68 |
||||||
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
71 |
||||||
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
72 |
||||||
HOW TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SEI INSTITUTIONAL INTERNATIONAL TRUST |
Back Cover |
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Fund Summary
Long-term capital appreciation.
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell Fund shares. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in this table and examples below.
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
Class Y Shares |
||||||
Management Fees |
|
% |
|||||
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
|
||||||
Other Expenses |
|
% |
|||||
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
|
%* |
*
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem or hold 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.
1 Year |
3 Years |
5 Years |
10 Years |
||||||||||||||||
International Equity Fund — Class Y Shares |
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
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. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was
Under normal circumstances, the International Equity Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities. Equity securities may include
1
SEI / PROSPECTUS
common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants, participation notes and depositary receipts. The Fund will invest primarily in equity securities of issuers of all capitalization ranges that are located in at least three countries other than the U.S. It is expected that at least 40% of the Fund's assets will be invested outside the U.S. The Fund will invest primarily in companies located in developed countries, but may also invest in companies located in emerging markets. Generally, the Fund will invest less than 20% of its assets in emerging markets. Emerging market countries are those countries that: (i) are characterized as developing or emerging by any of the World Bank, the United Nations, the International Finance Corporation, or the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; (ii) are included in an emerging markets index by a recognized index provider; or (iii) have similar developing or emerging characteristics as countries classified as emerging market countries pursuant to sub-paragraph (i) and (ii) above, in each case determined at the time of purchase. Due to its investment strategy, the Fund may buy and sell securities and other instruments frequently.
The Fund uses a multi-manager approach, relying upon a number of sub-advisers (each, a Sub-Adviser and collectively, the Sub-Advisers) with differing investment philosophies to manage portions of the Fund's portfolio under the general supervision of SEI Investments Management Corporation (SIMC), the Fund's adviser. One or more Sub-Advisers may apply a quantitative investment style, which generally involves a systematic or rules-based approach to selecting investments based on specific measurable factors. A Sub-Adviser may take long positions with respect to investments it believes to be undervalued and likely to increase in price, while also taking short positions (including through derivative instruments) with respect to investments it believes to be overvalued and likely to decrease in price.
The Fund may invest in futures contracts, forward contracts, options and swaps for hedging or investment purposes, including seeking to manage the Fund's currency exposure to foreign securities and mitigate the Fund's overall risk.
The Fund may purchase futures contracts or shares of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to gain exposure to a particular portion of the market while awaiting an opportunity to purchase securities or other instruments directly.
2
SEI / PROSPECTUS
3
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Investing in the Fund involves risk, and there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment goal. You could lose money on your investment in the Fund, just as you could with other investments.
4
SEI / PROSPECTUS
|
The Fund's Class Y Shares commenced operations on December 31, 2014. For the full calendar year ended December 31, 2014, the performance of the Fund's Class F Shares is shown. The Fund's Class F Shares are offered in a separate prospectus. Because Class Y Shares are invested in the same portfolio of securities, returns for Class Y Shares would have been substantially similar to those of Class F Shares, shown here, and would have differed only to the extent that the classes do not have the same total annual fund operating expenses. |
International Equity Fund* |
1 Year |
5 Years |
10 Years |
Since Inception ( |
|||||||||||||||
|
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|||||||||||
|
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|||||||||||
|
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|||||||||||
|
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
*
Management
Investment Adviser and Portfolio Managers. SEI Investments Management Corporation
Portfolio Manager |
Experience with the Fund |
Title with Adviser |
|||||||||
Rich Carr, CFA |
Since 2022 |
Portfolio Manager |
|||||||||
Jason Collins |
Since 2019 |
Portfolio Manager, Head of Sub-Advised Equity |
5
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Sub-Advisers and Portfolio Managers.
Sub-Adviser |
Portfolio Manager |
Experience with the Fund |
Title with Sub-Adviser |
||||||||||||
Acadian Asset Management LLC |
Brendan O. Bradley Fanesca Young |
Since 2009 Since 2023 |
Executive Vice President, Chief Investment Officer Senior Vice President, Director, Equity Portfolio Management |
||||||||||||
Causeway Capital Management LLC |
Sarah H. Ketterer Harry W. Hartford Jonathan P. Eng Conor Muldoon, CFA Alessandro Valentini, CFA Ellen Lee Steven Nguyen, CFA Brian Cho |
Since 2010 Since 2010 Since 2010 Since 2010 Since 2013 Since 2015 Since 2019 Since 2021 |
Chief Executive Officer President Director Director Director Director Director Director |
||||||||||||
Delaware Investments Fund Advisers, a series of Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust |
Jens Hansen Klaus Petersen, CFA Claus Juul Asa Annerstedt Allan Jensen, CFA, CAIA Chris Gowlland, CFA |
Since 2021 Since 2021 Since 2021 Since 2021 Since 2021 Since 2021 |
Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer — Global Equity Team Managing Director, Senior Portfolio Manager Vice President, Portfolio Manager Vice President, Portfolio Manager Vice President, Portfolio Manager Senior Vice President, Head of Equity Quantitative Research |
||||||||||||
Lazard Asset Management LLC |
Paul Moghtader, CFA Susanne Willumsen Taras Ivanenko, CFA Peter Kashanek Alex Lai, CFA Ciprian Marin |
Since 2023 Since 2023 Since 2023 Since 2023 Since 2023 Since 2023 |
Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst |
||||||||||||
Pzena Investment Management, LLC |
Rakesh Bordia Caroline Cai Allison Fisch John Goetz |
Since 2023 Since 2022 Since 2022 Since 2022 |
Principal and Portfolio Manager Managing Principal, Chief Executive Officer and Portfolio Manager Managing Principal, President and Portfolio Manager Managing Principal, Co-Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager |
||||||||||||
WCM Investment Management, LLC |
Sanjay Ayer Paul R. Black Michael B. Trigg Jon Tringale |
Since 2015 Since 2015 Since 2015 Since 2022 |
Portfolio Manager & Business Analyst Portfolio Manager, CEO Portfolio Manager, President Portfolio Manager |
For important information about the Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares, Tax Information and Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries, please turn to page 27 of this prospectus.
6
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Fund Summary
Capital appreciation.
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell Fund shares. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in this table and examples below.
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
Class Y Shares |
||||||
Management Fees |
|
% |
|||||
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
|
||||||
Other Expenses |
|
% |
|||||
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
|
%* |
*
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem or hold 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. The effect of the Fund's fee waivers and expense reimbursements is reflected for only the first year in the below examples.
1 Year |
3 Years |
5 Years |
10 Years |
||||||||||||||||
Emerging Markets Equity Fund — Class Y Shares |
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
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. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was
Under normal circumstances, the Emerging Markets Equity Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of emerging market issuers.
7
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Equity securities include common stocks, preferred stock, warrants, participation notes and depositary receipts of all capitalization ranges. The Fund normally maintains investments in at least six emerging market countries, however, it may invest a substantial amount of its assets in issuers located in a single country or a limited number of countries. Due to the size of its economy relative to other emerging market countries, it is expected that China will generally constitute a significant exposure in the Fund. Emerging market countries are those countries that: (i) are characterized as developing or emerging by any of the World Bank, the United Nations, the International Finance Corporation, or the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; (ii) are included in an emerging markets index by a recognized index provider; or (iii) have similar developing or emerging characteristics as countries classified as emerging market countries pursuant to sub-paragraph (i) and (ii) above, in each case determined at the time of purchase.
The Fund uses a multi-manager approach, relying upon a number of sub-advisers (each, a Sub-Adviser and collectively, the Sub-Advisers) with differing investment philosophies to manage portions of the Fund's portfolio under the general supervision of SEI Investments Management Corporation (SIMC), the Fund's adviser. One or more Sub-Advisers may apply a quantitative investment style, which generally involves a systematic or rules-based approach to selecting investments based on specific measurable factors.
The Fund may invest in swaps based on a single security or an index of securities, futures contracts, forward contracts and options to synthetically obtain exposure to securities or baskets of securities or for hedging purposes, including seeking to manage the Fund's currency exposure to foreign securities and mitigate the Fund's overall risk. Swaps may be used to obtain exposure to different foreign equity markets.
The Fund may purchase futures contracts or shares of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to gain exposure to a particular portion of the market while awaiting an opportunity to purchase securities or other instruments directly. The Fund may also invest a portion of its assets in securities of companies located in developed foreign countries.
8
SEI / PROSPECTUS
9
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Investing in the Fund involves risk, and there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment goal.
10
SEI / PROSPECTUS
|
The Fund's Class Y Shares commenced operations on December 31, 2014. For the full calendar year ended December 31, 2014, the performance of the Fund's Class F Shares is shown. The Fund's Class F Shares are offered in a separate prospectus. Because Class Y Shares are invested in the same portfolio of securities, returns for Class Y Shares would have been substantially similar to those of Class F Shares, shown here, and would have differed only to the extent that the classes do not have the same total annual fund operating expenses. |
Emerging Markets Equity Fund* |
1 Year |
5 Years |
10 Years |
Since Inception ( |
|||||||||||||||
|
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|||||||||||
|
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|||||||||||
|
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|||||||||||
fees or expenses) |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
*
†
11
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Management
Investment Adviser and Portfolio Managers. SEI Investments Management Corporation
Portfolio Manager |
Experience with the Fund |
Title with Adviser |
|||||||||
Jason Collins |
Since 2019 |
Portfolio Manager, Head of Sub-Advised Equity |
|||||||||
John Lau |
Since 2019 |
Portfolio Manager |
Sub-Advisers and Portfolio Managers.
Sub-Adviser |
Portfolio Manager |
Experience with the Fund |
Title with Sub-Adviser |
||||||||||||
Aikya Investment Management Limited |
Ashish Swarup Rahul Desai Tom Allen |
Since 2023 Since 2023 Since 2023 |
Lead Portfolio Manager and Investment Analyst Co-Portfolio Manager and Investment Analyst Co-Portfolio Manager and Investment Analyst |
||||||||||||
JOHCM (USA) Inc. |
Emery Brewer Dr. Ivo Kovachev |
Since 2010 Since 2010 |
Senior Fund Manager Senior Fund Manager |
||||||||||||
KBI Global Investors (North America) Ltd |
Gareth Maher David Hogarty Ian Madden James Collery John Looby Massimiliano Tondi, CFA, FRM |
Since 2012 Since 2012 Since 2012 Since 2012 Since 2014 Since 2014 |
Head of Portfolio Management Head of Strategy Development Senior Portfolio Manager Senior Portfolio Manager Senior Portfolio Manager Senior Portfolio Manager |
||||||||||||
Qtron Investments LLC |
Dmitri Kantsyrev, Ph.D., CFA Ronald Hua, CFA |
Since 2018 Since 2018 |
Partner, Portfolio Manager Partner, Portfolio Manager |
||||||||||||
Robeco Institutional Asset Management US Inc. |
Jaap van der Hart Karnail Sangha |
Since 2020 Since 2021 |
Portfolio Manager Portfolio Manager |
For important information about the Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares, Tax Information and Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries, please turn to page 27 of this prospectus.
12
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Fund Summary
Capital appreciation and current income.
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell Fund shares. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in this table and examples below.
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
Class Y Shares |
||||||
Management Fees |
|
% |
|||||
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
|
||||||
Other Expenses |
|
% |
|||||
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
|
%* |
*
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem or hold 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.
1 Year |
3 Years |
5 Years |
10 Years |
||||||||||||||||
International Fixed Income Fund — Class Y Shares |
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
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. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was
Under normal circumstances, the International Fixed Income Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in fixed income securities. The Fund will invest
13
SEI / PROSPECTUS
primarily in investment grade foreign government and corporate fixed income securities, as well as foreign mortgage-backed and/or asset-backed fixed income securities, of issuers located in at least three countries other than the U.S. (including, to a lesser extent, emerging market countries). It is expected that at least 40% of the Fund's assets will be invested in non-U.S. securities. Other fixed income securities in which the Fund may invest include: (i) securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies and instrumentalities and obligations of U.S. commercial banks, such as certificates of deposit, time deposits, bankers' acceptances and bank notes; (ii) U.S. corporate debt securities and mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities; and (iii) obligations of supranational entities.
The Fund uses a multi-manager approach, relying upon a number of sub-advisers (each, a Sub-Adviser and collectively, the Sub-Advisers) with differing investment philosophies to manage portions of the Fund's portfolio under the general supervision of SEI Investments Management Corporation (SIMC), the Fund's adviser. In selecting investments for the Fund, the Sub-Advisers choose securities issued by corporations and governments located in various countries, looking for opportunities to achieve capital appreciation and gain, as well as current income. There are no restrictions on the Fund's average portfolio maturity or on the maturity of any specific security.
The Sub-Advisers may seek to enhance the Fund's return by actively managing the Fund's foreign currency exposure. In managing the Fund's currency exposure, the Sub-Advisers buy and sell currencies (i.e., take long or short positions) using derivatives, principally futures, foreign currency forward contracts and currency swaps. The Fund may take long and short positions in foreign currencies in excess of the value of the Fund's assets denominated in a particular currency or when the Fund does not own assets denominated in that currency. The Fund may also engage in currency transactions in an attempt to take advantage of certain inefficiencies in the currency exchange market, to increase its exposure to a foreign currency or to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one currency to another. In managing the Fund's currency exposure from foreign securities, the Sub-Advisers may buy and sell currencies for hedging or for speculative purposes.
The Fund may also invest in futures contracts, forward contracts and swaps for speculative or hedging purposes. Futures contracts, forward contracts and swaps are used to synthetically obtain exposure to the securities identified above or baskets of such securities and to manage the Fund's interest rate duration and yield curve exposure. These derivatives are also used to mitigate the Fund's overall level of risk and/or the Fund's risk to particular types of securities, currencies or market segments. Interest rate swaps are further used to manage the Fund's yield spread sensitivity. When the Fund seeks to take an active long or short position with respect to the likelihood of an event of default of a security or basket of securities, the Fund may use credit default swaps. The Fund may buy credit default swaps in an attempt to manage credit risk where the Fund has credit exposure to an issuer and the Fund may sell credit default swaps to more efficiently gain credit exposure to such security or basket of securities.
The Fund will also invest in securities rated below investment grade (junk bonds). However, in general, the Fund will purchase bonds with a rating of CCC or above. The Fund also invests a portion of its assets in bank loans, which are generally non-investment grade floating rate instruments. The Fund may invest in bank loans in the form of participations in the loans or assignments of all or a portion of the loans from third parties.
The Fund may purchase shares of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to gain exposure to a particular portion of the market while awaiting an opportunity to purchase securities or other instruments directly.
14
SEI / PROSPECTUS
15
SEI / PROSPECTUS
16
SEI / PROSPECTUS
17
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Investing in the Fund involves risk, and there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment goal.
|
The Fund's Class Y Shares commenced operations on October 30, 2015. For full calendar years through December 31, 2015, the performance of the Fund's Class F Shares is shown. The Fund's Class F Shares are offered in a separate prospectus. Because Class Y Shares are invested in the same portfolio of securities, returns for Class Y Shares would have been substantially similar to those of Class F Shares, shown here, and would have differed only to the extent that the classes do not have the same total annual fund operating expenses. |
18
SEI / PROSPECTUS
International Fixed Income Fund* |
1 Year |
5 Years |
10 Years |
Since Inception ( |
|||||||||||||||
|
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|||||||||||
|
|
% |
- |
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|||||||||||
|
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|||||||||||
deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
*
Management
Investment Adviser and Portfolio Managers. SEI Investments Management Corporation
Portfolio Manager |
Experience with the Fund |
Title with Adviser |
|||||||||
Anthony Karaminas, CFA |
Since 2021 |
Portfolio Manager, Head of Sub-Advised Fixed Income |
|||||||||
James Mashiter, CFA |
Since 2016 |
Portfolio Manager |
Sub-Advisers and Portfolio Managers.
Sub-Adviser |
Portfolio Manager |
Experience with the Fund |
Title with Sub-Adviser |
||||||||||||
AllianceBernstein L.P. |
Scott DiMaggio, CFA John Taylor Nicholas Sanders, CFA Jamie Harding, CFA |
Since 2006 Since 2012 Since 2016 Since 2019 |
Head — Fixed Income Director — Global Multi-Sector Portfolio Manager — Global Multi-Sector Portfolio Manager — European Credit |
||||||||||||
Colchester Global Investors Ltd |
Ian Sims Keith Lloyd, CFA |
Since 2017 Since 2017 |
Chairman and Chief Investment Officer Group Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chief Investment Officer |
||||||||||||
Wellington Management Company LLP |
Ed Meyi, FRM Martin Harvey, CFA Sam Hogg, CFA |
Since 2022 Since 2022 Since 2022 |
Managing Director and Fixed Income Portfolio Manager Managing Director and Fixed Income Portfolio Manager Vice President and Fixed Income Portfolio Manager |
For important information about the Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares, Tax Information and Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries, please turn to page 27 of this prospectus.
19
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Fund Summary
Maximize total return.
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell Fund shares. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in this table and examples below.
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
Class Y Shares |
||||||
Management Fees |
|
% |
|||||
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
|
||||||
Other Expenses |
|
% |
|||||
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
|
%* |
*
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem or hold 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.
1 Year |
3 Years |
5 Years |
10 Years |
||||||||||||||||
Emerging Markets Debt Fund — Class Y Shares |
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
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. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was
Under normal circumstances, the Emerging Markets Debt Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in fixed income securities of emerging market issuers.
20
SEI / PROSPECTUS
The Fund will invest in debt securities of government, government-related, supranational entities, and corporate issuers in emerging market countries, as well as debt securities of entities organized to restructure the outstanding debt of any such issuers. The Fund may obtain its exposures by investing directly (e.g., in fixed income securities and other instruments) or indirectly/synthetically (e.g., through the use of derivative instruments, principally futures contracts, forward contracts and swaps and structured securities, such as credit-linked and inflation-linked notes). The Fund may invest in swaps based on a single security or an index of securities, including interest rate swaps, credit default swaps, currency swaps and fully-funded total return swaps. Emerging market countries are those countries that: (i) are characterized as developing or emerging by any of the World Bank, the United Nations, the International Finance Corporation, or the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; (ii) are included in an emerging markets index by a recognized index provider; or (iii) have similar developing or emerging characteristics as countries classified as emerging market countries pursuant to sub-paragraph (i) and (ii) above, in each case determined at the time of purchase.
The Fund uses a multi-manager approach, relying upon a number of sub-advisers (each, a Sub-Adviser and collectively, the Sub-Advisers) with differing investment philosophies to manage portions of the Fund's portfolio under the general supervision of SEI Investments Management Corporation (SIMC), the Fund's adviser. The Sub-Advisers will spread the Fund's holdings across a number of countries and industries to limit its exposure to any single emerging market economy and may not invest more than 25% of its assets in any single country. There are no restrictions on the Fund's average portfolio maturity or on the maturity of any specific security. There is no minimum rating standard for the Fund's securities, and the Fund's securities will generally be in the lower or lowest rating categories (including those below the fourth highest rating category by a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (NRSRO), commonly referred to as junk bonds).
The Sub-Advisers may seek to enhance the Fund's return by actively managing the Fund's foreign currency exposure. In managing the Fund's currency exposure, the Sub-Advisers buy and sell currencies (i.e., take long or short positions) using derivatives, principally futures, foreign currency forward contracts, options on foreign currencies and currency swaps. The Fund may take long and short positions in foreign currencies in excess of the value of the Fund's assets denominated in a particular currency or when the Fund does not own assets denominated in that currency. The Fund may also engage in currency transactions in an attempt to take advantage of certain inefficiencies in the currency exchange market, to increase its exposure to a foreign currency or to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one currency to another. In managing the Fund's currency exposure from foreign securities, the Sub-Advisers may buy and sell currencies for hedging or for speculative purposes.
The Fund may also invest in futures contracts, forward contracts and swaps for speculative or hedging purposes. Futures contracts, forward contracts and swaps are used to synthetically obtain exposure to the securities identified above or baskets of such securities and to manage the Fund's interest rate duration and yield curve exposure. These derivatives are also used to mitigate the Fund's overall level of risk and/or the Fund's risk to particular types of securities, currencies or market segments. Interest rate swaps are further used to manage the Fund's yield spread sensitivity. When the Fund seeks to take an active long or short position with respect to the likelihood of an event of default of a security or basket of securities, the Fund may use credit default swaps. The Fund may buy credit default swaps in an attempt to manage credit risk where the Fund has credit exposure to an issuer and the Fund may sell credit default swaps to more efficiently gain credit exposure to such security or basket of securities.
The Fund may purchase shares of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to gain exposure to a particular portion of the market while awaiting an opportunity to purchase securities or other instruments directly.
21
SEI / PROSPECTUS
22
SEI / PROSPECTUS
23
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Investing in the Fund involves risk, and there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment goal.
24
SEI / PROSPECTUS
|
The Fund's Class Y Shares commenced operations on December 31, 2014. For the full calendar year ended December 31, 2014, the performance of the Fund's Class F Shares is shown. The Fund's Class F Shares are offered in a separate prospectus. Because Class Y Shares are invested in the same portfolio of securities, returns for Class Y Shares would have been substantially similar to those of Class F Shares, shown here, and would have differed only to the extent that the classes do not have the same total annual fund operating expenses. |
Emerging Markets Debt Fund* |
1 Year |
5 Years |
10 Years |
Since Inception ( |
|||||||||||||||
|
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|||||||||||
|
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|||||||||||
|
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|||||||||||
fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
|||||||||||
expenses or taxes) |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
*
25
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Management
Investment Adviser and Portfolio Managers. SEI Investments Management Corporation
Portfolio Manager |
Experience with the Fund |
Title with Adviser |
|||||||||
Anthony Karaminas, CFA |
Since 2021 |
Portfolio Manager, Head of Sub-Advised Fixed Income |
|||||||||
Hardeep Khangura, CFA |
Since 2015 |
Portfolio Manager |
Sub-Advisers and Portfolio Managers.
Sub-Adviser |
Portfolio Manager |
Experience with the Fund |
Title with Sub-Adviser |
||||||||||||
Colchester Global Investors Ltd |
Ian Sims Keith Lloyd, CFA |
Since 2018 Since 2018 |
Chairman and Chief Investment Officer Group Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chief Investment Officer |
||||||||||||
Grantham, Mayo, Van Otterloo & Co. LLC |
Tina Vandersteel |
Since 2023 |
Head, Emerging Country Debt Team, GMO |
||||||||||||
Marathon Asset Management, L.P. |
Lou Hanover Gaby Szpigiel Andrew Szmulewicz |
Since 2018 Since 2018 Since 2018 |
CIO & Co-Founder of Marathon Partner & Head of Emerging Markets Managing Director, Portfolio Manager & Strategist |
||||||||||||
Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC |
Rob Drijkoningen Gorky Urquieta Jennifer Gorgoll, CFA Raoul Luttik Nish Popat Prashant Singh, CFA Bart van der Made, CFA Vera Kartseva |
Since 2013 Since 2013 Since 2013 Since 2013 Since 2013 Since 2013 Since 2013 Since 2013 |
Managing Director Managing Director Managing Director Managing Director Managing Director Managing Director Managing Director Senior Vice President |
||||||||||||
Ninety One UK Ltd. |
Christine Reed Antoon De Klerk Werner Gey van Pittius |
Since 2023 Since 2017 Since 2013 |
Co-Portfolio Manager Emerging Markets Local Currency Debt Co-Head of Emerging Markets Sovereign & FX; Co-Portfolio Manager of Emerging Markets Local Currency Debt Co-Head of Emerging Markets Fixed Income; Co-Portfolio Manager Emerging Markets Local Currency Debt |
For important information about the Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares, Tax Information and Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries, please turn to page 27 of this prospectus.
26
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
The minimum initial investment for Class Y Shares is $100,000 with minimum subsequent investments of $1,000. Such minimums may be waived at the discretion of SIMC. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a higher minimum investment amount may be required for certain types of investors to be eligible to invest in Class Y Shares, as set forth in "Purchasing, Exchanging and Selling Fund Shares" on page 59. You may purchase and redeem shares of a Fund on any day that the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open for business (a Business Day). You may sell your Fund shares by contacting your authorized financial institution or intermediary directly. Authorized financial institutions and intermediaries may redeem Fund shares on behalf of their clients by contacting the Funds' transfer agent (the Transfer Agent) or the Funds' authorized agent, using certain SEI Investments Company (SEI) or third party systems or by calling 1-800-858-7233, as applicable.
Tax Information
The distributions made by the Funds generally are taxable and will be taxed as qualified dividend income, ordinary income or capital gains. If you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or individual retirement account, you will generally not be subject to federal taxation on Fund distributions until you begin receiving distributions from your tax-deferred arrangement. You should consult your tax advisor regarding the rules governing your tax-deferred arrangement.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), a 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 intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENTS
Each Fund is a mutual fund. A mutual fund pools shareholders' money and, using professional investment managers, invests it in securities and certain other instruments.
Each Fund has its own investment goal and strategies for reaching that goal. Each Fund's assets are managed under the direction of SIMC and one or more Sub-Advisers who manage portions of a Fund's assets in a way that they believe will help the Fund achieve its goal.
This prospectus describes the Funds' primary investment strategies. However, each Fund may also invest in other securities, use other strategies or engage in other investment practices. These investments and strategies, as well as those described in this prospectus, are described in more detail in the Funds' Statement of Additional Information (SAI).
The investments and strategies described in this prospectus are those that SIMC and the Sub-Advisers use under normal conditions. For temporary defensive or liquidity purposes during unusual economic or market conditions, each Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in cash, money market instruments, repurchase agreements and other short-term obligations that would not ordinarily be consistent with a Fund's strategies. During such time, the Funds may not achieve their investment goals. A Fund will do so only if SIMC or a Sub-Adviser believes that the risk of loss outweighs the opportunity for capital gains and higher income. Of course, there is no guarantee that any Fund will achieve its investment goal. Although not expected to be a
27
SEI / PROSPECTUS
component of the Funds' principal investment strategies, each Fund may lend its securities to certain financial institutions in an attempt to earn additional income.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RISKS
Risk Information Common to the Funds
Investing in the Funds involves risk, and there is no guarantee that a Fund will achieve its goal. SIMC and the Sub-Advisers, as applicable, make judgments about the securities markets, the economy and companies, but these judgments may not anticipate actual market movements or the impact of economic conditions on company performance. You could lose money on your investment in a Fund, just as you could with other investments. An investment in a Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
The value of your investment in a Fund is based on the market prices of the securities the Fund holds. These prices change daily due to economic and other events that affect securities markets generally, as well as those that affect particular companies and other issuers. These price movements, sometimes called volatility, may be greater or lesser depending on the types of securities a Fund owns and the markets in which those securities trade. The effect on a Fund's share price of a change in the value of a single security will depend on how widely the Fund diversifies its holdings.
Investing in issuers located in foreign countries poses distinct risks because political and economic events unique to a country or region will affect those markets and their issuers. These events will not necessarily affect the U.S. economy or similar issuers located in the U.S. In addition, investments in foreign countries are generally denominated in a foreign currency. As a result, changes in the value of those currencies compared to the U.S. dollar may affect (positively or negatively) the value of a Fund's investments. These currency movements may happen in response to events that do not otherwise affect the value of the security in the issuer's home country. These various risks will be even greater for investments in emerging market countries where political turmoil and rapid changes in economic conditions are more likely to occur.
More Information About Principal Risks
The following descriptions provide additional information about some of the risks of investing in the Funds:
Asset-Backed Securities — The International Fixed Income Fund may invest in asset-backed securities. Asset-backed securities are securities that are backed primarily by the cash flows of a discrete pool of fixed or revolving receivables or other financial assets that by their terms convert into cash within a finite time period. Asset-backed securities include mortgage-backed securities, but the term is more commonly used to refer to securities supported by non-mortgage assets such as auto loans, motor vehicle leases, student loans, credit card receivables, floorplan receivables, equipment leases and peer-to-peer loans. The assets are removed from any potential bankruptcy estate of an operating company through the true sale of the assets to an issuer that is a special purpose entity, and the issuer obtains a perfected security interest in the assets. Payments of principal of and interest on asset-backed securities rely entirely on the performance of the underlying assets. Asset-backed securities are generally not insured or guaranteed by the related sponsor or any other entity and therefore, if the assets or sources of funds available to the issuer are insufficient to pay those securities, the Fund will incur losses. In addition, asset-backed securities entail prepayment risk that may vary depending on the type of asset, but is generally less than the prepayment risk associated with mortgage-backed securities. Additional risks related to collateralized debt obligations (CDOs), collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) and mortgage-backed securities are described below.
28
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Losses may be greater for asset-backed securities that are issued as "pass-through certificates" rather than as debt securities, because those types of certificates only represent a beneficial ownership interest in the related assets and their payment is based primarily on collections actually received. For asset-backed securities as a whole, if a securitization issuer defaults on its payment obligations due to losses or shortfalls on the assets held by the issuer, a sale or liquidation of the assets may not be sufficient to support payments on the securities and the Fund, as a securityholder, may suffer a loss.
There is a limited secondary market for asset-backed securities. Consequently, it may be difficult for the Funds to sell or realize profits on those securities at favorable times or for favorable prices.
Bank Loans — The International Fixed Income Fund may invest in bank loans. Bank loans are arranged through private negotiations between a company and one or more financial institutions (lenders). Many of the risks associated with bank loans are similar to the risks of investing in below investment grade debt securities. Bank loans may be adversely affected by changes in market or economic conditions and may default or enter bankruptcy. Bank loans made in connection with highly leveraged transactions, including operating loans, leveraged buyout loans, leveraged capitalization loans and other types of acquisition financing, are subject to greater credit risks than other types of bank loans. In addition, it may be difficult to obtain reliable information about and value any bank loan.
The Fund may invest in bank loans in the form of participations in the loans or assignments of all or a portion of the loans from third parties. In connection with purchasing participations, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement relating to the loan, nor any rights of set-off against the borrower, and the Fund may not benefit directly from any collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, the Fund will assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the participation. When the Fund purchases assignments from lenders, the Fund will acquire direct rights against the borrower on the loan. The Fund may have difficulty disposing of bank loans because, in certain cases, the market for such instruments is not highly liquid. The lack of a highly liquid secondary market may have an adverse impact on the value of such instruments and on the Fund's ability to dispose of the bank loan in response to a specific economic event, such as deterioration in the creditworthiness of the borrower. Furthermore, transactions in many loans settle on a delayed basis, and the Fund may not receive the proceeds from the sale of a loan for a substantial period of time after the sale. As a result, those proceeds will not be available during that time to make additional investments or to meet the Fund's redemption obligations.
Bank loans may not be considered "securities," and purchasers, such as the Fund, therefore may not be entitled to rely on the anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws.
Below Investment Grade Fixed Income Securities (Junk Bonds) — The International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds may invest in below investment grade securities (commonly referred to as junk bonds). Junk bonds involve greater risks of default or downgrade and are generally more volatile than investment grade securities. Junk bonds involve a greater risk of price declines than investment grade securities due to actual or perceived changes in an issuer's creditworthiness. In addition, issuers of junk bonds may be more susceptible than other issuers to economic downturns. Junk bonds are subject to the risk that the issuer may not be able to pay interest or dividends and ultimately to repay principal upon maturity. Discontinuation of these payments could substantially adversely affect the market value of the security. The volatility of junk bonds, particularly those issued by foreign governments, is even greater because the prospect for repayment of principal and interest of many of these securities is speculative. Some may even be in default. As an
29
SEI / PROSPECTUS
incentive to invest, these risky securities tend to offer higher returns, but there is no guarantee that an investment in these securities will result in a high rate of return.
Corporate Fixed Income Securities — The International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds may invest in corporate fixed income securities. Corporate fixed income securities are fixed income securities issued by public and private businesses. Corporate fixed income securities respond to economic developments, especially changes in interest rates, as well as perceptions of the creditworthiness and business prospects of individual issuers. Corporate fixed income securities are subject to the risk that the issuer may not be able to pay interest or, ultimately, to repay principal upon maturity. Interruptions or delays of these payments could adversely affect the market value of the security. In addition, due to lack of uniformly available information about issuers or differences in the issuers' sensitivity to changing economic conditions, it may be difficult to measure the credit risk of securities issued by private businesses.
Country Concentration — The Emerging Markets Equity Fund's concentration of its assets in issuers located in a single country or a limited number of countries will increase the impact of, and potential losses associated with, the risks set forth in Foreign Investment/Emerging and Frontier Markets.
Credit — Credit risk is the risk that a decline in the credit quality of an investment could cause the Funds to lose money. The Funds could lose money if the issuer or guarantor of a portfolio security or a counterparty to a derivative contract fails to make timely payment or otherwise honor its obligations. Fixed income securities rated below investment grade (junk bonds) (described above) involve greater risks of default or downgrade and are generally more volatile than investment grade securities. Discontinuation of these payments could substantially adversely affect the market value of the security.
Credit-Linked Notes — The Emerging Markets Debt Fund may invest in credit-linked notes. Credit-linked securities and similarly structured products typically are issued by a limited purpose trust or other vehicle that, in turn, enters into a credit protection agreement or invests in a derivative instrument or basket of derivative instruments, such as credit default swaps or interest rate swaps, to obtain exposure to certain fixed-income markets or to remain fully invested when more traditional income producing securities are not available. Like an investment in a bond, an investment in credit-linked notes represents the right to receive periodic income payments (in the form of distributions) and payment of principal at the end of the term of the security. However, these payments are conditioned on the issuer's receipt of payments from, and the issuer's potential obligations to, the counterparties to certain credit protection agreements or derivative instruments entered into by the issuer of the credit-linked note. For example, the issuer may sell one or more credit default swaps entitling the issuer to receive a stream of payments over the term of the swap agreements provided that no event of default has occurred with respect to the referenced debt obligation upon which the swap is based. If a default occurs, then the stream of payments may stop and the issuer would be obligated to pay the counterparty the par (or other agreed upon value) of the referenced debt obligation. An investor holding a credit-linked note generally receives a fixed or floating coupon and the note's par value upon maturity, unless the referenced creditor defaults or declares bankruptcy, in which case the investor receives the amount recovered. In effect, investors holding credit-linked notes receive a higher yield in exchange for assuming the risk of a specified credit event. The Fund's investments in credit-linked notes are indirectly subject to the risks associated with derivative instruments, which are described below, and may be illiquid.
Currency — The International Fixed Income Fund and Emerging Markets Debt Fund take active positions in currencies, which involve different techniques and risk analyses than the Funds' purchase of securities or other investments. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate in response to factors extrinsic to that country's
30
SEI / PROSPECTUS
economy, which makes the forecasting of currency market movements extremely difficult. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates, intervention (or failure to intervene) by U.S. or foreign governments, central banks or supranational entities, such as the International Monetary Fund, or by the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the United States or abroad. These can result in losses to the Funds if they are unable to deliver or receive currency or funds in settlement of obligations and could also cause hedges they have entered into to be rendered useless, resulting in full currency exposure as well as incurring transaction costs. The International Equity Fund and the Emerging Markets Equity Fund take passive positions in currencies, which may, to a lesser extent, also subject the Funds to these same risks. The value of the Funds' investments may fluctuate in response to broader macroeconomic risks than if the Funds invested only in U.S. equity securities.
Current Market Conditions Risk — Current market conditions risk is the risk that a particular investment, or shares of the Funds in general, may fall in value due to current market conditions. As a means to fight inflation, which remains at elevated levels, the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks have raised interest rates and expect to continue to do so, and the Federal Reserve has announced that it intends to reverse previously implemented quantitative easing. U.S. regulators have proposed several changes to market and issuer regulations that could directly impact the Funds, and any regulatory changes could adversely impact the Funds' ability to achieve its investment strategies or make certain investments. Recent and potential future bank failures could result in disruption to the broader banking industry or markets generally and reduce confidence in financial institutions and the economy as a whole, which may also heighten market volatility and reduce liquidity. The ongoing adversarial political climate in the United States, as well as political and diplomatic events both domestic and abroad, have and may continue to have an adverse impact on the U.S. regulatory landscape, markets and investor behavior, which could have a negative impact on the Funds' investments and operations. Other unexpected political, regulatory and diplomatic events within the U.S. and abroad may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy. The economies of the United States and its trading partners, as well as the financial markets generally, may be adversely impacted by trade disputes and other matters. If any geopolitical conflicts develop or worsen, economies, markets and individual securities may be adversely affected, and the value of the Funds' assets may go down. The COVID-19 global pandemic, or any future public health crisis, and the ensuing policies enacted by governments and central banks have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets, negatively impacting global growth prospects. Advancements in technology may also adversely impact markets and the overall performance of the Funds. These events, and any other future events, may adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the Funds' investments and could result in disruptions in the trading markets.
Depositary Receipts — Depositary receipts are alternatives to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities in their national markets and currencies. However, depositary receipts, including American Depositary Receipts, are subject to many of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities, which are further described below.
Derivatives — Derivatives are instruments that derive their value from an underlying security, financial asset or an index. Examples of derivative instruments include futures contracts, options, forward contracts and swaps. Changes in the market value of a security that is a reference asset for a derivative instrument may not be proportionate to changes in the market value of the derivative instrument itself. There may not be a liquid market for the Funds to sell a derivative instrument, which could result in difficulty in closing the position prior to expiration. Moreover, certain derivative instruments can magnify the extent of losses incurred due to
31
SEI / PROSPECTUS
changes in the market value of the securities to which they relate. Some derivative instruments are subject to counterparty risk. A default by the counterparty on its payments to the Funds will cause the value of your investment in the Funds to decrease. The Funds' use of derivatives is also subject to credit risk, leverage risk, lack of availability risk, valuation risk, correlation risk, counterparty risk and tax risk. Credit risk is described above and leverage risk is described below. A Fund's counterparties to its derivative contracts present the same types of credit risk as issuers of fixed income securities. Lack of availability risk is the risk that suitable derivative transactions, such as roll-forward contracts, may not be available in all circumstances for risk management or other purposes. Valuation risk is the risk that a particular derivative may be valued incorrectly. Correlation risk is the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index. Counterparty risk is the risk that the counterparty to a derivatives contract, a clearing member used by a Fund to hold a cleared derivative contract, or a borrower of the Fund's securities is unable or unwilling to make timely settlement payments, return the Fund's margin or otherwise honor its obligations. Tax risk is the risk that the use of derivatives may cause the Funds to realize higher amounts of short-term capital gains or otherwise affect a Fund's ability to pay out dividends subject to preferential rates or the dividends received deduction, thereby increasing the amount of taxes payable by some shareholders. These risks could cause the Funds to lose more than the principal amount invested. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the Funds' initial investment.
Derivatives are also subject to a number of other risks described elsewhere in this prospectus. Derivatives transactions conducted outside the U.S. may not be conducted in the same manner as those entered into on U.S. exchanges, and may be subject to different margin, exercise, settlement or expiration procedures. Derivatives transactions conducted outside the U.S. also are subject to the risks affecting foreign securities, currencies and other instruments, in addition to other risks.
Duration — Duration is a measure of the expected life of a fixed income security that is used to determine the sensitivity of a security's price to changes in interest rates. For example, if a fixed income security has a five-year duration, it will decrease in value by approximately 5% if interest rates rise 1% and increase in value by approximately 5% if interest rates fall 1%. Fixed income instruments with longer duration typically have higher risk and higher volatility. Longer-term fixed income securities in which a portfolio may invest are more volatile than shorter-term fixed income securities. A portfolio with a longer average portfolio duration is typically more sensitive to changes in interest rates than a portfolio with a shorter average portfolio duration.
Equity Market — Because the International Equity and Emerging Markets Equity Funds may purchase equity securities, the Funds are 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 Funds' securities may fluctuate drastically 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. In the case of foreign stocks, these fluctuations will reflect international economic and political events, as well as changes in currency valuations relative to the U.S. dollar. These factors contribute to price volatility, which is a principal risk of investing in the Funds.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) — ETFs are investment companies whose shares are bought and sold on a securities exchange. The shares of certain ETFs may trade at a premium or discount to their intrinsic value (i.e., the market value may differ from the net asset value (NAV) of an ETF's shares). For example, supply and demand for shares of an ETF or market disruptions may cause the market price of the ETF to deviate from the value of the ETF's investments, which may be emphasized in less liquid markets. By investing in an ETF, a Fund indirectly bears the proportionate share of any fees and expenses of the ETF in addition to the fees and expenses that the Fund and its shareholders directly bear in connection with the Fund's operations. Most
32
SEI / PROSPECTUS
ETFs are passively-managed, meaning they invest in a portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market segment or index. ETFs, like mutual funds, have expenses associated with their operation, including advisory fees. Such ETF expenses may make owning shares of the ETF more costly than owning the underlying securities directly. The risks of owning shares of a passively-managed ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities the ETF is designed to track, although lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in its value being more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities.
Leveraged ETFs contain all of the risks that non-leveraged ETFs present. Additionally, to the extent a Fund invests in ETFs that achieve leveraged exposure to their underlying indexes through the use of derivative instruments, the Fund will indirectly be subject to leverage risk, described below. Inverse ETFs seek to provide investment results that match a negative of the performance of an underlying index. Leveraged inverse ETFs seek to provide investment results that match a negative multiple of the performance of an underlying index. To the extent that a Fund invests in leveraged inverse ETFs, the Fund will indirectly be subject to the risk that the performance of such ETF will fall as the performance of that ETF's benchmark rises. Leveraged, inverse and leveraged inverse ETFs often "reset" daily, meaning that they are designed to achieve their stated objectives on a daily basis. Due to the effect of compounding, their performance over longer periods of time can differ significantly from the performance (or inverse of the performance) of their underlying index or benchmark during the same period of time. These investment vehicles may be extremely volatile and can potentially expose a Fund to complete loss of its investment.
Extension — Investments in fixed income securities are subject to extension risk. Generally, rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of fixed income securities, making them more sensitive to changes in interest rates. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, a Fund may exhibit additional volatility.
Fixed Income Market — The prices of a Fund's fixed income securities respond to economic developments, particularly interest rate changes, as well as to perceptions about the creditworthiness of individual issuers, including governments and their agencies. Generally, the Fund's fixed income securities will decrease in value if interest rates rise and vice versa. Fixed income securities may have fixed-, variable- or floating-rates. There is a risk that the current interest rate on floating and variable rate instruments may not accurately reflect existing market interest rates. Also, longer-term securities are generally more sensitive to changes in the level of interest rates, so the average maturity or duration of these securities affects risk. Changes in government policy, including the Federal Reserve's decisions with respect to raising interest rates or terminating certain programs such as quantitative easing, could increase the risk that interest rates will rise. Rising interest rates may, in turn, increase volatility and reduce liquidity in the fixed income markets, and result in a decline in the value of the fixed income investments held by the Fund. These risks may be heightened in a low interest rate environment. In addition, reductions in dealer market-making capacity as a result of structural or regulatory changes could further decrease liquidity and/or increase volatility in the fixed income markets. As a result of these conditions, the Fund's value may fluctuate and/or the Fund may experience increased redemptions from shareholders, which may impact the Fund's liquidity or force the Fund to sell securities into a declining or illiquid market.
Foreign Investment/Emerging and Frontier Markets — The Funds may invest in foreign issuers, including issuers located in emerging and frontier market countries. Investing in issuers located in foreign countries poses distinct risks because political and economic events unique to a country or region will affect those markets and their issuers. These events will not necessarily affect the U.S. economy or similar issuers located in the United States. In addition, investments in foreign countries are generally denominated in a foreign currency. As a result, changes in the value of those currencies compared to the U.S. dollar may affect (positively or negatively) the value of a Fund's investments. These currency movements may happen separately from, and
33
SEI / PROSPECTUS
in response to, events that do not otherwise affect the value of the security in the issuer's home country. Investments in emerging markets are subject to the added risk that information in emerging market investments may be unreliable or outdated due to differences in regulatory, accounting or auditing and financial record keeping standards, or because less information about emerging market investments is publicly available. In addition, the rights and remedies associated with emerging market investments may be different than investments in developed markets. A lack of reliable information, rights and remedies increase the risks of investing in emerging markets in comparison to more developed markets.
Emerging market countries are those countries that are: (i) characterized as developing or emerging by any of the World Bank, the United Nations, the International Finance Corporation, or the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; (ii) included in an emerging markets index by a recognized index provider; or (iii) countries with similar developing or emerging characteristics as countries classified as emerging market countries pursuant to sub-paragraph (i) and (ii) above, in each case determined at the time of purchase. "Frontier market countries" are a subset of emerging market countries with even smaller national economies. Emerging market countries, and, to an even greater extent, frontier market countries, may be more likely to experience political turmoil or rapid changes in market or economic conditions than more developed countries. Emerging market and frontier market countries often have less uniformity in accounting and reporting requirements and unreliable securities valuation. It is sometimes difficult to obtain and enforce court judgments in such countries and there is often a greater potential for nationalization and/or expropriation of assets by the government of an emerging market country. In addition, the financial stability of issuers (including governments) in emerging market and frontier market countries may be more precarious than in other countries. As a result, there will tend to be an increased risk of price volatility associated with a Fund's investments in emerging market and frontier market countries, which may be magnified by currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.
Frontier countries are a subset of emerging market countries with even smaller national economies. The economies of frontier market countries tend to be less correlated to global economic cycles than the economies of more developed countries and their markets have lower trading volumes and may exhibit greater price volatility and illiquidity. A small number of large investments in these markets may affect these markets to a greater degree than more developed markets. Frontier market countries may also be affected by government activities to a greater degree than more developed countries. For example, the governments of frontier market countries may exercise substantial influence within the private sector or subject investments to government approval, and governments of other countries may impose or negotiate trade barriers, exchange controls, adjustments to relative currency values and other measures that adversely affect a frontier market country. Governments of other countries may also impose sanctions or embargoes on frontier market countries. Although all of these risks are generally heightened with respect to frontier market countries, they also apply to emerging market countries.
Additionally, periodic U.S. Government restrictions on investments in issuers from certain foreign countries may result in a Fund having to sell such prohibited securities at inopportune times. Such prohibited securities may have less liquidity as a result of such U.S. Government designation and the market price of such prohibited securities may decline, which may cause the Fund to incur losses. In addition, the large-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022 and the resulting responses, including economic sanctions by the U.S. and other countries against certain Russian individuals and companies could negatively impact the Funds' performance and cause losses on your investment in the Funds.
Foreign Sovereign Debt Securities — The risks that (i) the governmental entity that controls the repayment of sovereign debt may not be willing or able to repay the principal and/or interest when it becomes due because
34
SEI / PROSPECTUS
of factors such as debt service burden, political constraints, cash flow problems and other national economic factors; (ii) governments may default on their debt securities, which may require holders of such securities to participate in debt rescheduling or additional lending to defaulting governments; and (iii) there is no bankruptcy proceeding by which defaulted sovereign debt may be collected in whole or in part.
Forward Contracts — A forward contract, also called a "forward," involves a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific security or currency at a future date (with or without delivery required), which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward contracts are not traded on exchanges; rather, a bank or dealer will act as agent or as principal in order to make or take future delivery of a specified lot of a particular security or currency for a Fund's account. Risks associated with forwards may include: (i) an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of forward contracts and the securities or currencies underlying them; (ii) an illiquid market for forwards; (iii) difficulty in obtaining an accurate value for the forwards; and (iv) the risk that the counterparty to the forward contract will default or otherwise fail to honor its obligation. Because forwards require only a small initial investment in the form of a deposit or margin, they involve a high degree of leverage. Forwards are also subject to credit risk, liquidity risk and leverage risk, each of which is further described elsewhere in this section.
Futures Contracts — Futures contracts, or "futures," provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific security or asset at a specified future time and at a specified price (with or without delivery required). The risks of futures include (i) leverage risk; (ii) correlation or tracking risk; and (iii) liquidity risk. Because futures require only a small initial investment in the form of a deposit or margin, they involve a high degree of leverage. Accordingly, the fluctuation of the value of futures in relation to the underlying assets upon which they are based is magnified. Thus, a Fund may experience losses that exceed losses experienced by funds that do not use futures contracts and which may be unlimited, depending on the structure of the contract.
There may be imperfect correlation, or even no correlation, between price movements of a futures contract and price movements of investments for which futures are used as a substitute or which futures are intended to hedge. Lack of correlation (or tracking) may be due to factors unrelated to the value of the investments being substituted or hedged, such as speculative or other pressures on the markets in which these instruments are traded. Consequently, the effectiveness of futures as a security substitute or as a hedging vehicle will depend in part on the degree of correlation between price movements in the futures and price movements in underlying securities or assets. While futures contracts are generally liquid instruments, under certain market conditions they may become illiquid. Futures exchanges may impose daily or intra-day price change limits and/or limit the volume of trading. Additionally, government regulation may further reduce liquidity through similar trading restrictions. As a result, a Fund may be unable to close out its futures contracts at a time that is advantageous. If movements in the markets for security futures contracts or the underlying security decrease the value of a Fund's positions in security futures contracts, the Fund may be required to have or make additional funds available to its brokerage firm as margin. If the Fund's account is under the minimum margin requirements set by the exchange or the brokerage firm, its position may be liquidated at a loss, and the Fund will be liable for the deficit, if any, in its account. The Fund may also experience losses due to systems failures or inadequate system back-up or procedures at the brokerage firm(s) carrying the Fund's positions. The successful use of futures depends upon a variety of factors, particularly the ability of SIMC or the Sub-Advisers to predict movements of the underlying securities markets, which requires different skills than predicting changes in the prices of individual securities. There can be no assurance that any particular futures strategy adopted will succeed.
35
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Inflation Protected Securities — The Funds may invest in inflation protected securities, including Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS), the value of which generally will fluctuate in response to changes in "real" interest rates. Real interest rates represent nominal (or stated) interest rates reduced by the expected impact of inflation. The value of an inflation-protected security generally decreases when real interest rates rise and generally increases when real interest rates fall. In addition, the principal value of an inflation-protected security is periodically adjusted up or down along with the rate of inflation. If the measure of inflation falls, the principal value of the inflation-protected security will be adjusted downwards, and consequently, the interest payable on the security will be reduced. Repayment of the original bond principal upon maturity (as adjusted for inflation) is guaranteed by the United States Treasury in the case of TIPS. For securities that do not provide a similar guarantee, the adjusted principal value of the security to be repaid at maturity is subject to credit risk.
Interest Rate — The risk that a change in interest rates will cause a fall in the value of fixed income securities, including U.S. Government securities, in which a Fund invests. In a low interest rate environment, the risk of a decline in value of the Fund's portfolio securities associated with rising rates are heightened because there may be a greater likelihood of rates increasing, potentially rapidly. In a declining interest rate environment, the Fund generally will be required to invest available cash in instruments with lower interest rates than those of the current portfolio securities. Although U.S. Government securities are considered to be among the safest investments, they are not guaranteed against price movements due to changing interest rates. Obligations issued by some U.S. Government agencies are backed by the U.S. Treasury, whereas others are backed solely by the ability of the agency to borrow from the U.S. Treasury or by the agency's own resources.
Investment Company — The Funds may purchase shares of investment companies, such as open-end funds, ETFs and closed-end funds. When a Fund invests in an investment company, it will bear a pro rata portion of the investment company's expenses in addition to directly bearing the expenses associated with its own operations. Such expenses may make owning shares of an investment company more costly than owning the underlying securities directly. The Funds may invest in affiliated funds including, for example, money market funds for reasons such as cash management or other purposes. In such cases, the Funds' adviser and its affiliates will earn fees at both the Fund level and within the underlying fund with respect to the Funds' assets invested in the underlying fund. In part because of these additional expenses, the performance of an investment company may differ from the performance a Fund would achieve if it invested directly in the underlying investments of the investment company. In addition, while the risks of owning shares of an investment company generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying investments of the investment company, the Fund may be subject to additional or different risks than if the Fund had invested directly in the underlying investments. See also, "Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)," above.
Investment Style — Investment style risk is the risk that a Fund's investment in certain securities in a particular market segment pursuant to its particular investment strategy may underperform other market segments or the market as a whole.
Leverage — Certain Fund transactions, such as derivatives or reverse repurchase agreements, may give rise to a form of leverage. The use of leverage can amplify the effects of market volatility on a Fund's share price and make the Fund's returns more volatile. This is because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of a Fund's portfolio securities. Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act requires, among other things, that a Fund either use derivatives in a limited manner or comply with an outer limit on fund leverage risk based on one of two value-at-risk (VaR) tests. The use of leverage may also cause a Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations or to meet the applicable requirements of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder.
36
SEI / PROSPECTUS
LIBOR Replacement — Effective June 30, 2023, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority stopped compelling or inducing banks to submit London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) rates. Investments impacted by the discontinuation of LIBOR may include bank loans, derivatives, floating rate securities, and other assets or liabilities tied to LIBOR. Actions by regulators have resulted in the establishment of alternative reference rates to LIBOR in most major currencies. The U.S. Federal Reserve, based on the recommendations of the New York Federal Reserve's Alternative Reference Rate Committee (composed of major derivative market participants and their regulators), has begun publishing a Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), a broad measure of secured overnight U.S. Treasury repo rates, to replace U.S. dollar LIBOR. In response to the discontinuation of LIBOR, investors have added fallback provisions to existing contracts for investments whose value is tied to LIBOR, with most fallback provisions requiring the adoption of SOFR as a replacement rate. On March 15, 2022, the Adjustable Interest Rate Act was signed into law (the "LIBOR Act"), which, in conjunction with regulations adopted by the Federal Reserve Board, establishes SOFR as the default fallback rate for any U.S. contract without a fallback provision. As of July 1, 2023 and continuing through September 30, 2024, U.K. Financial Conduct Authority has permitted the publishing 1-, 3- and 6-month synthetic U.S. dollar LIBOR settings based on SOFR to serve as a fallback for non-U.S. contracts. Transitioning away from LIBOR may affect the value, liquidity or return of an investment or result in administrative costs or delays.
Liquidity — Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are difficult to purchase or sell. The market for certain investments may become illiquid due to specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer or under adverse market or economic conditions independent of the issuer. A Fund's investments in illiquid securities may reduce the returns of the Fund because it may be unable to sell the illiquid securities at an advantageous time or price. Further, transactions in illiquid securities may entail transaction costs that are higher than those for transactions in liquid securities.
Long/Short Strategy — The International Equity Fund seeks long exposure to certain financial instruments and short exposure to certain other financial instruments. There is no guarantee that the returns on the Fund's long or short positions will produce positive returns and the Fund could lose money if either or both the Fund's long and short positions produce negative returns. In addition, the Fund may gain enhanced long exposure to certain financial instruments (i.e., obtain investment exposure that exceeds the amount directly invested in those assets, a form of leverage) and, under such circumstances, will lose more money in market environments that are adverse to its long positions than funds that do not employ such leverage. As a result, such investments may give rise to losses that exceed the amount invested in those assets.
Market — Each Fund is subject to market risk, which is the risk that the market value of a security may move up and down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Market risk may affect a single issuer, an industry, a sector or the market as a whole.
Mortgage-Backed Securities — The International Fixed Income Fund may invest in mortgage-backed securities. Mortgage-backed securities are a class of asset-backed securities representing an interest in a pool or pools of whole mortgage loans (which may be residential mortgage loans or commercial mortgage loans). Mortgage-backed securities held or acquired by the Fund could include (i) obligations guaranteed by federal agencies of the U.S. Government, such as the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), which are backed by the "full faith and credit" of the United States, (ii) securities issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), which are not backed by the "full faith and credit" of the United States but are guaranteed by the U.S. Government as to timely payment of principal and interest, (iii) securities (commonly referred to as "private-label RMBS") issued by private issuers that represent an interest in or are collateralized by whole residential
37
SEI / PROSPECTUS
mortgage loans without a government guarantee and (iv) commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS), which are multi-class or pass-through securities backed by a mortgage loan or a pool of mortgage loans secured by commercial property such as industrial and warehouse properties, office buildings, retail space and shopping malls, multifamily properties and cooperative apartments. Because private-label RMBS and CMBS are not issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, those securities generally are structured with one or more types of credit enhancement. There can be no assurance, however, that credit enhancements will support full payment to the Fund of the principal and interest on such obligations. In addition, changes in the credit quality of the entity that provides credit enhancement could cause losses to the Fund and affect its share price.
The Fund may invest in mortgage-backed securities in the form of debt or in the form of "pass-through" certificates. Pass-through certificates, which represent beneficial ownership interests in the related mortgage loans, differ from debt securities, which generally provide for periodic fixed payments of interest on and principal of the related notes. Mortgage pass-through securities provide for monthly payments that are a "pass-through" of the monthly interest and principal payments (including any prepayments) made by the individual borrowers on the pooled mortgage loans, net of any fees and expenses owed to the servicers of the mortgage loans and other transaction parties that receive payment from collections on the mortgage loans.
The performance of mortgage loans and, in turn, the mortgage-backed securities acquired by the Fund, is influenced by a wide variety of economic, geographic, social and other factors, including general economic conditions, the level of prevailing interest rates, the unemployment rate, the availability of alternative financing and homeowner behavior.
The rate and aggregate amount of distributions on mortgage-backed securities, and therefore the average lives of those securities and the yields realized by the Fund, will be sensitive to the rate of prepayments (including liquidations) and modifications of the related mortgage loans, any losses and shortfalls on the related mortgage loans allocable to the tranches held by the Fund and the manner in which principal payments on the related mortgage loans are allocated among the various tranches in the particular securitization transaction. Furthermore, mortgage-backed securities are sensitive to changes in interest rates, but may respond to those changes differently from other fixed income securities due to the possibility of prepayment of the mortgage loans. Among other factors, a significant amount of defaults, rapid prepayments or prepayment interest shortfalls may erode amounts available for distributions to the Fund. The timing of changes in the rate of prepayments of the mortgage loans may significantly affect the Fund's actual yield to maturity, even if the average rate of principal payments is consistent with the Fund's expectations. If prepayments of mortgage loans occur at a rate faster than that anticipated by the Fund, payments of interest on the mortgage-backed securities could be significantly less than anticipated. Similarly, if the number of mortgage loans that are modified is larger than that anticipated by the Fund, payments of principal and interest on the mortgage-backed securities could be significantly less than anticipated.
Non-Diversification — The International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds are non-diversified, which means that they may invest in the securities of relatively few issuers. As a result, the Funds may be more susceptible to a single adverse economic or political occurrence affecting one or more of these issuers and may experience increased volatility due to its investments in those securities. However, the International Fixed Income Fund and Emerging Markets Debt Fund each intend to satisfy the asset diversification requirements under the Code for classification as a regulated investment company (RIC).
Options — An option is a contract between two parties for the purchase and sale of a financial instrument for a specified price at a specified date. Unlike a futures contract, an option grants the purchaser, in exchange for
38
SEI / PROSPECTUS
a premium payment, a right (not an obligation) to buy or sell a financial instrument. An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in exchange for a premium, to assume a position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price during the term of the option. The seller of an uncovered call (buy) option assumes the risk of a theoretically unlimited increase in the market price of the underlying security above the exercise price of the option. The securities necessary to satisfy the exercise of the call option may be unavailable for purchase except at much higher prices. Purchasing securities to satisfy the exercise of the call option can itself cause the price of the securities to rise further, sometimes by a significant amount, thereby exacerbating the loss. The buyer of a call option assumes the risk of paying an entire premium in the call option without ever getting the opportunity to execute the option. The seller (writer) of a covered put (sell) option (e.g., the writer has a short position in the underlying security) will suffer a loss if the increase in the market price of the underlying security is greater than the premium received from the buyer of the option. The seller of an uncovered put option assumes the risk of a decline in the market price of the underlying security below the exercise price of the option. The buyer of a put option assumes the risk of paying an entire premium in the put option without ever getting the opportunity to exercise the option. An option's time value (i.e., the component of the option's value that exceeds the in-the-money amount) tends to diminish over time. Even though an option may be in-the-money to the buyer at various times prior to its expiration date, the buyer's ability to realize the value of an option depends on when and how the option may be exercised. For example, the terms of a transaction may provide for the option to be exercised automatically if it is in-the-money on the expiration date. Conversely, the terms may require timely delivery of a notice of exercise, and exercise may be subject to other conditions (such as the occurrence or non-occurrence of certain events, such as knock-in, knock-out or other barrier events) and timing requirements, including the "style" of the option.
Participation Notes (P-Notes) — P-Notes are participation interest notes that are issued by banks or broker-dealers and are designed to offer a return linked to a particular underlying equity, debt, currency or market. Investments in P-Notes involve the same risks associated with a direct investment in the underlying foreign companies or foreign securities markets that they seek to replicate. However, there can be no assurance that the trading price of P-Notes will equal the underlying value of the foreign companies or foreign securities markets that they seek to replicate.
Portfolio Turnover — Due to its investment strategy, a Fund may buy and sell securities frequently. This may result in higher transaction costs and additional capital gains tax liabilities, which may affect the Fund's performance.
Preferred Stock — The International Equity and Emerging Markets Equity Funds may invest in preferred stocks. Preferred stocks involve credit risk and certain other risks. Certain preferred stocks contain provisions that allow an issuer under certain conditions to skip distributions (in the case of "non-cumulative" preferred stocks) or defer distributions (in the case of "cumulative" preferred stocks). If a Fund owns a preferred stock on which distributions are deferred, the Fund may nevertheless be required to report income for tax purposes while it is not receiving distributions on that security. Preferred stocks are subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a company's capital structure in terms of priority to corporate income and liquidation payments and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than those debt instruments.
Prepayment — Investments in fixed income securities are subject to prepayment risk. In a declining interest rate environment, fixed income securities with stated interest rates may have their principal paid earlier than expected. This may result in a Fund having to reinvest that money at lower prevailing interest rates, which can reduce the returns of the Fund.
39
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Quantitative Investing — A quantitative investment style generally involves the use of computers to implement a systematic or rules-based approach to selecting investments based on specific measurable factors. Due to the significant role technology plays in such strategies, they carry the risk of unintended or unrecognized issues or flaws in the design, coding, implementation or maintenance of the computer programs or technology used in the development and implementation of the quantitative strategy. These issues or flaws, which can be difficult to identify, may result in the implementation of a portfolio that is different from that which was intended, and could negatively impact investment returns. Such risks should be viewed as an inherent element of investing in an investment strategy that relies heavily upon quantitative models and computerization. Utility interruptions or other key systems outages also can impair the performance of quantitative investment strategies.
Reallocation — In addition to managing the Funds, SIMC constructs and maintains strategies (Strategies) for certain clients, and the Funds are designed in part to implement those Strategies. Within the Strategies, SIMC periodically adjusts the target allocations among the Funds to ensure that the appropriate mix of assets is in place. SIMC also may create new Strategies that reflect significant changes in allocation among the Funds. Because a significant portion of the assets in the Funds may be composed of investors in Strategies controlled or influenced by SIMC, this reallocation activity could result in significant purchase or redemption activity in the Funds. Although reallocations are intended to benefit investors that invest in the Funds through the Strategies, they could in certain cases have a detrimental effect on Funds that are being materially reallocated, including by increasing portfolio turnover (and related transactions costs), disrupting the portfolio management strategy, and causing a Fund to incur taxable gains. SIMC seeks to manage the impact to the Funds resulting from reallocations in the Strategies.
Risk of Investing in China — China is an emerging market, and as a result, investments in securities of companies organized and listed in China may be subject to liquidity constraints and significantly higher volatility, from time to time, than investments in securities of more developed markets. China may be subject to considerable government intervention and varying degrees of economic, political and social instability. Internal social unrest or confrontations with other neighboring countries could have a significant impact on the economy of China. Reduction in spending on Chinese products and services, institution of tariffs or other trade barriers, or a downturn in any of the economies of China's key trading partners may have an adverse impact on the Chinese economy. There also is no guarantee that the Chinese government will not revert from its current open-market economy to an economic policy of central planning. These factors may result in, among other things, a greater risk of stock market, interest rate, and currency fluctuations, as well as inflation. Accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards in China are different from U.S. standards and, therefore, disclosure of certain material information may not be made, may be less available, or may be less reliable. It may also be difficult or impossible for the Fund, U.S. authorities and regulators to obtain or enforce a judgment in a Chinese court. In addition, periodic U.S. Government restrictions on investments in Chinese companies may result in a Fund having to sell such prohibited securities at inopportune times. Such prohibited securities may have less liquidity as a result of such U.S. Government designation and the market price of such prohibited securities may decline, which may cause the Fund to incur losses. A Fund may also be subject to additional risks related to investments in variable interest entities (VIEs). Instead of directly owning the equity securities of a Chinese company, a VIE enters into service and other contracts with the Chinese company. Although the VIE has no equity ownership of the Chinese company, the contractual arrangements permit the VIE to consolidate the Chinese company into its financial statements. Intervention by the Chinese government with respect to VIEs could significantly affect the Chinese company's performance and the enforceability of the VIE's contractual arrangements with the Chinese company.
40
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Securities Lending — Each Fund may lend its securities to certain financial institutions in an attempt to earn additional income. The Funds may lend their portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions provided a number of conditions are satisfied, including that the loan is fully collateralized. When a Fund lends portfolio securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned, and the Fund will also receive a fee or interest on the collateral. Securities lending involves the risk of loss of rights, including voting rights, in the loaned securities during the term of the loan or delay in recovering loaned securities if the borrower fails to return them or becomes insolvent. A Fund that lends its securities may pay lending fees to a party arranging the loan.
Short Sales — Short sales are transactions in which the Funds sell a security they do not own. To complete a short sale, the Funds must borrow the security to deliver to the buyer. The Funds are then obligated to replace the borrowed security by purchasing the security at the market price at the time of replacement. This price may be more or less than the price at which the security was sold by the Funds, and the Funds will incur a loss if the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time the Funds replace the borrowed security. In addition, until the security is replaced, a Fund is required to pay the lender amounts equal to any dividends or interest that accrue during the period of the loan. Certain Funds' investment strategies of reinvesting proceeds received from selling securities short may effectively create leverage, which can amplify the effects of market volatility on the Funds' share price and make the Funds' returns more volatile. This is because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Funds' portfolio securities. The use of leverage may also cause the Funds to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy their obligations. Pursuant to its particular investment strategy, a Sub-Adviser may have a net short exposure in the portfolio of assets allocated to the Sub-Adviser.
Small and Medium Capitalization Issuers — The International Equity and Emerging Markets Equity Funds may invest in small and medium capitalization issuers. Investing in equity securities of small and medium capitalization companies often involves greater risk than is customarily associated with investments in larger capitalization companies. This increased risk may be due to the greater business risks of smaller size companies, limited markets and financial resources, narrow product lines and the frequent lack of depth of management. Stock prices of smaller companies may be based in substantial part on future expectations rather than current achievements. The securities of smaller companies are often traded over-the-counter and, even if listed on a national securities exchange, may not be traded in volumes typical for that exchange. Consequently, the securities of smaller companies may be less liquid, may have limited market stability and may be subject to more severe, abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of larger, more established companies or the market averages in general. Further, smaller companies may have less publicly available information and, when available, it may be inaccurate or incomplete.
Structured Securities — A structured security is a type of instrument designed to offer a return linked to particular underlying securities, currencies, or markets. A Fund's investment in structured securities involves the same risks associated with direct investments in the underlying securities or other instruments they seek to replicate, as well as additional risks. Structured securities may present a greater degree of market risk than many types of securities and may be more volatile, less liquid and more difficult to price accurately than less complex securities. Structured securities are also subject to the risk that the issuer of the structured securities may fail to perform its contractual obligations. Certain issuers of structured products may be deemed to be investment companies as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (Investment Company Act). As a result, the Portfolio's investments in structured securities may be subject to the limits applicable to investments in other investment companies.
41
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Swap Agreements — Swaps are agreements whereby two parties agree to exchange payment streams calculated by reference to an underlying asset, such as a rate, index, instrument or securities. Swaps typically involve credit risk, market risk, liquidity risk, funding risk, operational risk, legal and documentation risk, counterparty risk, regulatory risk and/or tax risk. Interest rate swaps involve one party, in return for a premium, agreeing to make payments to another party to the extent that interest rates exceed or fall below a specified rate (a "cap" or "floor," respectively). Swap agreements involve the risk that the party with whom a Fund has entered into the swap will default on its obligation to pay the Fund and the risk that the Fund will not be able to meet its obligations to the other party to the agreement.
Total return swaps are contracts that obligate a party to pay interest in exchange for payment by the other party of the total return generated by a security, a basket of securities, an index or an index component. Total return swaps give a Fund the right to receive the appreciation in the value of a specified security, index or other instrument in return for a fee paid to the counterparty, which will typically be an agreed upon interest rate. If the underlying asset in a total return swap declines in value over the term of the swap, the Fund may also be required to pay the dollar value of that decline to the counterparty. Fully funded total return swaps have economic and risk characteristics similar to credit-linked notes, which are described above. Fully funded equity swaps have economic and risk characteristics similar to participation notes (P-Notes).
A credit default swap enables a Fund to buy or sell protection against a defined credit event of an issuer or a basket of securities. The buyer of a credit default swap is generally obligated to pay the seller a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract in return for a contingent payment upon the occurrence of a credit event with respect to an underlying reference obligation. If a Fund is a seller of protection and a credit event occurs (as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement), the Fund will generally either: (i) pay to the buyer an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and take delivery of the referenced obligation, other deliverable obligations or underlying securities comprising a referenced index or (ii) pay a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising a referenced index. If a Fund is a buyer of protection and a credit event occurs (as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement), the Fund will either: (i) receive from the seller of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and deliver the referenced obligation, other deliverable obligations or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) receive a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index. Recovery values are calculated by market makers considering either industry standard recovery rates or entity specific factors and other considerations until a credit event occurs. If a credit event has occurred, the recovery value is generally determined by a facilitated auction whereby a minimum number of allowable broker bids, together with a specified valuation method, are used to calculate the settlement value.
Credit default swaps involve special risks in addition to those mentioned above because they are difficult to value, are highly susceptible to liquidity and credit risk, and generally pay a return to the party that has paid the premium only in the event of an actual default by the issuer of the underlying obligation (as opposed to a credit downgrade or other indication of financial difficulty). Like a long or short position in a physical security, credit default swaps are subject to the same factors that cause changes in the market value of the underlying asset.
The Dodd-Frank Act, which was signed into law on July 21, 2010, established a comprehensive new regulatory framework for swaps and security-based swaps. Key Dodd-Frank Act provisions relating to swaps and security-based swaps require rulemaking by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), not all of which have been completed as of the date of this
42
SEI / PROSPECTUS
prospectus. Prior to the Dodd-Frank Act, the swaps and security-based swaps transactions generally occurred on a bilateral basis in the over-the-counter (OTC) market (so-called "bilateral OTC transactions"). Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, some, but not all, swaps and security-based swaps transactions are now required to be centrally cleared and traded on exchanges or electronic trading platforms. Bilateral OTC transactions differ from exchange-traded or cleared swaps and security-based swaps in several respects. Bilateral OTC transactions are transacted directly between counterparties and not through an exchange (although they may be submitted for clearing with a clearing corporation). As bilateral OTC transactions are entered into directly with a counterparty, there is a risk of nonperformance by the counterparty as a result of its insolvency or otherwise. Under certain risk mitigation regulations adopted pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act (commonly referred to as "Margin Rules"), the Fund is required to post collateral (known as variation margin) to cover the mark-to-market exposure in respect of its uncleared transactions in swaps and security-based swaps. The Margin Rules also mandate that collateral in the form of initial margin be posted to cover potential future exposure attributable to uncleared transactions in swaps and security-based swaps for certain entities, which may include the Funds. In addition, clearing agencies may impose separate margin requirements for certain cleared transactions in swaps and security-based swaps.
U.S. Government Securities — U.S. Government securities are obligations of, or guaranteed by, the U.S. Government, its agencies or government-sponsored entities. U.S. Government securities include issues by non-governmental entities (such as financial institutions) that carry direct guarantees from U.S. Government agencies as part of government initiatives in response to a market crisis or otherwise. Although the U.S. Government guarantees principal and interest payments on securities issued by the U.S. Government and some of its agencies, such as securities issued by the Government National Mortgage Association, this guarantee does not apply to losses resulting from declines in the market value of these securities. U.S. Government securities include zero coupon securities that make payments of interest and principal only upon maturity, which tend to be subject to greater volatility than interest bearing securities with comparable maturities. Some of the U.S. Government securities that a Fund may hold are not guaranteed or backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, such as those issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. Government securities may greatly exceed their current resources, including any legal right to support from the U.S. Government. Although U.S. Government securities are considered to be among the safest investments, they are still subject to the credit risk of the U.S. Government and are not guaranteed against price movements due to changing interest rates.
Warrants — The International Equity and Emerging Markets Equity Funds may invest in warrants. The holder of a warrant has the right to purchase a given number of shares of a particular issuer at a specified price until expiration of the warrant. Such investments can provide a greater potential for profit or loss than an equivalent investment in the underlying security. Prices of warrants do not necessarily move in tandem with the prices of the underlying securities and are speculative investments. Warrants pay no dividends and confer no rights other than a purchase option. If a warrant is not exercised by the date of its expiration, the Funds will lose their entire investment in such warrant.
GLOBAL ASSET ALLOCATION
The Funds and other funds managed by SIMC are used within the Strategies that SIMC constructs and maintains for certain clients (Strategy Clients). The Funds are designed in part to be used as a component within those Strategies. The degree to which a Strategy Client's portfolio is invested in the particular market segments and/or asset classes represented by the Funds and other funds varies. SIMC believes that an
43
SEI / PROSPECTUS
investment in a portfolio of funds representing a range of asset classes as part of a Strategy may reduce the Strategy's overall level of volatility.
Within the Strategies, SIMC periodically adjusts the target allocations among the Funds and other funds to ensure that the appropriate mix of assets is in place. SIMC also may create new Strategies that reflect significant changes in allocation among the Funds and other funds. Because a significant portion of the assets in the Funds and other funds may be attributable to investors in Strategies controlled or influenced by SIMC, this reallocation activity could result in significant purchase or redemption activity in the Funds. Although reallocations are intended to benefit investors that invest in the Funds through the Strategies, they could, in certain cases, have a detrimental effect on the Funds. Such detrimental effects could include: transaction costs, capital gains and other expenses resulting from an increase in portfolio turnover; and disruptions to the portfolio management strategy, such as foregone investment opportunities or the inopportune sale of securities to facilitate redemptions.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS' BENCHMARK INDEXES
The following information describes the various indexes referred to in the Performance Information sections of this prospectus, including those indexes that compose the Emerging Markets Debt Fund's Blended Benchmark.
The Bloomberg Global Aggregate Ex-US Index, Hedged, is an index of government, corporate and collateralized bonds denominated in foreign currencies.
The J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Index (EMBI) Global Diversified Index tracks the total returns for U.S. dollar-denominated debt instruments issued by sovereign and quasi-sovereign entities.
The J.P. Morgan Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets (GBI-EM) Global Diversified Index is a comprehensive global local emerging markets index, and consists of liquid, fixed-income rate, domestic currency government bonds.
The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Europe, Australasia and the Far East (EAFE) Index is a widely-recognized, capitalization-weighted (companies with larger market capitalizations have more influence than those with smaller capitalizations) index of developed market countries in Europe, Australasia and the Far East.
The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Emerging Markets Index is a widely-recognized, capitalization-weighted (companies with larger market capitalizations have more influence than those with smaller capitalizations) index of 24 emerging market countries.
INVESTMENT ADVISER
SIMC, a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registered investment adviser, located at One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, PA 19456, serves as the investment adviser to the Funds. As of September 30, 2023, SIMC had approximately $181.95 billion in assets under management.
The Funds are managed by SIMC and one or more Sub-Advisers. SIMC acts as a "manager of managers" of the Funds and, subject to the oversight of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (Board), is responsible for:
— researching and recommending to the Board, the hiring, termination and replacement of Sub-Advisers;
— allocating, on a continuous basis, assets of a Fund among the Sub-Advisers (to the extent a Fund has more than one Sub-Adviser);
44
SEI / PROSPECTUS
— monitoring and evaluating each Sub-Adviser's performance;
— overseeing the Sub-Advisers to ensure compliance with the Funds' investment objectives, policies and restrictions; and
— monitoring each Sub-Adviser's adherence to its investment style.
SIMC acts as manager of managers for the Funds pursuant to an exemptive order obtained from the SEC. The exemptive order permits SIMC, with the approval of the Board, to retain unaffiliated sub-advisers for the Funds without submitting the sub-advisory agreements to a vote of the applicable Funds' shareholders. Among other things, the exemptive order permits the non-disclosure of amounts payable by SIMC under a particular sub-advisory agreement, but instead requires SIMC to disclose the aggregate amount of sub-advisory fees paid by SIMC with respect to each Fund. In accordance with a separate exemptive order that the Trust and SIMC have obtained from the SEC, the Board may approve a new sub-advisory agreement or a material amendment to an existing sub-advisory agreement at a meeting that is not in person, subject to certain conditions, including that the Trustees are able to participate in the meeting using a means of communication that allows them to hear each other simultaneously during the meeting. As a manager of managers, SIMC is ultimately responsible for the investment performance of the Funds. The Board supervises SIMC and the Sub-Advisers and establishes policies that they must follow in their management activities.
SIMC sources, analyzes, selects and monitors a wide array of Sub-Advisers across multiple asset classes. Differentiating manager skill from market-generated returns is one of SIMC's primary objectives, as it seeks to identify Sub-Advisers that can deliver attractive investment results. SIMC believes that a full assessment of qualitative as well as quantitative factors is required to identify truly skilled managers. In carrying out this function, SIMC forms forward-looking expectations regarding how a Sub-Adviser will execute a given investment mandate; defines environments in which the strategy is likely to outperform or underperform; and seeks to identify the relevant factors behind a Sub-Adviser's performance. It also utilizes this analysis to identify catalysts that would lead SIMC to reevaluate its view of a Sub-Adviser.
SIMC then constructs a portfolio that seeks to maximize the risk-adjusted rate of return by finding a proper level of diversification between sources of excess return (at an asset class level) and the investment managers implementing them. The allocation to a given investment manager is based on SIMC's analysis of the manager's particular array of alpha sources, the current macroeconomic environment, expectations about the future macroeconomic environment, and the level of risk inherent in a particular manager's investment strategy. SIMC measures and allocates to Sub-Advisers based on risk allocations in an attempt to ensure that one manager does not dominate the risk of a multi-manager, multi-return-source fund.
The following portfolio managers are primarily responsible for the management and oversight of the Funds, as described above.
Rich Carr, CFA, serves as a Portfolio Manager for the International Equity Fund. Mr. Carr serves as a Portfolio Manager within SIMC's Investment Management Unit where he is responsible for the management of international developed markets equity funds. Previously, Mr. Carr was a Director on SEI's Manager Research team where he led the due diligence and selection process for SEI's equity fund management and separate account business. Prior to joining SEI, he worked at MFP Strategies where he managed the firm's investment process and was responsible for asset-class valuation research and investment manager due diligence. Before MFP Strategies, Mr. Carr worked for Brinker Capital where he was responsible for portfolio management and investment manager due diligence. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance and a minor in Economics
45
SEI / PROSPECTUS
from the University of Delaware. Mr. Carr is a CFA charterholder and a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Philadelphia.
Jason Collins serves as Portfolio Manager for the International Equity Fund and Emerging Markets Equity Fund. Mr. Collins is the global head of Equity Portfolio Management and the Head of the U.K. Investment Management Unit. Mr. Collins is also a Senior Portfolio Manager responsible for U.K. and European equity funds. Mr. Collins joined SEI in 2009 and coordinates resources and investment strategy for all equity portfolios. Previously, he served as Head of Equity in the London office and, most recently, as Head of Portfolio Management in London, overseeing both equity and fixed-income strategies. Prior to his employment with SEI, Mr. Collins was a founding partner of Maia Capital Partners — a specialist multi-manager investment firm providing multi-asset unit trusts to U.K. retail investors. Before founding Maia Capital, Mr. Collins was a Portfolio Manager at Fidelity International, and, prior to joining Fidelity, he spent over nine years at Skandia as head of Investment Research. Mr. Collins earned his Bachelor of Arts in financial services, with honors, from Bournemouth University and is a member of the CFA society.
Anthony Karaminas, CFA, serves as Portfolio Manager for the International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds. Mr. Karaminas is the Head of Sub-Advisory Fixed Income & Multi-Asset within the Investment Management Unit and is responsible for Portfolio Management leadership and oversight duties. Prior to joining SEI, he was an Associate Portfolio Manager/Analyst within the Multi-Manager Solution team at UBS Asset Management. Previously, Mr. Karaminas held the role of Sector Head of Global Fixed Income and Global High Yield Funds Research at S&P Capital IQ. Mr. Karaminas was also a Senior Analyst at Goldman Sachs JBWere. Mr. Karaminas received a Bachelor of Business (with honors) from Swinburne University in Melbourne, Australia. He is a CFA charterholder and a member of the CFA Institute.
John Lau serves as Portfolio Manager for the Emerging Markets Equity Fund and Asia Pacific Equity strategies. In this role, Mr. Lau focuses on investment research, risk management, and portfolio construction of equity strategies in Emerging Markets and Asia Pacific, including the China A-share market. Mr. Lau is based in Hong Kong and is a senior member of the SEI Global Equity Committee. Prior to joining SEI in 2007, Mr. Lau spent eleven years as Senior Portfolio Manager of a quantitative equity team within Citigroup Asset Management, where he managed global equity strategies, an equity market-neutral fund, and structured products. Mr. Lau earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan. Mr. Lau also holds a Master of Science in Engineering from University of California, Berkeley and a Master of Business Administration from Columbia University.
James Mashiter, CFA, serves as Portfolio Manager for the International Fixed Income Fund. Mr. Mashiter is a Fixed Income Portfolio Manager within the Investment Management Unit. Mr. Mashiter joined SEI in 2011 as a Senior Fixed Income Analyst in the London Fixed Income Team. Prior to joining SEI, Mr. Mashiter worked in fixed income fund research at Standard & Poor's for four years. Previously, Mr. Mashiter worked at Henderson Global Investors. Mr. Mashiter earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics and Politics from the University of Warwick and his Master of Arts in Finance and Investment from the University of Nottingham.
Hardeep Khangura, CFA, serves as a Portfolio Manager to the Emerging Market Debt Fund. Mr. Khangura joined SEI in 2015 and currently supports Global Fixed Income portfolios. Mr. Khangura was previously a member of SEI's Fixed Income Manager Research team with coverage of global fixed income manager exposures across emerging markets, credit, sovereign and FX. Prior to joining SEI, Mr. Khangura operated in a similar capacity as a Fixed Income Manager Researcher at Willis Towers Watson. Previously, Mr. Khangura also headed the Fees ASK (Area of Specialist Knowledge), leading a team that analyzed, modelled and advised clients on the suitability and competitiveness of their investment manager fees. Mr. Khangura earned his
46
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Bachelor of Science in Accounting & Finance, with honors, from the University of Warwick. Mr. Khangura is a CFA charterholder from the CFA Institute.
SUB-ADVISERS
Each Sub-Adviser makes investment decisions for the assets it manages and continuously reviews, supervises and administers its investment program. Each Sub-Adviser must also operate within each Fund's investment objective, restrictions and policies, and within specific guidelines and instructions established by SIMC from time to time. Each Sub-Adviser is responsible for managing only the portion of the Fund allocated to it by SIMC, and Sub-Advisers may not consult with each other concerning transactions for a Fund. SIMC pays the Sub-Advisers out of the investment advisory fees it receives (as described below).
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, SIMC received investment advisory fees as a percentage of each Fund's average daily net assets, at the following annual rates:
Investment Advisory Fees |
Investment Advisory Fees After Fee Waivers |
||||||||||
International Equity Fund |
0.51 |
% |
0.51 |
% |
|||||||
Emerging Markets Equity Fund* |
1.00 |
% |
0.90 |
% |
|||||||
International Fixed Income Fund |
0.30 |
% |
0.27 |
% |
|||||||
Emerging Markets Debt Fund* |
0.80 |
% |
0.57 |
% |
* Investment Advisory Fees (before and after waivers) reflect the impact of changes made to fee waiver arrangements and contractual advisory fees that became effective July 1, 2023. Accordingly, the Investment Advisory Fees stated above will differ from those stated in the Funds' Annual Fund Operating Expenses tables earlier in the prospectus.
In addition, for the current fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, SIMC is expected to receive investment advisory fees, as a percentage of each of the Emerging Markets Equity and Emerging Market Debt Funds' average daily net assets, at the following annual rates:
Investment Advisory Fees |
Investment Advisory Fees After Fee Waivers |
||||||||||
Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
0.85 |
% |
0.77 |
% |
|||||||
Emerging Markets Debt Fund |
0.65 |
% |
0.42 |
% |
A discussion regarding the basis of the Board's approval of the Funds' investment advisory and/or sub-advisory agreements is available in the Funds' Semi-Annual Report, which covers the period of October 1, 2022 through March 31, 2023, and the Funds' Annual Report, which covers the period of October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023.
SIMC has registered with the National Futures Association as a "commodity pool operator" under the Commodities Exchange Act (CEA) with respect to certain products not included in this prospectus. SIMC has claimed, on behalf of each Fund in accordance with CFTC Regulation 4.5 and other relevant rules, regulations and no-action relief, an exclusion from the definition of the term "commodity pool operator" under the CEA. SIMC is therefore not subject to regulation as a pool operator under the CEA with regard to the operation of the Funds.
47
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Information About Fee Waivers
Actual total annual fund operating expenses of the Class Y Shares of certain of the Funds for the most recent fiscal year differ from the amounts shown in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses tables in the Fund Summary sections because, among other reasons, the Funds' adviser, the Funds' distributor and/or the Funds' administrator voluntarily waived and/or reimbursed a portion of their fees in order to keep total direct operating expenses (exclusive of interest from borrowings, brokerage commissions and prime broker fees, taxes, costs associated with litigation- or tax-related services, Trustee fees, interest and dividend expenses related to short sales and extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Funds' business) at a specified level. The waivers of fees by the Funds' adviser, the Funds' distributor and/or the Funds' administrator were limited to the Funds' direct operating expenses and, therefore, did not apply to indirect expenses incurred by the Funds, such as acquired fund fees and expenses (AFFE). The Funds' adviser, the Funds' distributor and/or the Funds' administrator may discontinue all or part of these voluntary waivers and/or reimbursements at any time. With these fee waivers and/or reimbursements, the actual total annual fund operating expenses of the Class Y Shares of the Funds for the most recent fiscal year (ended September 30, 2023) were as follows:
Fund Name — Class Y Shares |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (before fee waivers) |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (after fee waivers) |
|||||||||
Emerging Markets Equity Fund* |
1.53 |
% |
1.43 |
% |
|||||||
International Fixed Income Fund |
0.81 |
% |
0.77 |
% |
|||||||
Emerging Markets Debt Fund* |
1.31 |
% |
1.05 |
% |
* Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (before and after waivers) reflect the impact of changes made to fee waiver arrangements and contractual advisory fees that became effective July 1, 2023. Accordingly, the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses stated above will differ from those stated in the Funds' Annual Fund Operating Expenses tables earlier in the prospectus.
As a result of the changes in the Emerging Markets Equity, International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds' fees and expenses, the total annual Fund operating expenses for the current fiscal year for those Funds are expected to differ from those of the prior year. Accordingly, the fees voluntarily waived by SIMC, the Funds' administrator and/or the Funds' distributor with respect to those Funds will also differ to keep total direct annual Fund operating expenses (exclusive of interest from borrowings, brokerage commissions and prime broker fees, taxes, costs associated with litigation- or tax-related services, Trustee fees, interest and dividend expenses related to short sales and extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Funds' business) at the level specified in the table below. The voluntary waivers of SIMC, the Funds' administrator and/or the Funds' distributor are limited to the Funds' direct operating expenses and therefore do not apply to indirect expenses incurred by each Fund, such as AFFE, if any. The Funds' adviser, the Funds' administrator and/or the Funds' distributor may discontinue all or part of these waivers at any time. With these fee waivers, the Emerging Markets Equity, International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds' total annual Fund operating expenses for the current fiscal year (ending September 30, 2024) are expected to be as follows:
Fund Name — Class Y Shares |
Expected Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (before fee waivers) |
Expected Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (after fee waivers) |
|||||||||
Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
1.34 |
% |
1.21 |
% |
|||||||
International Fixed Income Fund |
0.77 |
% |
0.76 |
% |
|||||||
Emerging Markets Debt Fund |
1.13 |
% |
0.86 |
% |
Sub-Advisers and Portfolio Managers
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND:
Acadian Asset Management LLC: Acadian Asset Management LLC (Acadian), located at 260 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the International Equity Fund. A team of
48
SEI / PROSPECTUS
investment professionals manages the portion of the International Equity Fund's assets allocated to Acadian. Brendan O. Bradley, Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Chief Investment Officer, serves as lead Portfolio Manager to the International Equity Fund. Mr. Bradley joined Acadian in 2004 and previously served as the firm's director of portfolio management, overseeing portfolio management policy, and was also previously the director of Acadian's Managed Volatility strategies. Mr. Bradley is a member of the Acadian Board of Managers and Executive Committee. Fanesca Young, Ph.D., CFA, Senior Vice President, Director, Equity Portfolio Management, serves as lead Portfolio Manager. Prior to joining Acadian, she was head of global systematic equities at GIC Private Ltd. Prior to that, she was managing director and director of quantitative research at Los Angeles Capital Management. Ms. Young is also a member of the editorial boards of the Financial Analyst Journal and the Journal of Systematic Investing, as well as a member of the Q Group's program committee. She earned a Ph.D. in statistics from Columbia University and an M.Phil. and an M.A. in statistics from Columbia University. She also holds a B.A. in mathematics from the University of Virginia. She is a CFA charterholder.
Causeway Capital Management LLC: Causeway Capital Management LLC (Causeway), located at 11111 Santa Monica Boulevard, 15th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90025, serves as a Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the International Equity Fund. The following team of portfolio managers manages the portion of the International Equity Fund's assets allocated to Causeway. Sarah H. Ketterer is the Chief Executive Officer of Causeway and co-founded Causeway in June 2001. Ms. Ketterer is a Portfolio Manager of Causeway's international value equity, international value select, global value equity, international opportunities, global opportunities, international small cap, and concentrated strategies. Ms. Ketterer has a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from Stanford University and an M.B.A. from the Amos Tuck School, Dartmouth College. Harry W. Hartford is the President of Causeway and co-founded Causeway in June 2001. Mr. Hartford is a Portfolio Manager of Causeway's international value equity, international value select, global value equity, international opportunities, global opportunities, international small cap, and concentrated strategies. Mr. Hartford has a B.A., with honors, in Economics from the University of Dublin, Trinity College, and an M.Sc. in Economics from Oklahoma State University, and is a Phi Kappa Phi member. Jonathan P. Eng is a Director of Causeway and is a Portfolio Manager of Causeway's international value equity, international value select, global value equity, international opportunities, global opportunities, international small cap, and concentrated strategies. Mr. Eng joined the firm in July 2001. Mr. Eng has a B.A. in History and Economics from Brandeis University and an M.B.A. from the Anderson Graduate School of Management at UCLA. Conor Muldoon, CFA, is a Director of Causeway and is a Portfolio Manager of Causeway's international value equity, international value select, global value equity, international opportunities, global opportunities, international small cap, and concentrated strategies. Mr. Muldoon joined the firm in June 2003. Mr. Muldoon has a B.Sc. and an M.A. from the University of Dublin, Trinity College and an M.B.A., with high honors, from the University of Chicago. Mr. Muldoon was inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma honors society and is also a CFA charterholder. Alessandro Valentini, CFA, is a Director of Causeway and is a Portfolio Manager of Causeway's international value equity, international value select, global value equity, international opportunities, global opportunities, international small cap, and concentrated strategies. Mr. Valentini joined the firm in July 2006 as a Research Associate and was promoted to Portfolio Manager in April 2013. Mr. Valentini has an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School, with honors, an M.A. in Economics from Georgetown University and a B.S., magna cum laude, from Georgetown University. Mr. Valentini is a CFA charterholder. Ellen Lee is a Director of Causeway and is a Portfolio Manager of Causeway's international value equity, international value select, global value equity, international opportunities, global opportunities, international small cap, and concentrated strategies. Ms. Lee joined the firm in August 2007 as a Research Associate and was promoted to Portfolio Manager in January 2015.
49
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Ms. Lee has an M.B.A. from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a B.A. in Business Administration from Seoul National University. Steven Nguyen, CFA, is a Director of Causeway and is a Portfolio Manager of Causeway's international value equity, international value select, global value equity, international opportunities, global opportunities, international small cap, and concentrated strategies. Mr. Nguyen joined the firm in April 2012 as a Research Associate and was promoted to Portfolio Manager in January 2019. Mr. Nguyen has M.B.A., with honors, from the UCLA Anderson School of Management and a B.A. in Business Economics from Brown University and is also a CFA charterholder. Brian Cho is a Director of Causeway and is a Portfolio Manager of Causeway's international value equity, international value select, global value equity, international opportunities, global opportunities, international small cap, and concentrated strategies. Mr. Cho joined the firm in September 2013 as a Research Associate and was promoted to Portfolio Manager in January 2021. Mr. Cho earned a B.S. in management science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Delaware Investments Fund Advisers, a series of Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust: Delaware Investments Fund Advisers (DIFA), a series of Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust (MIMBT), located at 610 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the International Equity Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the International Equity Fund's assets allocated to DIFA. MIMBT is a subsidiary of Macquarie Management Holdings, Inc. (MMHI). DIFA is responsible for day-to-day portfolio management of its portion of the Fund but may delegate certain of its duties to its affiliates, Macquarie Investment Management Global Limited (MIMGL). MIMGL is located at 50 Martin Place, Sydney, Australia 2000. DIFA and MIMGL are each U.S. registered investment advisers and are subsidiaries of Macquarie Group Limited. Jens Hansen heads the firm's Global Equity Compounders Team and is a Portfolio Manager for the team's strategies. He joined Macquarie Asset Management (MAM) in June 2018 as part of the firm's acquisition of ValueInvest Asset Management. Mr. Hansen has been a Portfolio Manager since 2001. Mr. Hansen started his career in 1982 with Spar Nord Bank, where he worked as an analyst and trader of bonds, equities, and derivatives. In 1994, he joined Nykredit Bank, where he worked as a bond trader. Mr. Hansen attended the Aarhus School of Business where he gained a graduate diploma in business administration within finance and international trade. Klaus Petersen is a Senior Portfolio Manager for the firm's Global Equity Compounders Team. He joined MAM in June 2018 as part of the firm's acquisition of ValueInvest Asset Management. Mr. Petersen has been a Portfolio Manager since 2006. Previously, he worked for ATP, Denmark's largest pension fund, beginning in 1999 as a Senior Portfolio Manager and later in the role as team leader of the technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) team. He joined Codan Bank in 1996, first as a Senior Sales Analyst and later as a Senior Portfolio Manager. Between 1988 and 1996, Mr. Petersen worked for various brokers as an Equity Sales Analyst. He started his career in 1984 as an administrator of pension pools at Faellesbanken in Denmark. Mr. Petersen attended the Copenhagen Business School where he gained a graduate diploma in business administration (financial and management accounting). Claus Juul is a Portfolio Manager for the firm's Global Equity Compounders Team. He joined MAM in June 2018 as part of the firm's acquisition of ValueInvest Asset Management. Mr. Juul has been a portfolio manager since 2004. Prior to that, he was an Equity Analyst at Spar Nord Bank before becoming Vice President of the research department in 2001. He started his career in 1998 with Sydbank as an Equity Analyst. He attended the Aarhus School of Business where he gained a master's degree in economics and business administration. Åsa Annerstedt is a Portfolio Manager for the firm's Global Equity Compounders Team. She joined MAM in June 2018 as part of the firm's acquisition of ValueInvest Asset Management. Ms. Annerstedt has been a Portfolio Manager since 2013. Previously, she was a member of the investment committee of a European Union fund dedicated to the financing of companies. Between 1999 and 2009, Ms. Annerstedt managed award-winning European Small Cap and Global Equity portfolios at SEB Asset Management in Denmark. She started her career in 1996 as a
50
SEI / PROSPECTUS
business controller and consultant in Sweden. Ms. Annerstedt attended Ecole Supérieur de Commerce in Paris and Marseille and earned a master's degree in finance and international trade from Lund University in Sweden. Allan Saustrup Jensen is a Portfolio Manager for the firm's Global Equity Compounders Team. He joined MAM in May 2020. He has more than 20 years of experience in the asset management industry. Prior to joining MAM, he spent five years at European Capital Partners as a fund manager. From 2010 to 2015, Mr. Jensen was a trader at European Value Partners. Prior to that, he spent four years at UBS Wealth Management as a Portfolio Manager. He began his investment career at Nordea Bank. Mr. Jensen attended Copenhagen Business School where he earned a Graduate Diploma in finance. Chris Gowlland is a Senior Quantitative Analyst, a role he assumed in July 2019. As part of his role, he also serves as Portfolio Manager for certain portfolios managed by the Global Equity team and for several different strategies in the firm's multi-asset class offerings. Prior to joining Delaware Investments (later acquired by MAM) in May 2007, he spent seven years working in fundamental equity research and corporate finance for Morgan Stanley and Commerzbank Securities, followed by two years as a quantitative strategist at Morgan Stanley and at State Street Global Markets. Mr. Gowlland holds a bachelor's degree in Chinese and Spanish from the University of Leeds (U.K.), a master's degree in development studies from Brown University, and another master's degree in international management from Thunderbird. He also spent several years in a Ph.D. program in political economy at Harvard University. Mr. Gowlland is a member of the CFA Institute, the CFA Society New York, the CFA Society of Philadelphia, and the Society of Quantitative Analysts.
Lazard Asset Management LLC: Lazard Asset Management LLC (Lazard), located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York 10112, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the International Equity Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the International Equity Fund's assets allocated to Lazard. Paul Moghtader is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager/Analyst, leading Lazard's Equity Advantage team. He began working in the investment field in 1992. Prior to joining Lazard in 2007, Mr. Moghtader was Head of the Global Active Equity Group and a Senior Portfolio Manager at State Street Global Advisors (SSgA). At SSgA he was the senior manager responsible for the research and portfolio management of all multi-regional active quantitative equity strategies. Previously, he was an analyst at State Street Bank. He began his career at Dain Bosworth as a research assistant. Mr. Moghtader has a Master of Management (MM) from Northwestern University and a BA in Economics from Macalester College. Mr. Moghtader is a CFA® charterholder. Susanne Willumsen is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager/Analyst on Lazard's Equity Advantage team. She began working in the investment field in 1993. Prior to joining Lazard in 2008, Ms. Willumsen was Managing Director, Head of Active Equities Europe with SSgA. During her 13 year tenure at SSgA, she was responsible for the research and portfolio management of all UK and European equity strategies. Prior to joining SSgA, Ms. Willumsen traded equity derivatives for the proprietary desk at Investcorp. She received an MSc in Shipping, Trade and Finance from City University and a BSc in Management Studies from the University of Surrey. Taras Ivanenko is a Director and Portfolio Manager/Analyst on Lazard's Equity Advantage team. He began working in the investment field in 1995. Prior to joining Lazard in 2007, Mr. Ivanenko was a Senior Portfolio Manager in the Global Active Equity group at SSgA. Earlier at SSgA, he was a Principal and Senior Application Development Architect in the Equity Systems group. Previously, he was an analyst in Quantitative Research and Trading Systems at Oxbridge Research. He has a PhD in Physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an Engineer-Physicist degree from Moscow Physical-Technical Institute. Mr. Ivanenko is a CFA® charterholder. Peter Kashanek is a Director and Portfolio Manager/Analyst on Lazard's Equity Advantage team. Mr. Kashanek began working in the investment field in 1994. Prior to joining Lazard in 2007, Mr. Kashanek was a Principal and a Portfolio Manager in the Global Active Equity group at SSgA. Previously, he was an investment analyst in the Institutional Equity Research Group at Bank of Montreal where he focused on global energy companies. Prior
51
SEI / PROSPECTUS
to that, he was an Associate in the Global Equity Research Group at Deutsche Bank Securities. Mr. Kashanek also worked at Reliant Energy in Houston as a member of its Corporate Development team. He has an MBA with a concentration in Finance from Vanderbilt University and a BA in Government from St. Lawrence University. Alex Lai is a Director and Portfolio Manager/Analyst on Lazard's Equity Advantage team. He began working in the investment field in 2002. Prior to joining Lazard in 2008, Mr. Lai was a Vice President and Quantitative Portfolio Manager in the Global Active Equity group at SSgA. Prior to that, Mr. Lai was an investment-banking analyst at Lehman Brothers Asia in Hong Kong. He has an MSc in Finance from Boston College and a BBA (Hons) in Finance and Accounting from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He is a CFA® charterholder. Ciprian Marin is a Director of Quantitative Research and Portfolio Manager/Analyst on Lazard's Equity Advantage team. He began working in the investment field in 1997. Prior to joining Lazard in 2008, Mr. Marin was a Senior Portfolio Manager at SSgA, managing European, UK and Global funds. He was also responsible for quantitative research on the European team of the Global Active Equity Group. Prior to joining SSgA, he was a Quantitative Analyst at Citigroup where he focused on developing stock selection models, statistical arbitrage trading strategies and factor research. Previously, Mr. Marin was a quantitative research associate at Nikko Salomon Smith Barney. He has an MBA in Finance from the International University of Japan and a BS in International Economics from the Academy of Economic Studies Bucharest. He is a Certified Investment Adviser (UK).
Pzena Investment Management, LLC: Pzena Investment Management, LLC (Pzena), located at 320 Park Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10022, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the International Equity Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the International Equity Fund's assets allocated to Pzena. Rakesh Bordia is a Principal and a Portfolio Manager. Mr. Bordia is a co-portfolio manager for the Emerging Markets and International strategies. Mr. Bordia became a member of the firm in 2007. Prior to joining Pzena, Mr. Bordia was a principal at Booz Allen Hamilton focusing on innovation and growth strategies, and a software engineer at River Run Software Group. He earned a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India and an M.B.A. from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, India. Caroline Cai, CFA, is a Managing Principal, the Chief Executive Officer, a Portfolio Manager, and a member of the firm's Executive Committee. Ms. Cai is a co-portfolio manager for the Global, International, and Emerging Markets strategies, and the Financial Opportunities service. Ms. Cai became a member of the firm in 2004. Prior to joining Pzena, Ms. Cai was a senior analyst at AllianceBernstein LLP, and a business analyst at McKinsey & Company. She earned a B.A. summa cum laude in Math and Economics from Bryn Mawr College. Ms. Cai holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation. Allison Fisch is a Managing Principal, the President, a Portfolio Manager and a member of the firm's Executive Committee. Ms. Fisch became a member of the firm in 2001 and helped to launch the Emerging Markets strategy in 2008, on which she has been a co-portfolio manager since inception. She joined the International portfolio management team in 2016. Ms. Fisch also co-managed the International Small Cap Value and oversaw Global Best Ideas from 2017 to 2022. She was promoted to President in 2023. Prior to joining Pzena, Ms. Fisch was a business analyst at McKinsey & Company. She earned a B.A. summa cum laude in Psychology and a minor in Drama from Dartmouth College. John P. Goetz is a Managing Principal, the Co-Chief Investment Officer, a Portfolio Manager, and a member of the firm's Executive Committee. Mr. Goetz is a co-portfolio manager for the Global, International, European and Japan Focused Value strategies. He also previously served as the Director of Research and was responsible for building and training the research team. Mr. Goetz became a member of the firm in 1996. Prior to joining Pzena, Mr. Goetz held a range of key positions at Amoco Corporation, his last as the Global Business Manager for Amoco's $1 billion polypropylene business where he had bottom-line responsibility for operations and development worldwide. Prior positions included strategic planning, joint venture investments, and project financing in various oil and
52
SEI / PROSPECTUS
chemical businesses. Before joining Amoco, Mr. Goetz had been employed by The Northern Trust Company and Bank of America. He earned a B.A. summa cum laude in Mathematics and Economics from Wheaton College and an M.B.A from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University.
WCM Investment Management, LLC: WCM Investment Management, LLC (WCM), located at 281 Brooks Street, Laguna Beach, California 92651, serves as a Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the International Equity Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the International Equity Fund's assets allocated to WCM. Sanjay Ayer serves as Portfolio Manager and Business Analyst at WCM and has been with the firm since 2007. Mr. Ayer's primary responsibilities are portfolio management and equity research. Paul R. Black serves as Portfolio Manager and CEO at WCM, and has been with the firm since 1989. Mr. Black's primary responsibilities are portfolio management and equity research. Michael B. Trigg serves as Portfolio Manager and President at WCM and has been with the firm since 2006. Mr. Trigg's primary responsibilities are portfolio management and equity research. Jon Tringale serves as Portfolio Manager at WCM, and has been with the firm since 2015. Mr. Tringale's primary responsibility is portfolio management.
EMERGING MARKETS EQUITY FUND:
Aikya Investment Management Limited: Aikya Investment Management Limited (Aikya), located at Octagon Point 5 Cheapside, London, United Kingdom EC2V 6AA, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the Emerging Markets Equity Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund's assets allocated to Aikya. Ashish Swarup, Lead Portfolio Manager and Investment Analyst, joined Aikya in 2020 and worked at Aikya's predecessor business, Stewart Investors, from 2014 to 2020. During his time at Stewart Investors Mr. Swarup was the Lead Manager on the Emerging Markets and Asia Pacific strategies, including the Stewart Investors Emerging Markets Leaders Fund. Rahul Desai, Co-Portfolio Manager and Investment Analyst, joined Aikya in 2019. Prior to Aikya, Mr. Desai served as a Portfolio Manager at Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc. for the Fidelity Institutional (FIAM) EM All Cap Strategy from 2014 to 2019. He joined Fidelity in 2008 as an Emerging Markets analyst. Mr. Tom Allen, Co-Portfolio Manager and Investment Analyst, joined Aikya in 2020 and worked at Aikya's predecessor business, Stewart Investors, from 2012 to 2019. When he joined Stewart Investors, he worked in Singapore, before moving to Edinburgh to work on Asia Pacific strategies. Subsequently from 2015 to 2019, Mr. Allen joined Stewart Investors' London team where he co-managed Asia Pacific and Emerging Markets strategies.
JOHCM (USA) Inc.: JOHCM (USA) Inc. (JOHCM), located at 53 State Street Suite 1302, 13th Floor Boston, MA 02109, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the Emerging Markets Equity Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund's assets allocated to JOHCM. Emery Brewer is the Lead Senior Fund Manager of the JOHCM Emerging Markets Fund. Mr. Brewer has 30 years' industry experience. 23 of those years have been in Emerging Markets equity fund management, which he gained while working at Driehaus Capital Management from 1997-2007, as a private investor from 2008-2009, and after joining JOHCM in 2010. Mr. Brewer has a B.S. in Economics from the University of Utah and an M.B.A. from the University of Rochester. Dr. Ivo Kovachev is Senior Fund Manager of the JOHCM Emerging Markets Fund. Dr. Kovachev joined JOHCM in 2010 from Kinsale Capital Management, where he was Chief Investment Officer. Previously, Dr. Kovachev spent ten years at Driehaus Capital Management. Dr. Kovachev holds a Masters in Engineering in Management Information Systems from the Prague School of Economics and an M.Sc. in Technology and Innovation Management from the University of Sussex. In addition, Dr. Kovachev holds a Ph.D. in Industrial and Development Policy from the Open University. Dr. Kovachev is also a Fulbright Scholar, having attended the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Arizona.
53
SEI / PROSPECTUS
KBI Global Investors (North America) Ltd: KBI Global Investors (North America) Ltd (KBIGI (North America)), located at 3rd Floor, 2 Harbourmaster Place, IFSC, Dublin 1, D01 X5P3, Ireland, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the Emerging Markets Equity Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund's assets allocated to KBIGI (North America). Gareth Maher is Head of Portfolio Management and has been with the firm since 2000. Mr. Maher joined KBIGI (North America)'s investment team in 2008 and holds a master's degree in Economic Science from University College Dublin. David Hogarty, Head of Strategy Development, was instrumental in developing the strategy in 2003 and has been a member of the investment team since launch. Mr. Hogarty has over 30 years of industry experience. Ian Madden, a Senior Portfolio Manager, joined the firm in 2000 as a Portfolio Assistant. Mr. Madden was appointed Manager of KBIGI (North America)'s Institutional Business Support unit in 2002 and joined the investment team as a Portfolio Manager in 2004. James Collery, a Senior Portfolio Manager, joined the firm in 2001 as a Performance & Risk Analyst. Mr. Collery was appointed a Portfolio Manager on KBIGI (North America)'s Hedge Fund team in 2003 and joined the team as a Portfolio Manager in 2007. John Looby, a Senior Portfolio Manager with KBIGI (North America), joined the firm in September 2014 and has over 30 years of industry experience. Prior to joining KBIGI (North America), Mr. Looby was a Senior Investment Manager at Setanta Asset Management, where he was the Lead Senior Portfolio Manager of the flagship Global Equity Fund. Massimiliano Tondi, CFA, FRM, a Senior Portfolio Manager, joined the firm in September 2014 and has 19 years of industry experience. Prior to joining KBIGI (North America), Mr. Tondi was a Quantitative Portfolio Manager at Fideuram Asset Management Ireland since 2011 and served as a Risk Manager at Fideuram Asset Management Ireland since 2007.
Qtron Investments LLC: Qtron Investments LLC (Qtron), located at 200 High Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02110, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the Emerging Markets Equity Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund's assets allocated to Qtron. Dmitri Kantsyrev and Ronald Hua are the cofounders and Partners of Qtron and serve as its Portfolio Managers. Prior to Qtron, Dr. Kantsyrev served as a director for PanAgora Asset Management's (PanAgora) Dynamic Equity team and was a member of the firm's Operating Committee (2007-2016). Dr. Kantsyrev led portfolio management and research for the Dynamic Equity team's global, international, and emerging markets strategies. Prior to PanAgora, Dr. Kantsyrev pursued an academic career as a lecturer at the USC Marshall School of Business and Pepperdine University. Before his switch to finance, Dr. Kantsyrev was a research scientist at the University of Michigan Spin Physics Center. Dr. Kantsyrev holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Southern California and M.S. degrees in Mathematical Finance and Physics. Dr. Kantsyrev is a CFA charterholder, has been published in the Journal of Portfolio Management, and has presented at conferences and seminars. Prior to Qtron, Mr. Hua was a partner at Goldman Sachs Asset Management and served as Chief Investment Officer in the Quantitative Investment Strategies Group (2011-2016). Before joining Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Mr. Hua served as the Chief Investment Officer of Equities at PanAgora where he oversaw Dynamic Equity products (2004-2011). Prior to PanAgora, Mr. Hua was a portfolio manager at Putnam Investments managing international and US small-cap funds (1999-2004). Before that, Mr. Hua was a Quantitative Research Analyst at Fidelity Management and Research Company (1994-1999). Mr. Hua holds an M.B.A. and an M.S. in Computer Science from New York University. Mr. Hua is a CFA charterholder. Mr. Hua is on the editorial board of the Journal of Portfolio Management (JPM) and has been published in the JPM.
Robeco Institutional Asset Management US Inc.: Robeco Institutional Asset Management US Inc. (Robeco), located at 230 Park Avenue, Suite 3330, New York, NY 10169, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the Emerging Markets Equity Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund's assets allocated to Robeco. Jaap van der Hart is the Lead Portfolio Manager of Robeco's High
54
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Conviction Emerging Stars strategy. Previously, he was responsible for investments in South America, Eastern Europe, South Africa, Mexico, China and Taiwan. He started his career in the investment industry in 1994 in Robeco's Quantitative Research department and moved to the Emerging Markets Equity team in 2000. Mr. van der Hart holds an M.S. in Econometrics from Erasmus University Rotterdam. Karnail Sangha is a Portfolio Manager to Robeco's High Conviction Emerging Stars Strategy and the Lead Portfolio Manager for Emerging Smaller Companies. He is a global strategies Research Analyst with a focus on India and Pakistan. Prior to joining Robeco in 2000, Mr. Sangha was a Risk Manager/Controller at Aegon Asset Management, where he started his career in the industry in 1999. He holds an M.S. in Economics from Erasmus University Rotterdam and is a CFA® Charterholder.
INTERNATIONAL FIXED INCOME FUND:
AllianceBernstein L.P.: AllianceBernstein L.P. (AllianceBernstein), located at 501 Commerce St. Nashville, TN 37203, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the International Fixed Income Fund. A team of investment professionals, led by Scott DiMaggio, CFA, John Taylor, Nicholas Sanders, CFA and Jamie Harding manage the portion of the International Fixed Income Fund's assets allocated to AllianceBernstein. Mr. DiMaggio currently serves as the Head of Fixed Income of AllianceBernstein. In this capacity, Mr. DiMaggio is responsible for the management and strategic growth of AllianceBernstein's fixed-income business and investment decisions across the department. Mr. DiMaggio has been with AllianceBernstein for twenty-four years. Mr. Taylor currently serves as Director of Global Multi-Sector at AllianceBernstein and is a member of the Global Fixed Income, UK and European Fixed Income, and Absolute Return portfolio-management teams. As a member of the Absolute Return portfolio-management team, Mr. Taylor is also the lead portfolio manager across the Diversified Yield Plus Strategies. Mr. Taylor has been with AllianceBernstein for twenty-three years. Mr. Sanders is a Vice President and Portfolio Manager at AllianceBernstein and a member of the Global Fixed Income, Absolute Return, UK Fixed Income and Euro Fixed Income portfolio-management teams. Since 2013, he has been responsible for the analysis of sovereign and other liquid markets globally, with a focus on the European market. Mr. Sanders joined AllianceBernstein in 2006. Mr. Harding is a Vice President and Portfolio Manager for European Credit, focusing on high-yield and income strategies. He joined the firm in 2013 and assumed the role of Portfolio Manager in 2022.
Colchester Global Investors Ltd: Colchester Global Investors Ltd (Colchester), located at Heathcoat House, 20 Savile Row, London, United Kingdom W1S 3PR, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the International Fixed Income Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the International Fixed Income Fund's assets allocated to Colchester. Ian Sims is the Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Colchester. Mr. Sims founded the firm in 1999 and is responsible for the strategic direction of the firm. Mr. Sims oversees the management of the firm's assets globally as Chief Investment Officer and has final say on any investment matter. Prior to Colchester, Mr. Sims was founder and Chief Investment Officer for Global Fixed Income at Delaware International Advisors, Ltd., subsequently renamed Mondrian, where he worked for nearly 10 years. Mr. Sims' previous work experience includes fixed income portfolio management at Royal Bank of Canada and Hill Samuel Investment Advisers. Mr. Sims has authored a widely read publication on the use of real yields in global bond management. Mr. Sims holds a B.Sc. in Economics from Leicester University and an M.Sc. in Statistics from Newcastle University. Keith Lloyd, CFA, is the Group Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chief Investment Officer of Colchester and has been with the firm since its inception. Mr. Lloyd manages the Investment and Operations teams and oversees investment research, portfolio construction and implementation on a day to day basis. Mr. Lloyd regularly contributes his insights to Investment Outlook papers. Prior to Colchester, Mr. Lloyd spent eight years in the World Bank's Investment Department managing global real and leveraged money as a lead fixed income portfolio manager, senior investment
55
SEI / PROSPECTUS
strategist and proprietary trader. Mr. Lloyd's previous work experience includes seven years with the Reserve Bank of New Zealand as an economist where he served on its policy-making committee. Mr. Lloyd began his career in 1983 as an international macro-monetary economist and Investment Manager. Mr. Lloyd has authored several exchange and interest rate papers. Mr. Lloyd is a CFA charter holder and has a B.A. in Economics from Massey University and an M.Sc. in Economics from the London School of Economics.
Wellington Management Company LLP: Wellington Management Company LLP (Wellington Management), a Delaware limited liability partnership with principal offices located at 280 Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the International Fixed Income Fund. Wellington Management is owned by the partners of Wellington Management Group LLP, a Massachusetts limited liability partnership. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the International Fixed Income Fund's assets allocated to Wellington. Ed Meyi, FRM, Managing Director and Fixed Income Portfolio Manager, has served as the Portfolio Manager of the portion of the International Fixed Income Fund's assets allocated to Wellington Management since 2022. Mr. Meyi has been involved in the management of benchmark-relative fixed income portfolios since he joined Wellington Management as an investment professional in 2002. Martin Harvey, CFA, Managing Director and Fixed Income Portfolio Manager, focuses on managing the total return suite of products, specializing in government bond and currency market strategies, and co-manages benchmark-relative fixed income portfolios. Mr. Harvey joined Wellington Management in 2016. Sam Hogg, CFA, Vice President and Fixed Income Portfolio Manager, works closely with Mr. Meyi and Mr. Harvey in the management of benchmark-relative global fixed income portfolios. Mr. Hogg joined Wellington Management in 2022. Prior to joining Wellington, Mr. Hogg worked at Allianz Global Investors and Rogge Global Partners for 11 years as a Portfolio Manager.
EMERGING MARKETS DEBT FUND:
Colchester Global Investors Ltd.: Colchester Global Investors Ltd (Colchester), located at Heathcoat House, 20 Savile Row, London, United Kingdom W1S 3PR, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the Emerging Markets Debt Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the Emerging Markets Debt Fund's assets allocated to Colchester. Ian Sims is the Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Colchester. Mr. Sims founded the firm in 1999 and is responsible for the strategic direction of the firm. Mr. Sims oversees the management of the firm's assets globally as Chief Investment Officer and has final say on any investment matter. Prior to Colchester, Mr. Sims was founder and Chief Investment Officer for Global Fixed Income at Delaware International Advisors, Ltd., subsequently renamed Mondrian, where he worked for nearly 10 years. Mr. Sims' previous work experience includes fixed income portfolio management at Royal Bank of Canada and Hill Samuel Investment Advisers. Mr. Sims has authored a widely read publication on the use of real yields in global bond management. Mr. Sims holds a B.Sc. in Economics from Leicester University and an M.Sc. in Statistics from Newcastle University. Keith Lloyd, CFA, is the Group Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chief Investment Officer of Colchester and has been with the firm since its inception. Mr. Lloyd manages the Investment and Operations teams and oversees investment research, portfolio construction and implementation on a day to day basis. Mr. Lloyd regularly contributes his insights to Investment Outlook papers. Prior to Colchester, Mr. Lloyd spent eight years in the World Bank's Investment Department managing global real and leveraged money as a lead fixed income Portfolio Manager, Senior Investment Strategist and Proprietary Trader. Mr. Lloyd's previous work experience includes seven years with the Reserve Bank of New Zealand as an economist where he served on its policy-making committee. Mr. Lloyd began his career in 1983 as an international macro-monetary economist and Investment Manager. Mr. Lloyd has authored several exchange and interest rate papers. Mr. Lloyd is a CFA charter holder and has a B.A. in Economics from Massey University and an M.Sc. in Economics from the London School of Economics.
56
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Grantham, Mayo, Van Otterloo & Co. LLC: Grantham, Mayo, Van Otterloo & Co. LLC (GMO), located at 53 State Street, 33rd Floor Boston, MA 02109, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the Emerging Markets Debt Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the Emerging Markets Debt Fund's assets allocated to GMO. Tina Vandersteel is the head of GMO's Emerging Country Debt team, the lead portfolio manager for its strategies, and a partner of the firm. In her role as portfolio manager, she focuses on security selection and portfolio construction. Prior to joining GMO in 2004, she worked at J.P. Morgan in fixed income research developing quantitative arbitrage strategies for emerging debt and high yield bonds. Ms. Vandersteel began her career at Morgan Guaranty Trust, attending Morgan Finance Program #18, before establishing her career in emerging debt. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Economics from Washington & Lee University. Ms. Vandersteel is a CFA charterholder.
Marathon Asset Management, L.P.: Marathon Asset Management, L.P. (Marathon), located at One Bryant Park, 38th Floor, New York, New York 10036, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the Emerging Markets Debt Fund. A team of investment professionals manages the portion of the Emerging Markets Debt Fund's assets allocated to Marathon. Lou Hanover, CIO & Co-Managing Partner, Co-Founder of Marathon, has been with Marathon since its founding in 1998. Mr. Hanover oversees Marathon's portfolio managers and their investment activities. His responsibilities also include managing risk on a firm-wide basis, as well as serving as Senior Portfolio Manager for the firm's multi-strategy credit investment funds and separate accounts. Gaby Szpigiel is a Partner & Head of Marathon's Emerging Markets Group. Mr. Szpigiel joined Marathon in September of 2003 and is responsible for asset management of sovereign and corporate credit, local markets and equities (including distressed debt and special situations) across Latin America, Asia, EMEA and the Middle East and Africa. Andrew Szmulewicz is a Managing Director, Portfolio Manager & Strategist in Marathon's Emerging Markets Group. Mr. Szmulewicz joined Marathon in August of 2014 and is responsible for the development of new Emerging Market strategies from a technical perspective. Mr. Szmulewicz spent 9 years at J.P. Morgan Chase prior to joining Marathon.
Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC: Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC (NBIA; and, together with its affiliates, Neuberger Berman), located at 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10104, serves as the Sub-Adviser to the Emerging Markets Debt Fund. Portfolio managers Rob Drijkoningen, Gorky Urquieta, Jennifer Gorgoll, CFA, Raoul Luttik, Nish Popat, Prashant Singh, CFA, Bart van der Made, CFA and Vera Kartseva are responsible for the management of the assets of the Emerging Markets Debt Fund allocated to NBIA. Mr. Drijkoningen, Managing Director, joined Neuberger Berman in 2013. Mr. Drijkoningen is a Global Co-Head of the Emerging Markets Debt team, Senior Portfolio Manager, and Head of Fixed Income Europe. Mr. Drijkoningen joined Neuberger Berman after working at ING Investment Management for almost 18 years, most recently as the global Co-Head of the Emerging Markets Debt team. Mr. Drijkoningen earned his Macro-Economics degree from Erasmus University in Rotterdam and has authored numerous articles on emerging markets debt subjects. Mr. Drijkoningen is DSI qualified. Mr. Urquieta, Managing Director, joined Neuberger Berman in 2013. Mr. Urquieta is a Global Co-Head of the Emerging Markets Debt team and Senior Portfolio Manager. Mr. Urquieta joined Neuberger Berman from ING Investment Management where he was most recently global Co-Head of Emerging Markets Debt, responsible for global emerging markets debt external and local currency strategies. Mr. Urquieta joined ING Investment Management in 1997. Mr. Urquieta obtained a B.A. in Business Administration from the Bolivian Catholic University in La Paz, Bolivia, and a Master's degree in Finance from the University of Wisconsin. Ms. Gorgoll, CFA, Managing Director, joined Neuberger Berman in 2013. Ms. Gorgoll is a Co-Lead Portfolio Manager on the Emerging Markets Corporate Debt team responsible for global portfolios investing in high grade and high yield emerging market corporate debt across the regions. Ms. Gorgoll joined Neuberger Berman after working at ING Investment Management, where she was most recently the Head and a Senior
57
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Portfolio Manager of the Emerging Markets Corporate Debt team. Ms. Gorgoll started at ING Investment Management in 2002. Ms. Gorgoll received an M.B.A. with Honors from Columbia Business School with a concentration in Finance and a B.S. in Finance and Insurance from The Honors College at the University of South Carolina. Mr. Luttik, Managing Director, joined Neuberger Berman in 2013. Mr. Luttik is a Senior Portfolio Manager on the Emerging Markets Debt team, responsible for managing Emerging Markets Debt Local Currency strategies. Mr. Luttik joined Neuberger Berman after working at ING Investment Management, where he was a Lead Portfolio Manager within their Emerging Markets team (local currency). Mr. Luttik started at ING Investment Management in 1998. Mr. Luttik acquired a degree in Economics from Rijksuniversiteit Groningen in 1993. In 1997 Mr. Luttik became RBA registered (Register of Investment Analysts) a registration affiliated with the European Federation of Financial Analysts Societies. Mr. Luttik is also DSI qualified. Mr. Popat, Managing Director, joined Neuberger Berman in 2013. Mr. Popat is a Co-Lead Senior Portfolio Manager on the Emerging Markets Corporate Debt team. Mr. Popat joined Neuberger Berman after working at ING Investment Management, where he was most recently a Senior Portfolio Manager on the Emerging Markets Corporate Debt team. Mr. Popat joined ING Investment Management in 2008. Mr. Singh, CFA, Managing Director, joined Neuberger Berman in 2013. Mr. Singh is the Lead Portfolio Manager (Asia) on the Emerging Markets Debt team. Mr. Singh is responsible for managing the emerging markets debt portfolios in the Asia region, focusing on rates and currencies. Mr. Singh joined Neuberger Berman after working at ING Investment Management, where he held a similar role. Mr. Singh joined ING Investment Management in 2003. Mr. Singh graduated from St. Stephen's College, University of Delhi, India with a BS in Mathematics and earned an M.B.A. from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, specializing in Finance. Mr. van der Made, CFA, Managing Director, joined Neuberger Berman in 2013. Mr. van der Made is a Senior Portfolio Manager on the Emerging Markets Debt team, responsible for managing Emerging Markets Debt Hard Currency portfolios. Prior to joining Neuberger Berman, Mr. van der Made held various roles at ING Investment Management, most recently since 2009, as Lead Portfolio Manager of Emerging Markets Debt (hard currency). From 2005 onwards, Mr. van der Made was a Senior Portfolio Manager and before that was the Emerging Markets Debt Economist — the role in which he joined in 2000. Mr. van der Made earned a Master's degree in Econometrics from Erasmus University in Rotterdam, and has been awarded the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Ms. Kartseva, CFA, Senior Vice President, joined Neuberger Berman in 2013. Ms. Kartseva is a Portfolio Manager and Strategist on the Emerging Markets Debt team. In this role, Ms. Kartseva focuses on tactical asset allocation within Emerging Markets Debt. Ms. Kartseva joined the firm from ING Investment Management where she held a similar role, and was also managing an Emerging Markets Debt Opportunities fund, a blended strategy of hard and local currency debt. Prior to that, Ms. Kartseva was a Quantitative Analyst on the Multi-Asset Group of ING Investment Management.
Ninety One UK Ltd.: Ninety One UK Ltd. (Ninety One), located at 55 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7EL, United Kingdom, serves as a Sub-Adviser to the Emerging Markets Debt Fund. Werner Gey van Pittius, Antoon de Klerk and Christine Reed manage the portion of the assets of the Emerging Markets Debt Fund allocated to Ninety One. Mr. Gey van Pittius joined Ninety One in 2003. Mr. Gey van Pittius is the Co-Head of Emerging Markets Fixed Income and Co-Portfolio Manager of the Emerging Markets Local Currency Debt, Emerging Markets Hard Currency Debt and Emerging Markets Local Currency Total Return strategies. Mr. Gey van Pittius is jointly responsible for all global emerging markets sovereign debt strategies. Mr. de Klerk, having joined the firm in 2005, is the Co-Head of Emerging Markets Sovereign & FX and Co-Portfolio Manager on the Emerging Markets Local Currency Debt, Emerging Markets Local Currency Total Return, and African Fixed Income strategies. Ms. Reed joined Ninety One in 2022 and is the Co-Portfolio Manager of the Emerging Markets Local Currency Debt strategy. Prior to joining the firm, she worked for Goldman Sachs
58
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Asset Management from 2016 and was the Head of Emerging Markets Local Debt Trading, responsible for all emerging markets rates positions taken globally across their EM dedicated and crossover assets. Messrs. Gey van Pittius and de Klerk and Ms. Reed are responsible for the Ninety One's Emerging Markets Local Currency Debt strategy.
The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts they manage, and their ownership, if any, of Fund shares.
PURCHASING, EXCHANGING AND SELLING FUND SHARES
This section tells you how to purchase, exchange and sell (sometimes called "redeem") Class Y Shares of the Funds. Class Y Shares may only be purchased by:
• independent investment advisers investing for the benefit of their clients through accounts held at SEI Private Trust Company, that, after requesting access to Class Y Shares, are approved by the SEI Funds (or their delegate) to purchase Class Y Shares due to the investment adviser having purchased and held (i.e., on a net basis taking into account purchases and redemptions) a minimum of $300,000,000 of client assets in non-money market SEI Funds (Asset Threshold) for at least one year from the date of the request (or such shorter period of time as determined solely by the SEI Funds (or their delegate)) and remaining above this Asset Threshold thereafter. For these purposes, the SEI Funds (or their delegate) consider an independent investment adviser to be an individual or a group of related individuals that, in the sole determination of the SEI Funds (or their delegate), operate as a distinct customer of SEI. In the event that an independent investment adviser that was authorized to purchase Class Y Shares for its clients subsequently drops below the Asset Threshold for whatever reason, which may include a situation where a group of related individuals that previously operated as a distinct customer of SEI cease to do so, the SEI Funds (or their delegate) may in their discretion waive the Asset Threshold requirement;
• bank trust departments or other financial firms, for the benefit of their clients, that have entered into an agreement with the Funds' Distributor, or its affiliates, permitting the purchase of Class Y Shares;
• institutions, such as defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans, healthcare plans and board designated funds, insurance operating funds, foundations, endowments, public plans and Taft-Hartley plans, subject to a minimum initial investment of least $25,000,000 in Class Y Shares of the SEI Funds;
• clients that have entered into a direct bilateral investment advisory agreement with SIMC with respect to their assets invested in the Funds; and
• other SEI mutual funds and pooled investment products managed by SIMC.
In the event a Class Y shareholder no longer meets the eligibility requirements to purchase Class Y Shares (as noted in the section), the SEI Funds (or their delegate) may, in their discretion, elect to convert such shareholder's Class Y Shares into a Class of shares of the same Fund(s) for which such shareholder does meet the eligibility requirements. Without limiting the foregoing, this may include situations, as applicable, where the shareholder's independent investment adviser, bank trust department or financial firm no longer meets the eligibility criteria noted above or the shareholder no longer meets the eligibility criteria (for example, by terminating their relationship with an eligible adviser or firm). In all cases, if a client meets the eligibility requirements for more than one other Class of shares, then such client's Class Y shares shall be convertible into shares of the Class having the lowest total annual operating expenses (disregarding fee waivers) for which such clients meet the eligibility requirements.
59
SEI / PROSPECTUS
For information on how to open an account and set up procedures for placing transactions, please call 1-800-DIAL-SEI.
HOW TO PURCHASE FUND SHARES
Fund shares may be purchased on any Business Day. Authorized financial institutions and intermediaries may purchase, sell or exchange Class Y Shares by placing orders with the Transfer Agent or the Funds' authorized agent. Authorized financial institutions and intermediaries that use certain SEI or third party systems may place orders electronically through those systems. Authorized financial institutions and intermediaries may also place orders by calling 1-800-858-7233. Generally, cash investments must be transmitted or delivered in federal funds to the Funds' wire agent by the close of business on the day after the order is placed. However, in certain circumstances, the Funds, at their discretion, may allow purchases to settle (i.e., receive final payment) at a later date in accordance with the Funds' procedures and applicable law. The Funds reserve the right to refuse any purchase requests, particularly those that the Funds reasonably believe may not be in the best interest of the Funds or their shareholders and could adversely affect the Funds or their operations. This includes those from any individual or group who, in a Fund's view, is likely to engage in excessive trading (usually defined as four or more "round trips" in a Fund in any twelve-month period). For more information regarding the Funds' policies and procedures related to excessive trading, please see "Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares" below.
You may be eligible to purchase other classes of shares of a Fund. However, you may only purchase a class of shares that your financial institutions or intermediaries sell or service. Your financial institution representative or intermediaries can tell you which class of shares is available to you.
Each Fund calculates its NAV per share once each Business Day as of the close of normal trading on the NYSE (normally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time). So, for you to receive the current Business Day's NAV per share, generally the Funds (or an authorized agent) must receive your purchase order in proper form before 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. A Fund will not accept orders that request a particular day or price for the transaction or any other special conditions.
When you purchase, sell or exchange Fund shares through certain financial institutions, you may have to transmit your purchase, sale and exchange requests to these financial institutions at an earlier time for your transaction to become effective that day. This allows these financial institutions time to process your requests and transmit them to the Funds.
Certain other intermediaries, including certain broker-dealers and shareholder organizations, are authorized to accept purchase, redemption and exchange requests for Fund shares. These requests are executed at the next determined NAV per share after the intermediary receives the request if transmitted to the Funds in accordance with the Funds' procedures and applicable law. These authorized intermediaries are responsible for transmitting requests and delivering funds on a timely basis.
You will have to follow the procedures of your financial institution or intermediary for transacting with the Funds. You may be charged a fee for purchasing and/or redeeming Fund shares by your financial institution or intermediary.
Pricing of Fund Shares
NAV for one Fund share is the value of that share's portion of the net assets of the Fund. In calculating NAV, the Fund generally values its investment portfolio at market price. You may obtain the current NAV of the Fund by calling 1-800-DIAL-SEI.
60
SEI / PROSPECTUS
If a market quotation is readily available for the valuation of Fund investments, then it is valued by the Funds' administrator at current market value in accordance with the Funds' Pricing and Valuation Procedures. The Trust's Board of Trustees has designated SIMC as the Valuation Designee for the Funds pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act (the "Rule"). The Valuation Designee has the responsibility for the fair value determination with respect to all Fund investments that do not have readily available market quotations or quotations that are no longer reliable. SIMC, in furtherance of the Board's designation, has appointed a committee of SIMC persons to function as the Valuation Designee (the "Committee") and has established a Valuation and Pricing Policy to implement the Rule and the Funds' Valuation and Pricing Policy (together with SIMC's Valuation and Pricing Policy, the "Fair Value Procedures").
As discussed in detail below, the Committee will typically first seek to fair value investments with valuations received from an independent, third-party pricing agent (a "Pricing Service"). If such valuations are not available or are unreliable, the Committee will seek to obtain a bid price from at least one independent broker or dealer. If a broker or dealer quote is unavailable, the Committee will convene, subject to the Fair Value Procedures, to establish a fair value for the fair value investments.
When valuing portfolio securities, securities listed on a securities exchange, market or automated quotation system for which quotations are readily available (other than securities traded on National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ) or as otherwise noted below), including securities traded over the counter, are valued at the last quoted sale price on the primary exchange or market (foreign or domestic) on which the securities are traded or, if there is no such reported sale, at the most recent quoted bid price. Securities traded on NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price.
Redeemable securities issued by open-end investment companies are valued at the investment company's applicable NAV per share, with the exception of ETFs, which are priced as equity securities. These open-end investment company shares are offered in separate prospectuses, each of which describes the process by which the applicable investment company's NAV is determined. The prices of foreign securities are reported in local currency and converted to U.S. dollars using currency exchange rates.
Options are valued at the last quoted sales price. If there is no such reported sale on the valuation date, then long positions are valued at the most recent bid price, and short positions are valued at the most recent ask price as provided by a Pricing Service.
Futures and swaps cleared through a central clearing house (centrally cleared swaps) are valued at the settlement price established each day by the board of exchange on which they are traded. The daily settlement prices for financial futures and centrally cleared swaps are provided by a Pricing Service. On days when there is excessive volume, market volatility or the future or centrally cleared swap does not end trading by the time the fund calculates its NAV, the settlement price may not be available at the time at which a fund calculates its NAV. On such days, the best available price (which is typically the last sales price) may be used to value a Fund's futures or centrally cleared swaps position.
If a security's price cannot be obtained, as noted above, or in the case of equity tranches of collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) or collateralized debt obligations (CDOs), the securities will be valued using a bid price from at least one independent broker. If such prices are not readily available, are determined to be unreliable or cannot be valued using the methodologies described above, the Committee will fair value the security using the Fair Value Procedures, as described below.
If available, debt securities, swaps (which are not centrally cleared), bank loans or debt tranches of CLOs/CDOs, such as those held by the Funds, are priced based upon valuations provided by a Pricing Service.
61
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Such values generally reflect the last reported sales price if the security is actively traded. The Pricing Service may also value debt securities at an evaluated bid price by employing methodologies that utilize actual market transactions, broker-supplied valuations or other methodologies designed to identify the market value for such securities.
On the first day a new debt security purchase is recorded, if a price is not available from a Pricing Service or an independent broker, the security may be valued at its purchase price. Each day thereafter, the debt security will be valued according to the Fair Value Procedures until an independent source can be secured. Securities held by a Fund with remaining maturities of 60 days or less will be valued at their amortized cost. Should existing credit, liquidity or interest rate conditions in the relevant markets and issuer specific circumstances suggest that amortized cost does not approximate fair value, then the security will be valued by an independent broker quote or fair valued by the Committee.
Foreign currency forward contracts are valued at the current day's interpolated foreign exchange rate, as calculated using forward rates provided by a Pricing Service.
The Committee and Funds' administrator, as applicable, reasonably believe that prices provided by Pricing Services are reliable. However, there can be no assurance that such Pricing Service's prices will be reliable. The Committee, who is responsible for making fair value determinations with respect to the Funds' portfolio securities, will, with assistance from the applicable Sub-Adviser, continuously monitor the reliability of readily available market quotations obtained from any Pricing Service and shall promptly notify the Funds' administrator if the Committee reasonably believes that a Pricing Service is no longer a reliable source of readily available market quotations. The Funds' administrator, in turn, will notify the Committee if it reasonably believes that a Pricing Service is no longer a reliable source for readily available market quotations.
The Fair Value Procedures provide that any change in a primary Pricing Service or a pricing methodology for investments with readily available market quotations requires prior approval by the Board. However, when the change would not materially affect the valuation of a Fund's net assets or involve a material departure in pricing methodology from that of the Fund's existing Pricing Service or pricing methodology, ratification may be obtained at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board. A change in a Pricing Service or a material change in a pricing methodology for investments with no readily available market quotations will be reported to the Board by the Committee in accordance with certain requirements.
Securities for which market prices are not "readily available" are valued in accordance with Rule 2a-5 and the Fair Value Procedures.
The Committee must monitor for circumstances that may necessitate that a security be valued using Fair Value Procedures, which can include: (i) the security's trading has been halted or suspended, (ii) the security has been de-listed from a national exchange, (iii) the security's primary trading market is temporarily closed at a time when under normal conditions it would be open, (iv) the security has not been traded for an extended period of time, (v) the security's primary pricing source is not able or willing to provide a price, (vi) trading of the security is subject to local government-imposed restrictions, or (vii) a significant event (as defined below). When a security is valued in accordance with the Fair Value Procedures, the Committee will determine the value after taking into consideration relevant information reasonably available to the Committee. Examples of factors the Committee may consider include: (i) the type of security or asset, (ii) the last trade price, (iii) evaluation of the forces that influence the market in which the security is purchased and sold, (iv) the liquidity of the security, (v) the size of the holding in a Fund or (vi) any other appropriate information.
62
SEI / PROSPECTUS
The Committee is responsible for selecting and applying, in a consistent manner, the appropriate methodologies for determining and calculating the fair value of holdings of the Funds, including specifying the key inputs and assumptions specific to each asset class or holding.
The determination of a security's fair value price often involves the consideration of a number of subjective factors and is therefore subject to the unavoidable risk that the value assigned to a security may be higher or lower than the security's value would be if a reliable market quotation for the security was readily available.
With respect to any investments in foreign securities, the Funds use a third-party fair valuation vendor, which provides a fair value for such foreign securities based on certain factors and methodologies (generally involving tracking valuation correlations between the U.S. market and each foreign security). Values from the vendor are applied in the event that there is a movement in the U.S. market that exceeds a specific threshold that has been established by the Committee. The Committee has also established a "confidence interval," which is used to determine the level of historical correlation between the value of a specific foreign security and movements in the U.S. market before a particular security will be fair-valued when the threshold is exceeded. In the event that the threshold established by the Committee is exceeded on a specific day, the Funds shall value the foreign securities in their portfolios that exceed the applicable "confidence interval" based upon the adjusted prices provided by the vendor. Additionally, if a local market in which the Funds own securities is closed for one or more days (scheduled or unscheduled) while a Fund is open, and if such securities in a Fund's portfolio exceed the predetermined confidence interval discussed above, then such Fund shall value such securities based on the fair value prices provided by the vendor.
For securities that principally trade on a foreign market or exchange, a significant gap in time can exist between the time of a particular security's last trade and the time at which a Fund calculates its NAV. The readily available market quotations of such securities may no longer reflect their market value at the time a Fund calculates NAV if an event that could materially affect the value of those securities (a Significant Event) has occurred between the time of the security's last close and the time that the Fund calculates NAV thereby rendering the readily available market quotations as unreliable. A Fund may invest in securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the Fund does not price its shares. As a result, the NAV of a Fund's shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem Fund shares. A Significant Event may relate to a single issuer or to an entire market sector.
The Committee is primarily responsible for the obligation to monitor for Significant Events as part of the Committee's ongoing responsibility to determine whether a Fund investment is required to be fair valued (i.e., the investment does not have a reliable readily available market quotation). The Committee may consider input from a Fund's service providers, including the Fund's administrator or a Sub-Adviser, if applicable and as appropriate. If the Committee becomes aware of a Significant Event that has occurred with respect to a security or group of securities after the closing of the exchange or market on which the security or securities principally trade, but before the time at which a Fund calculates net asset value, the Committee shall notify the Fund's administrator.
Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares
"Market timing" refers to a pattern of frequent purchases and sales of a Fund's shares, often with the intent of earning arbitrage profits. Market timing of a Fund could harm other shareholders in various ways, including by diluting the value of the shareholders' holdings, increasing Fund transaction costs, disrupting
63
SEI / PROSPECTUS
the portfolio management strategy, causing the Funds to incur unwanted taxable gains and forcing the Funds to hold excess levels of cash.
The Funds are intended to be long-term investment vehicles and are not designed for investors that engage in short-term trading activity (i.e., a purchase of Fund shares followed shortly thereafter by a redemption of such shares, or vice versa, in an effort to take advantage of short-term market movements). Accordingly, the Board has adopted policies and procedures on behalf of the Funds to deter short-term trading. The Transfer Agent will monitor trades in an effort to detect short-term trading activities. If, as a result of this monitoring, a Fund determines, in its sole discretion, that a shareholder has engaged in excessive short-term trading, it will refuse to process future purchases or exchanges into the Fund from that shareholder's account.
A shareholder will be considered to be engaging in excessive short-term trading in a Fund in the following circumstances:
i. if the shareholder conducts four or more "round trips" in a Fund in any twelve-month period. A round trip involves the purchase of shares of a Fund and the subsequent redemption of all or most of those shares. An exchange into and back out of a Fund in this manner is also considered a round trip.
ii. if a Fund determines, in its sole discretion, that a shareholder's trading activity constitutes excessive short-term trading, regardless of whether such shareholder exceeds the foregoing round trip threshold.
The Funds, in their sole discretion, also reserve the right to reject any purchase request (including exchange requests) for any reason without notice.
Judgments with respect to implementation of the Funds' policies are made uniformly and in good faith in a manner that the Funds believe is consistent with the best long-term interests of shareholders. When applying the Funds' policy, the Funds may consider (to the extent reasonably available) an investor's trading history in all SEI funds, as well as trading in accounts under common ownership, influence or control, and any other information available to the Funds.
The Funds' monitoring techniques are intended to identify and deter short-term trading in the Funds. However, despite the existence of these monitoring techniques, it is possible that short-term trading may occur in the Funds without being identified. For example, certain investors seeking to engage in short-term trading may be adept at taking steps to hide their identity or activity from the Funds' monitoring techniques. Operational or technical limitations may also limit the Funds' ability to identify short-term trading activity.
The Funds and/or their service providers have entered into agreements with financial intermediaries that require them to provide the Funds and/or their service providers with certain shareholder transaction information to enable the Funds and/or their service providers to review the trading activity in the omnibus accounts maintained by financial intermediaries. The Funds may also delegate trade monitoring to the financial intermediaries. If excessive trading is identified in an omnibus account, the Funds will work with the financial intermediary to restrict trading by the shareholder and may request that the financial intermediary prohibit the shareholder from future purchases or exchanges into the Funds.
Certain of the Funds may be sold to participant-directed employee benefit plans. The Funds' ability to monitor or restrict trading activity by individual participants in a plan may be constrained by regulatory restrictions or plan policies. In such circumstances, the Funds will take such action, which may include taking no action, as deemed appropriate in light of all the facts and circumstances.
64
SEI / PROSPECTUS
The Funds may amend these policies and procedures in response to changing regulatory requirements or to enhance the effectiveness of the program.
Foreign Investors
The Funds do not generally accept investments by non-U.S. persons. Non-U.S. persons may be permitted to invest in a Fund subject to the satisfaction of enhanced due diligence. Prospective investors should consult their own financial institution or financial intermediary regarding their eligibility to invest in a Fund. The Funds may rely on representations from such financial institutions and financial intermediaries regarding their investor eligibility.
Customer Identification and Verification and Anti-Money Laundering Program
Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each customer who opens an account. Accounts for the Funds are generally opened through other financial institutions or financial intermediaries. When you open your account through your financial institution or financial intermediary, you will have to provide your name, address, date of birth, identification number and other information that will allow the financial institution or financial intermediary to identify you. When you open an account on behalf of an entity you will have to provide formation documents and identifying information about beneficial owner(s) and controlling parties. This information is subject to verification by the financial institution or financial intermediary to ensure the identity of all persons opening an account.
Your financial institution or financial intermediary is required by law to reject your new account application if the required identifying information is not provided. Your financial institution or intermediary may contact you in an attempt to collect any missing information required on the application, and your application may be rejected if they are unable to obtain this information. In certain instances, your financial institution or financial intermediary may be required to collect documents to establish and verify your identity.
The Funds will accept investments and your order will be processed at the next determined NAV after receipt of your application in proper form (which includes receipt of all identifying information required on the application). The Funds, however, reserve the right to close and/or liquidate your account at the then-current day's price if the financial institution or financial intermediary through which you open your account is unable to verify your identity. As a result, you may be subject to a gain or loss on Fund shares as well as corresponding tax consequences.
Customer identification and verification are part of the Funds' overall obligation to deter money laundering under Federal law. The Funds have adopted an Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Program designed to prevent the Funds from being used for money laundering or the financing of terrorist activities. In this regard, the Funds reserve the right to (i) refuse, cancel or rescind any purchase or exchange order; (ii) freeze any account and/or suspend account services; or (iii) involuntarily close your account in cases of threatening conduct or suspected fraudulent or illegal activity. These actions will be taken when, in the sole discretion of Fund management, they are deemed to be in the best interest of a Fund or in cases when a Fund is requested or compelled to do so by governmental or law enforcement authority. If your account is closed at the request of governmental or law enforcement authority, you may not receive proceeds of the redemption if a Fund is required to withhold such proceeds.
65
SEI / PROSPECTUS
HOW TO EXCHANGE YOUR FUND SHARES
An authorized financial institution or intermediary may exchange Class Y Shares of any Fund for Class Y Shares of any other fund of SEI Institutional International Trust on any Business Day by placing orders with the Transfer Agent or the Fund's authorized agent. For information about how to exchange Fund shares through your authorized financial institution or intermediary, you should contact your authorized financial institution or intermediary directly. This exchange privilege may be changed or canceled at any time upon 60 days' notice. When you exchange shares, you are really selling shares of one fund and buying shares of another fund. Therefore, your sale price and purchase price will be based on the next calculated NAV after the Funds receive your exchange request. All exchanges are based on the eligibility requirements of the fund into which you are exchanging and any other limits on sales of or exchanges in that fund. Each Fund reserves the right to refuse or limit any exchange order for any reason, including if the transaction is deemed not to be in the best interest of the Fund's other shareholders or if it is deemed possibly disruptive to the management of the Fund. When a purchase or exchange order is rejected, the Fund will send notice to the prospective investor or the prospective investor's financial intermediary.
HOW TO SELL YOUR FUND SHARES
Authorized financial institutions and intermediaries may sell Fund shares on any Business Day by placing orders with the Transfer Agent or the Funds' authorized agent. Authorized financial institutions and intermediaries that use certain SEI or third party systems may place orders electronically through those systems. Authorized financial institutions and intermediaries may also place orders by calling 1-800-858-7233. For information about how to sell Fund shares through your authorized financial institution or intermediary, you should contact your authorized financial institution or intermediary directly. Your authorized financial institution or intermediary may charge a fee for its services. The sale price of each share will be the next determined NAV after the Funds receive your request or after the Funds' authorized intermediary receives your request if transmitted to the Funds in accordance with the Funds' procedures and applicable law.
Receiving Your Money
Normally, the Funds will make payment on your redemption request on the Business Day following the day on which they receive your request regardless of the method the Funds use to make such payment, but it may take up to seven days. You may arrange for your proceeds to be wired to your bank account.
Methods Used to Meet Redemption Obligations
The Funds generally pay sale (redemption) proceeds in cash during normal market conditions. To the extent that a Fund does not have sufficient cash holdings for redemption proceeds, it will typically seek to generate such cash through the sale of portfolio assets. The Funds also operate an interfund lending program that enables a Fund to borrow from another Fund on a temporary basis, which, on a less regular basis, may be used to help a Fund satisfy redemptions. Under stressed or unusual conditions that make the payment of cash unwise (and for the protection of the Funds' remaining shareholders), the Funds might pay all or part of your redemption proceeds in liquid securities with a market value equal to the redemption price (redemption in kind). Although it is highly unlikely that your shares would ever be redeemed in kind, you would probably have to pay brokerage costs to sell the securities distributed to you, as well as taxes on any capital gains from the sale as with any redemption and you will bear the investment risk of the distributed securities until the distributed securities are sold. These methods may be used during both normal and stressed market conditions.
66
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Low Balance Redemptions
A Fund (or its delegate) may, in its discretion, and upon reasonable notice, redeem in full a financial institution, intermediary or shareholder that fails to maintain an investment of at least $1,000 in the Fund. A financial institution, intermediary or shareholder, as applicable, will receive prior notice of a pending redemption using such account's preferred method of communication as reflected on the records of the Trust.
Suspension of Your Right to Sell Your Shares
The Funds may suspend your right to sell your shares if the NYSE restricts trading, the SEC declares an emergency or for other reasons, as permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. More information about such suspension can be found in the SAI.
Large Redemptions
Large unexpected redemptions to a Fund can disrupt portfolio management and increase trading costs by causing the Fund to liquidate a substantial portion of its assets in a short period of time. Large redemptions may arise from the redemption activity of a single investor, or the activity of a single investment manager managing multiple underlying accounts. In the event of a large unexpected redemption, a Fund may take such steps as implementing a redemption in kind or delaying the delivery of redemption proceeds for up to seven days. Further, the Funds may reject future purchases from that investor or investment manager. An investor or investment manager with a large position in a Fund may reduce the likelihood of these actions if it works with the Fund to mitigate the impact of a large redemption by, for example, providing advance notice to the Fund of a large redemption or by implementing the redemption in stages over a period of time.
Telephone Transactions
Purchasing, selling and exchanging Fund shares over the telephone is extremely convenient, but not without risk. The Funds have certain safeguards and procedures to confirm the identity of callers and the authenticity of instructions. If the Funds follow these procedures, the Funds will not be responsible for any losses or costs incurred by following telephone instructions that the Funds reasonably believe to be genuine.
Unclaimed Property
Each state has unclaimed property rules that generally provide for escheatment (or transfer) to the state of unclaimed property, including mutual fund shares, under various circumstances. Such circumstances include inactivity (i.e., no owner-initiated contact for a certain period), returned mail (i.e., when mail sent to a shareholder is returned by the post office, or "RPO," as undeliverable), or a combination of both inactivity and returned mail. More information on unclaimed property and how to maintain an active account is available through your state.
If you are a resident of certain states, you may designate a representative to receive notice of the potential escheatment of your property. The designated representative would not have any rights to your shares. Please contact your financial intermediary for additional information.
DISTRIBUTION OF FUND SHARES
SEI Investments Distribution Co. (SIDCo.) is the distributor of the Funds' shares.
67
SEI / PROSPECTUS
The Funds are sold primarily through independent registered investment advisers, financial planners, bank trust departments and other financial advisors (Financial Advisors) who provide their clients with advice and services in connection with their investments in the Funds. Many Financial Advisors are also associated with broker-dealer firms. SIMC and its affiliates, at their expense, may pay compensation to these broker-dealers or other financial institutions for marketing, promotional or other services. These payments may be significant to these firms and may create an incentive for the firm or its associated Financial Advisors to recommend or offer shares of the Funds to its customers rather than other funds or investment products. These payments are made by SIMC and its affiliates out of their past profits or other available resources. SIMC and its affiliates may also provide other products and services to Financial Advisors. For additional information, please see the Funds' SAI. You can also ask your Financial Advisor about any payments it receives from SIMC and its affiliates, as well as about fees it charges.
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION
Portfolio holdings information for a Fund can be obtained on the Internet at the following address: http://www.seic.com/holdings (the Portfolio Holdings Website). Five calendar days after each month end, a list of all portfolio holdings in each Fund as of the end of such month shall be made available on the Portfolio Holdings Website. Beginning on the day after any portfolio holdings information is posted on the Portfolio Holdings Website, such information will be delivered directly to any person who requests it, through electronic or other means. The portfolio holdings information placed on the Portfolio Holdings Website shall remain there until the fifth calendar day of the thirteenth month after the date of which the data relates, at which time it will be permanently removed from the site.
Additional information regarding the information disclosed on the Portfolio Holdings website and the Funds' policies and procedures on the disclosure of portfolio holdings information is available in the SAI.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Dividends and Distributions
The Funds distribute their investment income periodically as dividends to shareholders. It is the policy of the International Equity, Emerging Markets Equity and International Fixed Income Funds to pay dividends at least once annually. It is the policy of the Emerging Markets Debt Fund to pay dividends quarterly. The Funds make distributions of capital gains, if any, at least annually.
You will receive dividends and distributions in cash unless otherwise stated.
Taxes
Please consult your tax advisor regarding your specific questions about federal, state, local and foreign income taxes. Below, the Funds have summarized certain important U.S. federal income tax issues that affect the Funds and their shareholders. This summary is based on current tax laws, which may change. If you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or other retirement account, you generally will not be subject to federal taxation on Fund distributions until you begin receiving distributions from your tax-deferred arrangement.
Each Fund has elected and intends to qualify each year for treatment as a regulated investment company (a RIC) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). If it meets certain minimum distribution requirements, a RIC is not subject to tax at the fund level on income and gains from investments that are timely distributed to shareholders. However, a Fund's failure to qualify as a RIC or to
68
SEI / PROSPECTUS
meet minimum distribution requirements would result (if certain relief provisions were not available) in fund-level taxation and, consequently, a reduction in income available for distribution to shareholders.
At least annually, each Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and its net realized capital gains, if any. The dividends and distributions you receive may be subject to federal, state and local taxation, depending upon your tax situation. Distributions you receive are taxable whether or not you reinvest them. Income distributions, other than distributions of qualified dividend income, and distributions of net short-term capital gains are generally taxable at ordinary income tax rates. Dividends that are qualified dividend income are currently eligible for the reduced maximum tax rate to individuals of 20% (lower rates apply to individuals in lower tax brackets) to the extent that a Fund receives qualified dividend income and certain requirements are satisfied by you and by the Fund. Qualified dividend income is, in general, dividends from domestic corporations and from certain eligible foreign corporations that include those incorporated in possessions of the United States, those incorporated in certain countries with comprehensive tax treaties with the United States and those whose stock is tradable on an established securities market in the United States. Capital gains distributions are generally taxable at the rates applicable to long-term capital gains regardless of how long you have held your Fund shares. Long-term capital gains are currently taxable at the maximum tax rate of 20%. It is expected that distributions from the International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds will primarily consist of ordinary income and that distributions from these Funds will not be eligible for the lower tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income. The investment strategies of the International Equity Fund and Emerging Markets Equity Fund may limit their ability to make distributions eligible for the lower tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income.
Because the Funds' income is derived primarily from investments in foreign rather than domestic U.S. securities their distributions are generally not expected to be eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporate shareholders.
A RIC that receives business interest income may pass through its net business interest income for purposes of the tax rules applicable to the interest expense limitations under Section 163(j) of the Code. A RIC's total "Section 163(j) Interest Dividend" for a tax year is limited to the excess of the RIC's business interest income over the sum of its business interest expense and its other deductions properly allocable to its business interest income. A RIC may, in its discretion, designate all or a portion of ordinary dividends as Section 163(j) Interest Dividends, which would allow the recipient shareholder to treat the designated portion of such dividends as interest income for purposes of determining such shareholder's interest expense deduction limitation under Section 163(j). This can potentially increase the amount of a shareholder's interest expense deductible under Section 163(j). In general, to be eligible to treat a Section 163(j) Interest Dividend as interest income, you must have held your shares in a Fund for more than 180 days during the 361-day period beginning on the date that is 180 days before the date on which the share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend. Section 163(j) Interest Dividends, if so designated by a Fund, will be reported to your financial intermediary or otherwise in accordance with the requirements specified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
If a Fund distributes more than its net investment income and net capital gains, the excess generally would be treated as nontaxable return of capital that would reduce your cost basis in your Fund shares and would increase your capital gain or decrease your capital loss when you sell your shares.
If you buy shares when a Fund has realized but not yet distributed income or capital gains, you will be "buying a dividend" by paying the full price for the shares and gains and receiving back a portion of the price in the
69
SEI / PROSPECTUS
form of a taxable distribution, even though, as an economic matter, the distribution simply constitutes a return of your investment. "Buying a dividend" generally should be avoided by taxable investors.
Each sale of Fund shares may be a taxable event. Assuming a shareholder holds Fund shares as a capital asset, the gain or loss on the sale of Fund shares generally will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss if you held the shares for 12 months or less, or a long-term capital gain or loss if you held the shares for longer. Any capital loss arising from the sale of the Fund shares held for six months or less, however, will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the amount of net long-term capital gain dividends that were paid with respect to those shares. All or a portion of any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares will be disallowed if you purchase other substantially identical shares within 30 days before or after the disposition. In such case, the basis of the newly purchased shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.
U.S. individuals with income exceeding $200,000 ($250,000 if married and filing jointly) are subject to a 3.8% tax on their "net investment income," including interest, dividends and capital gains (including capital gains realized on the sale or exchange of shares of a Fund).
Each Fund (or their administrative agents) must report to the IRS and furnish to Fund shareholders the cost basis information for Fund shares. In addition to reporting the gross proceeds from the sale of Fund shares, each Fund (or its administrative agent) is also required to report the cost basis information for such shares and indicate whether these shares have a short-term or long-term holding period. For each sale of its shares, each Fund (or its administrative agent) will permit shareholders to elect from among several IRS-accepted cost basis methods, including average cost. In the absence of an election, each Fund (or its administrative agent) will use the average cost basis method as the default cost basis method. The cost basis method elected by shareholders (or the cost basis method applied by default) for each sale of a Fund's shares may not be changed after the settlement date of each such sale of a Fund's shares. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation and to obtain more information about cost basis reporting. Shareholders also should carefully review any cost basis information provided to them and make any additional basis, holding period or other adjustments that are required when reporting these amounts on their federal income tax returns.
Some foreign governments levy withholding taxes against dividend and interest income. Although in some countries a portion of these taxes is recoverable, the non-recovered portion will reduce the income received from the securities comprising the portfolios of the Funds. If more than 50% of the value of a Fund's total assets at the close of its taxable year consists of stocks and securities of foreign corporations, a Fund may elect to pass through to you your pro rata share of foreign income taxes paid by the Fund, which would allow shareholders to offset some of their U.S. federal income tax. A Fund (or its administrative agent) will notify you if it makes such an election and provide you with the information necessary to reflect foreign taxes paid on your income tax return.
Non-U.S. investors in the Funds may be subject to U.S. withholding tax and are encouraged to consult their tax advisor prior to investing in the Funds.
Because each shareholder's tax situation is different, you should consult your tax advisor about the tax implications of an investment in the Funds.
The SAI contains more information about taxes.
70
SEI / PROSPECTUS
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Trust enters into contractual arrangements with various parties (including, among others, the Funds' investment adviser, custodian, administrator and transfer agent, accountants and distributor) who provide services to the Funds. Shareholders are not parties to, or intended (or "third-party") beneficiaries of, any of those contractual arrangements, and those contractual arrangements are not intended to create in any individual shareholder or group of shareholders any right to enforce the terms of the contractual arrangements against the service providers or any right to seek any remedy under the contractual arrangements against the service providers, either directly or on behalf of the Trust.
This prospectus and the SAI provide information concerning the Trust and the Funds that you should consider in determining whether to purchase shares of the Funds. The Funds may make changes to this information from time to time. Neither this prospectus, the SAI nor any document filed as an exhibit to the Trust's registration statement, is intended to, nor does it, give rise to an agreement or contract between the Trust or the Funds and any shareholder, or give rise to any contract or other rights in any individual shareholder, group of shareholders or other person other than any rights conferred explicitly (and which may not be waived) by federal or state securities laws.
71
SEI / PROSPECTUS
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The tables that follow present performance information about the Class Y Shares of each Fund. This information is intended to help you understand each Fund's financial performance for the past five years. Some of this information reflects financial information for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that you would have earned (or lost) on an investment in a Fund, assuming you reinvested all of your dividends and distributions.
This information has been derived from the Funds' financial statements, which have been audited by KPMG LLP, the Funds' independent registered public accounting firm. Its report, along with each Fund's financial statements, appears in the annual report. You can obtain the annual report, which contains more performance information, at no charge by calling 1-800-DIAL-SEI.
FOR THE YEARS OR PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH YEAR
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year |
Net Investment Income (Loss)(1) |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments |
Total from Operations |
Dividends from Net Investment Income |
Distributions from Net Realized Gains |
Total Dividends and Distributions |
Net Asset Value, End of Year |
Total Return† |
Net Assets End of Year ($ Thousands) |
Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets* |
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers)** |
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets |
Portfolio Turnover Rate† |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
International Equity Fund |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CLASS Y |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 |
$ |
8.66 |
$ |
0.24 |
$ |
2.19 |
$ |
2.43 |
$ |
(0.21 |
) |
$ |
— |
$ |
(0.21 |
) |
$ |
10.88 |
28.26 |
% |
$ |
364,957 |
0.86 |
% |
0.86 |
% |
2.26 |
% |
87 |
% |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2022 |
13.58 |
0.24 |
(3.39 |
) |
(3.15 |
) |
(0.26 |
) |
(1.51 |
) |
(1.77 |
) |
8.66 |
(26.70 |
) |
297,968 |
0.84 |
0.84 |
2.17 |
108 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 |
10.86 |
0.19 |
2.68 |
2.87 |
(0.15 |
) |
— |
(0.15 |
) |
13.58 |
26.55 |
393,903 |
0.83 |
0.83 |
1.44 |
105 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 |
10.68 |
0.12 |
0.29 |
0.41 |
(0.23 |
) |
— |
(0.23 |
) |
10.86 |
3.68 |
330,069 |
0.86 |
0.86 |
1.16 |
102 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 |
11.39 |
0.23 |
(0.76 |
) |
(0.53 |
) |
(0.18 |
) |
— |
(0.18 |
) |
10.68 |
(4.43 |
) |
370,462 |
0.85 |
0.85 |
2.24 |
73 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CLASS Y |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 |
$ |
9.19 |
$ |
0.21 |
$ |
0.94 |
$ |
1.15 |
$ |
(0.23 |
) |
$ |
— |
$ |
(0.23 |
) |
$ |
10.11 |
12.63 |
% |
$ |
139,853 |
1.43 |
% |
1.53 |
% |
2.02 |
% |
95 |
% |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2022 |
14.25 |
0.18 |
(3.98 |
) |
(3.80 |
) |
(0.18 |
) |
(1.08 |
) |
(1.26 |
) |
9.19 |
(29.10 |
) |
118,670 |
1.46 |
1.56 |
1.50 |
93 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 |
12.07 |
0.14 |
2.15 |
2.29 |
(0.11 |
) |
— |
(0.11 |
) |
14.25 |
18.96 |
153,789 |
1.45 |
1.55 |
0.98 |
100 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 |
11.22 |
0.08 |
0.93 |
1.01 |
(0.16 |
) |
— |
(0.16 |
) |
12.07 |
8.99 |
134,682 |
1.46 |
1.56 |
0.66 |
90 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 |
11.49 |
0.14 |
(0.31 |
) |
(0.17 |
) |
(0.10 |
) |
— |
(0.10 |
) |
11.22 |
(1.44 |
) |
145,600 |
1.45 |
1.56 |
1.25 |
89 |
72
SEI / PROSPECTUS
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year |
Net Investment Income (Loss)(1) |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments |
Total from Operations |
Dividends from Net Investment Income |
Distributions from Net Realized Gains |
Total Dividends and Distributions |
Net Asset Value, End of Year |
Total Return† |
Net Assets End of Year ($ Thousands) |
Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets* |
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers)** |
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets |
Portfolio Turnover Rate† |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
International Fixed Income Fund |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CLASS Y |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 |
$ |
9.16 |
$ |
0.14 |
$ |
0.05 |
$ |
0.19 |
$ |
(1.07 |
) |
$ |
(0.01 |
) |
$ |
(1.08 |
) |
$ |
8.27 |
2.30 |
% |
$ |
53,870 |
0.77 |
% |
0.81 |
% |
1.59 |
% |
44 |
% |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2022 |
10.41 |
0.08 |
(1.10 |
) |
(1.02 |
) |
(0.10 |
) |
(0.13 |
) |
(0.23 |
) |
9.16 |
(10.00 |
) |
72,269 |
0.77 |
0.82 |
0.78 |
47 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 |
10.47 |
0.06 |
(0.12 |
) |
(0.06 |
) |
— |
— |
^ |
— |
10.41 |
(0.54 |
) |
76,381 |
0.77 |
0.82 |
0.57 |
65 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 |
10.75 |
0.06 |
0.03 |
0.09 |
(0.29 |
) |
(0.08 |
) |
(0.37 |
) |
10.47 |
0.88 |
68,664 |
0.77 |
0.83 |
0.54 |
64 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 |
10.29 |
0.07 |
0.88 |
0.95 |
(0.43 |
) |
(0.06 |
) |
(0.49 |
) |
10.75 |
9.54 |
69,681 |
0.77 |
0.82 |
0.66 |
58 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Emerging Markets Debt Fund |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CLASS Y |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 |
$ |
7.49 |
$ |
0.50 |
$ |
0.51 |
$ |
1.01 |
$ |
(0.35 |
) |
$ |
— |
$ |
(0.35 |
) |
$ |
8.15 |
13.50 |
% |
$ |
92,433 |
1.05 |
% |
1.31 |
% |
6.08 |
% |
95 |
% |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2022 |
10.03 |
0.42 |
(2.77 |
) |
(2.35 |
) |
(0.19 |
) |
— |
(0.19 |
) |
7.49 |
(23.87 |
) |
84,482 |
1.11 |
1.37 |
4.77 |
88 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 |
9.79 |
0.42 |
0.07 |
0.49 |
(0.25 |
) |
— |
(0.25 |
) |
10.03 |
4.98 |
107,402 |
1.11 |
1.36 |
4.12 |
91 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 |
9.92 |
0.42 |
(0.45 |
) |
(0.03 |
) |
(0.10 |
) |
— |
(0.10 |
) |
9.79 |
(0.33 |
) |
98,869 |
1.11 |
1.36 |
4.33 |
95 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 |
9.28 |
0.50 |
0.32 |
0.82 |
(0.18 |
) |
— |
(0.18 |
) |
9.92 |
8.84 |
111,948 |
1.11 |
1.37 |
5.18 |
114 |
^ Amount represents less than $0.005.
† Returns and portfolio turnover rates are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares.
* Includes Fees Paid Indirectly, if applicable. There was no impact to the expense ratios. See Note 5 in Notes to Financial Statements.
** See Note 5 in Notes to Financial Statements.
(1) Per share calculated using average shares.
Amounts designated as "—" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
73
Investment Adviser
SEI Investments Management Corporation
One Freedom Valley Drive
Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456
Distributor
SEI Investments Distribution Co.
One Freedom Valley Drive
Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456
Legal Counsel
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
2222 Market Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
More information about the Funds is available without charge through the following:
Statement of Additional Information (SAI)
The SAI, dated January 31, 2024, includes detailed information about the SEI Institutional International Trust. The SAI is on file with the SEC and is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. This means that the SAI, for legal purposes, is a part of this prospectus.
Annual and Semi-Annual Reports
These reports list the Funds' holdings and contain information from the Funds' managers about Fund strategies, and market conditions and trends and their impact on Fund performance. The reports also contain detailed financial information about the Funds.
To Obtain an SAI, Annual or Semi-Annual Report, or More Information:
By Telephone: Call 1-800-DIAL-SEI
By Mail: Write to the Funds at:
One Freedom Valley Drive
Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456
By Internet: The Funds make available their SAI and Annual and Semi-Annual Reports, free of charge, on or through the Funds' Website at www.seic.com/fundprospectuses. You can also obtain the SAI, Annual or Semi-Annual Report upon request by telephone or mail.
From the SEC: You can also obtain the SAI or the Annual and Semi-Annual Reports, as well as other information about SEI Institutional International Trust, from the EDGAR Database on the SEC's website ("http://www.sec.gov"). You may request documents by mail from the SEC, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by e-mailing the SEC at the following address: publicinfo@sec.gov.
SEI Institutional International Trust's Investment Company Act registration number is 811-05601.
SEI-F-109 (1/24)
seic.com
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
The following terms are used throughout this SAI, and have the meanings set forth below. Because the following is a combined glossary of terms used for all the SEI Funds, certain terms below may not apply to your fund. Any terms used but not defined herein have the meaning ascribed to them in the applicable Fund's prospectus or as otherwise defined in this SAI.
Term |
Definition |
||||||
1933 Act |
Securities Act of 1933, as amended |
||||||
1940 Act |
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended |
||||||
ADRs |
American Depositary Receipts |
||||||
ARMS |
Adjustable Rate Mortgage Securities |
||||||
BHCA |
Bank-Holding Company Act |
||||||
Bank Loan Rate |
The rate of interest that would be charged by a bank for short-term borrowings |
||||||
Board |
The Trust's Board of Trustees |
||||||
CATS |
Certificates of Accrual on Treasury Securities |
||||||
CDOs |
Collateralized Debt Obligations |
||||||
CDRs |
Continental Depositary Receipts |
||||||
CFTC |
Commodities Futures Trading Commission |
||||||
CLCs |
Construction Loan Certificates |
||||||
CLOs |
Collateralized Loan Obligations |
||||||
CMBS |
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities |
||||||
CMOs |
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations |
||||||
Code |
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended |
||||||
Confidential Information |
Material, non-public information |
||||||
Dodd-Frank Act |
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protections Act |
||||||
EDRs |
European Depositary Receipts |
||||||
ETFs |
Exchange-Traded Funds |
||||||
ETNs |
Exchange-Traded Notes |
||||||
ETPs |
Exchange-Traded Products |
||||||
EU |
European Union |
||||||
Fannie Mae |
Federal National Mortgage Association |
||||||
FHA |
Federal Housing Administration |
||||||
Freddie Mac |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation |
||||||
GDRs |
Global Depositary Receipts |
||||||
GNMA |
Government National Mortgage Association |
||||||
IFA |
Insurance Funding Agreement |
||||||
IO |
Interest-Only Security |
||||||
IRS |
Internal Revenue Service |
||||||
LIBOR |
London Interbank Offered Rate |
||||||
Liquidity Fund |
SEI Liquidity Fund, LP |
||||||
LYONs |
Liquid Yield Option Notes |
||||||
MiFID II |
Directive 2014/61/EU on markets in financial instruments and Regulation 600/2014/EU on markets in financial instruments |
||||||
MLPs |
Master Limited Partnerships |
||||||
Moody's |
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. |
||||||
NAV |
Net Asset Value |
||||||
NDFs |
Non-Deliverable Forwards |
S-1
Term |
Definition |
||||||
NRSRO |
Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization |
||||||
OTC |
Over-the-Counter |
||||||
PAC Bonds |
Planned Amortization Class CMOs |
||||||
PIPEs |
Private Investments in Public Equity |
||||||
PLC |
Permanent Loan Certificate |
||||||
P-Notes |
Participation Notes |
||||||
PO |
Principal-Only Security |
||||||
Program |
SEI Funds' interfund lending program |
||||||
QFII |
Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor |
||||||
QPTPs |
Qualified Publicly Traded Partnerships |
||||||
REITs |
Real Estate Investment Trusts |
||||||
REMIC Certificates |
REMIC pass-through certificates |
||||||
REMICs |
Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits |
||||||
REOCs |
Real Estate Operating Companies |
||||||
Repo Rate |
rate of interest for an investment in overnight repurchase agreements |
||||||
RIC |
Regulated Investment Company |
||||||
S&P |
Standard & Poor's Rating Group |
||||||
SEC |
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission |
||||||
SEI Funds |
The existing or future investment companies registered under the 1940 Act that are advised by SIMC |
||||||
SOFR |
Secured Overnight Financing Rate |
||||||
STRIPS |
Separately Traded Registered Interest and Principal Securities |
||||||
Subsidiary |
A wholly-owned subsidiary organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands |
||||||
TIGRs |
Treasury Investment Growth Receipts |
||||||
TRs |
Treasury Receipts |
||||||
UK |
United Kingdom |
||||||
World Bank |
International Bank of Reconstruction and Development |
||||||
Yankees |
Yankee Obligations |
S-2
THE TRUST
SEI Institutional International Trust (the "Trust") is an open-end management investment company that offers shares of diversified and non-diversified portfolios (only International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds are non-diversified). The Trust was established as a Massachusetts business trust pursuant to an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated June 28, 1988. The Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust permits the Trust to offer separate series ("portfolios") of units of beneficial interest ("shares") and separate classes of shares of such portfolios. Shareholders may purchase shares in certain portfolios through separate classes. Class F, Class I and Class Y Shares may be offered, which provide for variations in transfer agent fees, shareholder servicing fees, administrative servicing fees, distribution fees, dividends and certain voting rights. Except for differences among the classes pertaining to shareholder servicing, administrative servicing, distribution, voting rights, dividends and transfer agent expenses, each share of each portfolio represents an equal proportionate interest in that portfolio with each other share of that portfolio.
This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") relates to the following portfolios: International Equity, Emerging Markets Equity, International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds (each, a "Fund" and together, the "Funds"), including all classes of the Funds.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND—The International Equity Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities. For purposes of this policy, net assets mean net assets plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes. Equity securities include common stocks, preferred stocks, participation notes, warrants and depositary receipts. The Fund will invest primarily in equity securities of issuers of all capitalization ranges that are located in at least three countries other than the U.S. It is expected that at least 40% of the Fund's assets will be invested outside the U.S. The Fund will invest primarily in companies located in developed countries, but may also invest in companies located in emerging market countries. Generally, the Fund will invest less than 20% of its assets in emerging markets. Emerging market countries are those countries that: (i) are characterized as developing or emerging by any of the World Bank, the United Nations, the International Finance Corporation, or the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; (ii) are included in an emerging markets index by a recognized index provider; or (iii) have similar developing or emerging characteristics as countries classified as emerging market countries pursuant to sub-paragraph (i) and (ii) above, in each case determined at the time of purchase.
The Fund uses a multi-manager approach, relying upon a number of sub-advisers (each, a "Sub-Adviser" and together, the "Sub-Advisers") with differing investment philosophies to manage portions of the Fund's portfolio under the general supervision of SEI Investments Management Corporation ("SIMC" or the "Adviser"). One or more Sub-Advisers may apply a quantitative investment style, which generally involves a systematic or rules-based approach to selecting investments based on specific measurable factors.
The Sub-Adviser(s) may implement a long/short equity investment strategy by investing in securities believed to offer capital appreciation opportunities while also attempting to take advantage of an anticipated decline in the price of a company. A long/short equity investment strategy takes (i) long positions with respect to investments that are believed to be undervalued relative to their potential and likely to increase in price, and (ii) short positions with respect to investments that are believed to have significant risk of decreasing in price. The Sub-Adviser(s) seek returns from strong security selection on both the long and short sides. These long and short positions may be completely unrelated.
Securities of non-U.S. issuers purchased by the Fund will typically be listed on recognized foreign exchanges, but may also be purchased in over-the-counter markets, on U.S. registered exchanges or in the form of sponsored or unsponsored ADRs traded on registered exchanges or NASDAQ, or sponsored or unsponsored EDRs, CDRs or GDRs.
S-3
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in: (i) foreign corporate government fixed income securities of different types and maturities, including mortgage-backed or other asset-backed securities; (ii) fixed income securities rated below investment grade ("junk bonds"); (iii) repurchase or reverse repurchase agreements; (iv) U.S. or non-U.S. cash reserves; (v) money market instruments; (vi) swaps; (vii) options on securities and non-U.S. indexes; (viii) futures contracts, including stock index futures contracts; (ix) options on futures contracts; and (x) equity-linked warrants, in each case to the extent not covered by the Fund's 80% policy. The Fund is permitted to acquire floating and variable rate securities, purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis and invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments. The Fund may also lend its securities to qualified borrowers and invest in shares of other investment companies, including securities issued by passive foreign investment companies. The Fund may invest in futures contracts, forward contracts and options for hedging purposes, including seeking to manage the Fund's currency exposure to foreign securities and mitigate the Fund's overall risk.
There is no restriction on the maturity of any single instrument held by the Fund. Maturities may vary widely depending on SIMC's or a Sub-Adviser's assessment of interest rate trends and other economic and market factors. There is no bottom limit on the ratings of high-yield securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund.
For temporary defensive purposes, when SIMC or a Sub-Adviser determines that market conditions warrant, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in U.S. dollar-denominated fixed income securities or debt obligations and the following domestic and foreign money market instruments: (i) government obligations; (ii) certificates of deposit; (iii) bankers' acceptances; (iv) time deposits; (v) commercial paper; (vi) short-term corporate debt issues and repurchase agreements; and (vii) may hold a portion of its assets in cash. In addition, the Fund may invest in the foregoing instruments and hold cash for liquidity purposes.
Due to its investment strategy, the Fund may buy and sell securities frequently. This may result in higher transaction costs and taxes subject to ordinary income tax rates as opposed to more favorable capital gain rates.
Subject to Section 12 of the 1940 Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder, the Fund may purchase futures contracts or shares of ETFs to gain exposure to a particular portion of the market while awaiting an opportunity to purchase securities or other instruments directly. The particular ETF complexes in which the Fund may invest and additional information about the limitations of such investments are further described under the heading "Exchange-Traded Funds" in the sub-section "Investment Companies" of the "Description of Permitted Investments and Risk Factors" section below.
EMERGING MARKETS EQUITY FUND—The Emerging Markets Equity Fund seeks to provide capital appreciation. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of emerging market issuers. For purposes of this policy, net assets mean net assets plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes. Equity securities include common stocks, preferred stock, warrants, participation notes and depositary receipts of all capitalization ranges. The Fund will invest primarily in equity securities of foreign companies located in emerging market countries. The Fund normally maintains investments in at least six emerging market countries, however, it may invest a substantial amount of its assets in issuers located in a single country or a limited number of countries. Due to the size of its economy relative to other emerging market countries, it is expected that China will generally constitute a significant exposure in the Fund. Emerging market countries are those countries that: (i) are characterized as developing or emerging by any of the World Bank, the United Nations, the International Finance Corporation, or the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; (ii) are included in an emerging markets index by a recognized index provider; or (iii) have similar developing or emerging characteristics as countries classified as emerging market countries pursuant to sub-paragraph (i) and (ii) above, in each case determined at the time of purchase. SIMC and the Sub-Advisers consider emerging market issuers to include: (i) companies the securities of which are principally traded in the capital markets of emerging market countries; (ii) companies that derive at least 50% of their total revenue from either goods produced or services rendered in emerging market countries, regardless of
S-4
where the securities of such companies are principally traded; or (iii) companies that are organized under the laws of, and have a principal office in, an emerging market country.
The Fund uses a multi-manager approach, relying upon a number of Sub-Advisers with differing investment philosophies to manage portions of the Fund's portfolio under the general supervision of SIMC. One or more Sub-Advisers may apply a quantitative investment style, which generally involves a systematic or rules-based approach to selecting investments based on specific measurable factors.
The Fund may invest in swaps based on a single security or an index of securities, futures contracts, forward contracts and options to synthetically obtain exposure to securities or baskets of securities or for hedging purposes, including seeking to manage the Fund's currency exposure to foreign securities and mitigate the Fund's overall risk. Swaps may be used to obtain exposure to different foreign equity markets.
There is no restriction on the maturity of any single instrument held by the Fund. Maturities may vary widely depending on SIMC's or a Sub-Adviser's assessment of interest rate trends and other economic and market factors. There is no bottom limit on the ratings of high-yield securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund.
Due to its investment strategy, the Fund may buy and sell securities frequently. This may result in higher transaction costs and taxes subject to ordinary income tax rates as opposed to more favorable capital gain rates.
For temporary defensive purposes, when SIMC or a Sub-Adviser determines that market conditions warrant, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in U.S. dollar-denominated fixed income securities or debt obligations and the following domestic and foreign money market instruments: (i) government obligations; (ii) certificates of deposit; (iii) bankers' acceptances; (iv) time deposits; (v) commercial paper; (vi) short-term corporate debt issues and repurchase agreements; and (vii) may hold a portion of its assets in cash. In addition, the Fund may invest in the foregoing instruments and hold cash for liquidity purposes.
Subject to Section 12 of the 1940 Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder, the Fund may purchase futures contracts or shares of ETFs to gain exposure to a particular portion of the market while awaiting an opportunity to purchase securities or other instruments directly. The particular ETF complexes in which the Fund may invest and additional information about the limitations of such investments are further described under the heading "Exchange-Traded Funds" in the sub-section "Investment Companies" of the "Description of Permitted Investments and Risk Factors" section below. The Fund may also invest a portion of its assets in securities of companies located in developed foreign countries.
INTERNATIONAL FIXED INCOME FUND—The International Fixed Income Fund seeks to provide capital appreciation and current income. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in fixed income securities. For purposes of this policy, net assets mean net assets plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes. The Fund will invest primarily in investment grade foreign government and corporate fixed income securities, as well as foreign mortgage-backed and/or asset-backed fixed income securities, of issuers located in at least three countries other than the U.S. (including, to a lesser extent, emerging market countries). It is expected that at least 40% of the Fund's assets will be invested in non-U.S. securities.
The Fund will invest primarily in: (i) fixed income securities issued or guaranteed by a foreign government or one of its agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or political subdivisions; (ii) fixed income securities issued or guaranteed by supranational entities; (iii) fixed income securities issued by foreign or multinational corporations; (iv) convertible securities issued by foreign or multinational corporations; (v) fixed income securities issued by foreign banks or bank holding companies; (vi) asset-backed securities; and (vii) mortgage-backed securities. All such investments will be in investment-grade securities denominated in various currencies, including the euro.
The Fund uses a multi-manager approach, relying upon a number of Sub-Advisers with differing investment philosophies to manage portions of the Fund's portfolio under the general supervision of SIMC. In selecting
S-5
investments for the Fund, the Sub-Advisers choose securities issued by corporations and governments located in various countries, looking for opportunities to achieve capital appreciation and gain, as well as current income.
The Fund expects to be fully invested in the primary investments described above, but may invest in: (i) obligations issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities ("U.S. Government securities"); (ii) shares of other investment companies; (iii) swaps; (iv) options; (v) futures; (vi) forward foreign currency contracts; and (vii) equity-linked warrants. The Fund may also purchase and write options to buy or sell futures contracts, purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, engage in short selling and currency transactions and lend its securities to qualified borrowers. The Sub-Advisers may seek to enhance the Fund's return by actively managing the Fund's foreign currency exposure. In managing the Fund's currency exposure, the Sub-Advisers buy and sell currencies (i.e., take long or short positions) using derivatives, principally futures, foreign currency forward contracts and currency swaps. The Fund may take long and short positions in foreign currencies in excess of the value of the Fund's assets denominated in a particular currency or when the Fund does not own assets denominated in that currency. The Fund may also engage in currency transactions in an attempt to take advantage of certain inefficiencies in the currency exchange market, to increase its exposure to a foreign currency or to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one currency to another.
In managing the Fund's currency exposure from foreign securities, the Sub-Advisers may buy and sell currencies for hedging or for speculative purposes. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments. Furthermore, although the Fund will concentrate its investments in relatively developed countries, the Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in investment-grade fixed income securities of issuers in, or denominated in the currencies of, developing countries or are determined by SIMC or a Sub-Adviser to be of comparable quality to such securities at the time of purchase. The Fund may also invest in securities rated below investment grade, bank loans and loan participation notes.
The Fund may also invest in futures contracts, forward contracts and swaps for speculative or hedging purposes. Futures, forwards and swaps are used to synthetically obtain exposure to the securities identified above or baskets of such securities and to manage the Fund's interest rate duration and yield curve exposure.
These derivatives are also used to mitigate the Fund's overall level of risk and/or the Fund's risk to particular types of securities, currencies or market segments. Interest rate swaps are further used to manage the Fund's yield spread sensitivity. When the Fund seeks to take an active long or short position with respect to the likelihood of an event of default of a security or basket of securities, the Fund may use credit default swaps. The Fund may buy credit default swaps in an attempt to manage credit risk where the Fund has credit exposure to an issuer and the Fund may sell credit default swaps to more efficiently gain credit exposure to such security or basket of securities.
There are no restrictions on the Fund's average portfolio maturity or on the maturity of any specific security. Maturities may vary widely depending on SIMC's or a Sub-Adviser's assessment of interest rate trends and other economic and market factors. There may be no bottom limit on the ratings of high-yield securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund.
Due to its investment strategy, the Fund may buy or sell securities frequently. This may result in higher transaction costs and taxes subject to ordinary income tax rates as opposed to more favorable capital gain rates.
The Fund is non-diversified, which means that it may invest in the securities of relatively few issuers. As a result, the Fund may be more susceptible to a single adverse economic or political occurrence affecting one or more of these issuers, and may experience increased volatility due to its investments in those securities.
For temporary defensive purposes, when SIMC or a Sub-Adviser determines that market conditions warrant, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in: (i) U.S. dollar-denominated fixed income securities or debt obligations; (ii) certificates of deposit; (iii) bankers' acceptances; (iv) time deposits; (v) commercial paper; (vi) short-term corporate debt issues and repurchase agreements; and (vii) may hold a portion of its assets in cash. In addition, the Fund may invest in the foregoing instruments and hold cash for liquidity purposes.
S-6
Subject to Section 12 of the 1940 Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder, the Fund may purchase shares of ETFs to gain exposure to a particular portion of the market while awaiting an opportunity to purchase securities or other instruments directly. The particular ETF complexes in which the Fund may invest and additional information about the limitations of such investments are further described under the heading "Exchange-Traded Funds" in the sub-section "Investment Companies" of the "Description of Permitted Investments and Risk Factors" section below.
EMERGING MARKETS DEBT FUND—The investment objective of the Emerging Markets Debt Fund is to maximize total return. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
Under normal circumstances, the Emerging Markets Debt Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in fixed income securities of emerging market issuers. The Fund will invest in debt securities of government, government-related, supranational entities, and corporate issuers in emerging market countries, as well as debt securities of entities organized to restructure the outstanding debt of any such issuers. The Fund may obtain its exposures by investing directly (e.g., in fixed income securities and other instruments) or indirectly/synthetically (e.g., through the use of derivative instruments, principally futures contracts, forward contracts and swaps and structured securities, such as credit-linked and inflation-linked notes). The Fund may invest in swaps based on a single security or an index of securities, including interest rate swaps, credit default swaps, currency swaps and fully-funded total return swaps. Emerging market countries are those countries that: (i) are characterized as developing or emerging by any of the World Bank, the United Nations, the International Finance Corporation, or the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; (ii) are included in an emerging markets index by a recognized index provider; or (iii) have similar developing or emerging characteristics as countries classified as emerging market countries pursuant to sub-paragraph (i) and (ii) above, in each case determined at the time of purchase.
The Fund uses a multi-manager approach, relying upon a number of Sub-Advisers with differing investment philosophies to manage portions of the Fund's portfolio under the general supervision of SIMC. The Sub-Advisers will spread the Fund's holdings across a number of countries and industries to limit its exposure to any single emerging market economy and may not invest more than 25% of its assets in any single country. There are no restrictions on the Fund's average portfolio maturity or on the maturity of any specific security. There is no minimum rating standard for the Fund's securities, and the Fund's securities will generally be in the lower or lowest rating categories (including those below the fourth highest rating category by a NRSRO, commonly referred to as junk bonds).
The Sub-Advisers may seek to enhance the Fund's return by actively managing the Fund's foreign currency exposure. In managing the Fund's currency exposure, the Sub-Advisers buy and sell currencies (i.e., take long or short positions) using derivatives, principally futures, foreign currency forward contracts, options on foreign currencies and currency swaps. The Fund may take long and short positions in foreign currencies in excess of the value of the Fund's assets denominated in a particular currency or when the Fund does not own assets denominated in that currency. The Fund may also engage in currency transactions in an attempt to take advantage of certain inefficiencies in the currency exchange market, to increase its exposure to a foreign currency or to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one currency to another. In managing the Fund's currency exposure from foreign securities, the Sub-Advisers may buy and sell currencies for hedging or for speculative purposes.
The Fund may also invest in futures contracts, forward contracts and swaps for speculative or hedging purposes. Futures contracts, forward contracts and swaps are used to synthetically obtain exposure to the securities identified above or baskets of such securities and to manage the Fund's interest rate duration and yield curve exposure. These derivatives are also used to mitigate the Fund's overall level of risk and/or the Fund's risk to particular types of securities, currencies or market segments. Interest rate swaps are further used to manage the Fund's yield spread sensitivity. When the Fund seeks to take an active long or short position with respect to the likelihood of an event of default of a security or basket of securities, the Fund may use credit default swaps. The Fund may buy credit default swaps in an attempt to manage credit risk where the Fund has credit exposure to an issuer and the Fund may sell credit default swaps to more efficiently gain credit exposure to such security or basket of securities.
S-7
Subject to Section 12 of the 1940 Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder, the Fund may purchase shares of ETFs to gain exposure to a particular portion of the market while awaiting an opportunity to purchase securities or other instruments directly. The particular ETF complexes in which the Fund may invest and additional information about the limitations of such investments are further described under the heading "Exchange-Traded Funds" in the sub-section "Investment Companies" of the "Description of Permitted Investments and Risk Factors" section below.
DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED INVESTMENTS AND RISK FACTORS
The following are descriptions of the permitted investments and investment practices of the Funds, including those discussed in the applicable Prospectuses and the Funds' "Investment Objectives and Policies" section of this SAI and the associated risk factors. A Fund may purchase any of these instruments and/or engage in any of these investment practices if, in the opinion of SIMC or the Sub-Advisers, such investments or investment practices will be advantageous to the Fund. A Fund is free to reduce or eliminate its activity in any of these areas. SIMC or a Sub-Adviser, as applicable, may invest in any of the following instruments or engage in any of the following investment practices unless such investment or activity is inconsistent with or not permitted by a Fund's stated investment policies. There is no assurance that any of these strategies or any other strategies and methods of investment available to a Fund will result in the achievement of the Fund's investment objectives.
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS—ADRs, as well as other "hybrid" forms of ADRs, including EDRs, CDRs and GDRs, are certificates evidencing ownership of shares of a foreign issuer. Depositary receipts may be sponsored or unsponsored. These certificates are issued by depositary banks and generally trade on an established market in the United States or elsewhere. The underlying shares are held in trust by a custodian bank or similar financial institution in the issuer's home country. The depositary bank may not have physical custody of the underlying securities at all times and may charge fees for various services, including forwarding dividends and interest and corporate actions. ADRs are alternatives to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities in their national markets and currencies. However, ADRs continue to be subject to many of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities.
Investments in the securities of foreign issuers may subject a Fund to investment risks that differ in some respects from those related to investments in securities of U.S. issuers. Such risks include future adverse political and economic developments, possible imposition of withholding taxes on income, possible seizure, nationalization or expropriation of foreign deposits, possible establishment of exchange controls or taxation at the source or greater fluctuation in value due to changes in exchange rates. Foreign issuers of securities often engage in business practices different from those of domestic issuers of similar securities, and there may be less information publicly available about foreign issuers. In addition, foreign issuers are, generally, subject to less government supervision and regulation and different accounting treatment than are those in the United States.
Although the two types of depositary receipt facilities (unsponsored and sponsored) are similar, there are differences regarding a holder's rights and obligations and the practices of market participants. A depositary may establish an unsponsored facility without participation by (or acquiescence of) the underlying issuer. Typically, however, the depositary requests a letter of non-objection from the underlying issuer prior to establishing the facility. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all the costs of the facility. The depositary usually charges fees upon the deposit and withdrawal of the underlying securities, the conversion of dividends into U.S. dollars or other currency, the disposition of non-cash distributions and the performance of other services. The depositary of an unsponsored facility frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the underlying issuer or to pass through voting rights to depositary receipt holders with respect to the underlying securities.
Sponsored depositary receipt facilities are created in generally the same manner as unsponsored facilities, except that sponsored depositary receipts are established jointly by a depositary and the underlying issuer through a deposit agreement. The deposit agreement sets out the rights and responsibilities of the underlying issuer, the depositary and the depositary receipt holders. With sponsored facilities, the underlying issuer typically
S-8
bears some of the costs of the depositary receipts (such as dividend payment fees of the depositary), although most sponsored depositary receipt holders may bear costs such as deposit and withdrawal fees. Depositaries of most sponsored depositary receipts agree to distribute notices of shareholder meetings, voting instructions and other shareholder communications and information to the depositary receipt holders at the underlying issuer's request.
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES—Asset-backed securities are securities that are backed primarily by the cash flows of a discrete pool of fixed or revolving receivables or other financial assets that by their terms convert into cash within a finite time period. Asset-backed securities include mortgage-backed securities, but the term is more commonly used to refer to securities supported by non-mortgage assets such as auto loans, motor vehicle leases, student loans, credit card receivables, floorplan receivables, equipment leases and peer-to-peer loans. The assets are removed from any potential bankruptcy estate of an operating company through the true sale of the assets to an issuer that is a special purpose entity, and the issuer obtains a perfected security interest in the assets. Payments of principal of and interest on asset-backed securities rely entirely on the performance of the underlying assets. Asset-backed securities are generally not insured or guaranteed by the related sponsor or any other entity and therefore, if the assets or sources of funds available to the issuer are insufficient to pay those securities, the Funds will incur losses. In addition, asset-backed securities entail prepayment risk that may vary depending on the type of asset, but is generally less than the prepayment risk associated with mortgage-backed securities. Additional risks related to collateralized risk obligations, CLOs and mortgage-backed securities are described below.
Losses may be greater for asset-backed securities that are issued as "pass-through certificates" rather than as debt securities, because those types of certificates only represent a beneficial ownership interest in the related assets and their payment is based primarily on collections actually received. For asset-backed securities as a whole, if a securitization issuer defaults on its payment obligations due to losses or shortfalls on the assets held by the issuer, a sale or liquidation of the assets may not be sufficient to support payments on the securities and the Funds, as securityholders, may suffer a loss.
Recent changes in legislation, together with uncertainty about the nature and timing of regulations that will be promulgated to implement such legislation, has created uncertainty in the credit and other financial markets and other unknown risks. The Dodd-Frank Act, for example, imposes a new regulatory framework on the U.S. financial services industry and the consumer credit markets in general. As a result of the Dodd-Frank Act and similar measures to re-regulate the credit markets and, in particular, the structured finance markets, the manner in which asset-backed securities are issued and structured has been altered and the reporting obligations of the issuers of such securities may be significantly increased or may become costlier. The value or liquidity of any asset-backed securities held or acquired by the Funds may be adversely affected as a result of these changes.
In particular, the implementation of Section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Act (and related regulations) prohibiting certain banking entities from engaging in proprietary trading (the so-called Volcker Rule) and of Section 941 of the Dodd-Frank Act (and related regulations) requiring the "sponsor" of a securitization to retain no less than 5% of the credit risk of the assets collateralizing the asset-backed securities, could have a negative effect on the marketability and liquidity of asset-backed securities (including mortgage-backed securities and CDOs and CLOs), whether in the primary issuance or in secondary trading. It is possible that the risk retention rules may reduce the number of new issuances of private-label mortgage backed securities or the number of collateral managers active in the CDO and CLO markets, which also may result in fewer new issue securities. A contraction or reduced liquidity in the asset-backed, CDO or CLO markets could reduce opportunities for the Funds to sell their securities and might adversely affect the management flexibility of the Funds in relation to the respective portfolios.
In addition to the changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act, the SEC adopted rules in August 2014 that substantially revise "Regulation AB" (the SEC's principal source of rules for asset-backed securities) and other rules governing the offering process, disclosure and reporting for asset-backed securities issued in registered transactions. Among other things, those rules require enhanced disclosure of asset-level information at the time of the securitization and on an ongoing basis. Certain elements of proposed Regulation AB remain
S-9
outstanding, including the proposal that issuers of structured finance products offered privately provide the same initial and ongoing information as would be required if the offering were public. It is not clear when or whether any of the proposed revisions to Regulation AB that remain outstanding will be adopted, how those standards will be implemented, or what effect those standards will have on securitization transactions. The rules may, for example, have the effect of impeding new issuances and reducing the availability of investments for the Funds, or adversely affecting the market value of legacy securities that do not conform with the new rules.
There is a limited secondary market for asset-backed securities. Consequently, it may be difficult for the Funds to sell or realize profits on those securities at favorable times or for favorable prices.
CDO and CLO securities are non-recourse obligations of their issuer payable solely from the related underlying collateral or its proceeds. Therefore, as a holder of CDOs and CLOs, the Funds must rely only on distributions on the underlying collateral or related proceeds for payment. If distributions on the underlying collateral are insufficient to make payments on the CDO or CLO securities, no other assets will be available for payment of the deficiency. As a result, the amount and timing of interest and principal payments in respect of CDO and CLO securities will depend on the performance and characteristics of the related underlying collateral.
Recent legislation, such as the Dodd-Frank Act, together with uncertainty about the nature and timing of regulations that will be promulgated to implement such legislation, may continue to create uncertainty in the credit and other financial markets. Given that all applicable final implementing rules and regulations have not yet been published or are not yet in effect, the potential impact of these actions on CDOs and CLOs owned by the Funds is unknown. If existing transactions are not exempted from the new rules or regulations, compliance with those rules and regulations could impose significant costs on the issuers of CDOs and CLOs and ultimately adversely impact the holders (including the Funds) of those types of securities.
BANK LOANS—Bank loans typically are arranged through private negotiations between a borrower and several financial institutions or a group of lenders which are represented by one or more lenders acting as agent. The agent is often a commercial bank that originates the loan and invites other parties to join the lending syndicate. The agent will be primarily responsible for negotiating the loan agreement and will have responsibility for the documentation and ongoing administration of the loan on behalf of the lenders after completion of the loan transaction. A Fund can invest in a bank loan either as a direct lender or through an assignment or participation.
When a Fund acts as a direct lender, it will have a direct contractual relationship with the borrower and may participate in structuring the loan, may enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement and may have voting, consent and set-off rights under the loan agreement.
Loan assignments are investments in all or a portion of certain bank loans purchased from the lenders or from other third parties. The purchaser of an assignment typically will acquire direct rights against the borrower under the loan. While the purchaser of an assignment typically succeeds to all the rights and obligations of the assigning lender under the loan agreement, because assignments are arranged through private negotiations between potential assignees and assignors, or other third parties whose interests are being assigned, the rights and obligations acquired by a Fund may differ from and be more limited than those held by the assigning lender.
A holder of a loan participation typically has only a contractual right with the seller of the participation and not with the borrower or any other entities interpositioned between the seller of the participation and the borrower. As such, the purchaser of a loan participation assumes the credit risk of the seller of the participation, and any intermediary entities between the seller and the borrower, in addition to the credit risk of the borrower. When a Fund holds a loan participation, it will have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and fees to which it may be entitled only from the seller of the participation and only upon receipt of the seller of such payments from the borrower or from any intermediary parties between the seller and the borrower. Additionally, a Fund will generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement, will have no voting, consent or set-off rights under the loan agreement and may not directly benefit from the collateral supporting the loan although lenders that sell participations generally are required to distribute liquidation proceeds received by them pro rata among the holders of such participations. In the event
S-10
of the bankruptcy or insolvency of the borrower, a loan participation may be subject to certain defenses that can be asserted by the borrower as a result of improper conduct by the seller or intermediary. If the borrower fails to pay principal and interest when due, a Fund may be subject to greater delays, expenses and risks than those that would have been involved if the Fund had purchased a direct obligation of such borrower.
Direct loans, assignments and loan participations may be considered liquid, as determined by SIMC or a Sub-Adviser based on criteria approved by the Board.
SIMC or a Sub-Adviser may from time to time have the opportunity to receive Confidential Information about the borrower, including financial information and related documentation regarding the borrower that is not publicly available. Pursuant to applicable policies and procedures, SIMC or a Sub-Adviser may (but is not required to) seek to avoid receipt of Confidential Information from the borrower so as to avoid possible restrictions on its ability to purchase and sell investments on behalf of a Fund and other clients to which such Confidential Information relates (e.g., publicly traded securities issued by the borrower). In such circumstances, a Fund (and other clients of SIMC or a Sub-Adviser) may be disadvantaged in comparison to other investors, including with respect to the price the Fund pays or receives when it buys or sells a bank loan. Further, SIMC or a Sub-Adviser's abilities to assess the desirability of proposed consents, waivers or amendments with respect to certain bank loans may be compromised if it is not privy to available Confidential Information. SIMC or a Sub-Adviser may also determine to receive such Confidential Information in certain circumstances under its applicable policies and procedures. If SIMC or a Sub-Adviser intentionally or unintentionally comes into possession of Confidential Information, it may be unable, potentially for a substantial period of time, to purchase or sell publicly traded securities to which such Confidential Information relates.
BRADY BONDS—Certain debt obligations, customarily referred to as "Brady Bonds," are created through the exchange of existing commercial bank loans to foreign entities for new obligations in connection with a debt restructuring. Brady Bonds have only been issued since 1989 and, accordingly, do not have a long payment history. In addition, they are issued by governments that may have previously defaulted on the loans being restructured by the Brady Bonds and are thus subject to the risk of default by the issuer. Brady Bonds may be fully or partially collateralized or uncollateralized and issued in various currencies (although most are U.S. dollar-denominated), and they are actively traded in the OTC secondary market.
U.S. dollar-denominated, collateralized Brady Bonds, which may be fixed rate par bonds or floating rate discount bonds, are generally collateralized in-full as to principal due at maturity by U.S. Treasury zero coupon obligations, which have the same maturity as the Brady Bonds. Certain interest payments on these Brady Bonds may be collateralized by cash or securities in an amount that, in the case of fixed rate bonds, is typically equal to between 12 and 18 months of rolling interest payments or, in the case of floating rate bonds, initially is typically equal to between 12 and 18 months rolling interest payments based on the applicable interest rate at that time and is adjusted at regular intervals thereafter with the balance of interest accruals in each case being uncollateralized. Payment of interest and (except in the case of principal collateralized Brady Bonds) principal on Brady Bonds with no or limited collateral depends on the willingness and ability of the foreign government to make payment. In the event of a default on collateralized Brady Bonds for which obligations are accelerated, the collateral for the payment of principal will not be distributed to investors, nor will such obligations be sold and the proceeds distributed. The collateral will be held by the collateral agent to the scheduled maturity of the defaulted Brady Bonds, which will continue to be outstanding, at which time the face amount of the collateral will equal the principal payments that would have then been due on the Brady Bonds in the normal course.
Based upon current market conditions, a Fund would not intend to purchase Brady Bonds that, at the time of investment, are in default as to payment. However, in light of the residual risk of Brady Bonds and, among other factors, the history of default with respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities of countries issuing Brady Bonds, investments in Brady Bonds are to be viewed as speculative. A substantial portion of the Brady Bonds and other sovereign debt securities in which a Fund invests may be acquired at a discount, which involves certain additional considerations.
Sovereign obligors in developing and emerging market countries are among the world's largest debtors to commercial banks, other governments, international financial organizations and other financial institutions.
S-11
These obligors have in the past experienced substantial difficulties in servicing their external debt obligations, which led to defaults on certain obligations and the restructuring of certain indebtedness. Restructuring arrangements have included, among other things, reducing and rescheduling interest and principal payments by negotiating new or amended credit agreements or converting outstanding principal and unpaid interest to Brady Bonds and obtaining new credit to finance interest payments. Holders of certain foreign sovereign debt securities may be requested to participate in the restructuring of such obligations and to extend further loans to their issuers. There can be no assurance that the Brady Bonds and other foreign sovereign debt securities in which a Fund may invest will not be subject to similar restructuring arrangements or to requests for new credit, which may adversely affect the Fund's holdings. Furthermore, certain participants in the secondary market for such debt may be directly involved in negotiating the terms of these arrangements and may therefore have access to information not available to other market participants.
COMMERCIAL PAPER—Commercial paper is the term used to designate unsecured short-term promissory notes issued by corporations and other entities to finance short-term credit needs. Commercial paper is usually sold on a discount basis and has a maturity at the time of issuance generally not exceeding 270 days. The value of commercial paper may be affected by changes in the credit rating or financial condition of the issuing entities. The value of commercial paper will tend to fall when interest rates rise and rise when interest rates fall.
CONSTRUCTION LOANS—In general, construction loans are mortgages on multifamily homes that are insured by the FHA under various federal programs of the National Housing Act of 1934 and its amendments. Several FHA programs have evolved to insure the construction financing and permanent mortgage financing on multifamily residences, nursing homes, elderly residential facilities and health care units. Project loans typically trade in two forms: either as FHA-insured or GNMA insured pass-through securities. In this case, a qualified issuer issues the pass-through securities while holding the underlying mortgage loans as collateral. Regardless of form, all projects are government-guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the FHA insurance fund. The credit backing of all FHA and GNMA projects derives from the FHA insurance fund, so projects issued in either form enjoy the full faith and credit backing of the U.S. Government.
Most project pools consist of one large mortgage loan rather than numerous smaller mortgages, as is typically the case with agency single-family mortgage securities. As such, prepayments on projects are driven by the incentives most mortgagors have to refinance and are very project-specific in nature. However, to qualify for certain government programs, many project securities contain specific prepayment restrictions and penalties.
Under multifamily insurance programs, the government insures the construction financing of projects as well as the permanent mortgage financing on the completed structures. This is unlike the single-family mortgage market, in which the government only insures mortgages on completed homes. Investors purchase new projects by committing to fund construction costs on a monthly basis until the project is built. Upon project completion, an investor's construction loan commitments are converted into a proportionate share of the final permanent project mortgage loan. The construction financing portion of a project trades in the secondary market as an insured CLC. When the project is completed, the investor exchanges all the monthly CLCs for an insured PLC. The PLC is an insured pass-through security backed by the final mortgage on the completed property. As such, PLCs typically have a thirty-five to forty year maturity, depending on the type of final project. There are vastly more PLCs than CLCs in the market, owing to the long economic lives of the project structures. While neither CLCs nor PLCs are as liquid as agency single-family mortgage securities, both are traded on the secondary market and would generally not be considered illiquid. The benefit to owning these securities is a relatively high yield combined with significant prepayment protection, which generally makes these types of securities more attractive when prepayments are expected to be high in the mortgage market. CLCs typically offer a higher yield due to the fact that they are somewhat more administratively burdensome.
CREDIT-LINKED NOTES—Credit-linked notes and similarly structured products typically are issued by a limited purpose trust or other vehicle that, in turn, enters into a credit protection agreement or invests in a derivative instrument or basket of derivative instruments, such as credit default swaps or interest rate swaps, to obtain exposure to certain fixed-income markets or to remain fully invested when more traditional income producing securities are not available. Additional information about derivatives and the risks associated with
S-12
them is provided under "Swaps, Caps, Floors, Collars and Swaptions." Like an investment in a bond, an investment in credit-linked notes represents the right to receive periodic income payments (in the form of distributions) and payment of principal at the end of the term of the security. However, these payments are conditioned on the issuer's receipt of payments from, and the issuer's potential obligations to, the counterparties to certain credit protection agreements or derivative instruments entered into by the issuer of the credit-linked note. For example, the issuer may sell one or more credit default swaps entitling the issuer to receive a stream of payments over the term of the swap agreements provided that no event of default has occurred with respect to the referenced debt obligation upon which the swap is based. If a default occurs, the stream of payments may stop and the issuer would be obligated to pay the counterparty the par (or other agreed upon value) of the referenced debt obligation. An investor holding a credit-linked note generally receives a fixed or floating coupon and the note's par value upon maturity, unless the referenced creditor defaults or declares bankruptcy, in which case the investor receives the amount recovered. In effect, investors holding credit-linked notes receive a higher yield in exchange for assuming the risk of a specified credit event.
CURRENT MARKET CONDITIONS RISK—Current market conditions risk is the risk that a particular investment, or shares of the Funds in general, may fall in value due to current market conditions. As a means to fight inflation, which remains at elevated levels, the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks have raised interest rates and expect to continue to do so, and the Federal Reserve has announced that it intends to reverse previously implemented quantitative easing. U.S. regulators have proposed several changes to market and issuer regulations that could directly impact the Funds, and any regulatory changes could adversely impact the Funds' ability to achieve its investment strategies or make certain investments. Recent and potential future bank failures could result in disruption to the broader banking industry or markets generally and reduce confidence in financial institutions and the economy as a whole, which may also heighten market volatility and reduce liquidity. The ongoing adversarial political climate in the United States, as well as political and diplomatic events both domestic and abroad, have and may continue to have an adverse impact on the U.S. regulatory landscape, markets and investor behavior, which could have a negative impact on the Fund's investments and operations. Other unexpected political, regulatory and diplomatic events within the U.S. and abroad may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy. For example, ongoing armed conflicts between Russia and Ukraine in Europe and among Israel, Hamas and other militant groups in the Middle East, have caused and could continue to cause significant market disruptions and volatility within the markets in Russia, Europe, the Middle East and the United States. The hostilities and sanctions resulting from those hostilities have and could continue to have a significant impact on certain Fund investments as well as Fund performance and liquidity. The economies of the United States and its trading partners, as well as the financial markets generally, may be adversely impacted by trade disputes and other matters. If geopolitical conflicts develop or worsen, economies, markets and individual securities may be adversely affected, and the value of the Funds' assets may go down. The COVID-19 global pandemic, or any future public health crisis, and the ensuing policies enacted by governments and central banks have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets, negatively impacting global growth prospects. While vaccines have been developed, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against emerging future variants of the disease. As this global pandemic illustrated, such events may affect certain geographic regions, countries, sectors and industries more significantly than others. Advancements in technology may also adversely impact markets and the overall performance of the Funds. For instance, the economy may be significantly impacted by the advanced development and increased regulation of artificial intelligence. These events, and any other future events, may adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the Funds' portfolio investments and could result in disruptions in the trading markets.
DEMAND INSTRUMENTS—Certain instruments may entail a demand feature that permits the holder to demand payment of the principal amount of the instrument. Demand instruments may include variable amount master demand notes. Demand instruments with demand notice periods exceeding seven days are considered to be illiquid securities. Additional information about illiquid securities is provided under "Illiquid Securities" below.
DERIVATIVES—In an attempt to reduce systemic and counterparty risks associated with OTC derivative transactions, the Dodd-Frank Act requires that a substantial portion of OTC derivatives be executed in regulated
S-13
markets and submitted for clearing to regulated clearinghouses. The CFTC also requires a substantial portion of derivative transactions that have historically been executed on a bilateral basis in the OTC markets to be executed through a regulated swap execution facility or designated contract market. The SEC is expected to eventually impose a similar requirement with respect to security-based swaps. Such requirements could limit the ability of the Funds to invest or remain invested in derivatives and may make it more difficult and costly for investment funds, including the Funds, to enter into highly tailored or customized transactions. They may also render certain strategies in which a Fund might otherwise engage impossible or so costly that they will no longer be economical to implement.
OTC trades submitted for clearing will be subject to minimum initial and variation margin requirements set by the relevant clearinghouse, as may be adjusted to a higher amount by the Fund's Futures Commission Merchant, as well as possible SEC- or CFTC-mandated margin requirements. With respect to uncleared swaps, swap dealers are required to collect variation margin from a Fund and may be required to collect initial margin from a Fund pursuant to the CFTC's or the Prudential Regulators' uncleared swap margin rules. Both initial and variation margin must be in the form of eligible collateral, and may be composed of cash and/or securities, subject to applicable regulatory haircuts. These rules also mandate that collateral in the form of initial margin be posted to cover potential future exposure attributable to uncleared swap transactions for certain entities, which may include the Funds. In the event a Fund is required to post collateral in the form of initial margin in respect of its uncleared swap transactions, all such collateral will be posted with a third-party custodian pursuant to a triparty custody agreement between the Fund, its dealer counterparty and an unaffiliated custodian.
Although the Dodd-Frank Act requires many OTC derivative transactions previously entered into on a principal-to-principal basis to be submitted for clearing by a regulated clearinghouse, certain of the derivatives that may be traded by a Fund may remain principal-to-principal or OTC contracts between the Fund and third parties. The risk of counterparty non-performance can be significant in the case of these OTC instruments, and "bid-ask" spreads may be unusually wide in these markets. To the extent not mitigated by implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act, if at all, the risks posed by such instruments and techniques, which can be complex, may include: (1) credit risks (the exposure to the possibility of loss resulting from a counterparty's failure to meet its financial obligations), as further discussed below; (2) market risk (adverse movements in the price of a financial asset or commodity); (3) legal risks (the characterization of a transaction or a party's legal capacity to enter into it could render the transaction unenforceable, and the insolvency or bankruptcy of a counterparty could pre-empt otherwise enforceable contract rights); (4) operational risk (inadequate controls, deficient procedures, human error, system failure or fraud); (5) documentation risk (exposure to losses resulting from inadequate documentation); (6) liquidity risk (exposure to losses created by inability to prematurely terminate derivative transactions); (7) systemic risk (the risk that financial difficulties in one institution or a major market disruption will cause uncontrollable financial harm to the financial system); (8) concentration risk (exposure to losses from the concentration of closely related risks such as exposure to a particular industry or exposure linked to a particular entity); and (9) settlement risk (the risk faced when one party to a transaction has performed its obligations under a contract but has not yet received value from its counterparty).
Swap dealers and major swap participants that are registered with the CFTC and with whom a Fund may trade are subject to minimum capital and margin requirements. These requirements may apply irrespective of whether the OTC derivatives in question are traded bilaterally or cleared. OTC derivatives dealers are subject to business conduct standards, disclosure requirements, reporting and recordkeeping requirements, transparency requirements, position limits, limitations on conflicts of interest, and other regulatory burdens. These requirements may increase the overall costs for OTC derivative dealers, which are likely to be passed along, at least partially, to market participants in the form of higher fees or less advantageous dealer marks. The full impact of the Dodd-Frank Act on the Funds remains uncertain, and it is unclear how the OTC derivatives markets will ultimately adapt to this new regulatory regime.
Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act governs a Fund's use of derivative instruments and certain other transactions that create future payment and/or delivery obligations by the Fund. Rule 18f-4 permits a Fund to enter into Derivative Transactions (as defined below) and certain other transactions notwithstanding the restrictions on the issuance of "senior securities" under Section 18 of the 1940 Act. Section 18 of the 1940 Act, among other
S-14
things, prohibits open-end funds, including a Fund, from issuing or selling any "senior security," other than borrowing from a bank (subject to a requirement to maintain 300% "asset coverage"). In connection with the adoption of Rule 18f-4, the SEC eliminated the asset segregation framework arising from prior SEC guidance for covering Derivative Transactions and certain financial instruments.
Under Rule 18f-4, "Derivative Transactions" include the following: (1) any swap, security-based swap (including a contract for differences), futures contract, forward contract, option (excluding purchased options), any combination of the foregoing, or any similar instrument, under which a Fund is or may be required to make any payment or delivery of cash or other assets during the life of the instrument or at maturity or early termination, whether as margin or settlement payment or otherwise; (2) any short sale borrowing; (3) reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions, if a Fund elects to treat these transactions as Derivative Transactions under Rule 18f-4; and (4) when-issued or forward-settling securities (e.g., firm and standby commitments, including to-be-announced ("TBA") commitments, and dollar rolls) and non-standard settlement cycle securities, unless the Fund intends to physically settle the transactions and the transaction will settle within 35 days of its trade date.
Rule 18f-4 requires that a Fund that invests in Derivative Transactions above a specified amount adopt and implement a derivatives risk management program administered by a derivatives risk manager that is appointed by and overseen by the Funds' Board, and comply with an outer limit on Fund leverage risk based on value at risk. A Fund that uses Derivative Transactions in a limited amount are considered "limited derivatives users," as defined in Rule 18f-4, will not be subject to the full requirements of Rule 18f-4, but will have to adopt and implement policies and procedures reasonably designed to manage the Funds' derivatives risk. A Fund will be subject to reporting and recordkeeping requirements regarding its use of Derivative Transactions.
The requirements of Rule 18f-4 may limit a Fund's ability to engage in Derivative Transactions as part of its investment strategies. These requirements may also increase the cost of a Fund's investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect the value of the Fund's investments and/or the performance of the Fund. The rule also may not be effective to limit a Fund's risk of loss. In particular, measurements of VaR rely on historical data and may not accurately measure the degree of risk reflected in a Fund's derivatives or other investments. There may be additional regulation of the use of Derivative Transactions by registered investment companies, which could significantly affect their use. The ultimate impact of the regulations remains unclear. Additional regulation of Derivative Transactions may make them more costly, limit their availability or utility, otherwise adversely affect their performance or disrupt markets.
More information about particular types of derivatives instruments is included below in the sections titled "Forward Foreign Currency Contracts," "Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts," "Options" and "Swaps, Caps, Floors, Collars and Swaptions."
DOLLAR ROLLS—Dollar rolls are transactions in which securities (usually mortgage-backed securities) are sold for delivery in the current month and the seller simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar securities on a specified future date. The difference between the sale price and the purchase price (plus any interest earned on the cash proceeds of the sale) is netted against the interest income foregone on the securities sold to arrive at an implied borrowing rate. Alternatively, the sale and purchase transactions can be executed at the same price, with a Fund being paid a fee as consideration for entering into the commitment to purchase. Dollar rolls may be renewed prior to cash settlement and may initially involve only a firm commitment agreement by a Fund to buy a security. If the broker-dealer to whom a Fund sells the security becomes insolvent, the Fund's right to repurchase the security may be restricted. Other risks involved in entering into dollar rolls include the risk that the value of the security may change adversely over the term of the dollar roll and that the security a Fund is required to repurchase may be worth less than the security that the Fund originally held.
A Fund must comply with Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act with respect to its dollar roll transactions, which are considered Derivative Transactions under the Rule. See "Derivatives" above.
EQUITY-LINKED WARRANTS—Equity-linked warrants provide a way for investors to access markets where entry is difficult and time consuming due to regulation. Typically, a broker issues warrants to an investor and then purchases shares in the local market and issues a call warrant hedged on the underlying holding. If the
S-15
investor exercises his call and closes his position, the shares are sold and the warrant is redeemed with the proceeds.
Each warrant represents one share of the underlying stock. Therefore, the price, performance and liquidity of the warrant are all directly linked to the underlying stock. The warrant can be redeemed for 100% of the value of the underlying stock (less transaction costs). As American-style warrants, they can be exercised at any time. The warrants are U.S. dollar-denominated and priced daily on several international stock exchanges.
There are risks associated with equity-linked warrants. The investor will bear the full counterparty risk to the issuing broker; however, SIMC or a Sub-Adviser may select to mitigate this risk by only purchasing from issuers with high credit ratings. Equity-linked warrants also have a longer settlement period because they go through the same registration process as the underlying shares (about three weeks) and during this time the shares cannot be sold. There is currently no active trading market for equity-linked warrants. Certain issuers of such warrants may be deemed to be "investment companies" as defined in the 1940 Act. As a result, a Fund's investment in such warrants may be limited by certain investment restrictions contained in the 1940 Act.
EQUITY SECURITIES—Equity securities represent ownership interests in a company and include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock and securities convertible into common stock.
In general, investments in equity securities are subject to market risks, which may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities in which a Fund invests will cause the NAV of the Fund to fluctuate. The Funds purchase and sell equity securities in various ways, including through recognized foreign exchanges, registered exchanges in the United States or the OTC market. Equity securities are described in more detail below:
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 represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer that pays dividends at a specified rate and that has precedence over common stock in the payment of dividends. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds take precedence over the claims of those who own preferred and common stock. A Fund may purchase preferred stock of all ratings as well as unrated stock.
Warrants. Warrants are instruments that entitle the holder to buy an equity security at a specific price for a specific period of time. Changes in the value of a warrant do not necessarily correspond to changes in the value of its underlying security. The price of a warrant may be more volatile than the price of its underlying security, and a warrant may offer greater potential for capital appreciation as well as capital loss. Warrants do not entitle a holder to dividends or voting rights with respect to the underlying security and do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuing company. A warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. These factors can make warrants more speculative than other types of investments.
Convertible Securities. Convertible securities are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks or other securities that may be converted or exchanged by the holder or by the issuer into shares of the underlying common stock (or cash or securities of equivalent value) at a stated exchange ratio. A convertible security may also be called for redemption or conversion by the issuer after a particular date and under certain circumstances (including a specified price) established upon issue. If a convertible security held by a Fund is called for redemption or conversion, the Fund could be required to tender it for redemption, convert it into the underlying common stock or sell it to a third party.
Convertible securities generally have less potential for gain or loss than common stocks. Convertible securities generally provide yields that are higher than the underlying common stocks, but generally lower than comparable non-convertible securities. Because of this higher yield, convertible securities generally sell at a price above their "conversion value," which is the current market value of the stock to be received upon conversion. The difference between this conversion value and the price of convertible securities will vary over time depending on changes in the value of the underlying common stocks and interest rates. When the
S-16
underlying common stocks decline in value, convertible securities will tend not to decline to the same extent because of the interest or dividend payments and the repayment of principal at maturity for certain types of convertible securities. However, securities that are convertible other than at the option of the holder generally do not limit the potential for loss to the same extent as securities convertible at the option of the holder. When the underlying common stocks rise in value, the value of convertible securities may also be expected to increase. At the same time, however, the difference between the market value of convertible securities and their conversion value will narrow, which means that the value of convertible securities will generally not increase to the same extent as the value of the underlying common stocks. Because convertible securities may also be interest rate sensitive, their value may increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. Convertible securities are also subject to credit risk and are often lower-quality securities. The Funds that invest in convertible securities may purchase convertible securities of all ratings, as well as unrated securities.
Small and Medium Capitalization Issuers. Investing in equity securities of small and medium capitalization companies often involves greater risk than is customarily associated with investments in larger capitalization companies. This increased risk may be due to the greater business risks of smaller size, limited markets and financial resources, narrow product lines and the frequent lack of depth of management associated with small and medium capitalization companies. The securities of small and medium capitalization companies typically have lower trading volumes than large capitalization companies and consequently are often less liquid. Such securities may also have less market stability and may be subject to more severe, abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of larger, more established companies or the market averages in general.
Initial Public Offerings. Certain Funds may purchase securities of companies that are offered pursuant to an IPO. An IPO is a company's first offering of stock to the public in the primary market, typically to raise additional capital. Like all equity securities, IPO securities are subject to market risk and liquidity risk, but those risks may be heightened for IPO securities. The market value of IPO securities may fluctuate considerably due to factors such as the absence of a prior public market for the security, unseasoned trading of the security, the small number of shares available for trading, limited information about the issuer, and aberrational trading activity and market interest surrounding the IPO. There is also the possibility of losses resulting from the difference between the issue price and potential diminished value of the security once it is traded in the secondary market. In addition, the purchase of IPO securities may involve high transaction costs. Investments in foreign IPOs may be subject to additional risks due to, among other things, political, social and economic developments abroad, currency movements and different legal, regulatory, tax, accounting and audit environment. The Funds' investment in IPO securities may have a significant positive or negative impact on the Funds' performance and may result in significant capital gains.
EUROBONDS—A Eurobond is a fixed income security denominated in U.S. dollars or another currency and sold to investors outside of the country whose currency is used. Eurobonds may be issued by government or corporate issuers and are typically underwritten by banks and brokerage firms from numerous countries. Although Eurobonds typically pay principal and interest in Eurodollars or U.S. dollars held in banks outside of the United States, they may pay principal and interest in other currencies.
EXCHANGE-TRADED PRODUCTS—Certain Funds may directly purchase shares of or interests in ETPs (including ETFs, ETNs and exchange-traded commodity pools). A Fund will only invest in ETPs to the extent consistent with its investment objectives, policies, strategies and limitations.
The risks of owning interests of ETPs generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities or other instruments that the ETP is designed to track. The shares of certain ETPs may trade at a premium or discount to their intrinsic value (i.e., the market value may differ from the NAV of an ETP's shares). For example, supply and demand for shares of an ETF or market disruptions may cause the market price of the ETF to deviate from the value of the ETF's investments, which may be emphasized in less liquid markets. The value of an ETN may also differ from the valuation of its reference market or instrument due to changes in the issuer's credit rating. By investing in an ETP, a Fund indirectly bears the proportionate share of any fees and expenses of the ETP in addition to the fees and expenses that the Fund and its shareholders directly bear in connection with the Fund's operations. Because certain ETPs may have a significant portion of their assets exposed directly or indirectly to commodities or commodity-linked instruments, developments affecting commodities may have a
S-17
disproportionate impact on such ETPs and may subject the ETPs to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities.
ETFs. ETFs are investment companies that are registered under the 1940 Act as open-end funds or unit investment trusts. ETFs are actively traded on national securities exchanges and are generally based on specific domestic and foreign market indexes. An "index-based ETF" seeks to track the performance of an index by holding in its portfolio either the contents of the index or a representative sample of the securities in the index. Because ETFs are based on an underlying basket of stocks or an index, they are subject to the same market fluctuations as these types of securities in volatile market swings.
ETNs. ETNs are generally senior, unsecured, unsubordinated debt securities issued by a sponsor. ETNs are designed to provide investors with a different way to gain exposure to the returns of market benchmarks, particularly those in the natural resource and commodity markets. An ETN's returns are based on the performance of a market index minus fees and expenses. ETNs are not equity investments or investment companies, but they do share some characteristics with those investment vehicles. As with equities, ETNs can be shorted, and as with ETFs and index funds, ETNs are designed to track the total return performance of a benchmark index. Like ETFs, ETNs are traded on an exchange and can be bought and sold on the listed exchange. However, unlike an ETF, an ETN can be held until the ETN's maturity, at which time the issuer will pay a return linked to the performance of the market index to which the ETN is linked minus certain fees. Unlike regular bonds, ETNs do not make periodic interest payments, and principal is not protected. The market value of an ETN is determined by supply and demand, the current performance of the market index to which the ETN is linked and the credit rating of the ETN issuer.
The market value of ETN shares may differ from their NAV. This difference in price may be due to the fact that the supply and demand in the market for ETN shares at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the securities/commodities/instruments underlying the index that the ETN seeks to track. The value of an ETN may also change due to a change in the issuer's credit rating. As a result, there may be times when an ETN share trades at a premium or discount to its NAV.
Certain ETNs may not produce qualifying income for purposes of the Qualifying Income Test (as defined below in the section titled "Taxes"), which must be met in order for a Fund to maintain its status as a RIC under the Code. The Funds intend to monitor such investments to ensure that any non-qualifying income does not exceed permissible limits, but the Funds may not be able to accurately predict the non-qualifying income from these investments (see more information in the "Taxes" section of this SAI).
Exchange-Traded Commodity Pools. Exchange-traded commodity pools are similar to ETFs in some ways, but are not structured as registered investment companies. Shares of exchange-traded commodity pools trade on an exchange and are registered under the 1933 Act. Unlike mutual funds, exchange-traded commodity pools generally will not distribute dividends to shareholders. There is a risk that the changes in the price of an exchange-traded commodity pool's shares on the exchange will not closely track the changes in the price of the underlying commodity or index that the pool is designed to track. This could happen if the price of shares does not correlate closely with the pool's NAV, the changes in the pool's NAV do not correlate closely with the changes in the price of the pool's benchmark, or the changes in the benchmark do not correlate closely with the changes in the cash or spot price of the commodity that the benchmark is designed to track. Exchange-traded commodity pools are often used as a means of investing indirectly in a particular commodity or group of commodities, and there are risks involved in such investments. Commodity prices are inherently volatile, and the market value of a commodity may be influenced by many unpredictable factors which interrelate in complex ways, such that the effect of one factor may offset or enhance the effect of another. Supply and demand for certain commodities tends to be particularly concentrated. Commodity markets are subject to temporary distortions or other disruptions due to various factors, including periodic illiquidity in the markets for certain positions, the participation of speculators, and government regulation and intervention. In addition, U.S. futures exchanges and some foreign exchanges have regulations that limit the amount of fluctuation in some futures contract prices that may occur during a single business day. These and other risks and hazards that are inherent in a commodity or group of commodities may cause the price of that commodity or group of commodities to fluctuate widely, which will, in turn, affect the price of the exchange-traded commodity pool that invests in that commodity
S-18
or group of commodities. The regulation of commodity interest transactions in the United States is a rapidly changing area of law and is subject to ongoing modification by governmental and judicial action. Considerable regulatory attention has been focused on non-traditional investment pools that are publicly distributed in the United States. There is a possibility of future regulatory changes within the United States altering, perhaps to a material extent, the nature of an investment in exchange-traded commodity pools or the ability of an exchange-traded commodity pool to continue to implement its investment strategy. In addition, various national governments outside of the United States have expressed concern regarding the disruptive effects of speculative trading in the commodities markets and the need to regulate the derivatives markets in general. The effect of any future regulatory change on exchange-traded commodity pools is impossible to predict, but could be substantial and adverse.
Exchange-traded commodity pools generally do not produce qualifying income for purposes of the Qualifying Income Test (as defined below in the section titled "Taxes"), which must be met in order for a Fund to maintain its status as a RIC under the Code. The Funds intend to monitor such investments to ensure that any non-qualifying income does not exceed permissible limits, but the Funds may not be able to accurately predict the non-qualifying income from these investments (see more information in the "Taxes" section of this SAI).
FIXED INCOME SECURITIES—Fixed income securities consist primarily of debt obligations issued by governments, corporations, municipalities and other borrowers, but may also include structured securities that provide for participation interests in debt obligations. The market value of the fixed income securities in which a Fund invests will change in response to interest rate changes and other factors. During periods of falling interest rates, the value of outstanding fixed income securities generally rises. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, the value of such securities generally declines. Moreover, while securities with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields, the prices of longer maturity securities are also subject to greater market fluctuations as a result of changes in interest rates. Changes by recognized agencies in the rating of any fixed income security and in the ability of an issuer to make payments of interest and principal also affect the value of these investments. Changes in the value of these securities will not necessarily affect cash income derived from these securities, but will affect a Fund's NAV.
Securities held by a Fund that are guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities guarantee only the payment of principal and interest and do not guarantee the yield or value of the securities or the yield or value of the Fund's shares.
There is a risk that the current interest rate on floating and variable rate instruments may not accurately reflect existing market interest rates.
Additional information regarding fixed income securities is described below:
Duration. Duration is a measure of the expected life of a fixed income security that is used to determine the sensitivity of a security's price to changes in interest rates. For example, if a fixed income security has a five-year duration, it will decrease in value by approximately 5% if interest rates rise 1% and increase in value by approximately 5% if interest rates fall 1%. Fixed income instruments with longer duration typically have higher risk and higher volatility. Longer-term fixed income securities in which a portfolio may invest are more volatile than shorter-term fixed income securities. A portfolio with a longer average portfolio duration is typically more sensitive to changes in interest rates than a portfolio with a shorter average portfolio duration.
Investment Grade Fixed Income Securities. Fixed income securities are considered investment grade if they are rated in one of the four highest rating categories by a NRSRO, or, if not rated, are determined to be of comparable quality by SIMC or a Sub-Adviser, as applicable. See "Appendix A-Description of Ratings" for a description of the bond rating categories of several NRSROs. Ratings of each NRSRO represent its opinion of the safety of principal and interest payments, not the market risk, of bonds and other fixed income securities it undertakes to rate at the time of issuance. Ratings are not absolute standards of quality and may not reflect changes in an issuer's creditworthiness. Securities rated Baa3 or higher by Moody's or BBB- or higher by S&P are considered by those rating agencies to be "investment grade" securities, although securities rated Baa3 or BBB- lack outstanding investment characteristics and have speculative characteristics. Although issuers of
S-19
bonds rated BBB by S&P are considered to have adequate capacity to meet their financial commitments, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and principal for debt in this category than debt in higher-rated categories. In the event a security owned by a Fund is downgraded below investment grade, SIMC or a Sub-Adviser, as applicable, will review the situation and take appropriate action with regard to the security.
Lower-Rated Securities. Lower-rated bonds or non-investment grade bonds are commonly referred to as "junk bonds" or high yield/high-risk securities. Lower-rated securities are defined as securities rated below the fourth highest rating category by an NRSRO. Such obligations are speculative and may be in default.
Fixed income securities are subject to the risk of an issuer's ability to meet principal and interest payments on the obligation (known as "credit risk") and may also be subject to price volatility due to such factors as interest rate sensitivity, market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity (known as "market risk"). Lower-rated or unrated (i.e., high yield) securities are more likely to react to developments affecting market and credit risk than are more highly rated securities, which primarily react to movements in the general level of interest rates. Yields and market values of high yield securities will fluctuate over time, reflecting not only changing interest rates but also the market's perception of credit quality and the outlook for economic growth. When economic conditions appear to be deteriorating, medium- to lower-rated securities may decline in value due to heightened concern over credit quality, regardless of prevailing interest rates.
Investors should carefully consider the relative risks of investing in high yield securities and understand that such securities are not generally meant for short-term investing.
Adverse economic developments can disrupt the market for high yield securities and severely affect the ability of issuers, especially highly leveraged issuers, to service their debt obligations or to repay their obligations upon maturity, which may lead to a higher incidence of default on such securities. In addition, the secondary market for high yield securities may not be as liquid as the secondary market for more highly rated securities. As a result, it may be more difficult for a Fund to sell these securities, or a Fund may only be able to sell the securities at prices lower than if such securities were highly liquid. Furthermore, a Fund may experience difficulty in valuing certain high yield securities at certain times. Under these circumstances, prices realized upon the sale of such lower-rated or unrated securities may be less than the prices used in calculating the Fund's NAV. Prices for high yield securities may also be affected by legislative and regulatory developments.
Lower-rated or unrated fixed income obligations also present risks based on payment expectations. If an issuer calls the obligations for redemption, a Fund may have to replace the security with a lower-yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors. If a Fund experiences unexpected net redemptions, it may be forced to sell its higher-rated securities, resulting in a decline in the overall credit quality of the Fund's investment portfolio and increasing the Fund's exposure to the risks of high yield securities.
A Fund may invest in securities rated as low as "C" by Moody's or "D" by S&P and may invest in unrated securities that are of comparable quality as "junk bonds."
Sensitivity to Interest Rate and Economic Changes. Lower-rated bonds are very sensitive to adverse economic changes and corporate developments. During an economic downturn, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress that would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and interest payment obligations, to meet projected business goals and to obtain additional financing. If the issuer of a bond defaulted on its obligations to pay interest or principal or entered into bankruptcy proceedings, a Fund may incur losses or expenses in seeking recovery of amounts owed to it. In addition, periods of economic uncertainty and change can be expected to result in increased volatility of market prices of high-yield, high-risk bonds and a Fund's NAV.
Payment Expectations. High-yield, high-risk bonds may contain redemption or call provisions. If an issuer exercised these provisions in a declining interest rate market, a Fund would have to replace the security with a lower-yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors. Conversely, a high-yield, high-risk bond's value may decrease in a rising interest rate market, as will the value of a Fund's assets. If a Fund
S-20
experiences significant unexpected net redemptions, it may be forced to sell high-yield, high-risk bonds without regard to their investment merits, thereby decreasing the asset base upon which expenses can be spread and possibly reducing the Fund's rate of return.
Liquidity and Valuation. There may be little trading in the secondary market for particular bonds, which may adversely affect a Fund's ability to value accurately or dispose of such bonds. Adverse publicity and investor perception, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the value and liquidity of high-yield, high-risk bonds, especially in a thin market.
Taxes. A Fund may purchase debt securities (such as zero coupon or pay-in-kind securities) that contain original issue discount. Original issue discount that accretes in a taxable year is treated as earned by a Fund and is therefore subject to the distribution requirements applicable to RICs under Subchapter M of the Code. Because the original issue discount earned by a Fund in a taxable year may not be represented by cash income, the Fund may have to dispose of other securities and use the proceeds to make distributions to shareholders.
FOREIGN SECURITIES AND EMERGING AND FRONTIER MARKETS—Foreign securities are securities issued by non-U.S. issuers. Investments in foreign securities may subject a Fund to investment risks that differ in some respects from those related to investments in securities of U.S. issuers. Such risks include future adverse political and economic developments, possible imposition of withholding taxes on income, possible seizure, nationalization or expropriation of foreign deposits, possible establishment of exchange controls or taxation at the source or greater fluctuations in value due to changes in exchange rates. Foreign issuers of securities often engage in business practices that differ from those of domestic issuers of similar securities, and there may be less information publicly available about foreign issuers. In addition, foreign issuers are, generally, subject to less government supervision and regulation and different accounting treatment than those in the United States. Foreign branches of U.S. banks and foreign banks may be subject to less stringent reserve requirements than those applicable to domestic branches of U.S. banks.
The value of a Fund's investments denominated in foreign currencies will depend on the relative strengths of those currencies and the U.S. dollar, and a Fund may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in the exchange rates or exchange or currency control regulations between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates may also affect the value of dividends and interest earned, gains and losses realized on the sale of securities and net investment income and gains, if any, to be distributed to shareholders by a Fund. Such investments may also entail higher custodial fees and sales commissions than domestic investments.
A Fund's investments in emerging and frontier markets can be considered speculative and therefore may offer higher potential for gains and losses than investments in developed markets. With respect to an emerging market country, there may be a greater potential for nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, political changes, government regulation, social instability or diplomatic developments (including war), which could adversely affect the economies of such countries or investments in such countries. "Frontier market countries" are a subset of emerging market countries with even smaller national economies, so these risks may be magnified further. The economies of emerging and frontier countries are generally heavily dependent upon international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange or currency controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade.
The economies of frontier market countries tend to be less correlated to global economic cycles than the economies of more developed countries and their markets have lower trading volumes and may exhibit greater price volatility and illiquidity. A small number of large investments in these markets may affect these markets to a greater degree than more developed markets. Frontier market countries may also be affected by government activities to a greater degree than more developed countries. For example, the governments of frontier market countries may exercise substantial influence within the private sector or subject investments to government approval, and governments of other countries may impose or negotiate trade barriers, exchange controls, adjustments to relative currency values and other measures that adversely affect a frontier market country. Governments of other countries may also impose sanctions or embargoes on frontier market countries. Although
S-21
all of these risks are generally heightened with respect to frontier market countries, they also apply to emerging market countries.
In addition to the risks of investing in debt securities of emerging and frontier markets, a Fund's investment in government or government-related securities of emerging and frontier market countries and restructured debt instruments in emerging and frontier markets are subject to special risks, including the inability or unwillingness to repay principal and interest, requests to reschedule or restructure outstanding debt and requests to extend additional loan amounts. A Fund may have limited recourse in the event of default on such debt instruments.
Growing tensions, including trade disputes, between the United States and other nations, or among foreign powers, and possible diplomatic, trade or other sanctions could adversely impact the global economy, financial markets and the Funds. The strengthening or weakening of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies may, among other things, adversely affect the Funds' investments denominated in non-U.S. dollar currencies. It is difficult to predict when similar events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets may occur, the effects that such events may have, and the duration of those effects.
Investments in the United Kingdom. On January 31, 2020, the UK officially withdrew from the EU (commonly known as "Brexit"). Following a transition period, the United Kingdom's post-Brexit trade agreement with the European union passed into law in December 2020, became effective on a provisional basis on January 1, 2021, and formally entered into force on May 1, 2021.
The impact of Brexit on the UK, the EU and global markets remains unclear and will depend largely upon the UK's ability to negotiate favorable terms with the EU with respect to trade and market access. Brexit may also impact each of these markets should it lead to the creation of divergent national laws and regulations that produce new legal regimes and unpredictable tax consequences. As a result of the uncertain consequences of Brexit, the economies of the UK and EU as well as the broader global economy could be significantly impacted, which may result in increased volatility and illiquidity, and potentially lower economic growth on markets in the UK, EU and globally that could potentially have an adverse effect on the value of a Fund's investments.
Investments in China. China is an emerging market, and as a result, investments in securities of companies organized and listed in China may be subject to liquidity constraints and significantly higher volatility, from time to time, than investments in securities of more developed markets. China may be subject to considerable government intervention and varying degrees of economic, political and social instability. These factors may result in, among other things, a greater risk of stock market, interest rate, and currency fluctuations, as well as inflation. Accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards in China are different from U.S. standards and, therefore, disclosure of certain material information may not be made, may be less available, or may be less reliable. It may also be difficult or impossible for a Fund to obtain or enforce a judgment in a Chinese court. In addition, periodically there may be restrictions on investments in Chinese companies. For example, Executive Orders have been issued prohibiting U.S. persons from purchasing or investing in publicly-traded securities of certain companies identified by the U.S. government because of their ties to the Chinese military or China's surveillance technology sector. These restrictions have also applied to instruments that are derivative of, or are designed to provide investment exposure to, those companies. The universe of affected securities can change from time to time. As a result of an increase in the number of investors looking to sell such securities, or because of an inability to participate in an investment that the Adviser or a Sub-Adviser otherwise believes is attractive, a Fund may incur losses. Certain investments that are or become designated as prohibited may have less liquidity as a result of such designation and the market price of such prohibited investments may decline, potentially causing losses to a Fund. In addition, the market for securities and other investments of other Chinese-based issuers may also be negatively impacted, resulting in reduced liquidity and price declines.
Investments in the China A-Shares. A Fund may invest in People's Republic of China ("PRC") A-Shares through the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect program or Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect program (collectively, the "Stock Connect") subject to any applicable laws, rules and regulations. The Stock Connect is a securities trading and clearing linked program developed by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited ("HKEx"), the Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited ("HKSCC"), Shanghai Stock Exchange ("SSE"),
S-22
Shenzhen Stock Exchange ("SZSE") and China Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation Limited ("ChinaClear") with the aim of achieving mutual stock market access between PRC and Hong Kong. This program allows foreign investors to trade certain SSE-listed or SZSE-listed PRC A-Shares through their Hong Kong based brokers. All Hong Kong and overseas investors in the Stock Connect will trade and settle SSE or SZSE securities in the offshore Renminbi ("CNH") only. A Fund will be exposed to any fluctuation in the exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and CNH in respect of such investments.
By seeking to invest in the domestic securities markets of the PRC via the Stock Connect a Fund is subject to the following additional risks:
General Risks. The relevant regulations are relatively untested and subject to change which may have potential retrospective effect. There is no certainty as to how they will be applied, which could adversely affect a Fund. The program requires the use of new information technology systems which may be subject to operational risk due to the program's cross-border nature. If the relevant systems fail to function properly, trading in both Hong Kong and PRC markets through the program could be disrupted.
Stock Connect will only operate on days when both the PRC and Hong Kong markets are open for trading and when banks in both markets are open on the corresponding settlement days. There may be occasions when it is a normal trading day for the PRC market but the Stock Connect is not trading. As a result, a Fund may be subject to the risk of price fluctuations in PRC A-Shares when the Fund cannot carry out any PRC A-Shares trading.
Each of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange ("SEHK"), SSE and SZSE reserves the right to suspend trading if necessary for ensuring an orderly and fair market and that risks are managed prudently. In case of a suspension, the Fund's ability to access the PRC market will be adversely affected.
PRC regulations impose restrictions on selling and buying certain Stock Connect securities from time to time. In the event that a Stock Connect security is recalled from the scope of eligible securities for trading via Stock Connect, the ability of the Fund to invest in Stock Connect securities will be adversely affected.
Clearing and Settlement Risk. HKSCC and ChinaClear have established the clearing links and each will become a participant of each other to facilitate clearing and settlement of cross-boundary trades. For cross-boundary trades initiated in a market, the clearing house of that market will on one hand clear and settle with its own clearing participants and on the other hand undertake to fulfill the clearing and settlement obligations of its clearing participants with the counterparty clearing house.
In the event ChinaClear defaults, HKSCC's liabilities under its market contracts with clearing participants may be limited to assisting clearing participants with claims. It is anticipated that HKSCC will act in good faith to seek recovery of the outstanding stocks and monies from ChinaClear through available legal channels or the liquidation of ChinaClear. As ChinaClear does not contribute to the HKSCC guarantee fund, HKSCC will not use the HKSCC guarantee fund to cover any residual loss as a result of closing out any of ChinaClear's positions. HKSCC will in turn distribute the Stock Connect Securities and/or monies recovered to clearing participants on a pro-rata basis. The relevant broker through whom a Fund trades shall in turn distribute Stock Connect securities and/or monies to the extent recovered directly or indirectly from HKSCC. As such, a Fund may not fully recover their losses or their Stock Connect Securities and/or the process of recovery could be delayed.
Legal/Beneficial Ownership. The Stock Connect securities purchased by a Fund will be held by the relevant sub-custodian in accounts in the Hong Kong Central Clearing and Settlement System ("CCASS") maintained by the HKSCC, as central securities depositary in Hong Kong. The HKSCC will be the "nominee holder" of the Funds' Stock Connect Securities traded through Stock Connect. The Stock Connect regulations as promulgated by the China Securities Regulatory Commission ("CSRC") expressly provide that HKSCC acts as nominee holder and that the Hong Kong and overseas investors (such as the Funds) enjoy the rights and interests with respect to the Stock Connect Securities acquired through Stock Connect in accordance with applicable laws. While the distinct concepts of nominee holder and beneficial owner are referred to under such regulations, as well as other laws and regulations in PRC, the application of such rules is untested, and there is no assurance that PRC courts will recognise such concepts, for instance in the liquidation proceedings of PRC companies. Therefore,
S-23
although the Funds' ownership may be ultimately recognised, it may suffer difficulties or delays in enforcing its rights over its Stock Connect securities.
To the extent that HKSCC is deemed to be performing safekeeping functions with respect to assets held through it, it should be noted that a Fund and its custodian will have no legal relationship with HKSCC and no direct legal recourse against HKSCC in the event that the Fund suffers losses resulting from the performance or insolvency of HKSCC. In the event that the Fund suffers losses due to the negligence, or willful default, or insolvency of HKSCC, the Fund may not be able to institute legal proceedings, file any proof of claim in any insolvency proceeding or take any similar action. In the event of the insolvency of HKSCC, the Fund may not have any proprietary interest in the PRC A-Shares traded through the Stock Connect program and may be an unsecured general creditor in respect of any claim the Fund may have in respect of them. Consequently, the value of the Fund's investment in PRC A-Shares and the amount of its income and gains could be adversely affected.
Participation in corporate actions and shareholder meetings. Hong Kong and overseas investors (including the Fund) are holding Stock Connect securities traded via the Stock Connect through their brokers or custodians, and they need to comply with the arrangement and deadline specified by their respective brokers or custodians (i.e. CCASS participants). The time for them to take actions for some types of corporate actions of Stock Connect Securities may be as short as one business day only. Therefore, the Fund may not be able to participate in some corporate actions in a timely manner. According to existing mainland practice, multiple proxies are not available. Therefore, the Fund may not be able to appoint proxies to attend or participate in shareholders' meetings in respect of the Stock Connect securities.
Operational Risk. The HKSCC provides clearing, settlement, nominee functions and other related services in respect of trades executed by Hong Kong market participants. PRC regulations which include certain restrictions on selling and buying will apply to all market participants. In the case of a sale, pre-delivery of shares to the broker is required, increasing counterparty risk. As a result, a Fund may not be able to purchase and/or dispose of holdings of PRC A-Shares in a timely manner.
Quota Limitations. The Stock Connect program is subject to daily quota limitations which may restrict a Fund's ability to invest in PRC A-Shares through the program on a timely basis.
Investor Compensation. A Fund will not benefit from the China Securities Investor Protection Fund in mainland China. The China Securities Investor Protection Fund is established to pay compensation to investors in the event that a securities company in mainland China is subject to compulsory regulatory measures (such as dissolution, closure, bankruptcy, and administrative takeover by the China Securities Regulatory Commission). Because the Fund is carrying out trading of PRC A-Shares through securities brokers in Hong Kong, but not mainland China brokers, it is not protected by the China Securities Investor Protection Fund.
That said, if the Fund suffers losses due to default matters of its securities brokers in Hong Kong in relation to the investment of PRC A-Shares through the Stock Connect program, it would be compensated by Hong Kong's Investor Compensation Fund.
Investments in the China Interbank Bond Market—A Fund may invest in the China Interbank Bond Market (the "CIBM") through the Bond Connect program (the "Bond Connect") subject to any applicable regulatory limits. Bond Connect is a bond trading and settlement linked program developed by the People's Bank of China ("PBOC"), the Hong Kong Monetary Authority ("HKMA"), China Foreign Exchange Trade System & National Interbank Funding Centre ("CFETS"), China Central Depository & Clearing Co., Ltd. ("CCDC"), Shanghai Clearing House ("SHCH"), HKEx and Central Moneymarkets Unit ("CMU"), with the aim of achieving mutual bond market access between the PRC and Hong Kong. For the time being, this program allows eligible Hong Kong and overseas investors to invest in the bonds traded in the CIBM through the northbound trading of Bond Connect (the "Northbound Trade Link") only.
Starting from July 3, 2017, eligible Hong Kong and overseas investors may use their own sources of Renminbi in the PRC offshore market CNH or convert foreign currencies into the Renminbi to invest in CIBM bonds under Bond Connect. A Fund will be exposed to any fluctuation in the exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and
S-24
Renminbi in respect of such investments. Currently, there is no investment quota for the Northbound Trade Link.
By seeking to invest in the CIBM via Bond Connect, a Fund is subject to the following additional risks:
General Risk. Although there is no quota limitation regarding investment via the Bond Connect, a Fund is required to make further filings with the PBOC if it wishes to increase its anticipated investment size or if there is any material change to the filed information. There is no guarantee the PBOC will accept such further filings. In the event any further filings for an increase in the anticipated investment size are not accepted by the PBOC, a Fund's ability to invest in the CIBM will be limited and the performance of the Fund may be unfavourably affected as a result. The PBOC will exercise on-going supervision of the onshore settlement agent and the Fund's trading under the CIBM rules. The PBOC may take relevant administrative actions such as suspension of trading and mandatory exit against the Fund in the event of non- compliance with the CIBM Rules.
Market Risk. A Fund investing in the CIBM is subject to liquidity and volatility risks. Market volatility and potential lack of liquidity due to possible low trading volume of certain bonds in the CIBM may result in prices of certain bonds traded in the CIBM fluctuating significantly. The bid and offer spreads of the prices of such bonds may be large, and the Fund may therefore incur significant trading and realization costs and may even suffer losses when selling such investments.
To the extent that a Fund transacts in the CIBM, the Fund may also be exposed to risks associated with settlement procedures and default of counterparties. The counterparty which has entered into a transaction with the Fund may default in its obligation to settle the transaction by failing to deliver relevant securities or to make payment.
Third Party Agent Risk. Under the Northbound Trading Link, CFETS or other institutions recognized by PBOC (as the registration agents) shall apply for registration with PBOC for the eligible Hong Kong and overseas investors. In addition, CMU (as the offshore custody agent recognized by the HKMA) shall open a nominee account with CCDC/SHCH (as the onshore custody agent) as nominee holder of the CIBM bonds purchased by Hong Kong and overseas investors through Bond Connect.
As the relevant filings, registration with PBOC, and account opening have to be carried out by an onshore settlement agent, offshore custody agent, registration agent or other third parties (as the case may be), a Fund is subject to the risks of default or errors on the part of such third parties.
Operational Risk. Bond Connect provides a relatively new channel for investors from Hong Kong and overseas to access the CIBM directly. It is premised on the functioning of the operational systems of the relevant market participants. Market participants are able to participate in this program subject to meeting certain information technology capability, risk management and other requirements as may be specified by the relevant authorities.
The "connectivity" in Bond Connect requires routing of orders across the border. This requires the development of new information technology systems. There is no assurance that the systems of market participants will function properly or will continue to be adapted to changes and developments in both markets. In the event that the relevant systems fail to function properly, trading in the CIBM through Bond Connect could be disrupted. A Fund's ability to access the CIBM (and hence to pursue its investment strategy) will be adversely affected.
Regulatory Risk. The PBOC Bond Connect rules are departmental regulations having legal effect in the PRC. However, the application of such rules is untested, and there is no assurance that PRC courts will recognize such rules.
Bond Connect is novel in nature and is subject to regulations promulgated by regulatory authorities and implementation rules made by the relevant authorities in the PRC and Hong Kong. Further, new regulations may be promulgated from time to time by the regulators in connection with operations and cross-border legal enforcement in connection with cross-border trades under Bond Connect.
S-25
The regulations are untested so far and there is no certainty as to how they will be applied. Moreover, the current regulations are subject to change which may have potential retrospective effect. In the event that the relevant PRC authorities suspend account opening or trading under the Bond Connect, the ability of the Fund to invest in the CIBM and the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective will be adversely affected. In addition, there can be no assurance that Bond Connect will not be abolished. A Fund which may invest in the CIBM through Bond Connect may be adversely affected as a result of such changes.
Legal/Beneficial Ownership Risk. CIBM bonds will be held by CMU as a nominee holder of the bonds purchased by foreign investors through Bond Connect. The PBOC has made it clear that the ultimate investors are the beneficial owners of the relevant bonds and shall exercise their rights against the bond issuer through CMU as the nominee holder. The PBOC also made various references to Stock Connect and indicated the position is essentially the same. Please refer to the Investments in the China A-Shares section for more information. While the distinct concepts of nominee holder and beneficial owner are referred to under PBOC rules or regulations, as well as other laws and regulations in the PRC, the application of such rules is untested, and there is no assurance that PRC courts will recognize such concepts. Therefore, although the Funds' ownership may be ultimately recognized, it may suffer difficulties or delays in enforcing its rights over CIMB bonds.
Tax within the PRC. Uncertainties in the PRC tax rules governing taxation of income and gains from investments in PRC securities could result in unexpected tax liabilities for a Fund. A Fund's investments in securities, including A-Shares and CIBM bonds, issued by PRC companies may cause the Fund to become subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by the PRC.
If a Fund were considered to be a tax resident enterprise of the PRC, it would be subject to PRC corporate income tax at the rate of 25% on its worldwide taxable income. If a Fund were considered to be a non-tax resident enterprise with a "permanent establishment" in the PRC, it would be subject to PRC corporate income tax on the profits attributable to the permanent establishment. SIMC and the Funds' Sub-Advisers intend to operate the Funds in a manner that will prevent them from being treated as tax resident enterprises of the PRC and from having a permanent establishment in the PRC. It is possible, however, that the PRC could disagree with that conclusion, or that changes in PRC tax law could affect the PRC corporate income tax status of a Fund.
Unless reduced or exempted by the applicable tax treaties, the PRC generally imposes withholding income tax at the rate of 10% on dividends, premiums, interest and capital gains originating in the PRC and paid to a company that is not a resident of the PRC for tax purposes and that has no permanent establishment in China.
SIMC or the Funds' Sub-Advisers or a Fund may also potentially be subject to PRC value added tax at the rate of 6% on capital gains derived from trading of A-Shares, CIBM bonds and interest income (if any). Existing guidance provides a temporary value added tax exemption for Hong Kong and overseas investors in respect of their gains derived from the trading of Chinese securities through Stock Connect and Bond Connect. In addition, urban maintenance and construction tax (currently at rates ranging from 1% to 7%), educational surcharge (currently at the rate of 3%) and local educational surcharge (currently at the rate of 2%) (collectively, the "surtaxes") are imposed based on value added tax liabilities, so if SIMC or the Funds' Sub-Advisers or a Fund were liable for value added tax it would also be required to pay the applicable surtaxes.
Taxation of A-Shares. The Ministry of Finance of the PRC, the State Administration of Taxation of the PRC and the CSRC (collectively, the "PRC Authorities") issued the "Notice on the Pilot Program of Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect" Caishui [2014] No.81 ("Notice 81"), on October 31, 2014, which states that the capital gain from disposal of A-Shares by foreign investors enterprises via the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect program will be temporarily exempt from withholding income tax. Notice 81 also states that the dividends derived from A-Shares by foreign investors enterprises are subject to 10% withholding income tax.
The PRC Authorities issued the "Notice on the Pilot Program of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect" Caishui [2016] No.127 ("Notice 127") on November 5, 2016, which states that the capital gain from disposal of A-Shares by foreign investors enterprises via the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect program will be temporarily exempt from withholding income tax. In addition, Caishu [2016] 127, which took effect on December 5, 2016, clarifies the corporate income tax policy of China with respect to investments through the
S-26
Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect. Notice 127 also states that the dividends derived from A-Shares by foreign investors enterprises are subject to 10% withholding income tax.
Because there is no indication how long the temporary exemption will remain in effect, the Funds may be subject to such withholding tax in future. If in the future China begins applying tax rules regarding the taxation of income from A-Shares investment through the Stock Connect, and/or begins collecting capital gains taxes on such investments, a Fund could be subject to withholding tax liability if the Fund determines that such liability cannot be reduced or eliminated by applicable tax treaties. The negative impact of any such tax liability on a Fund's return could be substantial.
SIMC or the Funds' Sub-Advisers or a Fund may also potentially be subject to PRC value added tax at the rate of 6% on capital gains derived from trading of A-Shares and interest income (if any). Existing guidance provides a temporary value added tax exemption for Hong Kong and overseas investors in respect of their gains derived from the trading of Chinese securities through Stock Connect. Because there is no indication how long the temporary exemption will remain in effect, the Funds may be subject to such value added tax in the future. In addition, surtaxes are imposed based on value added tax liabilities, so if SIMC or the Funds' Sub-Advisers or a Fund were liable for value added tax it would also be required to pay the applicable surtaxes.
Stamp duty under the PRC laws generally applies to the execution and receipt of taxable documents, which includes contracts for the sale of China A-shares traded on stock exchanges in China. In the case of such contracts, the stamp duty is currently imposed on the seller but not on the purchaser, at the rate of 0.1%. According to the announcement jointly issued by the Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation of the PRC, starting from August 28, 2023, the stamp duty on securities transactions are reduced by half. The sale or other transfer by the adviser of China A-shares will accordingly be subject to PRC stamp duty, but the Fund will not be subject to PRC stamp duty when it acquires China A-shares.
The PRC rules for taxation of Stock Connect are evolving, and the tax regulations to be issued by the PRC State Administration of Taxation and/or PRC Ministry of Finance to clarify the subject matter may apply retrospectively, even if such rules are adverse to a Fund and its shareholders.
Taxation of CIBM Bonds. The Ministry of Finance of the PRC and the State Administration of Taxation of the PRC issued Caishui No. 108 on November 7, 2018 ("Notice 108"), which states that foreign institutional investors will be temporarily exempt from the withholding income tax and value added tax on their gains derived from CIBM bond interest. The temporary exemption of withholding tax and value added tax remained in effect until November 6, 2021. According to the Announcement on Continuation of Corporate Income Tax and Value-added Tax Policies for Overseas Institutions Investing in the Domestic Bond Market (Announcement [2021] No. 34), which was jointly made by the Ministry of Finance of the PRC and the State Taxation Administration of the PRC on November 22, 2021, the temporary exemption under Notice 108 will continue during the period from November 7, 2021 to December 31, 2025.
If, in the future, China begins to apply tax rules regarding the taxation of bond interest income derived by foreign investment in CIBM, and/or begins to collect withholding tax and other taxes on such investment, SIMC or the Funds' Sub-Advisers or a Fund could be subject to such withholding tax and value added tax. In addition, surtaxes are imposed based on value added tax liabilities, so if SIMC or the Funds' Sub-Advisers or a Fund were liable for value added tax it would also be required to pay the applicable surtaxes.
The above information is only a general summary of the potential Chinese tax consequences that may be imposed on the Funds and their shareholders either directly or indirectly and should not be taken as a definitive, authoritative or comprehensive statement of the relevant matter. Shareholders should seek their own tax advice on their tax position with regard to their investment in the Funds.
The Chinese government has implemented a number of tax reform policies in recent years. The current tax laws and regulations may be revised or amended in the future. Any revision or amendment in tax laws and regulations may affect the after-taxation profit of Chinese companies and foreign investors in such companies, such as the Funds.
S-27
Investments in Variable Interest Entities ("VIEs"). In seeking exposure to Chinese companies, a Fund may invest in VIE structures. VIE structures can vary, but generally consist of a U.S.-listed company with contractual arrangements, through one or more wholly-owned special purpose vehicles, with a Chinese company that ultimately provides the U.S.-listed company with contractual rights to exercise control over and obtain economic benefits from the Chinese company. Although the U.S.-listed company in a VIE structure has no equity ownership in the underlying Chinese company, the VIE contractual arrangements permit the VIE structure to consolidate its financial statements with those of the underlying Chinese company. The VIE structure enables foreign investors, such as a Fund, to obtain investment exposure similar to that of an equity owner in a Chinese company in situations in which the Chinese government has restricted the non-Chinese ownership of such company. As a result, an investment in a VIE structure subjects a Fund to the risks associated with the underlying Chinese company. In its efforts to monitor, regulate and/or control foreign investment and participation in the ownership and operation of Chinese companies, including in particular those within the technology, telecommunications and education industries, the Chinese government may intervene or seek to control the operations, structure, or ownership of Chinese companies, including VIEs, to the disadvantage of foreign investors, such as a Fund. Intervention by the Chinese government with respect to a VIE could significantly and adversely affect the Chinese company's performance or the enforceability of the company's contractual arrangements with the VIE and thus, the value of a Fund's investment in the VIE. In addition to the risk of government intervention, a Fund's investment in a VIE structure is subject to the risk that the underlying Chinese company (or its officers, directors, or Chinese equity owners) may breach the contractual arrangements with the other entities in the VIE structure, or that Chinese law changes in a way that affects the enforceability of these arrangements, or those contracts are otherwise not enforceable under Chinese law, in which case a Fund may suffer significant losses on its VIE investments with little or no recourse available.
Investments in Russia. Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, significantly amplifying already existing geopolitical tensions. Russia's actions and the resulting responses by the United States and other countries could increase volatility and uncertainty in the financial markets and adversely affect regional and global economies. The United States and other countries have imposed broad-ranging economic sanctions on Russia, certain Russian individuals, banking entities and corporations, and Belarus as a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and may impose sanctions on other countries that provide military or economic support to Russia. The extent and duration of Russia's military actions or future escalation of such hostilities, and the extent and impact of the resulting sanctions (including any retaliatory actions or countermeasures that may be taken by those subject to sanctions, including cyber-attacks) are impossible to predict, but could result in significant market disruptions, including in certain industries or sectors, such as the oil and natural gas markets, and may negatively affect global supply chains, inflation and global growth. These and any related events could have a significant impact on a Fund's performance and the value of the Fund's investments, even though the Fund does not have direct exposure to Russian issuers or issuers in other countries affected by the invasion.
Investments in the Middle East. Armed conflict between Israel and Hamas and other militant groups in the Middle East and related events could cause significant market disruptions and volatility. These events and other similar events could negatively affect a Fund's performance.
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS—A forward foreign currency contract involves a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date or range of future dates (with or without delivery required), which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are generally traded in the interbank market conducted directly between currency traders (usually large, commercial banks) and their customers. A forward foreign currency contract generally has no deposit requirement, and no commissions are charged at any stage for trades.
Forward contracts generally may not be liquidated prior to the stated maturity date, although the parties to a contract may agree to enter into a second offsetting transaction with the same maturity, thereby fixing each party's profit or loss on the two transactions. Nevertheless, each position must still be maintained to maturity unless the parties separately agree on an earlier settlement date. As a result, a party to a forward
S-28
contract must be prepared to perform its obligations under each such contract in full. Parties to a forward contract may also separately agree to extend the contract by "rolling" it over prior to the originally scheduled settlement date. A Fund may use forward contracts for cash equitization purposes, which allows a Fund to invest consistent with its investment strategy while managing daily cash flows, including significant client inflows and outflows.
The Funds may use currency instruments as part of a hedging strategy, as described below.
Transaction Hedging. Transaction hedging is entering into a currency transaction with respect to specific assets or liabilities of a Fund, which will generally arise in connection with the purchase or sale of its portfolio securities or the receipt of income therefrom. A Fund may enter into transaction hedging out of a desire to preserve the U.S. dollar price of a security when it enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency. A Fund may be able to protect itself against possible losses resulting from changes in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies during the period between the date the security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or received by entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale, for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars, of the amount of the foreign currency involved in the underlying security transactions.
Position Hedging. A Fund may sell a non-U.S. currency and purchase U.S. currency to reduce exposure to the non-U.S. currency (called "position hedging"). A Fund may use position hedging when SIMC or a Sub-Adviser reasonably believes that the currency of a particular foreign country may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. dollar. A Fund may enter into a forward foreign currency contract to sell, for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars, the amount of foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of its portfolio securities denominated in such foreign currency. The forward foreign currency contract amount and the value of the portfolio securities involved may not have a perfect correlation because the future value of the securities hedged will change as a consequence of the market between the date the forward contract is entered into and the date it matures.
Cross Hedges. A Fund may also cross-hedge currencies by entering into transactions to purchase or sell one or more currencies that are expected to decline in value relative to other currencies to which the Fund has, or in which the Fund expects to have, portfolio exposure.
Proxy Hedges. Proxy hedging is often used when the currency to which a Fund's portfolio is exposed is difficult to hedge or to hedge against the U.S. dollar. Proxy hedging entails entering into a forward contract to sell a currency whose changes in value are generally considered to be linked to a currency or currencies in which some or all of a Fund's portfolio securities are, or are expected to be denominated, and to buy U.S. dollars. The amount of the contract would not exceed the value of the Fund's securities denominated in linked currencies.
In addition to the hedging transactions described above, the Funds may also engage in currency transactions in an attempt to take advantage of certain inefficiencies in the currency exchange market, to increase their exposure to a foreign currency or to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one currency to another.
Unless consistent with and permitted by its stated investment policies, a Fund will not enter into a transaction to hedge currency exposure to an extent greater, after netting all transactions intended wholly or partially to offset other transactions, than the aggregate market value (at the time of entering into the transaction) of the securities held in its portfolio that are denominated or generally quoted in or currently convertible into such currency, other than with respect to proxy hedging, described above. If consistent with and permitted by its stated investment policies, a Fund may take long and short positions in foreign currencies in excess of the value of the Fund's assets denominated in a particular currency or when the Fund does not own assets denominated in that currency. Certain Funds may engage in currency transactions for hedging purposes as well as to enhance the Fund's returns.
A non-deliverable forward transaction is a transaction that represents an agreement between a Fund and a counterparty (usually a commercial bank) to buy or sell a specified (notional) amount of a particular currency at an agreed-upon foreign exchange rate on an agreed upon future date. The non-deliverable forward transaction position is closed using a fixing rate, as defined by the central bank in the country of the currency being traded,
S-29
that is generally publicly stated within one or two days prior to the settlement date. Unlike other currency transactions, there is no physical delivery of the currency on the settlement of a non-deliverable forward transaction. Rather, a Fund and the counterparty agree to net the settlement by making a payment in U.S. dollars or another fully convertible currency that represents any differential between the foreign exchange rate agreed upon at the inception of the non-deliverable forward agreement and the actual exchange rate on the agreed-upon future date. Thus, the actual gain or loss of a given non-deliverable forward transaction is calculated by multiplying the transaction's notional amount by the difference between the agreed-upon forward exchange rate and the actual exchange rate when the transaction is completed. Although forward foreign currency transactions are exempt from the definition of "swap" under the Commodity Exchange Act, non-deliverable forward transactions are not, and, thus, are subject to the CFTC's regulatory framework applicable to swaps.
The ability to establish and close out positions on currency futures contracts is subject to the maintenance of a liquid market, which may not always be available. An option on a currency provides the purchaser, or "holder," with the right, but not the obligation, to purchase, in the case of a "call" option, or sell, in the case of a "put" option, a stated quantity of the underlying currency at a fixed exchange rate up to a stated expiration date (or, in the case of certain options, on such date). The holder generally pays a nonrefundable fee for the option, referred to as the "premium," but cannot lose more than this amount, plus related transaction costs. Thus, where a Fund is a holder of options contracts, such losses will be limited in absolute amount. In contrast to a forward contract, an option imposes a binding obligation only on the seller, or "writer." If the holder exercises the option, the writer is obligated to complete the transaction in the underlying currency. An option generally becomes worthless to the holder when it expires. In addition, in the context of an exchange-traded option, the writer is often required to deposit initial margin and may be required to increase the margin on deposit if the market moves against the writer's position. Options on currencies may be purchased in the OTC market between commercial entities dealing directly with each other as principals. In purchasing an OTC currency option, the holder is subject to the risk of default by the writer and, for this reason, purchasers of options on currencies may require writers to post collateral or other forms of performance assurance.
Buyers and sellers of currency futures contracts are subject to the same risks that apply to the use of futures contracts generally, which are described elsewhere in this SAI. Further, settlement of a currency futures contract for the purchase of most currencies must occur at a bank based in the issuing nation, which may subject a Fund to additional risk.
Risks. Currency transactions are subject to risks that are different from those of other portfolio transactions. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate based on factors extrinsic to that country's economy. Although forward foreign currency contracts and currency futures tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, at the same time they may limit any potential gain which might result should the value of such currency increase. Because currency control is of great importance to the issuing governments and influences economic planning and policy, purchase and sales of currency and related instruments can be negatively affected by government exchange controls, blockages, and manipulations or exchange restrictions imposed by governments. These can result in losses to a Fund if it is unable to deliver or receive currency or funds in the settlement of obligations and could also cause hedges it has entered into to be rendered useless, resulting in full currency exposure as well as incurring transaction costs. Buyers and sellers of currency futures are subject to the same risks that apply to the use of futures generally. Further, settlement of a currency futures contract for the purchase of most currencies must occur at a bank based in the issuing nation. The ability to establish and close out positions on currency futures contracts is subject to the maintenance of a liquid market, which may not always be available.
The Funds may take active positions in currencies, which involve different techniques and risk analyses than the Funds' purchase of securities. Active investment in currencies may subject the Funds to additional risks, and the value of the Funds' investments may fluctuate in response to broader macroeconomic risks than if the Funds invested only in fixed income securities. The Funds may take long and short positions in foreign currencies in excess of the value of the Funds' assets denominated in a particular currency or when the Funds do not own assets denominated in that currency. If a Fund enters into currency transactions when it does not
S-30
own assets denominated in that currency, the Fund's volatility may increase and losses on such transactions will not be offset by increases in the value of the Fund's assets.
Currency hedging involves some of the same risks and considerations as other transactions with similar instruments. Currency transactions can result in losses to a Fund if the currency being hedged fluctuates in value to a degree in a direction that is not anticipated. Furthermore, there is a risk that the perceived linkage between various currencies may not be present or may not be present during the particular time that a Fund is engaging in proxy hedging. Suitable hedging transactions may not be available in all circumstances. Hedging transactions may also eliminate any chance for a Fund to benefit from favorable fluctuations in relevant foreign currencies.
Risks associated with entering into forward foreign currency contracts include the possibility that the market for forward foreign currency contracts may be limited with respect to certain currencies and, upon a contract's maturity, the inability of a Fund to negotiate with the dealer to enter into an offsetting transaction. As mentioned above, forward foreign currency contracts may be closed out only by the parties entering into an offsetting contract. This creates settlement risk in forward foreign currency contracts, which is the risk of loss when one party to the forward foreign currency contract delivers the currency it sold but does not receive the corresponding amount of the currency it bought. Settlement risk arises in deliverable forward foreign currency contracts where the parties have not arranged to use a mechanism for payment-versus-payment settlement, such as an escrow arrangement. In addition, the correlation between movements in the prices of those contracts and movements in the price of the currency hedged or used for cover will not be perfect. There is no assurance an active forward foreign currency contract market will always exist. These factors will restrict a Fund's ability to hedge against the risk of devaluation of currencies in which the Fund holds a substantial quantity of securities and are unrelated to the qualitative rating that may be assigned to any particular security. In addition, if a currency devaluation is generally anticipated, the Fund may not be able to contract to sell currency at a price above the devaluation level it anticipates. The successful use of forward foreign currency contracts as a hedging technique draws upon special skills and experience with respect to these instruments and usually depends on the ability of SIMC or a Sub-Adviser to forecast interest rate and currency exchange rate movements correctly. Should interest or exchange rates move in an unexpected manner, the Fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of forward foreign currency contracts or may realize losses and thus be in a worse position than if those strategies had not been used. Many forward foreign currency contracts are subject to no daily price fluctuation limits so adverse market movements could continue with respect to those contracts to an unlimited extent over a period of time.
FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS—Futures contracts (also called "futures") provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific security at a specified future time and at a specified price. An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in exchange for a premium, to assume a position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price during the term of the option. An index futures contract is a bilateral agreement pursuant to which two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to a specified dollar amount times the difference between the index value at the close of trading of the contract and the price at which the futures contract is originally struck. No physical delivery of the securities comprising the index is made, and generally contracts are closed out prior to the expiration date of the contract.
A Fund may also invest in Treasury futures, interest rate futures, interest rate swaps, and interest rate swap futures. A Treasury futures contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell Treasury securities at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. The sale of a Treasury futures contract creates an obligation by the Fund to deliver the amount of certain types of Treasury securities called for in the contract at a specified future time for a specified price. A purchase of a Treasury futures contract creates an obligation by the Fund to take delivery of an amount of securities at a specified future time at a specific price. Interest rate futures can be sold as an offset against the effect of expected interest rate increases and purchased as an offset against the effect of expected interest rate declines. Interest rate swaps are an agreement between two parties where one stream of future interest rate payments is exchanged for another based on a specified principal amount. Interest rate swaps often exchange a fixed payment for a floating payment that is linked to a particular interest rate.
S-31
Interest rate swap futures are instruments that provide a way to gain swap exposure and the structure features of a futures contract in a single instrument. Swap futures are futures contracts on interest rate swaps that enable purchasers to cash settle at a future date at the price determined by the benchmark rate at the end of a fixed period.
A Fund will reduce the risk that it will be unable to close out a futures contract by only entering into futures contracts that are traded on national futures exchanges regulated by the CFTC (generally, futures must be traded on such exchanges). Subject to their permitted investment strategies, certain Funds may use futures contracts and related options for either hedging purposes or risk management purposes, or to gain exposure to currencies, as well as to enhance the Fund's returns. Instances in which a Fund may use futures contracts and related options for risk management purposes include: (i) attempting to offset changes in the value of securities held or expected to be acquired or be disposed of; (ii) attempting to minimize fluctuations in foreign currencies; (iii) attempting to gain exposure to a particular market, index or instrument; or (iv) other risk management purposes. A Fund may use futures contracts for cash equitization purposes, which allows a Fund to invest consistent with its investment strategy while managing daily cash flows, including significant client inflows and outflows.
There are significant risks associated with a Fund's use of futures contracts and options on futures contracts, including: (i) the success of a hedging strategy may depend on SIMC or a Sub-Adviser's ability to predict movements in the prices of individual securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (ii) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the securities held by a Fund and the prices of futures and options on futures; (iii) there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract or option; (iv) trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; and (v) government regulations or exchange requirements may restrict trading in futures contracts and options on futures contracts. In addition, some strategies reduce a Fund's exposure to price fluctuations, while others tend to increase its market exposure.
HIGH YIELD FOREIGN SOVEREIGN DEBT SECURITIES—Investing in fixed and floating rate high yield foreign sovereign debt securities will expose a Fund to the direct or indirect consequences of political, social or economic changes in the countries that issue the securities. The ability of a foreign sovereign obligor to make timely payments on its external debt obligations will also be strongly influenced by the obligor's balance of payments, including export performance, its access to international credits and investments, fluctuations in interest rates and the extent of its foreign reserves. Countries such as those in which a Fund may invest have historically experienced, and may continue to experience, high rates of inflation, high interest rates, exchange rate or trade difficulties and extreme poverty and unemployment. Many of these countries are also characterized by political uncertainty or instability. Additional factors that may influence the ability or willingness to service debt include, but are not limited to, a country's cash flow situation, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of its debt service burden to the economy as a whole and its government's policy towards the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other international agencies. A country whose exports are concentrated in a few commodities or whose economy depends on certain strategic imports could be vulnerable to fluctuations in international prices of these commodities or imports. To the extent that a country receives payment for its exports in currencies other than U.S. dollars, its ability to make debt payments denominated in U.S. dollars could be adversely affected. If a foreign sovereign obligor cannot generate sufficient earnings from foreign trade to service its external debt, it may need to depend on continuing loans and aid from foreign governments, commercial banks and multilateral organizations and inflows of foreign investment. The commitment on the part of these foreign governments, multilateral organizations and others to make such disbursements may be conditioned on the government's implementation of economic reforms and/or economic performance and the timely service of its obligations. Failure to implement such reforms, achieve such levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of such third parties' commitments to lend funds, which may further impair the obligor's ability or willingness to timely service its debts.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES—Illiquid securities are investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment.
S-32
If, subsequent to purchase, a security held by a Fund becomes illiquid, the Fund may continue to hold the security. Because of their illiquid nature, illiquid securities must be priced at fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to procedures approved by the Board. Despite such good faith efforts to determine fair value prices, a Fund's illiquid securities are subject to the risk that the security's fair value price may differ from the actual price that the Fund may ultimately realize upon its sale or disposition. Difficulty in selling illiquid securities may result in a loss or may be costly to a Fund. Under the supervision of the Board, SIMC or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, determines the liquidity of a Fund's investments. In determining the liquidity of a Fund's investments, SIMC or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, may consider various factors, including: (i) the frequency and volume of trades and quotations; (ii) the number of dealers and prospective purchasers in the marketplace; (iii) dealer undertakings to make a market; and (iv) the nature of the security and the market in which it trades (including any demand, put or tender features, the mechanics and other requirements for transfer, any letters of credit or other credit enhancement features, any ratings, the number of holders, the method of soliciting offers, the time required to dispose of the security, and the ability to assign or offset the rights and obligations of the security).
INSURANCE FUNDING AGREEMENTS—An IFA is normally a general obligation of the issuing insurance company and not a separate account. The purchase price paid for an IFA becomes part of the general assets of the insurance company, and the obligation is repaid from the company's general assets. Generally, IFAs are not assignable or transferable without the permission of the issuing insurance company, and an active secondary market in IFAs may not exist. Therefore, IFAs will be subject to the Fund's limitation on investment in illiquid securities when the Fund may not demand payment of the principal amount within seven days and a reliable trading market is absent. Additional information about illiquid securities is provided under "Illiquid Securities."
INTERFUND LENDING AND BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS—The SEC has granted an exemption that permits the Funds to participate in the Program with the SEI Funds. The Program allows the SEI Funds to lend money to and borrow money from each other for temporary or emergency purposes. Participation in the Program is voluntary for both borrowing and lending funds. Interfund loans may be made only when the rate of interest to be charged is more favorable to the lending fund than the Repo Rate and more favorable to the borrowing fund than the Bank Loan Rate. The Bank Loan Rate will be determined using a formula approved by the SEI Funds' Board of Trustees. The interest rate imposed on interfund loans is the average of the Repo Rate and the Bank Loan Rate.
All interfund loans and borrowings must comply with the conditions set forth in the exemption, which are designed to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all participating funds. Each Fund's participation in the Program must be consistent with its investment policies and limitations and is subject to certain percentage limitations. SIMC administers the Program according to procedures approved by the SEI Funds' Board of Trustees. In addition, the Program is subject to oversight and periodic review by the SEI Funds' Board of Trustees.
INVESTMENT COMPANIES—Securities of other investment companies, including shares of closed-end investment companies, unit investment trusts, open-end investment companies and REITs, represent interests in professionally managed portfolios that may invest in various types of instruments. Investing in other investment companies involves substantially the same risks as investing directly in the underlying instruments, but may involve additional expenses at the investment company-level, such as portfolio management fees and operating expenses. When a Fund invests in an affiliated or unaffiliated investment company, it will bear a pro rata portion of the investment company's expenses in addition to directly bearing the expenses associated with its own operations. Certain types of investment companies, such as closed-end investment companies, issue a fixed number of shares that trade on a stock exchange or over-the-counter at a premium or a discount to their NAV. Others are continuously offered at NAV, but may also be traded in the secondary market at a premium or discount to their NAV.
Because of restrictions on direct investment by U.S. entities in certain countries, investment in other investment companies may be the most practical or the only manner in which an international and global fund can invest in the securities markets of those countries. A Fund also may be subject to adverse tax consequences to the extent it invests in the stock of a foreign issuer that constitutes a "passive foreign investment company."
S-33
Generally, federal securities laws limit the extent to which investment companies can invest in securities of other investment companies, subject to certain statutory, regulatory and other exceptions. For example an investment company is generally prohibited under Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act from acquiring the securities of another investment company if, as a result of such acquisition: (i) the acquiring investment company would own more than 3% of the total voting stock of the other company; (ii) securities issued by any one investment company represent more than 5% of the acquiring investment company's total assets; or (iii) securities (other than treasury stock) issued by all investment companies represent more than 10% of the total assets of the acquiring investment company, subject to certain statutory, regulatory or other exceptions. Pursuant to Rule 12d1-1 under the 1940 Act and the conditions set forth therein, a Fund may invest in one or more affiliated or unaffiliated investment companies that operate in compliance with Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act, in excess of the limits of Section 12(d)(1)(A). A Fund may invest in investment companies managed by SIMC or the Fund's Sub-Adviser to the extent permitted by any rule or regulation of the SEC or any order or interpretation thereunder. A Fund may invest in such Rule 2a-7 compliant investment companies for cash management purposes, including as discussed in the "Securities Lending" section below, and to serve as collateral for derivatives positions.
In addition, Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act permits an investment company to invest in other investment companies beyond the statutory limits of Section 12(d)(1)(A), subject to certain conditions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an investment company that is an acquired fund of a registered investment company in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act, generally will not be permitted to invest in shares of other investment companies beyond the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1)(A), other than in the limited circumstances set forth in Rule 12d1-4.
Exchange-Traded Funds. ETFs are investment companies that are registered under the 1940 Act as open-end funds or unit investment trusts. ETFs are actively traded on national securities exchanges and are generally based on specific domestic and foreign market indexes. An index-based ETF seeks to track the performance of an index by holding in its portfolio either the contents of the index or a representative sample of the securities in the index. Because ETFs are based on an underlying basket of stocks or an index, they are subject to the same market fluctuations as these types of securities in volatile market swings.
Leveraged ETFs contain all of the risks that non-leveraged ETFs present. Additionally, to the extent a Fund invests in ETFs that achieve leveraged exposure to their underlying indexes through the use of derivative instruments, the Fund will indirectly be subject to leverage risk and other risks associated with derivatives and will be subject to Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act. The more these ETFs invest in derivative instruments that give rise to leverage, the more this leverage will magnify any losses on those investments. Because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of an ETF's portfolio securities or other investments, leverage will cause the value of an ETF's shares to be more volatile than if the ETF did not use leverage. A leveraged ETF will engage in transactions and purchase instruments that give rise to forms of leverage, including, among others, the use of reverse repurchase agreements and other borrowings, the investment of collateral from loans of portfolio securities, the use of when issued, delayed-delivery or forward commitment transactions or short sales. Certain types of leveraging transactions, such as short sales that are not "against the box," could theoretically be subject to unlimited losses in cases where a leveraged ETF, for any reason, is unable to close out the transaction. In addition, to the extent a leveraged ETF borrows money, interest costs on such borrowed money may not be recovered by any appreciation of the securities purchased with the borrowed funds and could exceed the ETF's investment income, resulting in greater losses. Such ETFs often "reset" daily, meaning that they are designed to achieve their stated objectives on a daily basis. Due to the effect of compounding, their performance over longer periods of time can differ significantly from the performance (or inverse of the performance) of their underlying index or benchmark during the same period of time, which may be enhanced during the periods of increased market volatility. Consequently, leveraged ETFs may not be suitable as long-term investments.
Leveraged inverse ETFs contain all of the risks that regular ETFs present. Additionally, to the extent a Fund invests in ETFs that seek to provide investment results that match a negative multiple of the performance of an underlying index, the Fund will indirectly be subject to the risk that the performance of such ETF will fall as the
S-34
performance of that ETF's benchmark rises-a result that is the opposite from traditional mutual funds. Leveraged inverse ETFs contain all of the risks that regular ETFs present, but also pose all of the risks associated with other leveraged ETFs as well as other inverse ETFs. These investment vehicles may be extremely volatile and can potentially expose an investing Fund to theoretically unlimited losses.
An investment company may invest in ETFs in excess of the limitations prescribed by Section 12(d)(1)(A), provided that such investment company otherwise complies with certain conditions imposed through Rule 12d1-4. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an investment company that is an acquired fund of a registered investment company in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act, generally will not be permitted to invest in shares of other investment companies beyond the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1)(A), other than in the limited circumstances set forth in Rule 12d1-4. Neither the ETFs nor their investment advisers make any representations regarding the advisability of investing in the ETFs.
Certain ETFs that in general do not register as investment companies under the 1940 Act may not produce qualifying income for purposes of the "Qualifying Income Test" or the shares of such ETFs may not be considered "securities" for purposes of the "Asset Test" (as defined below under the heading "Taxes"), which must be met in order for a Fund to maintain its status as a RIC under the Code. If one or more ETFs generate more non-qualifying income for purposes of the Qualifying Income Test or if a Fund is not considered to be holding sufficient amounts of "securities" than SIMC or the Funds' Sub-Advisers expect, it could cause a Fund to inadvertently fail the Qualifying Income Test or Asset Test, thereby causing the Fund to inadvertently fail to qualify as a RIC under the Code, unless certain relief provisions (described in more detail under the heading "Taxes") are available to the Fund.
LIBOR REPLACEMENT—LIBOR was intended to represent the rate at which contributing banks may obtain short-term borrowings from each other in the London interbank market. Effective June 30, 2023, the regulatory authority that oversees financial services firms and financial markets in the U.K. stopped compelling or inducing banks to submit LIBOR rates. The U.S. Federal Reserve, based on the recommendations of the New York Federal Reserve's Alternative Reference Rate Committee (composed of major derivative market participants and their regulators), has begun publishing a Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR"), a broad measure of secured overnight U.S. Treasury repo rates, to replace U.S. dollar LIBOR. Actions by regulators have resulted in the establishment of alternative reference rates to LIBOR in most major currencies. In response to the discontinuation of LIBOR, investors have added fallback provisions to existing contracts for investments whose value is tied to LIBOR, with most fallback provisions requiring the adoption of SOFR as a replacement rate. On March 15, 2022, the Adjustable Interest Rate Act was signed into law (the "LIBOR Act"), which, in conjunction with regulations adopted by the Federal Reserve Board, establishes SOFR as the default fallback rate for any U.S. contract without a fallback provision. As of July 1, 2023 and continuing through September 30, 2024, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority will publish 1-, 3- and 6-month synthetic U.S. dollar LIBOR settings based on SOFR to serve as a fallback for non-U.S. contracts. The Funds have added provisions for the majority of their contracts to fall back to SOFR following the discontinuation of U.S. dollar LIBOR rates and the remaining contracts will fall back to either SOFR pursuant to the LIBOR Act for U.S. contracts or a synthetic LIBOR rate for non-U.S. contracts. However, there is no assurance that the composition or characteristics of SOFR or any such alternative reference rate will be similar to or produce the same value or economic equivalence as LIBOR or that it will have the same volume or liquidity as did LIBOR prior to its discontinuance or unavailability. This, in turn, may affect the value or liquidity or return on certain Fund investments, result in costs incurred in connection with closing out positions and entering into new trades and reduce the effectiveness of related fund transactions such as hedges. These risks may also apply with respect to potential changes in connection with other interbank offering rates (e.g., Euribor) and other indexes, rates and values that may be used as "benchmarks" and are the subject of recent regulatory reform. Questions around liquidity impacted by these rates, and how to appropriately adjust these rates at the time of transition, remain a concern for the Funds.
LOAN PARTICIPATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS—Loan participations are interests in loans to corporations or governments that are administered by the lending bank or agent for a syndicate of lending banks and sold by the lending bank, financial institution or syndicate member (so-called "intermediary bank"). In a loan participation, the borrower will be deemed to be the issuer of the participation interest, except to the extent
S-35
that a Fund derives its rights from the intermediary bank. Because the intermediary bank does not guarantee a loan participation in any way, a loan participation is subject to the credit risks generally associated with the underlying borrower. In the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of the borrower, a loan participation may be subject to certain defenses that can be asserted by such borrower as a result of improper conduct by the intermediary bank. In addition, in the event the underlying borrower fails to pay principal and interest when due, a Fund may be subject to delays, expenses and risks that are greater than those that would have been involved if the Fund had purchased a direct obligation of such borrower. Under the terms of a loan participation, a Fund may be regarded as a creditor of the intermediary bank (rather than of the underlying borrower), so that the Fund may also be subject to the risk that the intermediary bank may become insolvent.
Loan assignments are investments in assignments of all or a portion of certain loans from third parties. When a Fund purchases assignments from lenders, it will acquire direct rights against the borrower on the loan. Because assignments are arranged through private negotiations between potential assignees and assignors, however, the rights and obligations acquired by the Fund may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the assigning lender. Loan participations and assignments may be considered liquid, as determined by SIMC or the Funds' Sub-Advisers based on criteria approved by the Board.
MiFID II—MiFID II took effect in Member States of the EU on January 3, 2018. MiFID II forms the legal framework governing the requirements applicable to EU investment firms and trading venues and third-country firms providing investment services or activities in the EU. The extent to which MiFID II will have an indirect impact on markets and market participants outside the EU is unclear and yet to fully play out in practice. It will likely impact pricing, liquidity and transparency in most asset classes and certainly impact the research market.
MiFID II prohibits an EU authorized investment firm from receiving investment research unless it is paid for directly by the firm out of its own resources or from a separate research payment account regulated under MiFID II and funded either by a specific periodic research charge to the client or by a research charge that is not collected from the client separately but instead alongside a transaction commission. Specifically, MiFID II will have practical ramifications outside the EU in certain areas such as payment for equity research and fixed income, currency and commodities research. For example, US asset managers acting under the delegated authority of an EU-based asset manager and US asset managers that are part of a global asset management group with one or more EU affiliates may, in practice, have to restructure the way they procure, value and pay for research under US laws and regulations to more closely align with the requirements under MiFID II. Absent appropriate relief or guidance from US regulators, certain aspects of the research payment regime under MiFID II may be incompatible with US law and regulation. Accordingly, it is difficult to predict the full impact of MiFID II on the Funds and the Adviser and Sub-Advisers, but it could include an increase in the overall costs of entering into investments. Shareholders should be aware that the regulatory changes arising from MiFID II may affect each Fund's ability to adhere to its investment approach and achieve its investment objective.
EU research providers that are MiFID II firms will be obliged to price their research services separately from their execution services. It is uncertain whether these changes will lead to an overall increase in the price of research and/or lead to reduced access to research for the Adviser and Sub-Advisers. While the exact impact of MiFID II and the related Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation on certain Funds and the Adviser and Sub-Advisers remain unclear and will take time to quantify, the impact on them and on the EU financial markets may be material.
MONEY MARKET SECURITIES—Money market securities include: (i) short-term U.S. Government securities; (ii) custodial receipts evidencing separately traded interest and principal components of securities issued by the U.S. Treasury; (iii) commercial paper determined by SIMC or a Sub-Adviser to be of the highest short-term credit quality at the time of purchase; (iv) short-term bank obligations (certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers' acceptances) of U.S. commercial banks with assets of at least $1 billion as of the end of their most recent fiscal year; and (v) repurchase agreements involving such securities. For a description of ratings, see Appendix A to this SAI.
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES—Mortgage-backed securities are a class of asset-backed securities representing an interest in a pool or pools of whole mortgage loans (which may be residential mortgage loans
S-36
or commercial mortgage loans). Mortgage-backed securities held or acquired by the Funds could include (i) obligations guaranteed by federal agencies of the U.S. Government, such as GNMA, which are backed by the "full faith and credit" of the United States, (ii) securities issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which are not backed by the "full faith and credit" of the United States but are guaranteed by the U.S. Government as to timely payment of principal and interest, (iii) securities (commonly referred to as "private-label RMBS") issued by private issuers that represent an interest in or are collateralized by whole residential mortgage loans without a government guarantee and (iv) CMBS, which are multi-class or pass-through securities backed by a mortgage loan or a pool of mortgage loans secured by commercial property such as industrial and warehouse properties, office buildings, retail space and shopping malls, multifamily properties and cooperative apartments. Because private-label RMBS and CMBS are not issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, those securities generally are structured with one or more types of credit enhancement. There can be no assurance, however, that credit enhancements will support full payment to the Funds of the principal and interest on such obligations. In addition, changes in the credit quality of the entity that provides credit enhancement could cause losses to the Funds and affect their share prices.
A Fund may invest in mortgage-backed securities in the form of debt or in the form of "pass-through" certificates. Pass-through certificates, which represent the beneficial ownership interests in the related mortgage loans, differ from debt securities, which generally provide for periodic fixed payments of interest on and principal of the related notes. Mortgage pass-through securities provide for monthly payments that are a "pass-through" of the monthly interest and principal payments (including any prepayments) made by the individual borrowers on the pooled mortgage loans, net of any fees and expenses owed to the servicers of the mortgage loans and other transaction parties that receive payment from collections on the mortgage loans.
The performance of mortgage loans and, in turn, the mortgage-backed securities acquired by a Fund, is influenced by a wide variety of economic, geographic, social and other factors, including general economic conditions, the level of prevailing interest rates, the unemployment rate, the availability of alternative financing and homeowner behavior. Beginning in late 2006, delinquencies, defaults and foreclosures on residential and commercial mortgage loans increased significantly, and they may again increase in the future. In addition, beginning in late 2006, numerous originators and servicers of residential mortgage loans experienced serious financial difficulties and, in many cases, went out of business or were liquidated in bankruptcy proceedings. Those difficulties resulted, in part, from declining markets for their mortgage loans as well as from claims for repurchases of mortgage loans previously sold under provisions that require repurchase in the event of early payment defaults or for breaches of representations and warranties regarding loan characteristics.
Since mid-2007, the residential mortgage market has been subject to extensive litigation and legislative and regulatory scrutiny. The result has been extensive reform legislation and regulations including with respect to loan underwriting, mortgage loan servicing, foreclosure practices and timing, loan modifications, enhanced disclosure and reporting obligations and risk retention. Numerous laws, regulations and rules related to residential mortgage loans generally, and foreclosure actions particularly, have been proposed or enacted by federal, state and local governmental authorities, which may result in delays in the foreclosure process, reduced payments by borrowers, modification of the original terms of mortgage loans, permanent forgiveness of debt, increased prepayments due to the availability of government-sponsored refinancing initiatives and/or increased reimbursable servicing expenses. Any of these factors could result in delays and reductions in distributions to residential mortgage-backed securities and may reduce the amount of investment proceeds to which a Fund would be entitled.
The conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the current uncertainty regarding the future status of these organizations may also adversely affect the mortgage market and the value of mortgage-related assets. It remains unclear to what extent the ability of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to act as the primary sources of liquidity in the residential mortgage markets, both by purchasing mortgage loans for their own portfolios and by guaranteeing mortgage-backed securities, may be curtailed. Legislators have repeatedly unveiled various plans to reduce and reform the role of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the mortgage market and, possibly, wind down both institutions. Although it is unclear whether, and if so how, those plans may be implemented or how long any such wind-down or reform of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, if implemented, would take, a reduction in
S-37
the ability of mortgage loan originators to access Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to sell their mortgage loans may adversely affect the financial condition of mortgage loan originators. In addition, any decline in the value of agency securities may affect the value of residential mortgage-backed securities as a whole.
Since March 13, 2020, there have been a number of government initiatives applicable to federally backed mortgage loans in response to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak, including foreclosure and eviction moratoria, mortgage forbearance and loan modifications for borrowers and renters experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19.
Although the effects of COVID-19 have decreased on a relative basis, it is difficult to predict how the government initiatives relating to COVID-19 may affect the federally backed mortgage market, the U.S. mortgage market as a whole and the price of securities relating to the mortgage markets, and in turn, the Funds' investments. However, high forbearance rates create a real possibility of billions of dollars of loan servicers' obligations to advance payment to investors in securities backed by mortgages in the absence of borrower payments on the underlying loans. Accordingly, the Funds cannot predict with certainty the extent to which these or similar initiatives in the future may adversely impact the value of the Funds' investments in securities issued by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac and in investments in securities in the U.S. mortgage industry as a whole.
The rate and aggregate amount of distributions on mortgage-backed securities, and therefore the average lives of those securities and the yields realized by a Fund, will be sensitive to the rate of prepayments (including liquidations) and modifications of the related mortgage loans, any losses and shortfalls on the related mortgage loans allocable to the tranches held by a Fund and the manner in which principal payments on the related mortgage loans are allocated among the various tranches in the particular securitization transaction. Furthermore, mortgage-backed securities are sensitive to changes in interest rates, but may respond to those changes differently from other fixed income securities due to the possibility of prepayment of the mortgage loans. Among other factors, a significant amount of defaults, rapid prepayments or prepayment interest shortfalls may erode amounts available for distributions to a Fund. The timing of changes in the rate of prepayments of the mortgage loans may significantly affect the Funds' actual yield to maturity, even if the average rate of principal payments is consistent with a Fund's expectations. If prepayments of mortgage loans occur at a rate faster than that anticipated by a Fund, payments of interest on the mortgage-backed securities could be significantly less than anticipated. Similarly, if the number of mortgage loans that are modified is larger than that anticipated by a Fund, payments of principal and interest on the mortgage-backed securities could be significantly less than anticipated.
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations. CMOs are securities collateralized by mortgages, mortgage pass-throughs, mortgage pay-through bonds (bonds representing an interest in a pool of mortgages where the cash flow generated from the mortgage collateral pool is dedicated to bond repayment) and mortgage-backed bonds (general obligations of the issuers payable out of the issuers' general funds and additionally secured by a first lien on a pool of single family detached properties). To the extent a Fund invests in CMOs, the Fund typically will seek to invest in CMOs rated in one of the two highest categories by S&P or Moody's. Many CMOs are issued with a number of classes or series that have different expected maturities. Investors purchasing such CMOs are credited with their portion of the scheduled payments of interest and principal on the underlying mortgages plus all unscheduled prepayments of principal based on a predetermined priority schedule. Accordingly, the CMOs in the longer maturity series are less likely than other mortgage pass-through securities to be prepaid prior to their stated maturity. Although some of the mortgages underlying CMOs may be supported by various types of insurance and some CMOs may be backed by GNMA certificates or other mortgage pass-through securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies or instrumentalities, the CMOs themselves are not generally guaranteed.
Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits. REMICs are private entities formed for the purpose of holding a fixed pool of mortgages secured by interests in real property. REMIC Certificates issued by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac represent beneficial ownership interests in a REMIC trust consisting principally of mortgage loans or Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or GNMA-guaranteed mortgage pass-through certificates. For Freddie Mac REMIC Certificates, Freddie Mac guarantees the timely payment of interest. GNMA REMIC Certificates are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.
S-38
Parallel Pay Securities; Planned Amortization Class CMOs. Parallel pay CMOs and REMICs are structured to provide payments of principal on each payment date to more than one class. These simultaneous payments are taken into account in calculating the stated maturity date or final distribution date of each class, which must be retired by its stated maturity date or final distribution date but may be retired earlier. PAC Bonds generally require payments of a specified amount of principal on each payment date. PAC Bonds are always parallel pay CMOs, with the required principal payment on such securities having the highest priority after interest has been paid to all classes.
Adjustable Rate Mortgage Securities. ARMS are a form of pass-through security representing interests in pools of mortgage loans whose interest rates are adjusted from time to time. The adjustments are usually determined in accordance with a predetermined interest rate index and may be subject to certain limits. Although the value of ARMS, like other debt securities, generally varies inversely with changes in market interest rates (increasing in value during periods of declining interest rates and decreasing in value during periods of increasing interest rates), the value of ARMS should generally be more resistant to price swings than other debt securities because the interest rates of ARMS move with market interest rates. The adjustable rate feature of ARMS will not, however, eliminate fluctuations in the prices of ARMS, particularly during periods of extreme fluctuations in interest rates. Also, because many adjustable rate mortgages only reset on an annual basis, it can be expected that the prices of ARMS will fluctuate to the extent that changes in prevailing interest rates are not immediately reflected in the interest rates payable on the underlying adjustable rate mortgages.
Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities. Stripped mortgage-backed securities are securities that are created when a U.S. Government agency or a financial institution separates the interest and principal components of a mortgage-backed security and sells them as individual securities. The holder of the PO receives the principal payments made by the underlying mortgage-backed security, while the holder of the IO receives interest payments from the same underlying security. The prices of stripped mortgage-backed securities may be particularly affected by changes in interest rates. As interest rates fall, prepayment rates tend to increase, which tends to reduce prices of IOs and increase prices of POs. Rising interest rates can have the opposite effect.
Pfandbriefe. A Pfandbriefe is a fixed-term, fixed-rate bond issued by a German mortgage bank or a public-sector bank to finance secured real estate loans or public sector loans. Although Pfandbriefe are collateralized securities, the issuer assumes all of the prepayment risk.
Estimated Average Life. Due to the possibility of prepayments of the underlying mortgage instruments, mortgage-backed securities generally do not have a known maturity. In the absence of a known maturity, market participants generally refer to an "average life estimate." An average life estimate is a function of an assumption regarding anticipated prepayment patterns and is based upon current interest rates, current conditions in the relevant housing markets and other factors. The assumption is necessarily subjective, and thus different market participants can produce different average life estimates with regard to the same security. There can be no assurance that the estimated average life will be a security's actual average life.
MORTGAGE DOLLAR ROLLS—Mortgage dollar rolls, or "covered rolls," are transactions in which a Fund sells securities (usually mortgage-backed securities) and simultaneously contracts to repurchase, typically in 30 or 60 days, substantially similar, but not identical, securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, a Fund forgoes principal and interest paid on such securities. A Fund is compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the "drop"), as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale. At the end of the roll commitment period, a Fund may or may not take delivery of the securities it has contracted to purchase. Mortgage dollar rolls may be renewed prior to cash settlement and initially may involve only a firm commitment agreement by the Fund to buy a security. A "covered roll" is a specific type of mortgage dollar roll for which there is an offsetting cash position or cash equivalent securities position that matures on or before the forward settlement date of the mortgage dollar roll transaction. As used herein, the term "mortgage dollar roll" refers to mortgage dollar rolls that are not "covered rolls." If the broker-dealer to whom a Fund sells the security becomes insolvent, the Fund's right to repurchase the security may be restricted. Other risks involved in entering into mortgage dollar rolls
S-39
include the risk that the value of the security may change adversely over the term of the mortgage dollar roll and that the security a Fund is required to repurchase may be worth less than the security that the Fund originally held.
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES—Municipal securities consist of: (i) debt obligations issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to be used for various public facilities, refunding outstanding obligations, general operating expenses and lending such funds to other public institutions and facilities, and (ii) certain private activity and industrial development bonds issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to provide for the construction, equipment, repair or improvement of privately operated facilities. Additional information regarding municipal securities is described below:
Municipal Bonds. Municipal bonds are debt obligations issued to obtain funds for various public purposes. Municipal bonds include general obligation bonds, revenue or special obligation bonds, private activity and industrial development bonds, moral obligation bonds and participation interests in municipal bonds. General obligation bonds are backed by the taxing power of the issuing municipality. Revenue bonds are backed by the revenues of a project or facility, such as tolls from a toll bridge. Certificates of participation represent an interest in an underlying obligation or commitment, such as an obligation issued in connection with a leasing arrangement. The payment of principal and interest on private activity and industrial development bonds is generally dependent solely on the ability of the facility's user to meet its financial obligations and the pledge, if any, of real and personal property so financed as security for such payment. A Fund may purchase private activity or industrial development bonds if, in the opinion of counsel for the issuers, the interest paid is exempt from federal income tax. Municipal bonds are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to raise money to finance various privately-owned or operated facilities for business and manufacturing, housing, sports and pollution control. These bonds are also used to finance public facilities such as airports, mass transit systems, ports, parking, sewage or solid waste disposal facilities and certain other facilities. The payment of the principal and interest on such bonds is dependent solely on the ability of the facility's user to meet its financial obligations and the pledge, if any, of real and personal property so financed as security for such payment. Moral obligation bonds are normally issued by special purpose authorities. Moral obligation bonds are not backed by the full faith and credit of the state, but are generally backed by the agreement of the issuing authority to request appropriations from the state legislative body.
Municipal Leases. Municipal leases are instruments, or participations in instruments, issued in connection with lease obligations or installment purchase contract obligations of municipalities (so-called "municipal lease obligations"). Although municipal lease obligations do not constitute general obligations of the issuing municipality, a lease obligation may be backed by the municipality's covenant to budget for, appropriate funds for and make the payments due under the lease obligation. However, certain lease obligations contain "non-appropriation" clauses, which provide that the municipality has no obligation to make lease or installment purchase payments in future years unless money is appropriated for such purpose in the relevant years. Municipal lease obligations are a form of financing, and the market for such obligations is still developing. Municipal leases will be treated as liquid only if they satisfy criteria set forth in guidelines established by the Board, and there can be no assurance that a market will exist or continue to exist for any municipal lease obligation. Information regarding illiquid securities is provided under the section "Illiquid Securities" above.
Municipal Notes. Municipal notes consist of general obligation notes, tax anticipation notes (notes sold to finance working capital needs of the issuer in anticipation of receiving taxes on a future date), revenue anticipation notes (notes sold to provide needed cash prior to receipt of expected non-tax revenues from a specific source), bond anticipation notes, tax and revenue anticipation notes, certificates of indebtedness, demand notes and construction loan notes. The maturities of the instruments at the time of issue will generally range from three months to one year.
SIMC and/or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, may rely on the opinion of the issuer's counsel, which is rendered at the time the security is issued, to determine whether the security is fit, with respect to its validity and tax status, to be purchased by a Fund. SIMC, the Sub-Advisers and the Funds do not guarantee this opinion is correct, and there is no assurance that the IRS will agree with such counsel's opinion.
S-40
NON-DIVERSIFICATION—As indicated in the Investment Limitations section, certain Funds are non-diversified investment companies as defined in the 1940 Act, which means that a relatively high percentage of such Fund's assets may be invested in the obligations of a limited number of issuers. The value of shares of each such Fund may be more susceptible to any single economic, political or regulatory occurrence than the shares of a diversified investment company would be. Each of these Funds intends to satisfy the diversification requirements necessary to qualify as a RIC under the Code, as described more fully in the "Taxes" section of this SAI.
OBLIGATIONS OF DOMESTIC BANKS, FOREIGN BANKS AND FOREIGN BRANCHES OF U.S. BANKS—Investments in bank obligations include obligations of domestic branches of foreign banks and foreign branches of domestic banks. Such investments in domestic branches of foreign banks and foreign branches of domestic banks may involve risks that are different from investments in securities of domestic branches of U.S. banks. These risks may include future unfavorable political and economic developments, possible withholding taxes on interest income, seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits, currency controls, interest limitations, or other governmental restrictions that might affect the payment of principal or interest on the securities held by a Fund. Additionally, these institutions may be subject to less stringent reserve requirements and to different accounting, auditing, reporting and recordkeeping requirements than those applicable to domestic branches of U.S. banks. Bank obligations include the following:
Bankers' Acceptances. Bankers' acceptances are bills of exchange or time drafts drawn on and accepted by a commercial bank. Corporations use bankers' acceptances to finance the shipment and storage of goods and to furnish dollar exchange. Maturities are generally six months or less.
Bank Notes. Bank notes are notes used to represent debt obligations issued by banks in large denominations.
Certificates of Deposit. Certificates of deposit are interest-bearing instruments with a specific maturity. They are issued by banks and savings and loan institutions in exchange for the deposit of funds and can normally be traded in the secondary market prior to maturity. Certificates of deposit with penalties for early withdrawal will be considered illiquid. Additional information about illiquid securities is provided under the section "Illiquid Securities" above.
Time Deposits. Time deposits are non-negotiable receipts issued by a bank in exchange for the deposit of funds. Like a certificate of deposit, a time deposit earns a specified rate of interest over a definite period of time; however, it cannot be traded in the secondary market. Time deposits with a withdrawal penalty or that mature in more than seven days are considered to be illiquid. Additional information about illiquid securities is provided under the section "Illiquid Securities" above.
OBLIGATIONS OF SUPRANATIONAL ENTITIES—Supranational entities are entities established through the joint participation of several governments, including the Asian Development Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the European Economic Community, the European Investment Bank and the Nordic Investment Bank. The governmental members, or "stockholders," usually make initial capital contributions to the supranational entity and, in many cases, are committed to make additional capital contributions if the supranational entity is unable to repay its borrowings. There is no guarantee that one or more stockholders of a supranational entity will continue to make any necessary additional capital contributions. If such contributions are not made, the entity may be unable to pay interest or repay principal on its debt securities, and a Fund may lose money on such investments.
OPTIONS—A Fund may purchase and write put and call options on indexes and enter into related closing transactions. A put option on a security gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell, and the writer of the option the obligation to buy, the underlying security at any time during the option period, or for certain types of options, at the conclusion of the option period or only at certain times during the option period. A call option on a security gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer of the option the obligation to sell, the underlying security at any time during the option period, or for certain types of options, at the conclusion of the option period or only at certain times during the option period. The premium paid to the writer is the consideration for undertaking the obligations under the option contract.
S-41
A Fund may purchase and write put and call options on foreign currencies (traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges or OTC markets) to manage its exposure to exchange rates.
Put and call options on indexes are similar to options on securities except that options on an index give the holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the underlying index is greater than (or less than, in the case of puts) the exercise price of the option. This amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the index and the exercise price of the option, expressed in dollars multiplied by a specified number. Thus, unlike options on individual securities, all settlements are in cash, and gain or loss depends on price movements in the particular market represented by the index generally rather than the price movements in individual securities. Options on indexes may, depending on circumstances, involve greater risk than options on securities. Because stock index options are settled in cash, when a Fund writes a call on an index it may not be able to provide in advance for its potential settlement obligations by acquiring and holding the underlying securities.
Each Fund may trade put and call options on securities, securities indexes and currencies, as SIMC or a Sub-Adviser determines is appropriate in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective, unless otherwise restricted by the Fund's investment limitations.
The initial purchase (sale) of an option contract is an "opening transaction." In order to close out an option position, a Fund may enter into a "closing transaction," which is simply the sale (purchase) of an option contract on the same security with the same exercise price and expiration date as the option contract originally opened. If a Fund is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to an option it has written, it will not be able to sell the underlying security until the option expires or the Fund delivers the security upon exercise.
A Fund may purchase put and call options on securities for any lawful purpose, including to protect against a decline in the market value of the securities in its portfolio or to anticipate an increase in the market value of securities that the Fund may seek to purchase in the future. A Fund purchasing put and call options pays a premium for such options. If price movements in the underlying securities are such that exercise of the options would not be profitable for the Fund, loss of the premium paid may be offset by an increase in the value of the Fund's securities or by a decrease in the cost of the acquisition of securities by the Fund.
A Fund may write (i.e., sell) "covered" call options on securities for any lawful purpose, including as a means of increasing the yield on its assets and as a means of providing limited protection against decreases in its market value. Certain Funds may engage in a covered call option writing (selling) program in an attempt to generate additional income or provide a partial hedge to another position of the Fund. A call option is "covered" if the Fund either owns the underlying instrument or has an absolute and immediate right (such as a call with the same or a later expiration date) to acquire that instrument. The underlying instruments of such covered call options may consist of individual equity securities, pools of equity securities, ETFs or indexes.
The writing of covered call options is a more conservative investment technique than writing of naked or uncovered options, but capable of enhancing the Fund's total return. When a Fund writes a covered call option, it profits from the premium paid by the buyer but gives up the opportunity to profit from an increase in the value of the underlying security above the exercise price. At the same time, the Fund retains the risk of loss from a decline in the value of the underlying security during the option period. Although the Fund may terminate its obligation by executing a closing purchase transaction, the cost of effecting such a transaction may be greater than the premium received upon its sale, resulting in a loss to the Fund. If such an option expires unexercised, the Fund realizes a gain equal to the premium received. Such a gain may be offset or exceeded by a decline in the market value of the underlying security during the option period. If an option is exercised, the exercise price, the premium received and the market value of the underlying security determine the gain or loss realized by the Fund.
When a Fund writes an option, if the underlying securities do not increase or decrease, as applicable, to a price level that would make the exercise of the option profitable to the holder thereof, the option will generally expire without being exercised and the Fund will realize as profit the premium received for such option. When a call option of which a Fund is the writer is exercised, the Fund will be required to sell the underlying securities to the option holder at the strike price and will not participate in any increase in the price of such securities
S-42
above the strike price. When a put option of which a Fund is the writer is exercised, the Fund will be required to purchase the underlying securities at a price in excess of the market value of such securities.
A Fund may purchase and write options on an exchange or OTC. OTC options differ from exchange-traded options in several respects. They are transacted directly with dealers and not with a clearing corporation or futures commission merchant, and therefore entail the risk of non-performance by the dealer. OTC options are available for a greater variety of securities and for a wider range of expiration dates and exercise prices than are available for exchange-traded options. Because OTC options are not traded on an exchange, pricing is normally done by reference to information from a market maker. It is the SEC's position that OTC options are generally illiquid. The market value of an option generally reflects the market price of an underlying security. Other principal factors affecting market value include supply and demand, interest rates, the pricing volatility of the underlying security and the time remaining until the expiration date.
Risks. Risks associated with options transactions include: (i) the success of a hedging strategy may depend on an ability to predict movements in the prices of individual securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (ii) there may be an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of options and the securities underlying them; (iii) there may not be a liquid secondary market for options; and (iv) though a Fund will receive a premium when it writes covered call options, it may not participate fully in a rise in the market value of the underlying security.
PARTICIPATION NOTES—P-Notes are participation interest notes that are issued by banks or broker-dealers and are designed to offer a return linked to a particular underlying equity, debt, currency or market. When purchasing a P-Note, the posting of margin is not required because the full cost of the P-Note (plus commission) is paid at the time of purchase. When the P-Note matures, the issuer will pay to, or receive from, the purchaser the difference between the minimal value of the underlying instrument at the time of purchase and that instrument's value at maturity. Investments in P-Notes involve the same risks associated with a direct investment in the underlying foreign companies or foreign securities markets that they seek to replicate.
In addition, there can be no assurance that the trading price of P-Notes will equal the underlying value of the foreign companies or foreign securities markets that they seek to replicate. The holder of a P-Note that is linked to a particular underlying security is entitled to receive any dividends paid in connection with an underlying security or instrument. However, the holder of a P-Note does not receive voting rights as it would if it directly owned the underlying security or instrument. P-Notes are generally traded OTC. P-Notes constitute general unsecured contractual obligations of the banks or broker-dealers that issue them and the counterparty. There is also counterparty risk associated with these investments because the Fund is relying on the creditworthiness of such counterparty and has no rights under a P-Note against the issuer of the underlying security. In addition, a Fund will incur transaction costs as a result of investment in P-Notes.
PAY-IN-KIND BONDS—Pay-in-kind bonds are securities that, at the issuer's option, pay interest in either cash or additional securities for a specified period. Pay-in-kind bonds, like zero coupon bonds, are designed to give an issuer flexibility in managing cash flow. Pay-in-kind bonds are expected to reflect the market value of the underlying debt plus an amount representing accrued interest since the last payment.
Pay-in-kind bonds are usually less volatile than zero coupon bonds, but more volatile than cash pay securities.
PRIVATIZATIONS—Privatizations are foreign government programs for selling all or part of the interests in government owned or controlled enterprises. The ability of a U.S. entity to participate in privatizations in certain foreign countries may be limited by local law, or the terms on which a Fund may be permitted to participate may be less advantageous than those applicable for local investors. There can be no assurance that foreign governments will continue to sell their interests in companies currently owned or controlled by them or that privatization programs will be successful.
PUT TRANSACTIONS—A Fund may purchase securities at a price that would result in a yield to maturity lower than generally offered by the seller at the time of purchase when the Fund can simultaneously acquire the right to sell the securities back to the seller, the issuer or a third party (the "writer") at an agreed-upon
S-43
price at any time during a stated period or on a certain date. Such a right is generally denoted as a "standby commitment" or a "put." The purpose of engaging in transactions involving puts is to maintain flexibility and liquidity to permit a Fund to meet redemptions and remain as fully invested as possible in municipal securities. The right to put the securities depends on the writer's ability to pay for the securities at the time the put is exercised. A Fund would limit its put transactions to institutions that SIMC or a Sub-Adviser believes present minimum credit risks, and SIMC or a Sub-Adviser would use its best efforts to initially determine and continue to monitor the financial strength of the sellers of the options by evaluating their financial statements and such other information as is available in the marketplace. It may, however, be difficult to monitor the financial strength of the writers because adequate current financial information may not be available. In the event that any writer is unable to honor a put for financial reasons, a Fund would be a general creditor (i.e., on a parity with all other unsecured creditors) of the writer. Furthermore, particular provisions of the contract between a Fund and the writer may excuse the writer from repurchasing the securities; for example, a change in the published rating of the underlying municipal securities or any similar event that has an adverse effect on the issuer's credit or a provision in the contract that the put will not be exercised except in certain special cases, such as to maintain Fund liquidity. A Fund could, however, at any time sell the underlying portfolio security in the open market or wait until the portfolio security matures, at which time it should realize the full par value of the security.
The securities purchased subject to a put may be sold to third persons at any time, even though the put is outstanding, but the put itself, unless it is an integral part of the security as originally issued, may not be marketable or otherwise assignable. Therefore, the put would have value only to that particular Fund. Sale of the securities to third parties or lapse of time with the put unexercised may terminate the right to put the securities. Prior to the expiration of any put option, a Fund could seek to negotiate terms for the extension of such an option. If such a renewal cannot be negotiated on terms satisfactory to the Fund, the Fund could, of course, sell the portfolio security. The maturity of the underlying security will generally be different from that of the put. For the purpose of determining the "maturity" of securities purchased subject to an option to put, and for the purpose of determining the dollar-weighted average maturity of a Fund including such securities, the Fund will consider "maturity" to be the first date on which it has the right to demand payment from the writer of the put (although the final maturity of the security is later than such date).
QUANTITATIVE INVESTING—A quantitative investment style generally involves the use of computers to implement a systematic or rules-based approach to selecting investments based on specific measurable factors. Due to the significant role technology plays in such strategies, they carry the risk of unintended or unrecognized issues or flaws in the design, coding, implementation or maintenance of the computer programs or technology used in the development and implementation of the quantitative strategy. These issues or flaws, which can be difficult to identify, may result in the implementation of a portfolio that is different from that which was intended, and could negatively impact investment returns. Such risks should be viewed as an inherent element of investing in an investment strategy that relies heavily upon quantitative models and computerization.
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS—REITs are entities that invest primarily in commercial real estate or real estate-related loans. A U.S. REIT is not taxed on income distributed to its shareholders or unitholders if it complies with certain requirements under the Code relating to its organization, ownership, assets and income, as well as with a requirement that it distribute to its shareholders or unitholders at least 90% of its taxable income for each taxable year. Generally, REITs can be classified as Equity REITs, Mortgage REITs and Hybrid REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive their income primarily from rents and capital gains from appreciation realized through property sales. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive their income primarily from interest payments. Hybrid REITs combine the characteristics of both Equity and Mortgage REITs. By investing in REITs indirectly through a Fund, shareholders will bear not only the proportionate share of the expenses of the Fund, but also, indirectly, similar expenses of underlying REITs.
A Fund may be subject to certain risks associated with the direct investments of REITs. REITs may be affected by changes in the value of their underlying properties and by defaults by borrowers or tenants. Mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of the credit extended. Furthermore, REITs are dependent on specialized management skills. Some REITs may have limited diversification and may be subject to risks inherent in financing
S-44
a limited number of properties. REITs generally depend on their ability to generate cash flow to make distributions to shareholders or unitholders and may be subject to defaults by borrowers and to self-liquidations. In addition, a U.S. REIT may be affected by its failure to qualify for tax-free pass-through of income under the Code or its failure to maintain exemption from registration under the 1940 Act.
RECEIPTS—Receipts are interests in separately traded interest and principal component parts of U.S. Government obligations that are issued by banks or brokerage firms and are created by depositing U.S. Government obligations into a special account at a custodian bank. The custodian holds the interest and principal payments for the benefit of the registered owners of the certificates or receipts. The custodian arranges for the issuance of the certificates or receipts evidencing ownership and maintains the register. Receipts include TRs, TIGRs, LYONs and CATS. LYONs, TIGRs and CATS are interests in private proprietary accounts, while TRs and STRIPS (see "U.S. Treasury Obligations" below) are interests in accounts sponsored by the U.S. Treasury. Receipts are sold as zero coupon securities, which means that they are sold at a substantial discount and redeemed at face value at their maturity date without interim cash payments of interest or principal. This discount is accreted over the life of the security, and such accretion will constitute the income earned on the security for both accounting and tax purposes. For tax purposes, original issue discount that accretes in a taxable year is treated as earned by a Fund and therefore is subject to the distribution requirements applicable to RICs under Subchapter M of the Code. Because of these features, such securities may be subject to greater interest rate volatility than interest paying fixed income securities.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS—A repurchase agreement is an agreement in which one party sells securities to another party in return for cash, with an agreement to repurchase equivalent securities at an agreed-upon price and on an agreed-upon future date. A Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with financial institutions. The Funds follow certain procedures designed to minimize the risks inherent in such agreements. These procedures include effecting repurchase transactions only with large, well-capitalized and well-established financial institutions deemed creditworthy by SIMC or a Sub-Adviser. The repurchase agreements entered into by a Fund will provide that the underlying collateral at all times shall have a value at least equal to 102% of the resale price stated in the agreement at all times. SIMC and the applicable Sub-Advisers monitor compliance with this requirement as well as the ongoing financial condition and creditworthiness of the counterparty.
Under all repurchase agreements entered into by a Fund, the Fund's custodian or its agent must take possession of the underlying collateral. In the event of a default or bankruptcy by a selling financial institution, a Fund will seek to liquidate such collateral. However, the exercising of a Fund's right to liquidate such collateral could involve certain costs or delays and, to the extent that proceeds from any sale upon a default of the obligation to repurchase are less than the repurchase price, the Fund could suffer a loss. A Fund may enter into "tri-party" repurchase agreements. In "tri-party" repurchase agreements, an unaffiliated third party custodian maintains accounts to hold collateral for the Fund and its counterparties and, therefore, the Fund may be subject to the credit risk of those custodians. At times, the investments of a Fund in repurchase agreements may be substantial when, in the view of SIMC or the Sub-Adviser(s), liquidity or other considerations so warrant.
RESTRICTED SECURITIES—Restricted securities are securities that may not be sold freely to the public without registration under the 1933 Act or an exemption from registration. Restricted securities, including securities eligible for re-sale under Rule 144A of the 1933 Act, that are determined to be liquid are not subject to a Fund's limitation on investing in illiquid securities. The determination of whether a restricted security is illiquid is to be made by SIMC or a Sub-Adviser pursuant to guidelines adopted by the Board. Under these guidelines, SIMC or a Sub-Adviser will consider the frequency of trades and quotes for the security, the number of dealers in, and potential purchasers for, the security, dealer undertakings to make a market in the security, and the nature of the security and of the marketplace trades. In purchasing such restricted securities, SIMC and each Sub-Adviser intends to purchase securities that are exempt from registration under Rule 144A under the 1933 Act and Section 4(a)(2) commercial paper issued in reliance on an exemption from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the 1933 Act, including, but not limited to, Rules 506(b) or 506(c) under Regulation D.
Private Investments in Public Equity—A Fund may purchase PIPEs, which are equity securities in a private placement that are issued by issuers that have outstanding publicly-traded equity securities of the same class. Shares in PIPEs generally are not publicly registered until after a certain time period from the date the private
S-45
sale is completed, which can last many months. Until the public registration process is completed, PIPEs are restricted as to resale and cannot be freely traded. Generally, such restrictions cause PIPEs to be illiquid during this restricted period. PIPEs may contain provisions that the issuer will pay specified financial penalties to the holder if the issuer does not publicly register the restricted equity securities within a specified period of time, but there is no assurance that the restricted equity securities will be publicly registered or that the registration will remain in effect.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND SALE-BUYBACKS—Reverse repurchase agreements are transactions in which a Fund sells portfolio securities to financial institutions, such as banks and broker-dealers, and agrees to repurchase them at a mutually agreed-upon date and price that is higher than the original sale price. Reverse repurchase agreements are similar to a fully collateralized borrowing by a Fund. Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act permits a Fund to enter into reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions, notwithstanding the limitation on the issuance of senior securities in Section 18 of the 1940 Act. The Rule permits a Fund to elect whether to treat a reverse repurchase agreement as a borrowing, subject to the asset coverage requirements of Section 18 of the Act, or as a Derivative Transactions under Rule 18f-4. The Funds have elected to treat all reverse repurchase agreements as Derivative Transactions. See "Derivatives" above.
Reverse repurchase agreements involve risks. Reverse repurchase agreements are a form of leverage, and the use of reverse repurchase agreements by a Fund may increase the Fund's volatility. Reverse repurchase agreements are also subject to the risk that the other party to the reverse repurchase agreement will be unable or unwilling to complete the transaction as scheduled, which may result in losses to a Fund. Reverse repurchase agreements also involve the risk that the market value of the securities sold by a Fund may decline below the price at which it is obligated to repurchase the securities. In addition, when a Fund invests the proceeds it receives in a reverse repurchase transaction, there is a risk that those investments may decline in value. In this circumstance, the Fund could be required to sell other investments in order to meet its obligations to repurchase the securities.
In a sale-buyback transaction, a Fund sells an underlying security for settlement at a later date. A sale-buyback is similar to a reverse repurchase agreement, except that in a sale-buyback the counterparty who purchases the security is entitled to receive any principal or interest payments made on the underlying security pending settlement of the Fund's repurchase of the underlying security.
RISKS OF CYBER-ATTACKS—As with any entity that conducts business through electronic means in the modern marketplace, the Funds, and their service providers, may be susceptible to operational and information security risks resulting from cyber-attacks. Cyber-attacks include, among other behaviors, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, denial of service attacks on websites, the unauthorized monitoring, release, misuse, loss, destruction or corruption of confidential information, unauthorized access to relevant systems, compromises to networks or devices that the Funds and their service providers use to service the Funds' operations, ransomware, operational disruption or failures in the physical infrastructure or operating systems that support the Funds and their service providers, or various other forms of cyber security breaches. Cyber-attacks affecting a Fund, SIMC or any of the Sub-Advisers, a Fund's distributor, custodian, transfer agent, or any other of a Fund's intermediaries or service providers may adversely impact the Fund and its shareholders, potentially resulting in, among other things, financial losses or the inability of Fund shareholders to transact business. For instance, cyber-attacks may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, impact the Fund's ability to calculate its NAV, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential business information, impede trading, subject the Fund to regulatory fines or financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. The Funds may also incur additional costs for cyber security risk management purposes designed to mitigate or prevent the risk of cyber-attacks. Such costs may be ongoing because threats of cyber-attacks are constantly evolving as cyber attackers become more sophisticated and their techniques become more complex. Similar types of cyber security risks are also present for issuers of securities in which a Fund may invest, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund's investment in such companies to lose value. There can be no assurance that the Funds, the Funds' service providers, or the issuers of the securities in which the Funds invest will not suffer losses relating to cyber-attacks or other information
S-46
security breaches in the future. A Fund may also experience losses due to systems failures or inadequate system back-up or procedures at the brokerage firm(s) carrying the Fund's positions.
SECURITIES LENDING—Each Fund may lend portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial organizations that meet capital and other credit requirements or other criteria established by the Board. These loans, if and when made, may not exceed 331/3% of the total asset value of the Fund (including the loan collateral). No Fund will lend portfolio securities to SIMC nor its Sub-Advisers or their affiliates unless it has applied for and received specific authority to do so from the SEC. Loans of portfolio securities will be fully collateralized by cash, letters of credit or U.S. Government securities, and the collateral will be maintained in an amount equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the loaned securities by marking to market daily, although the borrower will be required to deliver collateral of 102% and 105% of the market value of borrowed securities for domestic and foreign issuers, respectively. Any gain or loss in the market price of the securities loaned that might occur during the term of the loan would be for the account of the Fund.
A Fund may pay a part of the interest earned from the investment of collateral or other fee to an unaffiliated third party for acting as the Fund's securities lending agent.
By lending its securities, a Fund may increase its income by receiving payments from the borrower that reflect the amount of any interest or any dividends payable on the loaned securities, as well as by either investing cash collateral received from the borrower in short-term instruments or obtaining a fee from the borrower when U.S. Government securities or letters of credit are used as collateral. Each Fund will adhere to the following conditions whenever its portfolio securities are loaned: (i) the Fund must receive at least 100% cash collateral or equivalent securities of the type discussed in the preceding paragraph from the borrower; (ii) the borrower must increase such collateral whenever the market value of the securities rises above the level of such collateral; (iii) the Fund must be able to terminate the loan on demand; (iv) the Fund must receive reasonable interest on the loan, as well as any dividends, interest or other distributions on the loaned securities and any increase in market value; (v) the Fund may pay only reasonable fees in connection with the loan (which may include fees payable to the lending agent, the borrower, the administrator and the custodian); and (vi) voting rights on the loaned securities may pass to the borrower, provided, however, that if a material event adversely affecting the investment occurs, the Fund must terminate the loan and regain the right to vote the securities. The Board has adopted procedures reasonably designed to ensure that the foregoing criteria will be met. Loan agreements involve certain risks in the event of default or insolvency of the borrower, including possible delays or restrictions upon the Fund's ability to recover the loaned securities or dispose of the collateral for the loan, which could give rise to loss because of adverse market action, expenses and/or delays in connection with the disposition of the underlying securities.
A Fund may invest the cash received as collateral through loan transactions in other eligible securities, which may include shares of an affiliated or unaffiliated registered money market fund or of an affiliated or unaffiliated unregistered money market fund that complies with the requirements of Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act to the extent required by the 1940 Act (see the "Investment Companies" section above). Money market funds may or may not seek to maintain a stable NAV of $1.00 per share. Investing the cash collateral subjects the Fund to market risk. A Fund remains obligated to return all collateral to the borrower under the terms of its securities lending arrangements even if the value of the investments made with the collateral has declined. Accordingly, if the value of a security in which the cash collateral has been invested declines, the loss would be borne by the Fund, and the Fund may be required to liquidate other investments in order to return collateral to the borrower at the end of a loan.
The cash collateral may be invested in the Liquidity Fund, an affiliated unregistered money market fund managed by SIMC and operated in accordance with Rule 12d1-1 under the 1940 Act. Although the Liquidity Fund is not registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act, it intends to operate as a money market fund in compliance with Rule 2a-7 of the 1940 Act to the extent required by Rule 12d1-1 under the 1940 Act. The Liquidity Fund does not seek to maintain a stable NAV, and therefore its NAV will fluctuate. The cash collateral invested in the Liquidity Fund may be subject to the risk of loss in the underlying investments of the Liquidity Fund. When a Fund invests in the Liquidity Fund, it will bear a pro rata portion of the Liquidity Fund's expenses, which includes fees paid to SIMC or its affiliates.
S-47
SHORT SALES—Short sales may be used by a Fund as part of its overall portfolio management strategies or to offset (hedge) a potential decline in the value of a security. A Fund may engage in short sales that are either "against the box" or "uncovered." A short sale is "against the box" if, at all times during which the short position is open, the Fund owns at least an equal amount of the securities or securities convertible into, or exchangeable without further consideration for, securities of the same issue as the securities that are sold short. A short sale against the box is a taxable transaction to a Fund with respect to the securities that are sold short. Uncovered short sales are transactions under which a Fund sells a security it does not own. To complete such a transaction, the Fund must borrow the security to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund is then obligated to replace the security borrowed by purchasing the security at the market price at the time of the replacement. The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the security was sold by the Fund. Until the security is replaced, the Fund is required to pay the lender amounts equal to any dividends or interest that accrue during the period of the loan. To borrow the security, the Fund may also be required to pay a premium, which would increase the cost of the security sold. The proceeds of the short sale may be retained by the broker, to the extent necessary to meet margin requirements, until the short position is closed out. Pursuant to its particular investment strategy, a Sub-Adviser may have a net short exposure in the portfolio of assets allocated to the Sub-Adviser.
When a Fund sells securities short, it may use the proceeds from the sales to purchase long positions in additional equity securities that it believes will outperform the market or its peers. This strategy may effectively result in the Fund having a leveraged investment portfolio, which results in greater potential for loss. Leverage can amplify the effects of market volatility on a Fund's share price and make a Fund's returns more volatile. This is because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of a Fund's portfolio securities. The use of leverage may also cause a Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations.
A Fund must comply with Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act with respect to its short sale borrowings, which are considered Derivative Transactions under the Rule. See "Derivatives" above.
SOVEREIGN DEBT—The cost of servicing external debt will also generally be adversely affected by rising international interest rates because many external debt obligations bear interest at rates that are adjusted based upon international interest rates. The ability to service external debt will also depend on the level of the relevant government's international currency reserves and its access to a foreign exchange. Currency devaluations may affect the ability of a sovereign obligor to obtain sufficient foreign exchange to service its external debt.
As a result of the foregoing or other factors, a governmental obligor may default on its obligations. If such an event occurs, a Fund may have limited legal recourse against the issuer and/or guarantor. Remedies must, in some cases, be pursued in the courts of the defaulting party itself, and the ability of the holder of foreign sovereign debt securities to obtain recourse may be subject to the political climate in the relevant country. In addition, no assurance can be given that the holders of commercial bank debt will not contest payments to the holders of other foreign sovereign debt obligations in the event of default under their commercial bank loan agreements.
STRUCTURED SECURITIES—Certain Funds may invest a portion of their assets in entities organized and operated solely for the purpose of restructuring the investment characteristics of sovereign debt obligations of emerging market issuers. This type of restructuring involves the deposit with, or purchase by, an entity, such as a corporation or trust, of specified instruments (such as commercial bank loans or Brady Bonds) and the issuance by that entity of one or more classes of securities ("Structured Securities") backed by, or representing interests in, the underlying instruments. The cash flow on the underlying instruments may be apportioned among the newly issued Structured Securities to create securities with different investment characteristics, such as varying maturities, payment priorities and interest rate provisions, and the extent of the payments made with respect to Structured Securities is dependent on the extent of the cash flow on the underlying instruments. Because Structured Securities of the type in which the Funds anticipate they will invest typically involve no credit enhancement, their credit risk will generally be equivalent to that of the underlying instruments. A Fund is permitted to invest in a class of Structured Securities that is either subordinated or unsubordinated to the right
S-48
of payment of another class. Subordinated Structured Securities typically have higher yields and present greater risks than unsubordinated Structured Securities. Structured Securities are typically sold in private placement transactions, and there currently is no active trading market for Structured Securities. Certain issuers of such Structured Securities may be deemed to be "investment companies" as defined in the 1940 Act. As a result, a Fund's investment in such securities may be limited by certain investment restrictions contained in the 1940 Act.
SWAPS, CAPS, FLOORS, COLLARS AND SWAPTIONS—Swaps are centrally-cleared or OTC derivative products in which two parties agree to exchange payment streams calculated by reference to an underlying asset, such as a rate, index, instrument or securities (referred to as the "underlying") and a predetermined amount (referred to as the "notional amount"). The underlying for a swap may be an interest rate (fixed or floating), a currency exchange rate, a commodity price index, a security, group of securities or a securities index, a combination of any of these, or various other rates, securities, instruments, assets or indexes. Swap agreements generally do not involve the delivery of the underlying or principal, and a party's obligations are generally equal to only the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the swap agreement.
A great deal of flexibility is possible in the way swaps may be structured. For example, in a simple fixed-to-floating interest rate swap, one party makes payments equivalent to a fixed interest rate, and the other party makes payments calculated with reference to a specified floating interest rate, such as SOFR or the prime rate. In a currency swap, the parties generally enter into an agreement to pay interest streams in one currency based on a specified rate in exchange for receiving interest streams denominated in another currency. Currency swaps may involve initial and final exchanges of the currency that correspond to the agreed upon notional amount. The use of currency swaps is a highly specialized activity which involves special investment techniques and risks, including settlement risk, non-business day risk, the risk that trading hours may not align, and the risk of market disruptions and restrictions due to government action or other factors.
A Fund may engage in simple or more complex swap transactions involving a wide variety of underlying assets for various reasons. For example, a Fund may enter into a swap (i) to gain exposure to investments (such as an index of securities in a market) or currencies without actually purchasing those stocks or currencies; (ii) to make an investment without owning or taking physical custody of securities or currencies in circumstances in which direct investment is restricted for legal reasons or is otherwise impracticable; (iii) to hedge an existing position; (iv) to obtain a particular desired return at a lower cost to the Fund than if it had invested directly in an instrument that yielded the desired return; or (v) for various other reasons.
Certain Funds may enter into credit default swaps as a buyer or a seller. The buyer in a credit default contract is obligated to pay the seller a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided no event of default has occurred. If an event of default occurs, the seller must pay the buyer the full notional value ("par value") of the underlying in exchange for the underlying. If a Fund is a buyer and no event of default occurs, the Fund will have made a stream of payments to the seller without having benefited from the default protection it purchased. However, if an event of default occurs, the Fund, as a buyer, will receive the full notional value of the underlying that may have little or no value following default. As a seller, a Fund receives a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the contract, provided there is no default. If an event of default occurs, the Fund would be obligated to pay the notional value of the underlying in return for the receipt of the underlying. The value of the underlying received by the Fund, coupled with the periodic payments previously received, may be less than the full notional value it pays to the buyer, resulting in a loss of value to the Fund. Credit default swaps involve different risks than if a Fund invests in the underlying directly. For example, credit default swaps would increase credit risk by providing the Fund with exposure to both the issuer of the referenced obligation (typically a debt obligation) and the counterparty to the credit default swap. Credit default swaps may in some cases be illiquid. Furthermore, the definition of a "credit event" triggering the seller's payment obligations under a credit default swap may not encompass all of the circumstances in which the buyer may suffer credit-related losses on an obligation of a referenced entity.
The Funds may enter into total return swap agreements. Total return swap agreements are contracts in which one party agrees to make periodic payments based on the change in market value of underlying assets, which may include a specified security, basket of securities, defined portfolios of bonds, loans and mortgages,
S-49
or securities indexes during the specified period, in return for periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate or the total return from other underlying assets. Total return swap agreements may be used to obtain exposure to a security or market without owning or taking physical custody of such security or market.
Total return swap agreements may effectively add leverage to a Fund's portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, a Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap. Total return swaps are a mechanism for the user to accept the economic benefits of asset ownership without utilizing the balance sheet. The other leg of the swap is spread to reflect the non-balance sheet nature of the product. Total return swaps can be designed with any underlying asset agreed between two parties. Typically, no notional amounts are exchanged with total return swaps. Total return swap agreements entail the risk that a party will default on its payment obligations to the Fund thereunder. Swap agreements also entail the risk that a Fund will not be able to meet its obligation to the counterparty. Generally, a Fund will enter into total return swaps on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments). Fully funded total return swaps have economic and risk characteristics similar to credit-linked notes, which are described above.
Caps, floors, collars and swaptions are privately-negotiated option-based derivative products. Like a put or call option, the buyer of a cap or floor pays a premium to the writer. In exchange for that premium, the buyer receives the right to a payment equal to the differential if the specified index or rate rises above (in the case of a cap) or falls below (in the case of a floor) a pre-determined strike level. Like swaps, obligations under caps and floors are calculated based upon an agreed notional amount, and, like most swaps (other than foreign currency swaps), the entire notional amount is not exchanged. A collar is a combination product in which one party buys a cap from and sells a floor to another party. Swaptions give the holder the right to enter into a swap. A Fund may use one or more of these derivative products in addition to or in lieu of a swap involving a similar rate or index.
Under current market practice, swaps, caps, collars and floors between the same two parties are generally documented under a "master agreement." In some cases, options and forward contracts between the parties may also be governed by the same master agreement. In the event of a default, amounts owed under all transactions entered into under, or covered by, the same master agreement would be netted, and only a single payment would be made.
Generally, a Fund would calculate the obligations of the swap agreements' counterparties on a "net basis." Consequently, a Fund's current obligation (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each counterparty to the swap agreement (the "net amount"). A Fund's current obligation under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owed to the Fund).
The swap market has grown substantially in recent years with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents using standardized swap agreements. As a result, the use of swaps has become more prevalent in comparison with the markets for other similar instruments that are also traded in OTC markets.
Swaps and other derivatives involve risks. One significant risk in a swap, cap, floor, collar or swaption is the volatility of the specific interest rate, currency or other underlying that determines the amount of payments due to and from a Fund. This is true whether these derivative products are used to create additional risk exposure for a Fund or to hedge, or manage, existing risk exposure. If under a swap, cap, floor, collar or swaption agreement a Fund is obligated to make a payment to the counterparty, the Fund must be prepared to make the payment when due. A Fund could suffer losses with respect to such an agreement if the Fund is unable to terminate the agreement or reduce its exposure through offsetting transactions. Further, the risks of caps, floors and collars, like put and call options, may be unlimited for the seller if the cap or floor is not hedged or covered, but is limited for the buyer.
Because under swap, cap, floor, collar and swaption agreements a counterparty may be obligated to make payments to a Fund, these derivative products are subject to risks related to the counterparty's creditworthiness, in addition to other risks discussed in this SAI. If a counterparty defaults, a Fund's risk of loss will consist of any
S-50
payments that the Fund is entitled to receive from the counterparty under the agreement (this may not be true for currency swaps that require the delivery of the entire notional amount of one designated currency in exchange for the other). Upon default by a counterparty, however, a Fund may have contractual remedies under the swap agreement.
A Fund will enter into swaps only with counterparties that SIMC or a Sub-Adviser believes to be creditworthy.
The swap market is a relatively new market for which regulations are still being developed. The Dodd-Frank Act has substantially altered and increased the regulation of swaps. Swaps are broadly defined in the Dodd-Frank Act, CFTC rules and SEC rules, and also include commodity options and NDFs. Additionally, the Dodd-Frank Act divided the regulation of swaps between commodity swaps (such as swaps on interest rates, currencies, physical commodities, broad based stock indexes, and broad based credit default swap indexes), regulated by the CFTC, and security based swaps (such as equity swaps and single name credit default swaps), regulated by the SEC. The CFTC will determine which categories of swaps will be required to be traded on regulated exchange-like platforms, such as swap execution facilities, and which will be required to be centrally cleared. Cleared swaps must be cleared through futures commission merchants registered with the CFTC, and such futures commission merchants will be required to collect margin from customers for such cleared swaps. Additionally, all swaps are subject to reporting to a swap data repository. Dealers in swaps are required to register with the CFTC as swap dealers and are required to comply with extensive regulations regarding their external and internal business conduct practices, regulatory capital requirements, and rules regarding the holding of counterparty collateral.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES—Examples of types of U.S. Government obligations in which a Fund may invest include U.S. Treasury obligations and the obligations of U.S. Government agencies or U.S. Government sponsored entities such as Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Farm Credit Banks, Federal Land Banks, the FHA, the Farmers Home Administration, the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Small Business Administration, Fannie Mae, GNMA, the General Services Administration, the Student Loan Marketing Association, the Central Bank for Cooperatives, Freddie Mac, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, the Maritime Administration and other similar agencies. Whether backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury or not, U.S. Government securities are not guaranteed against price movements due to fluctuating interest rates.
If the total public debt of the U.S. Government as a percentage of gross domestic product reaches high levels as a result of combating financial downturn or otherwise, such high levels of debt may create certain systemic risks if sound debt management practices are not implemented. A high national debt level may increase market pressures to meet government funding needs, which may increase borrowing costs and cause a government to issue additional debt, thereby increasing the risk of refinancing. A high national debt also raises concerns that a government may be unable or unwilling to repay the principal or interest on its debt when due. Unsustainable debt levels can decline the valuation of currencies, can prevent a government from implementing effective counter-cyclical fiscal policy during economic downturns, and can contribute to market volatility.
An increase in national debt levels may also necessitate the need for the U.S. Congress to negotiate adjustments to the statutory debt ceiling to increase the cap on the amount the U.S. Government is permitted to borrow to meet its existing obligations and finance current budget deficits. Future downgrades could increase volatility in domestic and foreign financial markets, result in higher interest rates, lower prices of U.S. Treasury securities and increase the costs of different kinds of debt. Any controversy or ongoing uncertainty regarding statutory debt ceiling negotiations may impact the U.S. long-term sovereign credit rating and may cause market uncertainty. As a result, market prices and yields of securities supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government may be adversely affected. Although remote, it is at least theoretically possible that under certain scenarios the U.S. Government could default on its debt, including U.S. Treasury securities.
Receipts. Receipts are interests in separately-traded interest and principal component parts of U.S. Government obligations that are issued by banks or brokerage firms and are created by depositing U.S. Government obligations into a special account at a custodian bank. The custodian holds the interest and principal payments for the benefit of the registered owners of the certificates or receipts. The custodian arranges for the issuance of the certificates or receipts evidencing ownership and maintains the register. TRs and STRIPS are
S-51
interests in accounts sponsored by the U.S. Treasury. Receipts are sold as zero coupon securities, which means that they are sold at a substantial discount and redeemed at face value at their maturity date without interim cash payments of interest or principal.
U.S. Treasury Obligations. U.S. Treasury obligations consist of bills, notes and bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury and separately traded interest and principal component parts of such obligations that are transferable through the federal book-entry systems known as STRIPS and TRs.
U.S. Government Zero Coupon Securities. STRIPS and receipts are sold as zero coupon securities; that is, fixed income securities that have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons. Zero coupon securities are sold at a (usually substantial) discount and redeemed at face value at their maturity date without interim cash payments of interest or principal. The amount of this discount is accreted over the life of the security, and the accretion constitutes the income earned on the security for both accounting and tax purposes. Because of these features, the market prices of zero coupon securities are generally more volatile than the market prices of securities that have similar maturity but that pay interest periodically. Zero coupon securities are likely to respond to a greater degree to interest rate changes than are non-zero coupon securities with similar maturities and credit qualities.
U.S. Government Agencies. Some obligations issued or guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. Government are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury (e.g., Treasury bills, notes and bonds, and securities guaranteed by GNMA), others are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury (e.g., obligations of Federal Home Loan Banks), while still others are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality (e.g., obligations of Fannie Mae). Guarantees of principal by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government may be a guarantee of payment at the maturity of the obligation so that, in the event of a default prior to maturity, there might not be a market and thus no means of realizing on the obligation prior to maturity. Guarantees as to the timely payment of principal and interest neither extend to the value or yield of these securities nor to the value of a Fund's shares.
VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE INSTRUMENTS—Certain obligations may carry variable or floating rates of interest and may involve a conditional or unconditional demand feature. Such instruments bear interest at rates that are not fixed, but that vary with changes in specified market rates or indexes. The interest rates on these securities may be reset daily, weekly, quarterly, or some other reset period. There is a risk that the current interest rate on such obligations may not accurately reflect existing market interest rates. A demand instrument with a demand notice exceeding seven days may be considered illiquid if there is no secondary market for such security.
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES—When-issued and delayed delivery basis, including "TBA" (to be announced) basis, transactions involve the purchase of an instrument with payment and delivery taking place in the future. Delivery of and payment for these securities may occur a month or more after the date of the purchase commitment. A TBA transaction is a method of trading mortgage-backed securities. In a TBA transaction, the buyer and seller agree upon general trade parameters such as agency, settlement date, par amount and price. The actual pools delivered generally are determined two days prior to the settlement date. The interest rate realized on these securities is fixed as of the purchase date, and no interest accrues to a Fund before settlement. These securities are subject to market fluctuation due to changes in market interest rates, and it is possible that the market value of these securities at the time of settlement could be higher or lower than the purchase price if the general level of interest rates has changed. Although a Fund will generally purchase securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis with the intention of actually acquiring securities for its portfolio, the Fund may dispose of a when-issued security or forward commitment prior to settlement if SIMC or a Sub-Adviser deems it appropriate. Rule 18f-4 under 1940 Act permits a Fund to enter into when-issued or delayed delivery basis securities notwithstanding the limitation on the issuance of senior securities in Section 18 of the 1940 Act, provided that the Fund intends to physically settle the transaction and the transaction will settle within 35 days of its trade date. If a when-issued or delayed delivery basis security does not satisfy those requirements, the Fund would need to comply with Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act with respect to its when issued or delayed delivery transactions, which are considered Derivative Transactions under the Rule. See "Derivatives" above.
S-52
YANKEE OBLIGATIONS—Yankees are U.S. dollar-denominated instruments of foreign issuers who either register with the SEC or issue securities under Rule 144A of the 1933 Act. These obligations consist of debt securities (including preferred or preference stock of non-governmental issuers), certificates of deposit, fixed time deposits and bankers' acceptances issued by foreign banks, and debt obligations of foreign governments or their subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities, international agencies and supranational entities. Some securities issued by foreign governments or their subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the foreign government.
The Yankees selected for a Fund will adhere to the same quality standards as those utilized for the selection of domestic debt obligations.
ZERO COUPON SECURITIES—Zero coupon securities are securities that are sold at a discount to par value and securities on which interest payments are not made during the life of the security. Upon maturity, the holder is entitled to receive the par value of the security. Although interest payments are not made on such securities, holders of such securities are deemed to have received "phantom income" annually. Because a Fund will distribute its "phantom income" to shareholders, to the extent that shareholders elect to receive dividends in cash rather than reinvesting such dividends in additional shares, a Fund will have fewer assets with which to purchase income producing securities. Pay-in-kind securities pay interest in either cash or additional securities, at the issuer's option, for a specified period. Pay-in-kind bonds, like zero coupon bonds, are designed to give an issuer flexibility in managing cash flow. Pay-in-kind bonds are expected to reflect the market value of the underlying debt plus an amount representing accrued interest since the last payment. Pay-in-kind bonds are usually less volatile than zero coupon bonds, but more volatile than cash pay securities. Pay-in-kind securities are securities that have interest payable by delivery of additional securities. Upon maturity, the holder is entitled to receive the aggregate par value of the securities. Deferred payment securities are securities that remain zero coupon securities until a predetermined date, at which time the stated coupon rate becomes effective and interest becomes payable at regular intervals.
Zero coupon, pay-in-kind and deferred payment securities may be subject to greater fluctuation in value and lesser liquidity in the event of adverse market conditions than comparably rated securities paying cash interest at regular interest payment periods. STRIPS and receipts (TRs, TIGRs, LYONs and CATS) are sold as zero coupon securities; that is, fixed income securities that have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons. Zero coupon securities are sold at a (usually substantial) discount and redeemed at face value at their maturity date without interim cash payments of interest or principal. The amount of this discount is accreted over the life of the security, and the accretion constitutes the income earned on the security for both accounting and tax purposes. Because of these features, the market prices of zero coupon securities are generally more volatile than the market prices of securities that have similar maturities but that pay interest periodically. Zero coupon securities are likely to respond to a greater degree to interest rate changes than are non-zero coupon securities with similar maturities and credit qualities.
Corporate zero coupon securities are: (i) notes or debentures that do not pay current interest and are issued at substantial discounts from par value; or (ii) notes or debentures that pay no current interest until a stated date one or more years into the future, after which date the issuer is obligated to pay interest until maturity, usually at a higher rate than if interest were payable from the date of issuance, and may also make interest payments in kind (e.g., with identical zero coupon securities). Such corporate zero coupon securities, in addition to the risks identified above, are subject to the risk of the issuer's failure to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. A Fund must accrete the discount or interest on high-yield bonds structured as zero coupon securities as income even though it does not receive a corresponding cash interest payment until the security's maturity or payment date. For tax purposes, original issue discount that accretes in a taxable year is treated as earned by a Fund and therefore is subject to the distribution requirements applicable to the RICs under Subchapter M of the Code. A Fund may have to dispose of its securities under disadvantageous circumstances to generate cash or may have to leverage itself by borrowing cash to satisfy distribution requirements. A Fund accrues income with respect to the securities prior to the receipt of cash payments.
S-53
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
The following are fundamental and non-fundamental policies of the Funds. The following percentage limitations (except for the limitation on borrowing and illiquid investments) will apply at the time of the purchase of a security and shall not be considered violated unless an excess of deficiency occurs immediately after or as a result of a purchase of such security.
Fundamental Policies
The following investment limitations are fundamental policies of each Fund, which cannot be changed with respect to the Fund without the consent of the holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding shares. The term "majority of outstanding shares" means the vote of: (i) 67% or more of the Fund's shares present at a meeting, if more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or represented by proxy; or (ii) more than 50% of the Fund's outstanding shares, whichever is less.
Each of the International Equity, Emerging Markets Equity, International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds may not:
1. Purchase securities of an issuer if it would cause the Fund to fail to satisfy the diversification requirement for a diversified management company under the 1940 Act, the rules or regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time. This investment limitation does not apply to the Emerging Markets Debt or International Fixed Income Funds.
2. Concentrate investments in a particular industry or group of industries, as concentration is defined under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.
3. Borrow money or issue senior securities (as defined under the 1940 Act), except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.
4. Make loans, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.
5. Purchase or sell commodities or real estate, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.
6. Underwrite securities issued by other persons, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.
7. With respect to the International Fixed Income Fund, acquire more than 10% of the voting securities of any one issuer.
Non-Fundamental Policies
The following investment limitations are non-fundamental policies and, other than with respect to Item 4 below, may be changed by the Board without a vote of shareholders. Each of the International Equity, Emerging Markets Equity and Emerging Markets Debt Funds may not:
1. Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate assets, except to secure permitted borrowings or in relation to the deposit of assets in escrow or in segregated accounts in compliance with applicable law or as otherwise contractually required.
2. Purchase securities on margin or effect short sales, except that each Fund may: (i) obtain short-term credits as necessary for the clearance of security transactions; (ii) provide initial and variation margin payments
S-54
in connection with transactions involving futures contracts and options on such contracts; and (iii) make short sales "against the box" or in compliance with applicable law or as otherwise contractually required.
3. Purchase or hold illiquid investments, i.e., any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold in current market conditions in seven calendar days without significantly changing the market value of the investment, if, in the aggregate, more than 15% of its net assets would be invested in illiquid securities.
4. With respect to 75% of its total assets: (i) purchase securities of any issuer (except securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities and securities of other investment companies) if, as a result, more than 5% of its total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer; or (ii) acquire more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer. This limitation does not apply to the Emerging Markets Debt Fund.
5. Purchase any securities that would cause 25% or more of the total assets of the Fund to be invested in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry, provided that this limitation does not apply to investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
6. Borrow money in an amount exceeding 331/3% of the value of its total assets, provided that, for purposes of this limitation, investment strategies that either obligate a Fund to purchase securities or require a Fund to segregate assets are not considered to be borrowings. To the extent its borrowings exceed 5% of its assets: (i) all borrowings will be repaid before a Fund makes additional investments and any interest paid on such borrowings will reduce income; and (ii) asset coverage of at least 300% is required in accordance with applicable SEC or SEC staff positions.
7. Make loans if, as a result, more than 331/3% of its total assets would be lent to other parties, except that each Fund may: (i) purchase or hold debt instruments in accordance with its investment objective and policies; (ii) enter into repurchase agreements; (iii) lend its securities; and (iv) participate in the SEI Funds inter-fund lending program.
8. Purchase or sell real estate, physical commodities or commodities contracts, except that each Fund may purchase: (i) marketable securities issued by companies that own or invest in real estate (including REITs), commodities or commodities contracts; and (ii) commodities contracts relating to financial instruments, such as financial futures contracts and options on such contracts.
9. Issue senior securities (as defined in the 1940 Act), except as permitted by rule, regulation or order of the SEC.
10. With respect to the International Equity Fund, invest less than 80% of its net assets, under normal circumstances, in equity securities. This non-fundamental policy may be changed by the Board with at least 60 days' notice to the International Equity Fund's shareholders.
11. With respect to the Emerging Markets Equity Fund, invest less than 80% of its net assets, under normal circumstances, in equity securities of emerging market issuers. This non-fundamental policy may be changed by the Board with at least 60 days' notice to the Emerging Markets Equity Fund's shareholders.
12. With respect to the Emerging Markets Debt Fund, invest less than 80% of its net assets, under normal circumstances, in fixed income securities of emerging markets issuers. This non-fundamental policy may be changed by the Board with at least 60 days' notice to the Emerging Markets Debt Fund's shareholders.
The International Fixed Income Fund may purchase or sell financial and physical commodities, commodity contracts based on (or relating to) physical commodities or financial commodities and securities and derivative instruments whose values are derived from (in whole or in part) physical commodities or financial commodities.
The following investment limitations are non-fundamental policies and may be changed by the Board without a vote of shareholders. The International Fixed Income Fund may not:
1. Purchase any securities that would cause 25% or more of the total assets of the Fund to be invested in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry, provided
S-55
that this limitation does not apply to investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
2. Borrow money, except for temporary or emergency purposes, and then only in an amount not exceeding 10% of the value of the total assets of the Fund. This borrowing provision is included solely to facilitate the orderly sale of portfolio securities to accommodate substantial redemption requests if they should occur and is not for investment purposes. All borrowings will be repaid before the Fund makes additional investments and any interest paid on such borrowings will reduce the income of the Fund.
3. Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate assets, except to secure temporary borrowings as described in its Prospectuses in aggregate amounts not to exceed 10% of the net assets of such Fund taken at current value at the time of the incurrence of such loan.
4. Make loans, except that the Fund may: (i) enter into repurchase agreements, provided that repurchase agreements and time deposits maturing in more than seven days, and other illiquid securities, including securities that are not readily marketable or are restricted, are not to exceed, in the aggregate, 15% of the Fund's total assets; (ii) engage in securities lending as described in its Prospectuses and in the SAI; (iii) purchase or hold debt securities in accordance with its investment objectives and policies; and (iv) participate in the SEI Fund inter-fund lending program.
5. Make short sales of securities, maintain a short position or purchase securities on margin, except as described in the Prospectuses and except that the Trust may obtain short-term credits as necessary for the clearance of security transactions.
6. Issue senior securities (as defined in the 1940 Act), except in connection with permitted borrowing as described in the Prospectuses and this SAI or as permitted by rule, regulation or order of the SEC.
7. Purchase illiquid securities (i.e., securities that cannot be disposed of for their approximate carrying value in seven days or less (which term includes repurchase agreements and time deposits maturity in more than seven days)), if, in the aggregate, more than 15% of its net assets would be invested in illiquid securities.
8. Invest less than 80% of its net assets, under normal circumstances, in fixed income securities. This non-fundamental policy may be changed by the Board with at least 60 days' notice to the International Fixed Income Fund's shareholders.
The following descriptions of the 1940 Act may assist shareholders in understanding the above policies and restrictions.
Diversification. Under the 1940 Act, a diversified investment management company, as to 75% of its total assets, may not purchase securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agents or instrumentalities or securities of other investment companies) if, as a result, more than 5% of its total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer, or more than 10% of the issuer's outstanding voting securities would be held by the fund.
Concentration. The SEC has presently defined concentration as investing 25% or more of an investment company's net assets in an industry or group of industries, with certain exceptions.
For purposes of the industry concentration limitations discussed above, these definitions apply to each Fund: (i) utility companies will be divided according to their services, for example, gas, gas transmission, electric and telephone will each be considered a separate industry; (ii) financial service companies will be classified according to end users of their services, for example, automobile finance, bank finance and diversified finance will each be considered a separate industry; (iii) supranational agencies, such as the World Bank or any affiliate thereof or the United Nations, or related entities, will be deemed to be issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry; and (iv) governmental issuers within a particular country will be deemed to be conducting their principal business in the same industry.
Borrowing. The 1940 Act presently allows a fund to borrow from any bank (including pledging, mortgaging or hypothecating assets) in an amount up to 331/3% of its total assets, including the amount borrowed
S-56
(not including temporary borrowings not in excess of 5% of its total assets). In accordance with Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act, when a fund engages in reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions, the fund may either (i) maintain asset coverage of at least 300% with respect to such transactions and any other borrowings in the aggregate, or (ii) treat such transactions as "derivative transactions" and comply with Rule 18f-4 with respect to such transactions. Transactions that are treated as derivatives for purposes of Rule 18f-4, shall not be regarded as borrowings for the purposes of a fund's investment limitations.
Senior Securities. Senior securities may include any obligation or instrument issued by a fund evidencing indebtedness. The 1940 Act generally prohibits funds from issuing senior securities, although certain transactions are not treated as senior securities, such as certain borrowings, short sales, reverse repurchase agreements, firm commitment agreements and standby commitments.
Lending. Under the 1940 Act, a fund may only make loans if expressly permitted by its investment policies. Each Fund's non-fundamental investment policy on lending is set forth above.
Underwriting. Under the 1940 Act, underwriting securities involves a fund purchasing securities directly from an issuer for the purpose of selling (distributing) them or participating in any such activity either directly or indirectly. Under the 1940 Act, a diversified fund may not make any commitment as underwriter, if immediately thereafter the amount of its outstanding underwriting commitments, plus the value of its investments in securities of issuers (other than investment companies) of which it owns more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities, exceeds 25% of the value of its total assets.
Real Estate. The 1940 Act does not directly restrict a fund's ability to invest in real estate, but does require that every fund have a fundamental investment policy governing such investments. The International Equity, Emerging Markets Equity, International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds have adopted a fundamental policy that would permit direct investment in real estate. However, the International Equity, Emerging Markets Equity, International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds have a non-fundamental investment limitation that prohibits them from investing directly in real estate. This non-fundamental policy may be changed only by vote of each Fund's Board.
THE ADMINISTRATOR AND TRANSFER AGENT
General. SEI Investments Global Funds Services (the "Administrator"), a Delaware statutory trust, has its principal business offices at One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456. The Administrator also serves as the transfer agent for the Funds (the "Transfer Agent"). SIMC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SEI Investments Company ("SEI"), is the owner of all beneficial interest in the Administrator and Transfer Agent. SEI and its subsidiaries and affiliates, including the Administrator, are leading providers of fund evaluation services, trust accounting systems, and brokerage and information services to financial institutions, institutional investors, and money managers. The Administrator and its affiliates also serve as administrator or sub-administrator to other mutual funds.
Administration Agreement with the Trust. The Trust and the Administrator have entered into an administration and transfer agency agreement (the "Administration Agreement"). Under the Administration Agreement, the Administrator provides the Trust with administrative and transfer agency services or employs certain other parties, including its affiliates, who provide such services. Such services generally include, but are not limited to:
• maintaining books and records related to a Fund's cash and position reconciliations, and portfolio transactions;
• preparation of financial statements and other reports for the Funds;
• calculating the NAV of the Funds in accordance with the Funds' valuation policies and procedures;
• tracking income and expense accruals and processing disbursements to vendors and service providers;
• providing performance, financial and expense information for registration statements and board materials;
S-57
• providing certain tax monitoring and reporting;
• providing space, equipment, personnel and facilities;
• maintaining share transfer records;
• reviewing account opening documents and subscription and redemption requests;
• calculating and distributing required ordinary income and capital gains distributions; and
• providing anti-money laundering program services.
The Administration Agreement provides that the Administrator shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with the matters to which the Administration Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Administrator in the performance of its duties or from the reckless disregard of its duties and obligations thereunder.
The Administration Agreement shall remain effective for the initial term of the Agreement and each renewal term thereof unless earlier terminated: (i) by a vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust on not less than 60 days' written notice to the Administrator; or (ii) by the Administrator on not less than 90 days' written notice to the Trust.
Administration Fees. For its administrative services, the Administrator receives a fee, which is calculated based upon the aggregate average daily net assets of the Trust and paid monthly by each Fund. Effective July 1, 2023, the annual rates are as set forth in the chart below:
Administration Fee |
|||||||
On the first $1.5 billion of Assets; |
0.400 |
% |
|||||
on the next $500 million of Assets; |
0.340 |
% |
|||||
on the next $500 million of Assets; |
0.280 |
% |
|||||
on the next $500 million of Assets; |
0.235 |
% |
|||||
on Assets over $3 billion. |
0.200 |
% |
For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2021, 2022 and 2023 the following table shows: (i) the dollar amount of fees paid to the Administrator by each Fund; and (ii) the dollar amount of the Administrator's voluntary fee waivers and/or reimbursements.
Administration Fees Paid (000) |
Administration Fees Waived or Reimbursed (000) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fund |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
International Equity Fund |
$ |
13,103 |
$ |
12,724 |
$ |
12,298 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
|||||||||||||||
Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
$ |
8,465 |
$ |
7,607 |
$ |
6,397 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
|||||||||||||||
International Fixed Income Fund |
$ |
2,382 |
$ |
2,440 |
$ |
2,019 |
$ |
47 |
$ |
3 |
$ |
38 |
|||||||||||||||
Emerging Markets Debt Fund |
$ |
6,884 |
$ |
6,299 |
$ |
5,465 |
$ |
252 |
$ |
388 |
$ |
415 |
THE ADVISER AND SUB-ADVISERS
General. SIMC serves as the investment adviser for the Funds. SIMC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SEI (NASDAQ: SEIC), a leading global provider of outsourced asset management, investment processing and investment operations solutions. The principal business address of SIMC and SEI is One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456. SEI was founded in 1968 and is a leading provider of investment solutions to banks, institutional investors, investment advisers and insurance companies. As of September 30, 2023, SIMC had approximately $181.95 billion in assets under management.
Manager of Managers Structure. SIMC is the investment adviser to the International Equity, Emerging Markets Equity, International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds and operates as a "manager of managers." SIMC and the Trust have obtained an exemptive order from the SEC that permits SIMC, with the approval of the Trustees, to hire, retain or terminate sub-advisers unaffiliated with SIMC for the Funds without
S-58
submitting the sub-advisory agreements to a vote of the Funds' shareholders. Among other things, the exemptive relief permits the disclosure of only the aggregate amount payable by SIMC under all such sub-advisory agreements. The Funds will notify shareholders in the event of any addition or change in the identity of its Sub-Advisers.
SIMC oversees the investment advisory services provided to the Funds and may manage the cash portion of the Funds' assets. Pursuant to separate sub-advisory agreements with SIMC, and under the supervision of SIMC and the Board, the sub-advisers to the Funds are generally responsible for the day-to-day investment management of all or a discrete portion of the assets of the Funds. Sub-advisers also are responsible for managing their employees who provide services to the Funds.
Subject to Board review, SIMC allocates and, when appropriate, reallocates the Funds' assets to the Sub-Advisers, monitors and evaluates the Sub-Advisers' performance and oversees the Sub-Advisers' compliance with the Funds' investment objectives, policies and restrictions. SIMC has the ultimate responsibility for the investment performance of the Funds due to its responsibility to oversee Sub-Advisers and recommend their hiring, termination and replacement.
Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements. The Trust and SIMC have entered into an investment advisory agreement (the "Advisory Agreement"). Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, SIMC oversees the investment advisory services provided to the Funds and may manage the cash portion of the Funds' assets. Pursuant to separate sub-advisory agreements (the "Sub-Advisory Agreements" and, together with the Advisory Agreement, the "Investment Advisory Agreements") with SIMC, and under the supervision of SIMC and the Board, one or more Sub-Advisers are responsible for the day-to-day investment management of all or a discrete portion of the assets of the Funds. The Sub-Advisers also are responsible for managing their employees who provide services to the Funds.
Each Investment Advisory Agreement sets forth a standard of care, pursuant to which the Adviser or Sub-Adviser, as applicable, is responsible for performing services to the Funds, and also includes liability and indemnification provisions. In addition, certain of the Sub-Advisory Agreements provide 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 negligence on its part in the performance of its duties, or from reckless disregard of its obligations or duties thereunder.
The continuance of each Investment Advisory Agreement after the first two (2) years must be specifically approved at least annually: (i) by the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of that Fund or by the Trustees; and (ii) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to such Investment Advisory Agreement or "interested persons" of any party thereto, cast in-person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. Each Investment Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment and is terminable at any time without penalty by the Trustees of the Trust or, with respect to a Fund, by a majority of the outstanding shares of that Fund, on not less than 30 days' nor more than 60 days' written notice to SIMC or the Fund's Sub-Adviser, as applicable, or by SIMC or the Fund's Sub-Adviser, as applicable, on 90 days' written notice to the Trust.
In accordance with a separate exemptive order that the Trust and SIMC have obtained from the SEC, the Board may approve a new sub-advisory agreement or a material amendment to an existing sub-advisory agreement at a meeting that is not in person, subject to certain conditions, including that the Trustees are able to participate in the meeting using a means of communication that allows them to hear each other simultaneously during the meeting.
Advisory and Sub-Advisory Fees. For these advisory services, SIMC receives a fee, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at the annual rates set forth in the table below (shown as a percentage of the average daily net assets of each Fund). SIMC then pays the Sub-Advisers out of its contractual advisory fee for sub-advisory services provided to the Funds. The rates paid to each Sub-Adviser vary. The aggregate sub-advisory fees paid by SIMC for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 are set forth below as a percentage of the average daily net assets of each Fund.
S-59
Fund Name |
Contractual Advisory Fee |
Aggregate Sub-Advisory Fees Paid |
|||||||||
International Equity Fund |
0.51 |
% |
0.27 |
% |
|||||||
Emerging Markets Equity Fund* |
1.00 |
% |
0.43 |
% |
|||||||
International Fixed Income Fund |
0.30 |
% |
0.16 |
% |
|||||||
Emerging Markets Debt Fund* |
0.80 |
% |
0.38 |
% |
* The contractual advisory fees reflect the impact of changes made to fees that became effective July 1, 2023. Accordingly, the contractual advisory fees stated above will differ from those stated in the Funds' Annual Fund Operating Expenses tables in the Prospectuses.
SIMC pays each Sub-Adviser a fee out of its advisory fee. Sub-Advisory fees are based on a percentage of the average daily net assets managed by the applicable Sub-Adviser.
For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2021, 2022 and 2023, the following tables show: (i) the contractual advisory fees that SIMC is entitled to receive from each Fund; (ii) the dollar amount of SIMC's contractual and voluntary fee waivers; (iii) the dollar amount of fees paid to the Sub-Adviser by SIMC; and (iv) the dollar amount of the fees retained by SIMC.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023:
Fund Name |
Contractual Advisory Fees (000) |
Advisory Fees Waived (000) |
Sub-Advisory Fees Paid (000) |
Advisory Fees Retained by SIMC (000) |
|||||||||||||||
International Equity Fund |
$ |
19,927 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
10,823 |
$ |
9,104 |
|||||||||||
Emerging Markets Equity Fund* |
$ |
14,630 |
$ |
1,464 |
$ |
6,244 |
$ |
6,922 |
|||||||||||
International Fixed Income Fund |
$ |
1,384 |
$ |
154 |
$ |
736 |
$ |
494 |
|||||||||||
Emerging Markets Debt Fund* |
$ |
9,988 |
$ |
2,873 |
$ |
4,790 |
$ |
2,325 |
* Advisory fees (before and after waivers) reflect the impact of changes made to fee waiver arrangements and contractual advisory fees that became effective July 1, 2023. Accordingly, the advisory fees stated above will differ from those stated in the Funds' Annual Fund Operating Expenses tables in the Prospectuses.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022:
Fund Name |
Contractual Advisory Fees (000) |
Advisory Fees Waived (000) |
Sub-Advisory Fees Paid (000) |
Advisory Fees Retained by SIMC (000) |
|||||||||||||||
International Equity Fund |
$ |
21,459 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
11,679 |
$ |
9,780 |
|||||||||||
Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
$ |
18,190 |
$ |
1,732 |
$ |
7,475 |
$ |
8,983 |
|||||||||||
International Fixed Income Fund |
$ |
1,627 |
$ |
240 |
$ |
849 |
$ |
538 |
|||||||||||
Emerging Markets Debt Fund |
$ |
11,911 |
$ |
3,238 |
$ |
5,227 |
$ |
3,446 |
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021:
Fund Name |
Contractual Advisory Fees (000) |
Advisory Fees Waived (000) |
Sub-Advisory Fees Paid (000) |
Advisory Fees Retained by SIMC (000) |
|||||||||||||||
International Equity Fund |
$ |
22,949 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
12,475 |
$ |
10,474 |
|||||||||||
Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
$ |
20,683 |
$ |
1,970 |
$ |
8,528 |
$ |
10,185 |
|||||||||||
International Fixed Income Fund |
$ |
1,588 |
$ |
234 |
$ |
760 |
$ |
594 |
|||||||||||
Emerging Markets Debt Fund |
$ |
13,065 |
$ |
3,534 |
$ |
5,692 |
$ |
3,839 |
The Sub-Advisers
ACADIAN ASSET MANAGEMENT LLC—Acadian Asset Management LLC ("Acadian") serves as a Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the International Equity Fund. Acadian was founded in 1986 and is a subsidiary of BrightSphere Affiliate Holdings LLC, which is an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of BrightSphere Investment Group Inc ("BSIG"), a publicly listed company on the NYSE.
S-60
AIKYA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LIMITED—Aikya Investment Management Limited ("Aikya") serves as a Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund. Aikya is a UK private company limited by shares with UK Companies House Number 12329682. Aikya is authorised by United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority to provide regulated services since June 1, 2021. Aikya's ownership structure is 67.5% owned by Aikya employees, and 32.5% owned by operational partner Pinnacle Investment Management (ASX:PNI). Aikya Investment Management Limited has been registered with the SEC as an investment adviser since February 2021.
ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.—AllianceBernstein L.P. ("AllianceBernstein") serves as a Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the International Fixed Income Fund. AllianceBernstein is a Delaware limited partnership, the majority limited partnership units in which are held, directly and indirectly, by its parent company Equitable Holdings, Inc. ("EQH"), a publicly traded holding company for a diverse group of financial services companies. AllianceBernstein Corporation, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of EQH, is the general partner of both AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein Holding L.P., a publicly traded partnership. As of September 30, 2023, AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. owned approximately 39.0% of the issued and outstanding AllianceBernstein Units and Equitable Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries had an approximate 60.3% economic interest in AllianceBernstein (including both the general partnership and limited partnership interests in AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. and AllianceBernstein), and unaffiliated holders held approximately 0.7%.
CAUSEWAY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LLC—Causeway Capital Management LLC ("Causeway") serves as a Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the International Equity Fund. Causeway was founded in 2001 as a Delaware limited liability company, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Causeway Capital Holdings LLC.
COLCHESTER GLOBAL INVESTORS LTD—Colchester Global Investors, Ltd ("Colchester") serves as a Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds. Colchester is majority employee-owned and is controlled by Ian Sims through his controlling ownership of its voting securities.
DELAWARE INVESTMENTS FUND ADVISERS, A SERIES OF MACQUARIE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT BUSINESS TRUST—Delaware Investments Fund Advisers ("DIFA"), a series of Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust ("MIMBT"), serves as a Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the International Equity Fund. MIMBT is a subsidiary of Macquarie Management Holdings, Inc. ("MMHI"). MMHI is a subsidiary and subject to the ultimate control of Macquarie Group Limited ("Macquarie"). Macquarie is a Sydney, Australia-headquartered global provider of banking, financial, advisory, investment and funds management services. Macquarie Asset Management ("MAM") is the marketing name for certain companies comprising the asset management division of Macquarie. DIFA is responsible for day-to-day portfolio management of its portion of the Fund but may delegate certain of its duties to its affiliate, Macquarie Investment Management Global Limited ("MIMGL"). MIMGL is located at 50 Martin Place, Sydney, Australia 2000. DIFA and MIMGL are each U.S. registered investment advisers and are subsidiaries of Macquarie Group Limited. None of the entities noted is an authorized deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Commonwealth of Australia) and the obligations of these entities do not represent deposits or other liabilities of Macquarie Bank Limited ABN 46 008 583 542 (Macquarie Bank). Macquarie Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of these entities. In addition, if this document relates to an investment (a) each investor is subject to investment risk including possible delays in repayment and loss of income and principal invested and (b) none of Macquarie Bank or any other Macquarie Group company guarantees any particular rate of return on or the performance of the investment, nor do they guarantee repayment of capital in respect of the investment.
GRANTHAM, MAYO, VAN OTTERLOO & CO. LLC—Grantham, Mayo, Van Otterloo & Co. LLC ("GMO") serves as a Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the Emerging Markets Debt Fund. GMO was founded in 1977 and is a Massachusetts limited liability company that is controlled by active employee-members. As of June 30, 2023, GMO managed on a worldwide basis approximately $59 billion in assets.
S-61
JOHCM (USA) Inc.—JOHCM (USA) Inc. ("JOHCM") serves as a Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund. JOHCM, a Delaware corporation, is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Perpetual Limited ("Perpetual"). JOHCM may engage with certain affiliates, (together with JOHCM, the "JOHCM Group") to perform certain activities and services related to the management of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund.
KBI GLOBAL INVESTORS (NORTH AMERICA) LTD—KBI Global Investors (North America) Ltd ("KBIGI (North America)") serves as a Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund. KBIGI (North America) is an Irish domiciled and incorporated company registered as an investment adviser with the SEC and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of KBI Global Investors Ltd ("KBIGI Ltd"), an institutional asset manager headquartered in Dublin. Combined, KBIGI Ltd and KBIGI (North America) have a global client base.
Established in 1980 as the Investment Management division of Ulster Bank Ltd, KBI Global Investors ("KBIGI"), the collective term for KBI Global Investors Dublin Ltd, and its wholly owned subsidiary, KBIGI (North America), have been managing assets for institutional clients for over 40 years.
In September 2016 Amundi Asset Management, the largest European asset manager and 10th largest global asset manager, acquired a majority stake in KBI Global Investors Ltd., with KBI Global Investors employees taking a minority stake. KBI Global Investors operates autonomously within the Amundi group.
LAZARD ASSET MANAGEMENT LLC—Lazard Asset Management LLC ("Lazard") serves as a Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the International Equity Fund. Lazard is a Delaware limited liability company. It is a subsidiary of Lazard Frères & Co. LLC, a New York limited liability company with one member, Lazard Group LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. Interests of Lazard Group LLC are held by Lazard, Inc., which is a Delaware corporation with shares that are publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
MARATHON ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P.—Marathon Asset Management, L.P. ("Marathon") serves as a Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the Emerging Markets Debt Fund. Marathon was formed in 1998 by Bruce Richards, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Louis Hanover, Chief Investment Officer. In 2003, Marathon became a U.S. SEC-registered investment adviser. As of June 2016, Blackstone Strategic Capital Holdings Fund, a vehicle managed by Blackstone Alternative Asset Management, owns a passive, minority interest in Marathon. Marathon maintains autonomy over its business management, operations, and investment processes.
NEUBERGER BERMAN INVESTMENT ADVISERS LLC—Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC ("NBIA"), with its principal offices at 1290 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10104, serves as the Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the Emerging Markets Debt Fund. NBIA is a registered investment adviser and an indirect subsidiary of Neuberger Berman Group LLC ("NBG"). NBG is a holding company that through its subsidiaries provides a broad range of global asset management services. NBG's voting equity is owned by NBSH Acquisition, LLC ("NBSH"). NBSH is owned by current and former employees, directors consultants and, in certain instances, their permitted transferees.
NINETY ONE UK LTD.—Ninety One UK Ltd. serves as a Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the Emerging Markets Debt Fund. Ninety One UK Ltd. is a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Ninety One plc ("Ninety One"). Ninety One is a dual listed company incorporated under the laws of the United Kingdom. Ninety One UK Ltd is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and is authorized by the UK Financial Conduct Authority. Ninety One is an asset manager engaged in the business of managing investment portfolios for clients globally.
PZENA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, LLC—Pzena Investment Management, LLC (Pzena) serves as a Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the International Equity Fund. Based in New York, New York, Pzena was founded in 1996. The firm is 100% owned by its employee members and certain other partners, including former employees.
S-62
QTRON INVESTMENTS LLC—Qtron Investments LLC ("Qtron") serves as a Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund. Qtron was founded in 2016 by Mr. Ronald Hua and Dr. Dmitri Kantsyrev and is 100% employee owned. Mr. Hua and Dr. Kantsyrev are the only managing partners and share equal equity ownership.
ROBECO INSTITUTIONAL ASSET MANAGEMENT US INC.—Robeco Institutional Asset Management US Inc. ("Robeco") serves as a Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund. Robeco has been registered with the SEC as an investment adviser since 1997. Robeco has been registered as a Delaware corporation since 1997.
WCM INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, LLC—WCM Investment Management, LLC ("WCM"), located at 281 Brooks Street, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, serves as a Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the International Equity Fund. WCM is an independent asset management firm, and was founded in 1976.
WELLINGTON MANAGEMENT COMPANY LLP—Wellington Management Company LLP ("Wellington Management"), a Delaware limited liability partnership with principal offices at 280 Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, serves as a Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the International Fixed Income Fund. Wellington Management is a professional investment counseling firm which provides investment services to investment companies, employee benefit plans, endowments, foundations, and other institutions. Wellington Management and its predecessor organizations have provided investment advisory services for over 90 years. Wellington Management is owned by the partners of Wellington Management Group LLP, a Massachusetts limited liability partnership.
Portfolio Management
SIMC
Compensation. SIMC compensates each portfolio manager for his or her management of the Funds. Each portfolio manager's compensation consists of a fixed annual salary, plus a discretionary annual bonus determined generally as follows.
Portfolio manager compensation is a combination of both Fund performance and SEI Investments Company ("SEI") performance. A majority of each portfolio manager's compensation is determined by the performance of the Funds for which the portfolio manager is responsible for over both a short-term and long-term time horizon. A final factor is a discretionary component, which is based upon a qualitative review of the portfolio managers and their team.
With respect to the bonus, twenty percent of each portfolio manager's compensation is tied to the corporate performance of SEI (SIMC's ultimate parent company), as measured by the earnings per share earned for a particular year. This percentage is set at the discretion of SEI and not SIMC.
The remaining percentage is based upon each Fund's performance (pre-tax) versus its respective benchmark over a one and three year period.
Ownership of Fund Shares. As of September 30, 2023, the portfolio managers beneficially owned shares of the Funds they manage, as follows:
Portfolio Manager |
Dollar Range of Fund Shares |
||||||
Rich Carr |
$ |
0 |
|||||
John Lau |
$ |
0 |
|||||
James Mashiter, CFA |
$ |
0 |
|||||
Hardeep Khangura, CFA |
$ |
0 |
|||||
Anthony Karaminas, CFA |
$ |
0 |
|||||
Jason Collins |
$ |
0 |
S-63
Other Accounts. As of September 30, 2023, in addition to the International Equity, Emerging Markets Equity, International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds, the portfolio managers were responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as follows:
Registered Investment Companies |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio Manager |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Rich Carr |
2 |
$ |
7,157.10 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
||||||||||||||||||
John Lau |
1 |
$ |
906.66 |
4 |
$ |
924.80 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
||||||||||||||||||
James Mashiter, CFA |
0 |
$ |
0 |
10 |
$ |
4,431.73 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
||||||||||||||||||
Hardeep Khangura, CFA |
1 |
$ |
1,710.16 |
7 |
$ |
2,661.29 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
||||||||||||||||||
Anthony Karaminas, CFA |
24 |
$ |
39,612.17 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
||||||||||||||||||
Jason Collins |
28 |
$ |
32,335.93 |
8 |
$ |
2,136.98 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
No account listed above is subject to a performance-based advisory fee.
Conflicts of Interest. The portfolio managers' management of registered investment companies other pooled investment vehicles or other accounts may give rise to actual or potential conflicts of interest in connection with their day-to-day management of the International Equity, Emerging Markets Equity, International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds' investments. The other accounts might have similar investment objectives as the International Equity, Emerging Markets Equity, International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds or hold, purchase or sell securities that are eligible to be held, purchased or sold by the International Equity, Emerging Markets Equity, International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds.
While the portfolio managers' management of the other accounts may give rise to the following potential conflicts of interest, SIMC does not believe that the conflicts, if any, are material or, to the extent any such conflicts are material, SIMC believes that it has designed policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to manage such conflicts in an appropriate way.
Knowledge of the Timing and Size of Fund Trades. A potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of the portfolio managers' day-to-day oversight of the International Equity, Emerging Markets Equity, International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds. Because of their positions with the International Equity, Emerging Markets Equity, International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds, the portfolio managers know the size, timing and possible market impact of International Equity, Emerging Markets Equity, International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Fund trades. It is theoretically possible that the portfolio managers could use this information to the advantage of the other accounts and to the possible detriment of the International Equity, Emerging Markets Equity, International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds. However, SIMC has adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed to allocate investment opportunities on a fair and equitable basis over time.
Investment Opportunities. A potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of the portfolio managers' oversight of the International Equity, Emerging Markets Equity, International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds and other accounts, which, in theory, may allow them to allocate investment opportunities in a way that favors the other accounts over the International Equity, Emerging Markets Equity, International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds. This conflict of interest may be exacerbated to the extent that SIMC or the portfolio managers receive, or expect to receive, greater compensation from their management of the other accounts than the International Equity, Emerging Markets Equity, International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds. Notwithstanding this theoretical conflict of interest, it is SIMC's policy to manage each account based on its investment objectives and related restrictions and, as discussed above, SIMC has adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed to allocate investment opportunities on a fair and equitable basis over time and in a manner consistent with each account's investment objectives and related restrictions. For example, while the portfolio managers may buy for other accounts securities that differ in identity or quantity from securities bought for the International Equity, Emerging Markets Equity, International Fixed Income and
S-64
Emerging Markets Debt Funds, such an approach might not be suitable for the International Equity, Emerging Markets Equity, International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds given their investment objectives and related restrictions.
Acadian
Compensation. SIMC pays Acadian a fee based on the assets under management of the International Equity Fund as set forth in an investment sub-advisory agreement between Acadian and SIMC. Acadian pays its investment professionals out of its total revenues and other resources, including the sub-advisory fees earned with respect to the International Equity Fund. The following information relates to the period ended September 30, 2023.
Compensation structure varies among professionals, although the basic package involves a generous base salary, strong bonus potential, profit sharing participation, various benefits and, among the majority of senior investment professionals and certain other key employees, equity ownership in the firm as part of the Acadian Key Employee Limited Partnership.
Compensation is highly incentive-driven, with Acadian often paying in excess of 100% of base pay for performance bonuses. Bonuses are tied directly to the individual's contribution and performance during the year, with members of the investment team evaluated on such factors as their contributions to the investment process, account retention, asset growth, and overall firm performance. Because portfolio management in Acadian's equity strategies is a team approach, investment team members' compensation is not linked to the performance of specific accounts, but rather to the individual's overall contribution to the success of the team and the firm's profitability. This helps to ensure an "even playing field" as investment team members are strongly incentivized to strive for the best possible portfolio performance for all clients rather than only for select accounts.
Ownership of Fund Shares. As of September 30, 2023, Acadian's portfolio managers did not beneficially own any shares of the International Equity Fund.
Other Accounts. As of September 30, 2023, in addition to the International Equity Fund, Acadian's portfolio managers were responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as follows:
Registered Investment Companies |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio Manager |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Brendan O. Bradley |
15 |
$ |
7,127 |
85 |
$ |
26,143 |
196 |
$ |
60,415 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
12 |
* |
$ |
2,040 |
22 |
* |
$ |
9,095 |
|||||||||||||||||
Fanesca Young |
15 |
$ |
7,127 |
85 |
$ |
26,143 |
196 |
$ |
60,415 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
12 |
* |
$ |
2,040 |
22 |
* |
$ |
9,095 |
* These accounts, which are a subset of the accounts in the preceding row, are subject to a performance-based advisory fee.
For all core equity products offered by the firm, including the subject strategy, Acadian manages a single process that is custom-tailored to the objectives of its clients. The investment professionals shown above function as part of a core equity team of 21 portfolio managers, all of whom are responsible for working with the dedicated research team to develop and apply quantitative techniques to evaluate securities and markets and for final quality-control review of portfolios to ensure mandate compliance. The data shown for these managers reflect firm-level numbers of accounts and assets under management, segregated by investment vehicle type. Not reflected: $813M in model advisory contracts where Acadian does not have trading authority.
Acadian has been appointed as adviser or sub-adviser to numerous public and private funds domiciled in the U.S. and abroad. Acadian is not an investment company and does not directly offer mutual funds. The asset data shown under "Registered Investment Companies" reflects advisory and sub-advisory relationships with U.S. registered
S-65
investment companies offering funds to retail investors. The asset data shown under "Other Pooled Investment Vehicles" reflects a combination of; 1) Delaware-based private funds where Acadian has been appointed adviser or sub-adviser and 2) Non-U.S.-based funds where Acadian has been appointed adviser or sub-adviser.
Conflicts of Interest. A conflict of interest may arise as a result of a portfolio manager being responsible for multiple accounts, including the International Equity Fund, which may have different investment guidelines and objectives. In addition to the International Equity Fund, these accounts may include other mutual funds managed on an advisory or sub-advisory basis, separate accounts and collective trust accounts. An investment opportunity may be suitable for the International Equity Fund as well as for any of the other managed accounts. However, the investment may not be available in sufficient quantity for all of the accounts to participate fully. In addition, there may be limited opportunity to sell an investment held by the International Equity Fund and the other accounts. The other accounts may have similar investment objectives or strategies as the International Equity Fund, may track the same benchmarks or indexes as the International Equity Fund tracks and may sell securities that are eligible to be held, sold or purchased by the International Equity Fund. A portfolio manager may be responsible for accounts that have different advisory fee schedules, which may create the incentive for the portfolio manager to favor one account over another in terms of access to investment opportunities. A portfolio manager may also manage accounts whose investment objectives and policies differ from those of the International Equity Fund, which may cause the portfolio manager to effect trading in one account that may have an adverse effect on the value of the holdings within another account, including the International Equity Fund.
To address and manage these potential conflicts of interest, Acadian has adopted compliance policies and procedures to allocate investment opportunities and to ensure that each of its clients is treated on a fair and equitable basis. Such policies and procedures include, but are not limited to, trade allocation and trade aggregation policies, portfolio manager assignment practices and oversight by investment management and the Compliance team.
Aikya
Compensation. SIMC pays Aikya a fee based on the assets under management of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund as set forth in an investment sub-advisory agreement between Aikya and SIMC. Aikya pays its investment professionals out of its total revenues and other resources, including the sub-advisory fees earned with respect to the Emerging Markets Equity Fund. The following information relates to the period ended September 30, 2023.
The investment team's compensation arrangement is designed to promote team-work and a joint sense of ownership of outcomes (rather than individualistic attributions). Aikya's compensation is structured as follows: base salary, which is determined by market benchmarks to attract and retain high caliber investment professionals; and bonus, which is available to all team members depending on the team's performance and an individual's contribution to the team and is determined by the board.
Individual team members are evaluated based on both quantitative (~50% weight) and qualitative (~50% weight) criteria in assessing their performance. The quantitative assessment depends upon the performance of the strategy against the benchmark over a rolling 5-year period. Qualitative factors assessed include an individual's contribution to idea generation, analysis, and portfolio construction and stewardship activities, which includes active engagement with investee companies, maintenance research, teamwork and culture of the team.
Ownership of Fund Shares. As of September 30, 2023, Aikya's portfolio managers did not beneficially own any shares of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund.
S-66
Other Accounts. As of September 30, 2023, in addition to the Emerging Markets Equity Fund, Aikya's portfolio managers were responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as follows:
Registered Investment Companies |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio Manager |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Ashish Swarup |
0 |
$ |
0 |
3 |
$ |
1,181.9 |
2 |
$ |
55 |
||||||||||||||||||
Rahul Desai |
0 |
$ |
0 |
3 |
$ |
1,181.9 |
2 |
$ |
55 |
||||||||||||||||||
Tom Allen |
0 |
$ |
0 |
3 |
$ |
1,181.9 |
2 |
$ |
55 |
None of the accounts listed above are subject to a performance-based advisory fee.
Conflicts of Interest. A conflict of interest may arise as a result of the portfolio manager being responsible for multiple accounts, including the Emerging Markets Equity Fund which may have different investment guidelines and objectives. In addition to the Emerging Markets Equity Fund, these accounts may include accounts of registered investment companies, private pooled investment vehicles and other accounts. In particular, this conflict of interest may arise as a result of Aikya's management of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund and other accounts, which, in theory, may allow Aikya to allocate investment opportunities in a way that favors other accounts over the Emerging Markets Equity Fund. This conflict of interest may be exacerbated to the extent that Aikya or the portfolio manager receive, or expect to receive, greater compensation from their management of the other accounts (some of which receive both a management and incentive fee) than the Emerging Markets Equity Fund. Aikya (or its members, employees and affiliates) may give advice or take action with respect to the other accounts that differs from the advice given with respect to the Emerging Markets Equity Fund. To the extent a particular investment is suitable for both the Emerging Markets Equity Fund and the other accounts, such investments will be allocated between the Emerging Markets Equity Fund and the other accounts in a manner that Aikya determines is fair and equitable under the circumstances to all clients, including the Emerging Markets Equity Fund.
To address and manage these potential conflicts of interest, Aikya has adopted compliance policies and procedures to allocate investment opportunities and to ensure that each of their clients is treated on a fair and equitable basis.
AllianceBernstein
Compensation. SIMC pays AllianceBernstein a fee based on the assets under management of the International Fixed Income Fund as set forth in an investment sub-advisory agreement between AllianceBernstein and SIMC. AllianceBernstein pays its investment professionals out of its total revenues and other resources, including the sub-advisory fees earned with respect to the International Fixed Income Fund. The following information relates to the period ended September 30, 2023.
Compensation for AllianceBernstein's investment professionals—portfolio managers, analysts, and traders—is designed to align with AllianceBernstein's mission and values: generating better investment outcomes for its clients while promoting responsibility and stewardship.
Incentive Compensation Significant Component. Portfolio managers, analysts and traders receive base compensation, incentive compensation and retirement contributions. While both overall compensation levels and the splits between base and incentive compensation vary from year to year, incentive compensation is a significant part of overall compensation. For example, for portfolio managers, the bonus component averages approximately 60-80% of their total compensation each year. Part of each professional's annual incentive compensation is normally paid through an award under the firm's Incentive Compensation Award Plan (ICAP). The ICAP awards vest over a three-year period. AllianceBernstein believes this helps its investment professionals focus appropriately on long-term client objectives and results.
Determined by Both Quantitative and Qualitative Factors. Total compensation for investment professionals is determined by both quantitative and qualitative factors. For portfolio managers, the most significant quantitative component focuses on measures of absolute and relative investment performance in client
S-67
portfolios. Relative returns are evaluated using both the Strategy's primary benchmark and peers over one-, three- and five-year periods, with more weight given to longer time periods. AllianceBernstein also assesses the risk pattern of performance, both absolute and relative to peers.
Qualitative Component Includes Responsibility-Related Objectives: The qualitative component of compensation for portfolio managers incorporates the manager's broader contributions to overall investment processes and client success. Because AllianceBernstein deeply believes as a firm that ESG factors present both investment risks and opportunities, every AllianceBernstein portfolio manager has goals that promote the integration of ESG and sustainability in its investment processes. The exact goals will vary depending on the individual's role and responsibilities, but typical goals for portfolio managers include discussion of ESG or sustainability risks and opportunities at research reviews and the integration of these factors in portfolio decision making.
Other aspects of qualitative objectives for portfolio managers include thought leadership, collaboration with other investment professionals at the firm, contributions to risk-adjusted returns in other portfolios, building a strong, diverse, and inclusive talent pool, mentoring newer investment professionals, being a good corporate citizen, and the achievement of personal goals. The qualitative portion is determined by individual goals set at the beginning of the year, with measurement and feedback on how those goals are being achieved provided at regular intervals. Other factors that can play a part in determining portfolio managers' compensation include complexity of investment strategies managed.
Research Analysts: At AllianceBernstein, research professionals have compensation and career opportunities that reflect a stature equivalent to their portfolio manager peers. Compensation for our research analysts is also heavily incentive-based and aligned with results generated for client portfolios. Criteria used include how well the analyst's research recommendations performed, the breadth and depth of his or her research knowledge, the level of attentiveness to forecasts and market movements, and the analyst's willingness to collaborate and contribute to the overall intellectual capital of the firm.
Responsibility-Related Objectives for our Research Analysts: Like portfolio managers, fundamental research analysts also have goals related to ESG analysis and integration. For analysts, these typically focus on providing assessments of ESG and sustainability factors in their research and recommendations, engaging with issuers for insight and action on ESG and sustainability topics, and documenting these engagements in our ESIGHT platform.
Traders: Traders are critically important to generating results in client accounts. As such, compensation for our traders is highly competitive and heavily incentive-based. Portfolio managers and Heads of Trading evaluate traders on their ability to achieve best execution and add value to client portfolios through trading. AllianceBernstein also incentivizes the fixed income traders to continually innovate for clients, encouraging them to continue developing and refining new trading technologies to enable AllianceBernstein to effectively address liquidity conditions in the fixed income markets for our clients.
Assessments of all investment professionals are formalized in a year-end review process that includes 360-degree feedback from other professionals from across the investment teams and firm. AllianceBernstein has designed its compensation program to attract and retain the highest-caliber employees while aligning with the firm's deeply held values of responsibility and stewardship. AllianceBernstein incorporates multiple sources of industry benchmarking data to ensure our compensation is highly competitive and fully reflects each individual's contributions in achieving client objectives.
Contributions under AllianceBernstein's Profit Sharing/401(k) Plan: The contributions are based on AllianceBernstein's overall profitability. The amount and allocation of the contributions are determined at the sole discretion of AllianceBernstein.
Ownership of Fund Shares. As of September 30, 2023, AllianceBernstein's portfolio managers did not beneficially own any shares of the International Fixed Income Fund.
S-68
Other Accounts. As of September 30, 2023, in addition to the International Fixed Income Fund, AllianceBernstein's portfolio managers were responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as follows:
Registered Investment Companies |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio Manager |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Scott DiMaggio, CFA |
16 |
$ |
8,981 |
74 |
$ |
4,141 |
49 |
$ |
13,126 |
||||||||||||||||||
John Taylor |
12 |
$ |
6,566 |
74 |
$ |
4,141 |
39 |
$ |
11,468 |
||||||||||||||||||
Nicholas Sanders, CFA |
12 |
$ |
6,566 |
74 |
$ |
4,141 |
39 |
$ |
11,468 |
||||||||||||||||||
Jamie Harding |
0 |
$ |
0 |
4 |
$ |
129 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
None of the accounts listed above are subject to a performance-based advisory fee.
Conflicts of Interest. As an investment adviser and fiduciary, AllianceBernstein owes its clients and shareholders an undivided duty of loyalty. AllianceBernstein recognizes that conflicts of interest are inherent in its business and accordingly has developed policies and procedures (including oversight monitoring) reasonably designed to detect, manage and mitigate the effects of actual or potential conflicts of interest in the area of employee personal trading, managing multiple accounts for multiple clients, and allocating investment opportunities. Investment professionals, including portfolio managers and research analysts, are subject to the above-mentioned policies and oversight monitoring to ensure that all clients are treated equitably. AllianceBernstein places the interests of its clients first and expects all of its employees to meet their fiduciary duties.
Employee Personal Trading. AllianceBernstein has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that is designed to detect and prevent conflicts of interest when investment professionals and other personnel of AllianceBernstein own, buy or sell securities that may be owned by, or bought or sold for clients or recommended for purchase or sale by an employee to a client. Subject to the reporting requirements and other limitations of its Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, AllianceBernstein permits its employees to engage in personal securities transactions, and also allows them to acquire investments in the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. AllianceBernstein's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics requires disclosure of all personal accounts and maintenance of brokerage accounts with designated broker-dealers approved by AllianceBernstein. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics also requires pre-clearance of all securities transactions (except transactions in U.S. Treasuries and open-end mutual funds) and imposes a 60-day holding period for securities purchased by employees to discourage short-term trading.
Managing Multiple Accounts for Multiple Clients. AllianceBernstein has compliance policies and oversight monitoring in place to address conflicts of interest relating to the management of multiple accounts for multiple clients. Conflicts of interest may arise when an investment professional has responsibilities for the investments of more than one account because the investment professional may be unable to devote equal time and attention to each account. The investment professional or investment professional teams for each client may have responsibilities for managing all or a portion of the investments of multiple accounts with a common investment strategy, including other registered investment companies, unregistered investment vehicles, such as hedge funds, pension plans, separate accounts, collective trusts and charitable foundations. Among other things, AllianceBernstein's policies and procedures provide for the prompt dissemination to investment professionals of initial or changed investment recommendations by analysts so that investment professionals are better able to develop investment strategies for all accounts they manage. In addition, investment decisions by investment professionals are reviewed for the purpose of maintaining uniformity among similar accounts and ensuring that accounts are treated equitably. Investment professional compensation reflects a broad contribution in multiple dimensions to long-term investment success for our clients and is generally not tied specifically to the performance of any particular client's account, nor is it generally tied directly to the level or change in level of assets under management.
Investment strategies and fee arrangements may create potential conflicts of interest for AllianceBernstein. For example, our employees or affiliates may have an economic interest in some of the accounts we manage.
S-69
We may also recommend to clients securities in which a related person has established an interest independent of AllianceBernstein. Some accounts pay performance fees to AllianceBernstein, and some client accounts can sell securities short that are held long in other client accounts. The beneficial owners of some accounts may have the ability to influence the placement of additional assets with AllianceBernstein. Some investment professionals at AllianceBernstein manage accounts with these potential conflicts on a "side by side" basis with accounts that do not have such characteristics. These investment professionals may have an incentive to favor "conflicted" accounts over other accounts. Variations in performance compensation structures among clients may create an incentive for AllianceBernstein to direct the best investment ideas to, or to allocate or sequence trades in favor of, clients that pay or allocate performance compensation or clients that pay a greater level of performance compensation than other clients.
AllianceBernstein is conscious of these potential conflicts. AllianceBernstein's policies address the fair allocation of investment opportunities across client accounts, the best execution of all client transactions, and the voting of proxies, among others.
Allocating Investment Opportunities. The investment professionals at AllianceBernstein routinely are required to select and allocate investment opportunities among accounts. AllianceBernstein has policies and procedures intended to address conflicts of interest relating to the allocation of investment opportunities. These policies and procedures are designed to ensure that information relevant to investment decisions is disseminated promptly within its portfolio management teams and investment opportunities are allocated equitably among different clients. AllianceBernstein's policies and procedures require, among other things, objective allocation for limited investment opportunities (e.g., on a rotational basis) and documentation and review of justifications for any decisions to make investments only for select accounts or in a manner disproportionate to the size of the account. Portfolio holdings, position sizes, and industry and sector exposures tend to be similar across similar accounts which minimizes the potential for conflicts of interest relating to the allocation of investment opportunities. Nevertheless, access to portfolio funds or other investment opportunities may be allocated differently among accounts due to the particular characteristics of an account, such as size of the account, cash position, tax status, risk tolerance and investment restrictions or for other reasons.
Aggregation of Trades. Where possible when trading, AllianceBernstein aggregates ("bundle") contemporaneous orders transacted on behalf of more than one client to facilitate best execution and achieve economies of scale. When possible, securities bought or sold in execution of an aggregated order will be allocated on a pro-rata basis among the participating client accounts in proportion to the size of the orders placed for each account.
Having said this, AllianceBernstein also notes that if a trade in a single security is executed with more than one dealer at different prices, it is not always possible to ensure that all accounts who are trading in that security receive the same execution price. In such cases, our trading desk is responsible for ensuring that the order of allocation to clients is fair and equitable over time.
Policy on Non-Pro Rata Allocations: In certain situations, other methods of trade allocation are permissible provided that the approach is based on objective criteria, all accounts receive fair and equitable treatment over time, and the reason for the different allocation is explained and approved in writing by a Head of Investment and the Chief Compliance Officer (or a designee) prior to the completion of the order.
Causeway
Compensation. SIMC pays Causeway a fee based on the assets under management of the International Equity Fund as set forth in an investment sub-advisory agreement between Causeway and SIMC. Causeway pays its investment professionals out of its total revenues and other resources, including the sub-advisory fees earned with respect to the International Equity Fund. The following information relates to the period ended September 30, 2023.
Sarah H. Ketterer and Harry W. Hartford, the Chief Executive Officer and President of the firm, respectively, receive an annual salary and are entitled, as controlling owners of Causeway's parent holding company through their estate planning vehicles, to distributions from the parent holding company's profits based on their
S-70
ownership interests. They do not receive incentive compensation. Jonathan P. Eng, Conor Muldoon, CFA, Alessandro Valentini, CFA, Ellen Lee, Steven Nguyen, CFA, and Brian Cho, also portfolio managers of the International Equity Fund, receive salary and may receive incentive compensation (including potential cash, awards of growth units, or awards of equity units) and receive, directly or through estate planning vehicles, distributions of the parent holding company's profits based on their minority ownership interests.
Causeway's Compensation Committee, weighing a variety of objective and subjective factors, determines salary and incentive compensation and, subject to the approval of the Board of Causeway's parent holding company, may award equity units. Portfolios are team-managed and salary and incentive compensation are not based on the specific performance of the portion of the International Equity Fund sub-advised by Causeway or any other single client account managed by Causeway, but take into account the performance of the individual portfolio manager, the relevant team, and Causeway's overall performance and financial results. The performance of stocks selected for client portfolios within a particular industry or sector over a multi-year period relative to appropriate benchmarks will be relevant for portfolio managers assigned to that industry or sector. Causeway takes into account both quantitative and qualitative factors when determining the amount of incentive compensation awarded to Messrs. Eng, Muldoon, Valentini, Nguyen and Cho, and Ms. Lee, including the following factors: individual research contribution, portfolio and team management contribution, group research contribution, client service and recruiting contribution, and other contributions to client satisfaction and firm development. The assessment of these factors takes into account both current and future risks and different factors can be weighted differently.
Ownership of Fund Shares. As of October 31, 2023, Causeway's portfolio managers did not beneficially own any shares of the International Equity Fund.
Other Accounts. As of October 31, 2023, in addition to the International Equity Fund, Causeway's portfolio managers were responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as follows:
Registered Investment Companies |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio Manager |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in billions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in billions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in billions) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Sarah H. Ketterer |
15 |
$ |
12.65 |
15 |
$ |
3.66 |
131 |
$ |
19.5 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
3 |
* |
$ |
1.65 |
||||||||||||||||||
Harry W. Hartford |
15 |
$ |
12.65 |
15 |
$ |
3.66 |
103 |
$ |
19.2 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
3 |
* |
$ |
1.65 |
||||||||||||||||||
Jonathan P. Eng |
15 |
$ |
12.65 |
15 |
$ |
3.66 |
96 |
$ |
19.2 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
3 |
* |
$ |
1.65 |
||||||||||||||||||
Conor Muldoon, CFA |
15 |
$ |
12.65 |
15 |
$ |
3.66 |
99 |
$ |
19.2 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
3 |
* |
$ |
1.65 |
||||||||||||||||||
Alessandro Valentini, CFA |
15 |
$ |
12.65 |
15 |
$ |
3.66 |
91 |
$ |
19.2 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
3 |
* |
$ |
1.65 |
||||||||||||||||||
Ellen Lee |
15 |
$ |
12.65 |
15 |
$ |
3.66 |
90 |
$ |
19.2 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
3 |
* |
$ |
1.65 |
||||||||||||||||||
Steven Nguyen, CFA |
15 |
$ |
12.65 |
15 |
$ |
3.66 |
91 |
$ |
19.2 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
3 |
* |
$ |
1.65 |
||||||||||||||||||
Brian Cho |
15 |
$ |
12.65 |
15 |
$ |
3.66 |
91 |
$ |
19.2 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
3 |
* |
$ |
1.65 |
* These accounts, which are a subset of the accounts in preceding row, are subject to a performance-based advisory fee.
Conflicts of Interest. The Causeway portfolio managers who sub-advise a portion of the International Equity Fund also manage their own personal accounts and accounts for other clients, including corporations, pension plans, sovereign wealth funds, superannuation funds, public retirement plans, Taft-Hartley pension plans, endowments and foundations, mutual funds and other collective investment vehicles, charities, private trusts and funds, wrap fee programs and other institutions (collectively, "Causeway Other Accounts").
S-71
In managing the Causeway Other Accounts, the portfolio managers employ investment strategies similar to those used in sub-advising a portion of the International Equity Fund, subject to certain variations in investment restrictions. The portfolio managers recommend securities to Causeway Other Accounts that they purchase and sell for the International Equity Fund.
The portfolio managers at times give advice or take action with respect to certain accounts that differs from the advice given to Causeway Other Accounts with similar investment strategies. Certain Causeway Other Accounts pay higher management fee rates than the International Equity Fund or pay performance-based fees to Causeway. Causeway is the investment adviser and sponsor of a number of mutual funds: Causeway International Value Fund, Causeway Global Value Fund, Causeway Emerging Markets Fund, Causeway International Opportunities Fund, and Causeway International Small Cap Fund (together, "Causeway Mutual Funds"). Causeway also sponsors and manages certain other commingled vehicles private funds in its international value strategy that are offered to institutional investors. Most of the portfolio managers have personal investments in one or more of the Causeway Mutual Funds. Ms. Ketterer and Mr. Hartford, through estate planning vehicles, hold controlling voting stakes in Causeway's parent holding company, and Messrs. Eng, Muldoon, Valentini, Nguyen, and Cho, and Ms. Lee own minority interests in Causeway's parent holding company.
Actual or potential conflicts of interest arise from the International Equity Fund's portfolio managers' management responsibilities with respect to Causeway Other Accounts and their own personal accounts. These responsibilities may cause portfolio managers to devote unequal time and attention across client accounts and the differing fees, incentives and relationships with the various accounts provide incentives to favor certain accounts. Causeway has written compliance policies and procedures designed to mitigate or manage these conflicts of interest. These include policies and procedures to seek fair and equitable allocation of investment opportunities (including initial public offerings) and trade allocations among all client accounts and policies and procedures concerning the disclosure and use of portfolio transaction information. Causeway also has a Code of Ethics, which, among other things, limits personal trading by portfolio managers and other employees of Causeway, including prohibiting access persons from purchasing securities that may be held by the International Equity Fund. There is no guarantee that any such policies or procedures will cover every situation in which a conflict of interest arises.
Colchester
Compensation. SIMC pays Colchester a fee based on the assets under management of the International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds as set forth in an investment sub-advisory agreement between Colchester and SIMC. Colchester pays its investment professionals out of its total revenues and other resources, including the sub-advisory fees earned with respect to the International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds. The following information relates to the period ended September 30, 2023.
All senior investment professionals have an ownership interest in Colchester along with competitive base salaries. Bonuses are tied to the overall profitability of the firm, and the majority of income before compensation is distributed to those active in the business. Bonus and total compensation levels are reviewed and set annually based on contribution. No set performance criteria or algorithms are used, but rather an overall assessment of work quality and commitment is made during the remuneration process.
No investment professionals are rewarded on the basis of the specific investment performance of the funds or portfolios that they directly oversee or manage. The singular investment approach employed by Colchester means that all professionals share in the collective success, or otherwise, of all funds managed by the firm. The firm's Articles define the total remuneration pool (i.e. the sum of all salaries, pensions, benefits, discretionary bonuses and related employment taxes payable to all group employees) as 60% of PBRT for each financial year.
Ownership of Fund Shares. As of September 30, 2023, Colchester's portfolio managers did not beneficially own any shares of the International Fixed Income or Emerging Markets Debt Funds.
S-72
Other Accounts. As of September 30, 2023, in addition to the International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds, Colchester's portfolio managers were responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as follows:
Registered Investment Companies |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio Manager† |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Ian Sims |
4 |
$ |
586 |
27 |
$ |
7,486 |
73 |
$ |
16,752 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
6 |
* |
$ |
3,076 |
||||||||||||||||||
Keith Lloyd, CFA |
4 |
$ |
586 |
27 |
$ |
7,486 |
73 |
$ |
16,752 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
6 |
* |
$ |
3,076 |
* These accounts, which are a subset of the accounts in the preceding row, are subject to a performance-based advisory fee.
† Colchester utilizes a team-based approach to portfolio management, and each of the portfolio managers listed above are jointly responsible for the management of a portion of the accounts listed in each category.
Conflicts of Interest. A conflict of interest may arise as a result of the portfolio manager being responsible for multiple accounts, including the International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds, which may have different investment guidelines and objectives. In addition to the International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds, these accounts may include accounts of registered investment companies, private pooled investment vehicles and other accounts. In particular, this conflict of interest may arise as a result of Colchester's management of the International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds and other accounts, which, in theory, may allow Colchester to allocate investment opportunities in a way that favors other accounts over the International Fixed Income or Emerging Markets Debt Funds. This conflict of interest may be exacerbated to the extent that Colchester or the portfolio manager receive, or expect to receive, greater compensation from their management of the other accounts (some of which receive both a management and incentive fee) than the International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds. Colchester (or its members, employees and affiliates) may give advice or take action with respect to the other accounts that differs from the advice given with respect to the International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds. To the extent a particular investment is suitable for both the International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds and the other accounts, such investments will be allocated between the International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds and the other accounts in a manner that Colchester determines is fair and equitable under the circumstances to all clients, including the International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds.
To address and manage these potential conflicts of interest, Colchester has adopted compliance policies and procedures to allocate investment opportunities and to ensure that each of their clients is treated on a fair and equitable basis.
DIFA
Compensation. SIMC pays DIFA a fee based on the assets under management of the International Equity Fund as set forth in an investment sub-advisory agreement between DIFA and SIMC. DIFA pays its investment professionals out of its total revenues and other resources, including the sub-advisory fees earned with respect to the International Equity Fund. The following information relates to the period ended September 30, 2023.
Base Salary—Each portfolio manager receives a fixed base salary. Salaries are determined by a comparison to industry data prepared by third parties to ensure that portfolio manager salaries are in line with salaries paid at peer investment advisory firms.
Bonus—Global Value Equity Portfolio Managers (Hansen, Petersen, Annerstedt, Jensen, Juul). Fixed remuneration is determined by the individual's skills, contribution to Macquarie Group Limited's (MGL) success and competitor analysis to attract and retain the highest caliber staff. Performance based remuneration is in the form of profit share which is discretionary in nature and truly variable. Performance-based profit share is allocated to MGL businesses and, in turn, to individuals based on performance. Performance is primarily assessed based on relative contribution to profits while taking into account capital usage and risk management. This results in
S-73
businesses and individuals being motivated to increase earnings and to use shareholder funds efficiently, consistent with prudent risk-taking. The Global Value Equity team is a separate profit center within MGL and they receive a portion of the profits generated by the Global Value Equity Business. Performance assessment and profit share split is a function of many aspects; these are listed below in decreasing order of significance: (i) profitability of the funds managed (as revenue is generated from the management fees, profitability is a function of the assets under management; (ii) performance of equity funds excess to benchmark and relative to peers over 1, 3, and 5 years; (iii) research quality and efficiency; (iv) product development initiative; and (v) overall business unit profitability. In addition, other qualitative measures are used in assessing individual performance, such as: how business is done, governance and compliance, long-term sustainability, people leadership, and adherence to MGL's goals and values. Staff are motivated to work co-operatively given that their profit share will reflect MGL's overall performance, the relative performance of their business and their individual contribution. MGL endorses profit share retention whereby a proportion is retained and notionally invested in underlying assets/funds the individual is responsible to align employees' interests with those of the wider business.
Bonus—Global Value Equity Portfolio Manager (Gowlland). Fixed remuneration takes into consideration the role of individuals and market conditions. Remuneration is reviewed on a yearly basis in February/March and takes effect from April 1 of that year. Aggregate staff profit share is linked to MGL's profitability and return on ordinary equity, with the allocation of individual profit share being based on factors including contribution to profit, use of capital, funding and risk. MGL operates profit share retention arrangements for employees meeting certain pay thresholds, to ensure an appropriate balance between short and longer-term incentives. Compensation is not directly based on the pre or post tax performance of the Fund over a certain period. However, performance of the Fund may be one factor taken into account in determining compensation.
Portfolio managers participate in retention programs, including the MAM Notional Investment Plan and MEREP, for alignment of interest purposes.
MAM Notional Investment Plan—A portion of a portfolio manager's retained profit share may be notionally exposed to the return of certain funds within MAM Funds pursuant to the terms of the MAM Notional Investment Plan. The retained amount will vest in equal tranches over a period ranging from four to five years after the date of investment (depending on the level of the employee).
Macquarie Group Employee Retained Equity Plan—A portion of a portfolio manager's retained profit share may be invested in the MEREP, which is used to deliver remuneration in the form of MGL equity. The main type of award currently being offered under the MEREP is units comprising a beneficial interest in a MGL share held in a trust for the employee, subject to the vesting and forfeiture provisions of the MEREP. Subject to vesting conditions, vesting and release of the shares occurs in a period ranging from four to five years after the date of investment (depending on the level of the employee).
Other Compensation—Portfolio managers may also participate in benefit plans and programs available generally to all similarly situated employees.
Ownership of Fund Shares. As of September 30, 2023, DIFA's portfolio managers did not beneficially own any shares of the International Equity Fund.
Other Accounts. As of September 30, 2023, in addition to the International Equity Fund, DIFA's portfolio managers were responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as follows:
Registered Investment Companies |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio Manager |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Jens Hansen |
1 |
$ |
521.8 |
6 |
$ |
892.2 |
7 |
$ |
3,380 |
||||||||||||||||||
Klaus Petersen |
1 |
$ |
521.8 |
6 |
$ |
892.2 |
7 |
$ |
3,380 |
||||||||||||||||||
Claus Juul |
1 |
$ |
521.8 |
6 |
$ |
892.2 |
7 |
$ |
3,380 |
||||||||||||||||||
Asa Annerstedt |
1 |
$ |
521.8 |
6 |
$ |
892.2 |
7 |
$ |
3,380 |
||||||||||||||||||
Allen Jensen |
1 |
$ |
521.8 |
6 |
$ |
892.2 |
7 |
$ |
3,380 |
||||||||||||||||||
Chris Gowlland |
2 |
$ |
578.6 |
1 |
$ |
81.9 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
S-74
None of the accounts listed above are subject to a performance-based advisory fee.
Conflicts of Interest. Individual portfolio managers may perform investment management services for other funds or accounts similar to those provided to the International Equity Fund and the investment action for each other fund or account and the International Equity Fund may differ. For example, one account or fund may be selling a security, while another account or fund may be purchasing or holding the same security. As a result, transactions executed for one account and the International Equity Fund may adversely affect the value of securities held by another fund or account. Additionally, the management of multiple other funds or accounts and the International Equity Fund may give rise to potential conflicts of interest, as a portfolio manager must allocate time and effort to multiple funds or accounts and the International Equity Fund. A portfolio manager may discover an investment opportunity that may be suitable for more than one account or fund. The investment opportunity may be limited, however, so that all funds or accounts for which the investment would be suitable may not be able to participate. DIFA has adopted procedures designed to allocate investments fairly across multiple funds or accounts.
A portfolio manager's management of personal accounts also may present certain conflicts of interest. While DIFA's Code of Ethics is designed to address these potential conflicts, there is no guarantee that it will do so.
GMO
Compensation. SIMC pays GMO a fee based on the assets under management of the Emerging Markets Debt Fund as set forth in an investment sub-advisory agreement between GMO and SIMC. GMO pays its investment professionals out of its total revenues and other resources, including the sub-advisory fees earned with respect to the Emerging Markets Debt Fund. The following information relates to the period ended September 30, 2023.
Ownership of Fund Shares. As of September 30, 2023, GMO's portfolio managers did not beneficially own any shares of the Emerging Markets Debt Fund.
Other Accounts. As of September 30, 2023, in addition to the Emerging Markets Debt Fund, GMO's portfolio managers were responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as follows:
Registered Investment Companies |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio Manager |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Tina Vandersteel |
1 |
$ |
2,418.95 |
4 |
$ |
2,140.02 |
1 |
$ |
99.72 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
2 |
* |
$ |
456.59 |
1 |
* |
$ |
99.72 |
* These accounts, which are a subset of the accounts in the preceding row, are subject to a performance-based advisory fee.
Conflicts of Interest. Because each senior member manages other accounts, including accounts that pay higher fees or accounts that pay performance-based fees, potential conflicts of interest exist, including potential conflicts between the investment strategy of a fund and the investment strategy of the other accounts managed by the senior member and potential conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities between a fund and the other accounts.
Senior members of each team are generally members (partners) of GMO. The compensation of each senior member consisted of a fixed annual base salary and an additional, discretionary, bonus and, in the case of partners, a partnership interest in the firm's profits. Base salary is determined by taking into account current industry norms and market data to ensure that GMO pays a competitive base salary. The discretionary bonus is paid on the basis of a number of factors, including features designed to align the compensation of the senior members with the performance of the accounts they manage, such as a fund, over various periods. In some cases, the performance of a fund relative to an index (which may or may not be the fund's benchmark) is considered. Such features are intended to promote a closer alignment of interests between those accounts and the senior members managing those accounts. Individual senior members may, however, have some or all of
S-75
the same economic incentives that GMO itself may have when GMO is eligible to earn a performance fee. Specifically, even if GMO is not earning or eligible to earn a performance fee (none of the funds pay GMO a performance-based fee), individual senior members may have compensation-related incentives to make riskier investments, pursue riskier fund strategies, seek less downside risk when a fund has outperformed its benchmark and allocate superior investment ideas to GMO client accounts capable of generating higher performance-related compensation. The level of partnership interest is determined by taking into account the individual's contribution to GMO. Because each senior member's compensation is based, in part, on his or her individual performance, GMO does not have a typical percentage split among base salary, bonus and other compensation.
Please refer to GMO's Form ADV for additional information on conflicts of interest.
JOHCM
Compensation. SIMC pays JOHCM a fee based on the assets under management of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund as set forth in an investment sub-advisory agreement between JOHCM and SIMC. JOHCM pays its investment professionals out of its total revenues and other resources, including the sub-advisory fees earned with respect to the Emerging Markets Equity Fund. The following information relates to the period ended September 30, 2023.
Compensation is based on the value of the assets in the Emerging Markets Equity Fund's portfolio. The remuneration structure for investment professionals includes a base salary, a revenue share (proportion of the management fee generated and performance fee) and the opportunity to earn an equity stake. The performance fee element is designed to ensure that financial reward is clearly and measurably linked to performance and that the interests of the portfolio managers are aligned with those of the client. When evaluating the portfolio managers' performance, JOHCM compares the pre-tax performance of the portfolio managers to the applicable index, typically over a 12-month period.
Equity
The JOHCM business has operated as an investment boutique within the Pendal Group since 2011. In January 2023, Pendal Group Limited was acquired by Perpetual. Perpetual is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX code: PPT) and is a diversified financial services company providing asset management, private wealth and trustee services. There are no changes to key investment teams or capabilities and JOHCM maintains its investment autonomy and its unique value proposition. All investment professionals and senior staff have equity participation in listed Perpetual shares.
Fund Linked Equity
The Fund Linked Equity scheme is designed for new fund management teams or existing teams launching a new strategy. Under this arrangement, notional shares are valued in line with the growth and performance of the fund managed and after a long-term vesting period these notional shares will convert to Perpetual equity, allowing the fund manager to become a shareholder in Perpetual. The Perpetual shares are subject to further deferral arrangements and leaver conditions, thus providing a reward for the long-term growth of funds under management and enhancing fund manager retention for both clients and shareholders.
Revenue Share Deferral
Longer serving fund managers increase their equity participation through revenue share arrangements on the management fees earned on their particular strategy. These revenue share arrangements are subject to deferral arrangements which includes deferral into Perpetual equity and in some cases into the strategy fund units. These deferred awards vest over a five-year period, whilst also being subject to leaver conditions to aid retention.
In summary, JOHCM has a results oriented partnership ethos. The variable elements of the fund manager's remuneration could represent a significant multiple of base salary where asset growth and strong performance is delivered.
S-76
Ownership of Fund Shares. As of September 30, 2023, JOHCM's portfolio managers did not beneficially own any shares of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund.
Other Accounts. As of September 30, 2023, in addition to the Emerging Markets Equity Fund, JOHCM's portfolio managers were responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as follows:
Registered Investment Companies |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio Manager |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Emery Brewer |
2 |
$ |
217 |
4 |
$ |
331 |
2 |
$ |
146 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
2 |
* |
$ |
174 |
0 |
* |
$ |
0 |
|||||||||||||||||
Dr. Ivo Kovachev |
2 |
$ |
217 |
4 |
$ |
331 |
2 |
$ |
146 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
2 |
* |
$ |
174 |
0 |
* |
$ |
0 |
* These accounts, which are a subset of the accounts in the preceding row, are subject to a performance-based advisory fee.
AUM is available on a quarterly basis.
Conflicts of Interest. The following are the types of conflicts of interest that may arise within the JOHCM Group, and the way in which they are managed and monitored in the compliance program:
Ownership and Group Relationships
The JOHCM Group business has operated as an investment boutique within the Pendal Group since 2011. In January 2023, Pendal Group Limited was acquired by Perpetual. Perpetual is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX code: PPT) and is a diversified financial services company providing asset management, private wealth and trustee services. There are no changes to key investment teams or capabilities and JOHCM maintains its investment autonomy and its unique value proposition.
As part of its governance remit, the JOHCM Board may consider it appropriate to promote the success of Perpetual or any one of its subsidiaries, but each director, and the firm in general, must also comply with the rules, regulations and principles of both the SEC and the FCA, which require clients to be treated fairly, their interests to be served, and the effective mitigation and management of the risk of conflict with those interests.
On this basis, no conflicts thus arise from the firm's corporate structure beyond those inherent and commonplace in a shareholder ownership model.
Investment Management related services provided to the Pendal Group
JOHCM Group provides investment management services to a small number of Australian regulated funds for which Pendal acts as the lead manager. These services are provided on normal commercial fee terms. The firm has independent oversight controls to ensure that these connected clients are treated in the same way as all other mandates for the particular strategy and that these inter-affiliate services are handled in line with the firm's systems and controls related to order execution.
Separate teams/timing of investment decisions/executions
JOHCM acts as discretionary investment manager for a number of separate publicly available funds and segregated institutional accounts. The investment mandates for these clients are such that a particular investment will be suitable for inclusion in a number of different portfolios.
Each strategy is managed by a named senior fund manager, or by a senior fund manager and deputy/ies, or by named co-lead managers. It is a key part of the group's decentralized investment philosophy that these investment teams have the freedom, subject to agreed mandate restrictions, to make their own investment decisions.
Subject to any particular size or other constraints such as risk appetite contained in client mandates the proposed participation in an investment will be in proportion to the relative size of the portfolios managed by
S-77
that investment team. The timing of decisions made by that investment team will also be influenced by any inflows to or outflows from the portfolios they manage. It is also of note that a different investment team may make different decisions or make similar decisions at different times in respect of the same investment.
All of these factors may result in different investment outcomes among investment strategies, and among mandates managed by the same investment team. JOHCM has policies in place to address the potential for conflicts that this creates, that are designed to ensure the fair allocation of investment opportunities among clients. Compliance with these policies is reviewed ex post by various means, including performance dispersion analysis and monitoring order handling.
Basis of Remuneration—the firm and fund managers
The basis of JOHCM's remuneration, which is recorded in the agreements with individual clients, may be different for different types of client portfolios. The percentage rate for the annual management charge is not the same for all portfolios and in many cases there will also be a performance fee payable, which may be calculated on differing bases for different types of portfolios e.g. OEIC, mutual fund or segregated account. Thus, different portfolios in the same strategy may attract different fee levels.
It is therefore important to ensure that these differing fees for the firm, and in some cases the particular fund manager, do not lead to similar portfolios being treated unfairly, with one being favored or disadvantaged relative to any other. The policies and monitoring programme referred to above relating to fair allocation of investment opportunities are also important safeguards in managing this potential for conflict.
The remuneration of the individual fund managers is a combination of some or all of a salary, the management fees earned on their particular strategy, where applicable, a share of performance fees earned by the firm from the portfolios they manage and that which derives from their equity interest in the Perpetual Group.
The remuneration of individual JOHCM employees is independently overseen by the Perpetual People and Remuneration Committee and for employees of the UK entity the JOHCML Board, in accordance with a Remuneration Policy that is designed to promote alignment of individual fund managers' interests with their clients' and to meet the FCA Rules and standards.
Inside Information
The misuse of inside information amounts to a breach of the SEC regulations and FCA Rules and in some cases may be a criminal offense. It creates an inherent conflicts of interest because it gives the holder of the information an unfair advantage over other market participants who do not have that knowledge.
JOHCM's fund managers are encouraged to analyze and meet with those companies in which they invest on behalf of their clients, but most do not actively seek out inside information. Other employees within the firm may also inadvertently learn of facts or circumstances that amount to inside information, whether in the course of their work, or otherwise. The firm has various safeguards in place that are designed to protect clients and other market participants against this potential for conflict, including staff training on the issue and a policy that requires any employee in receipt of inside information to report it immediately to Compliance. This results in an embargo on further orders being placed in the securities of the relevant company by all JOHCM investment teams, whether or not they are themselves in actual receipt of the inside Information.
Emulation mandates
In negotiating agreements with clients for such mandates we seek to include an appropriate disclosure of this potential for conflict.
Identification and Correction of Errors
The risk of conflicts of interest is inherent in any scenario where an error has potentially been made, but JOHCM confronts this risk firstly by promoting a culture of collaboration, transparency and fairness in the analysis and correction of any error. JOHCM has established procedures to ensure any such incident is effectively
S-78
escalated, that JOHCM takes appropriate action to correct the accounts of any clients adversely affected by the issue, and also learns from the incident and strengthens controls, including by providing additional training where appropriate, to minimize the risk of recurrence.
JOHCM policy is that clients should be compensated for all direct monetary losses that they may suffer as a result of any error.
Procurement of investment research
JOHCM pays for all investment research out of its own resources.
JOHCM has controls in place designed to ensure that the only research consumed is research that the firm pays for, and that any other information or commentary about securities, markets or investing that the firm receives for free is simply 'generic information' in line with the FCA Rules. These controls aim to mitigate the risk that 'free' research may create an inducement in the context of the firm's relationship with the research provider.
Valuation of suspended/illiquid/unquoted positions
To avoid the conflict of interest inherent in valuing its clients' portfolios, JOHCM never acts as the pricing agent of record. Pricing of all JOHCM funds is undertaken by the funds' independent third-party administrators using quoted market price feeds, and portfolios managed for separate account clients are officially priced by the clients' independently appointed custodians or accounting agents. The pricing that JOHCM carries out is therefore essentially to assist fund managers in managing their clients' portfolios.
JOHCM may however give pricing recommendations to a client and/or its pricing agent where, for example, market quotations are not readily available for a security in the client's portfolio or where the price from the external source does not, in the firm's view, represent its fair value. To manage the risk of conflict of interest in such situations, JOHCM operates a Valuation and Pricing Committee, the members of which are part of the firm's senior management and are independent of investment decision-making.
Relationships with Service Providers
From time to time, JOHCM may engage a service provider on its own behalf that is also a client of the firm, or an investor in or distributor of the firm's products. In such cases, JOHCM aims to ensure that the selection of any such service provider is made on an independent basis through a comparison of the available services from multiple potential service providers and by selecting the most suitable provider based upon the overall needs of the firm.
JOHCM may also from time to time enter into a client or distributor relationship with a party that is also a service provider to the firm, or such a party may become an investor in a JOHCM fund. In any such case, JOHCM must ensure that the terms of the relationship are consistent with its duty to treat clients and investors fairly.
Outside Business Interests
There is a clear potential for conflicts of interest where employees pursue other business activities outside their main employment. JOHCM's standard employment contract therefore requires the employee to obtain prior written consent for any outside business interests. Such external appointments are rare.
Directors are also subject to particular statutory and policy driven obligations in managing any conflicts of interest which may arise or exist within their role.
Inducements
MiFID II explicitly prohibits firms providing portfolio management or advisory services to clients from receiving any monetary benefits from any third party in connection with those services. It is not part of JOHCM's business model to receive payments of this kind. However, if any such benefit were to be received, arrangements would be made to ensure its transfer to the relevant client(s) as soon as possible.
S-79
Compliance with this inducement ban is a condition of any approval by the firm to enter into any new relationship or to change the terms of an existing relationship, which in either case, would entail JOHCM paying a monetary benefit.
MiFID II does allow firms such as JOHCM to receive non-monetary benefits provided they are minor and acceptable under the FCA Rules. JOHCM has policies and procedures in place to assess all such benefits, notably in the context of gifts and entertainment and the receipt of generic information on financial instruments.
Gifts and Entertainment
The giving and receiving of gifts or entertainment are subject to JOHCM's policy, which is designed to ensure that staff do not offer or give, solicit or accept any inducement which is likely to conflict with their duties to clients or would be in breach of any statutory or regulatory restrictions.
Employee Personal Dealing
To manage the obvious risk of conflict of interest arising in this area, all employees are made subject to JOHCM's Employee Dealing Rules which place clear parameters on how and when they may deal in securities for their own account and their immediate families and include regular reporting of personal transactions and holdings
KBIGI (North America)
Compensation. SIMC pays KBIGI (North America) a fee based on the assets under management of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund as set forth in an investment sub-advisory agreement between KBIGI (North America) and SIMC. KBIGI (North America) pays its investment professionals out of its total revenues and other resources, including the sub-advisory fees earned with respect to the Emerging Markets Equity Fund. The following information relates to the period ended September 30, 2023.
The portfolio managers and key executives have a number of different components to compensation which offers very strong combination of incentivization and retention. These components strongly align key employees with clients and the firm's majority shareholder. KBIGI (North America) believes they compare very favorably with other firms within the industry. These components are set out below:
Base Salary: Benchmarked to industry.
Annual Bonus: For portfolio managers, the bonus amount paid is based predominantly on relative investment performance for the relevant strategies/funds assessed over 1, 2 and 3 year rolling numbers. This ensures a longer term investment perspective rather than a year by year focus. Key employees are obliged to take a proportion of the annual bonus in parent company equity which is then locked in for three years. If the executives cease employment with the firm, a portion of this equity is forfeited.
Profit Share: The overall company pool for profit share is determined by the profitability of KBIGI (Dublin). 30% of Profit before Tax is set aside to fund the Annual Bonus and Profit Share. Any funds remaining after annual bonus awards are distributed among selected key employees. Payments under the profit sharing scheme are through a combination of cash, parent company equity and units in KBIGI (North America) funds. Equity and fund holdings are held in trust for a three -year period. If the executives cease employment with the firm, a portion of this equity is forfeited.
Equity Participation: Following completion of the acquisition of the majority shareholding by Amundi employees hold a minority equity stake in the business. There are put and call structures in place to enable employees to sell the holding on a phased basis over a multi-year period.
Retention is supported by the firm's compensation program but is also achieved by giving talented people autonomy to pursue their investment beliefs in a healthy and forward looking commercial environment.
Ownership of Fund Shares. As of September 30, 2023, KBIGI (North America)'s portfolio managers did not beneficially own any shares of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund.
S-80
Other Accounts. As of September 30, 2023, in addition to the Emerging Markets Equity Fund, KBIGI (North America)'s portfolio managers were responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts of both KBIGI (North America) and KBIGI, as follows:
Registered Investment Companies |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio Manager† |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Gareth Maher |
1 |
$ |
239.4 |
14 |
$ |
989.5 |
7 |
$ |
7,471.1 |
||||||||||||||||||
David Hogarty |
1 |
$ |
239.4 |
14 |
$ |
989.5 |
7 |
$ |
7,471.1 |
||||||||||||||||||
Ian Madden |
1 |
$ |
239.4 |
14 |
$ |
989.5 |
7 |
$ |
7,471.1 |
||||||||||||||||||
James Collery |
1 |
$ |
239.4 |
14 |
$ |
989.5 |
7 |
$ |
7,471.1 |
||||||||||||||||||
John Looby |
1 |
$ |
239.4 |
14 |
$ |
989.5 |
7 |
$ |
7,471.1 |
||||||||||||||||||
Massimiliano Tondi, CFA, FRM |
1 |
$ |
239.4 |
14 |
$ |
989.5 |
7 |
$ |
7,471.1 |
† KBIGI (North America) utilizes a team-based approach to portfolio management, and each of the portfolio managers listed above are jointly responsible for the management of a portion of the accounts listed in each category.
None of the accounts listed above are subject to a performance-based advisory fee.
Conflicts of Interest. KBIGI (North America)'s portfolio managers' management of other accounts (collectively, the "KBIGI Other Accounts") may give rise to potential conflicts of interest in connection with their management of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund's investments, on the one hand, and the investments of the KBIGI Other Accounts, on the other. The KBIGI Other Accounts might have similar investment objectives as the Emerging Markets Equity Fund or hold, purchase or sell securities that are eligible to be held, purchased or sold by the Emerging Markets Equity Fund. KBIGI (North America) does not believe that these conflicts, if any, are material or, to the extent any such conflicts are material, KBIGI (North America) believes that it has designed policies and procedures to manage those conflicts in an appropriate way.
A potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of KBIGI (North America)'s portfolio managers' day-to-day management of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund. Because of their positions with the Emerging Markets Equity Fund, the portfolio managers know the size, timing and possible market impact of Emerging Markets Equity Fund trades. It is theoretically possible that KBIGI (North America)'s portfolio managers could use this information to the advantage of the KBIGI Other Accounts they manage and to the possible detriment of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund. However, KBIGI (North America) has adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed to allocate investment opportunities on a fair and equitable basis over time.
A potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of KBIGI (North America)'s portfolio managers' management of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund and KBIGI Other Accounts, which, in theory, may allow them to allocate investment opportunities in a way that favors KBIGI Other Accounts over the Emerging Markets Equity Fund. This conflict of interest may be exacerbated to the extent that KBIGI (North America) or its portfolio managers receive, or expect to receive, greater compensation from their management of the KBIGI Other Accounts (many of which receive a base and incentive fee) than from the Emerging Markets Equity Fund. Notwithstanding this theoretical conflict of interest, it is KBIGI (North America)'s policy to manage each account based on its investment objectives and related restrictions and, as discussed above, KBIGI (North America) has adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed to allocate investment opportunities on a fair and equitable basis over time and in a manner consistent with each account's investment objectives and related restrictions. For example, while KBIGI (North America)'s portfolio managers may buy for KBIGI Other Accounts securities that differ in identity or quantity from securities bought for the Emerging Markets Equity Fund, such securities might not be suitable for the Emerging Markets Equity Fund given its investment objectives and related restrictions.
Lazard
Compensation. SIMC pays Lazard a fee based on the assets under management of the International Equity Fund as set forth in an investment sub-advisory agreement between Lazard and SIMC. The following information relates to the period ended September 30, 2023.
S-81
Lazard compensates portfolio managers by a competitive salary and bonus structure, which is determined both quantitatively and qualitatively.
Salary and bonus are paid in cash, stock and restricted interests in funds managed by Lazard or its affiliates. Portfolio managers are compensated on the performance of the aggregate group of portfolios managed by the teams of which they are a member rather than for a specific fund or account. Various factors are considered in the determination of a portfolio manager's compensation. All of the portfolios managed by a portfolio manager are comprehensively evaluated to determine his or her positive and consistent performance contribution over time. Further factors include the amount of assets in the portfolios as well as qualitative aspects that reinforce Lazard's investment philosophy.
Total compensation is generally not fixed, but rather is based on the following factors: (i) leadership, teamwork and commitment, (ii) maintenance of current knowledge and opinions on companies owned in the portfolio; (iii) generation and development of new investment ideas, including the quality of security analysis and identification of appreciation catalysts; (iv) ability and willingness to develop and share ideas on a team basis; and (v) the performance results of the portfolios managed by the investment teams of which the portfolio manager is a member.
Variable bonus is based on the portfolio manager's quantitative performance as measured by his or her ability to make investment decisions that contribute to the pre-tax absolute and relative returns of the accounts managed by the teams of which the portfolio manager is a member, by comparison of each account to a predetermined benchmark (generally as set forth in the prospectus or other governing document) over the current fiscal year and the longer-term performance of such account, as well as performance of the account relative to peers. In addition, the portfolio manager's bonus can be influenced by subjective measurement of the manager's ability to help others make investment decisions.
A portion of a portfolio manager's variable bonus is awarded under a deferred compensation arrangement pursuant to which the portfolio manager may allocate certain amounts awarded among certain accounts in shares that vest in two to three years. Certain portfolio managers' bonus compensation may be tied to a fixed percentage of revenue or assets generated by the accounts managed by such portfolio management teams.
Ownership of Fund Shares. As of September 30, 2023, Lazard's portfolio managers did not beneficially own any shares of the International Equity Fund.
Other Accounts. As of September 30, 2023, in addition to the International Equity Fund, Lazard's portfolio managers were responsible for the day to-day management of certain other accounts, as follows:
Registered Investment Companies |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio Manager |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Paul Moghtader, CFA |
16 |
$ |
1,687.6 |
27 |
$ |
3,074.8 |
70 |
$ |
13,717.4 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
10 |
* |
$ |
9,945.6 |
||||||||||||||||||
Susanne Willumsen |
16 |
$ |
1,687.6 |
27 |
$ |
3,074.8 |
70 |
$ |
13,717.4 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
10 |
* |
$ |
9,945.6 |
||||||||||||||||||
Taras Ivanenko |
16 |
$ |
1,687.6 |
27 |
$ |
3,074.8 |
70 |
$ |
13,717.4 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
10 |
* |
$ |
9,945.6 |
||||||||||||||||||
Peter Kashanek |
16 |
$ |
1,687.6 |
27 |
$ |
3,074.8 |
70 |
$ |
13,717.4 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
10 |
* |
$ |
9,945.6 |
||||||||||||||||||
Alex Lai |
16 |
$ |
1,687.6 |
27 |
$ |
3,074.8 |
70 |
$ |
13,717.4 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
10 |
* |
$ |
9,945.6 |
||||||||||||||||||
Ciprian Marin |
16 |
$ |
1,687.6 |
27 |
$ |
3,074.8 |
70 |
$ |
13,717.4 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
10 |
* |
$ |
9,945.6 |
* These accounts, which are a subset of the accounts in the preceding row, are subject to a performance-based advisory fee.
S-82
Conflicts of Interest. Although the potential for conflicts of interest exist when an investment adviser and portfolio managers manage other accounts that invest in securities in which the International Equity Fund may invest or that may pursue a strategy similar to the International Equity Fund's investment strategies implemented by Lazard (collectively, "Similar Accounts"), Lazard has procedures in place that are designed to ensure that all accounts are treated fairly and that the International Equity Fund are not disadvantaged, including procedures regarding trade allocations and "conflicting trades" (e.g., long and short positions in the same or similar securities). In addition, the International Equity Fund are subject to different regulations than certain of the Similar Accounts, and, consequently, may not be permitted to engage in all the investment techniques or transactions, or to engage in such techniques or transactions to the same degree, as the Similar Accounts.
Potential conflicts of interest may arise because of Lazard's management of the International Equity Fund and Similar Accounts, including the following:
1. Similar Accounts may have investment objectives, strategies and risks that differ from those of the International Equity Fund. In addition, the International Equity Fund are registered investment companies, subject to different regulations than certain of the Similar Accounts and, consequently, may not be permitted to invest in the same securities, exercise rights to exchange or convert securities or engage in all the investment techniques or transactions, or to invest, exercise or engage to the same degree, as the Similar Accounts. For these or other reasons, the portfolio managers may purchase different securities for the International Equity Fund and the corresponding Similar Accounts, and the performance of securities purchased for the International Equity Fund may vary from the performance of securities purchased for Similar Accounts, perhaps materially.
2. Conflicts of interest may arise with both the aggregation and allocation of securities transactions and allocation of limited investment opportunities. Lazard may be perceived as causing accounts it manages to participate in an offering to increase Lazard's overall allocation of securities in that offering, or to increase Lazard's ability to participate in future offerings by the same underwriter or issuer. Allocations of bunched trades, particularly trade orders that were only partially filled due to limited availability, and allocation of investment opportunities generally, could raise a potential conflict of interest, as Lazard may have an incentive to allocate securities that are expected to increase in value to preferred accounts. Initial public offerings, in particular, are frequently of very limited availability. A potential conflict of interest may be perceived to arise if transactions in one account closely follow related transactions in a different account, such as when a purchase increases the value of securities previously purchased by the other account, or when a sale in one account lowers the sale price received in a sale by a second account.
3. Portfolio managers may be perceived to have a conflict of interest because of the large number of Similar Accounts, in addition to the International Equity Fund, that they are managing on behalf of Lazard. Although Lazard does not track each individual portfolio manager's time dedicated to each account, Lazard periodically reviews each portfolio manager's overall responsibilities to ensure that he or she is able to allocate the necessary time and resources to effectively manage the International Equity Fund. As illustrated in the table above, most of the portfolio managers manage a significant number of Similar Accounts (10 or more) in addition to the International Equity Fund.
4. Generally, Lazard and/or its portfolio managers have investments in Similar Accounts. This could be viewed as creating a potential conflict of interest, since certain of the portfolio managers do not invest in the International Equity Fund.
5. The portfolio managers noted with an * in the table above manage Similar Accounts with respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account, which could give the portfolio managers and Lazard an incentive to favor such Similar Accounts over the International Equity Fund.
6. Portfolio managers may place transactions on behalf of Similar Accounts that are directly or indirectly contrary to investment decisions made for the International Equity Fund, which could have the potential to adversely impact the International Equity Fund, depending on market conditions. In addition, if the International Equity Fund's' investment in an issuer is at a different level of the issuer's capital structure than an investment in the issuer by Similar Accounts, in the event of credit deterioration of the issuer,
S-83
there may be a conflict of interest between the International Equity Fund's and such Similar Accounts' investments in the issuer. If Lazard sells securities short, including on behalf of a Similar Account, it may be seen as harmful to the performance of the International Equity Fund to the extent it invests "long" in the same or similar securities whose market values fall as a result of short-selling activities.
7. Investment decisions are made independently from those of the Similar Accounts. If, however, such Similar Accounts desire to invest in, or dispose of, the same securities as the International Equity Fund, available investments or opportunities for sales will be allocated equitably to each. In some cases, this procedure may adversely affect the size of the position obtained for or disposed of by the International Equity Fund or the price paid or received by the International Equity Fund.
8. Under Lazard's trade allocation procedures applicable to domestic and foreign initial and secondary public offerings and Rule 144A transactions (collectively herein a "Limited Offering"), Lazard will generally allocate Limited Offering shares among client accounts, including the International Equity Fund, pro rata based upon the aggregate asset size (excluding leverage) of the account. Lazard may also allocate Limited Offering shares on a random basis, as selected electronically, or other basis. It is often difficult for the Investment Manager to obtain a sufficient number of Limited Offering shares to provide a full allocation to each account. Lazard's allocation procedures are designed to allocate Limited Offering securities in a fair and equitable manner.
Marathon
Compensation. SIMC pays Marathon a fee based on the assets under management of the Emerging Markets Debt Fund as set forth in an investment sub-advisory agreement between Marathon and SIMC. Marathon pays its investment professionals out of its total revenues and other resources, including the sub-advisory fees earned with respect to the Emerging Markets Debt Fund. Such compensation consists of an annual salary, which includes a base salary and benefits package, as well as a discretionary year-end bonus which is included in the overall compensation package for investment professionals. Bonuses are based in part on Firm, Fund, and personal performance which is evaluated on an annual basis by the Firm's Compensation Committee. The following information relates to the period ended September 30, 2023.
Ownership of Fund Shares. As of September 30, 2023, Marathon's portfolio managers did not beneficially own any shares of the Emerging Markets Debt Fund.
Other Accounts. As of September 30, 2023, in addition to the Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Marathon's portfolio managers were responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as follows:
Registered Investment Companies |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio Manager |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Lou Hanover |
8 |
$ |
820.80 |
106 |
$ |
19,370.12 |
25 |
$ |
2,891.77 |
||||||||||||||||||
3 |
* |
$ |
244.65 |
78 |
* |
$ |
14,412.48 |
12 |
* |
$ |
1,400.49 |
||||||||||||||||
Gaby Szpigiel |
7 |
$ |
709.17 |
13 |
$ |
4,198.36 |
15 |
$ |
1,703.65 |
||||||||||||||||||
2 |
* |
$ |
133.02 |
9 |
* |
$ |
2,159.08 |
7 |
* |
$ |
616.12 |
||||||||||||||||
Andrew Szmulewicz |
7 |
$ |
709.17 |
13 |
$ |
4,198.36 |
15 |
$ |
1,703.65 |
||||||||||||||||||
2 |
* |
$ |
133.02 |
9 |
* |
$ |
2,159.08 |
7 |
* |
$ |
616.12 |
* These accounts, which are a subset of the accounts in the preceding row, are subject to a performance-based advisory fee.
Please note that the number of accounts and corresponding Total Assets listed in the above table includes each individual entity related to that fund or account. For instance, in the case of a master fund with two related feeders, Marathon has counted three accounts.
Conflicts of Interest. A conflict of interest may arise as a result of the portfolio manager being responsible for multiple accounts, including the Emerging Markets Debt Fund, which may have different investment
S-84
guidelines and objectives. In addition to the Emerging Markets Debt Fund, these accounts may include accounts of registered investment companies for which Marathon serves as sub-advisor, private pooled investment vehicles and other accounts. Marathon has adopted aggregation and allocation of investment procedures designed to ensure that all of its clients are treated fairly and equitably over time and to prevent this form of conflict from influencing the allocation of investment opportunities among its clients. As a general matter, Marathon will offer clients the right to participate in all investment opportunities that it determines are appropriate for the client in view of relative amounts of capital available for new investments, each client's investment program, and the then current portfolios of its clients at the time an allocation decision is made. As a result, in certain situations priority or weighted allocations can be expected to occur in respect of certain accounts, including but not limited to situations where clients have differing: (A) portfolio concentrations with respect to geography, asset class, issuer, sector or rating, (B) investment restrictions, (C) tax or regulatory limitations, (D) leverage limitations or volatility targets, (E) ramp up or ramp down scenarios or (F) counterparty relationships. Marathon maintains conflicts of interest policies and procedures containing provisions designed to prevent potential conflicts related to personal trading, allocation, and fees among other potential conflicts of interest.
NBIA
Compensation. SIMC pays NBIA a fee based on the assets under management of the Emerging Markets Debt Fund as set forth in an investment sub-advisory agreement between NBIA and SIMC. The Neuberger Berman organization (the "Firm") pays its investment professionals out of its total revenues and other resources, including the sub-advisory fees earned with respect to the Emerging Markets Debt Fund. The following information relates to the period ended September 30, 2023.
Portfolio Manager Compensation Structure
NBIA's compensation philosophy is one that focuses on rewarding performance and incentivizing our employees. NBIA is also focused on creating a compensation process that we believe is fair, transparent, and competitive with the market.
Compensation for Portfolio Managers consists of either (i) fixed (salary) and variable (discretionary bonus) compensation but is more heavily weighted on the variable portion of total compensation (ii) on a production model, whereby formulaic compensation is paid from the team compensation pool on a fixed schedule (typically monthly) or (iii) a combination of salary, bonus and/or production compensation. Compensation is paid from a team compensation pool made available to the portfolio management team with which the Portfolio Manager is associated. The size of the team compensation pool is determined based on a formula that takes into consideration a number of factors including the pre-tax revenue that is generated by that particular portfolio management team, less certain adjustments. The amount allocated to individual Portfolio Managers is determined on the basis of a variety of criteria, including investment performance (including the aggregate multi-year track record), utilization of central resources (including research, sales and operations/support), business building to further the longer term sustainable success of the investment team, effective team/people management, and overall contribution to the success of the Firm. Certain Portfolio Managers may manage products other than mutual funds, such as high net worth separate accounts. The share of pre-tax revenue a Portfolio Manager receives pursuant to any such arrangement will vary based on certain revenue thresholds.
The terms of NBIA's long-term retention incentives are as follows:
Employee-Owned Equity. Certain employees (primarily senior leadership and investment professionals) participated in the Firm's equity ownership structure, which was launched as part of the firm's management buyout in 2009 and designed to incentivize and retain key personnel. The Firm currently offers an equity acquisition program which allows employees a more direct opportunity to invest in the Firm. For confidentiality and privacy reasons, the Firm cannot disclose individual equity holdings or program participation.
Contingent Compensation. Certain employees may participate in the Firm Group Contingent Compensation Plan (the "CCP") to serve as a means to further align the interests of its employees with the
S-85
success of the firm and the interests of its clients, and to reward continued employment. Under the CCP, up to 20% of a participant's annual total compensation in excess of $500,000 is contingent and subject to vesting. The contingent amounts are maintained in a notional account that is tied to the performance of a portfolio of the Firm investment strategies as specified by the firm on an employee-by-employee basis. By having a participant's contingent compensation tied to the Firm investment strategies, each employee is given further incentive to operate as a prudent risk manager and to collaborate with colleagues to maximize performance across all business areas. In the case of members of investment teams, including Portfolio Managers, the CCP is currently structured so that such employees have exposure to the investment strategies of their respective teams as well as the broader Firm portfolio.
Restrictive Covenants. Most investment professionals, including Portfolio Managers, are subject to notice periods and restrictive covenants which include employee and client non-solicit restrictions as well as restrictions on the use of confidential information. In addition, depending on participation levels, certain senior professionals who have received equity grants have also agreed to additional notice and transition periods and, in some cases, non-compete restrictions. For confidentiality and privacy reasons, the Firm cannot disclose individual restrictive covenant arrangements.
Ownership of Fund Shares. As of September 30, 2023, NBIA's portfolio managers did not beneficially own any shares of the Emerging Markets Equity or Emerging Markets Debt Funds.
Other Accounts. As of September 30, 2023, in addition to the Emerging Markets Debt Fund, NBIA's portfolio managers were responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as follows:
Registered Investment Companies |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio Manager |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Rob Drijkoningen |
2 |
$ |
723 |
31 |
$ |
13,091 |
31 |
$ |
8,362 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
4 |
* |
$ |
1,291 |
||||||||||||||||||
Gorky Urquieta |
2 |
$ |
723 |
31 |
$ |
13,091 |
31 |
$ |
8,362 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
4 |
* |
$ |
1,291 |
||||||||||||||||||
Jennifer Gorgoll, CFA |
2 |
$ |
695 |
16 |
$ |
7,923 |
4 |
$ |
1,421 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
1 |
* |
$ |
535 |
1 |
* |
$ |
21 |
|||||||||||||||||
Raoul Luttik |
2 |
$ |
695 |
13 |
$ |
3,218 |
7 |
$ |
2,276 |
||||||||||||||||||
Nish Popat |
2 |
$ |
695 |
15 |
$ |
6,934 |
8 |
$ |
2,113 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
3 |
* |
$ |
706 |
||||||||||||||||||
Prashant Singh, CFA |
1 |
$ |
551 |
5 |
$ |
359 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
||||||||||||||||||
Bart van der Made, CFA |
2 |
$ |
702 |
21 |
$ |
10,957 |
20 |
$ |
5,052 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
1 |
* |
$ |
565 |
||||||||||||||||||
Vera Kartseva |
2 |
$ |
695 |
8 |
$ |
1,381 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
* These accounts, which are a subset of the accounts in the preceding row, are subject to a performance-based advisory fee.
Conflicts of Interest. Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a Portfolio Manager has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to more than one fund or other account. The management of multiple funds and accounts (including proprietary accounts) may give rise to actual or potential conflicts of interest if the funds and accounts have different or similar objectives, benchmarks, time horizons, and fees, as the Portfolio Manager must allocate his or her time and investment ideas across multiple funds and accounts. The Portfolio Manager may execute transactions for another fund or account that may adversely impact the value of securities or instruments held by a fund, and which may include transactions that are directly contrary to the positions taken by a fund. For example, a Portfolio Manager may engage in short sales of securities or instruments for another account that are the same type of securities or instruments in which a fund it manages also invests. In such a case, the Portfolio Manager could be seen as harming the performance of the fund for the benefit of the account engaging in short sales if the short sales cause the market value of the securities or instruments to fall.
S-86
Additionally, if a Portfolio Manager identifies a limited investment opportunity that may be suitable for more than one fund or other account, a fund may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity. There may also be regulatory limitations that prevent a fund from participating in a transaction that another account or fund managed by the same Portfolio Manager will invest. For example, the 1940 Act prohibits the funds from participating in certain transactions with certain of its affiliates and from participating in "joint" transactions alongside certain of its affiliates. The prohibition on "joint" transactions may limit the ability of the funds to participate alongside its affiliates in privately negotiated transactions unless the transaction is otherwise permitted under existing regulatory guidance and may reduce the amount of privately negotiated transactions that the funds may participate. Further, the Manager may take an investment position or action for a fund or account that may be different from, inconsistent with, or have different rights than (e.g., voting rights, dividend or repayment priorities or other features that may conflict with one another), an action or position taken for one or more other funds or accounts, including a fund, having similar or different objectives.
A conflict may also be created by investing in different parts of an issuer's capital structure (e.g., equity or debt, or different positions in the debt structure). Those positions and actions may adversely impact, or in some instances benefit, one or more affected accounts, including the funds. Potential conflicts may also arise because portfolio decisions and related actions regarding a position held for a fund or another account may not be in the best interests of a position held by another fund or account having similar or different objectives. If one account were to buy or sell portfolio securities or instruments shortly before another account bought or sold the same securities or instruments, it could affect the price paid or received by the second account. Securities selected for funds or accounts other than a Fund may outperform the securities selected for the Fund.
Finally, a conflict of interest may arise if the Manager and a Portfolio Manager have a financial incentive to favor one account over another, such as a performance-based management fee that applies to one account but not all funds or accounts for which the Portfolio Manager is responsible. In the ordinary course of operations, certain businesses within the Firm will seek access to material non-public information. For instance, NBIA portfolio managers may obtain and utilize material non-public information in purchasing loans and other debt instruments and certain privately placed or restricted equity instruments. From time to time, NBIA portfolio managers will be offered the opportunity on behalf of applicable clients to participate on a creditors or other similar committee in connection with restructuring or other "work-out" activity, which participation could provide access to material non-public information.
The Firm maintains procedures that address the process by which material non-public information may be acquired intentionally by the Firm. When considering whether to acquire material nonpublic information, the Firm will attempt to balance the interests of all clients, taking into consideration relevant factors, including the extent of the prohibition on trading that would occur, the size of the Firm's existing position in the issuer, if any, and the value of the information as it relates to the investment decision-making process. The acquisition of material non-public information would likely give rise to a conflict of interest since the Firm may be prohibited from rendering investment advice to clients regarding the securities or instruments of such issuer and thereby potentially limiting the universe of securities or instruments that the Firm, including a Fund, may purchase or potentially limiting the ability of the Firm, including a Fund, to sell such securities or instruments. Similarly, where the Firm declines access to (or otherwise does not receive or share within the Firm) material non-public information regarding an issuer, the portfolio managers could potentially base investment decisions with respect to assets of such issuer solely on public information, thereby limiting the amount of information available to the portfolio managers in connection with such investment decisions. In determining whether or not to elect to receive material non-public information, the Firm will endeavor to act fairly to its clients as a whole. The Firm reserves the right to decline access to material non-public information, including declining to join a creditors or similar committee.
NBIA and each fund have adopted certain compliance procedures which are designed to address these types of conflicts. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation in which a conflict arises.
S-87
Ninety One
Compensation. SIMC pays Ninety One a fee based on the assets under management of the Emerging Markets Debt Fund as set forth in an investment sub-advisory agreement between Ninety One and SIMC. Ninety One pays its investment professionals out of its total revenues and other resources, including the sub-advisory fees earned with respect to the Emerging Markets Debt Fund. The following information relates to the period ended September 30, 2023.
Ninety One's remuneration policy is designed to attract, retain and motivate staff and to reinforce the behaviors needed to support its culture and values over the short, medium, and longer term in a risk conscious manner.
The remuneration for all employees of Ninety One includes fixed remuneration, pension contribution (where applicable) and local employee benefits. Remuneration may also include the following elements:
• annual discretionary variable remuneration which may comprise both cash and deferred elements;
• staff shares may also be awarded on an exceptional basis (such awards are typically retention-related); and
• in a small number of instances we make use of alternative remuneration structures such as commission, carried interest, or profit sharing, where this is important to remain competitive in specific locations or for specific roles.
Fixed pay, pension contributions and employee benefits
Fixed remuneration, including salaries, is reviewed annually and designed to reflect the relative skills and experience of, and contribution made, by each employee.
Employee benefits include:
- Life and permanent health insurances and medical cover, which vary according to local market norms.
- Employer pension contributions, which are based on annual salary only and not on other fixed remuneration, bonuses or the value of other benefits. No discretionary pension benefits are paid.
Discretionary annual variable compensation
Ninety One operates an annual discretionary cash bonus scheme and an annual discretionary deferred bonus scheme (see further below). The primary determinant of the variable compensation pool available for distribution is Ninety One's own annual profit. A fixed percentage of profit allocated to the variable remuneration pool has been set in accordance with an agreed and long-standing practice that has served the business successfully through numerous market cycles. As our business aims to meet the long-term objectives of our clients, profit (and therefore variable remuneration pools) have historically been aligned. The pool is divided between the business divisions based on considerations of both financial and non-financial performance.
All employees of Ninety One are currently eligible to be considered for a cash bonus payment under the scheme. Any payments made under the scheme are at the discretion of Ninety One and based on a number of qualitative and quantitative factors including multi-year performance and non-financial metrics such as compliance and risk awareness.
Where Ninety One's financial performance is subdued or negative, total variable remuneration would be contracted in line with weaker financial results, taking into account both current remuneration and potential reductions in payouts of amounts previously earned. Ninety One's total variable remuneration should therefore not limit its ability to strengthen its capital base as it is paid out of profits. This structure has been a key contributor to the long-term success of Ninety One and encourages the staff to behave like owners. Ninety One believes in aligning the long-term interests of clients, shareholders and employees.
Deferred bonus scheme
Participation in the deferred bonus scheme is determined on an annual basis based on the roles of individual employees. The purpose of the scheme is to retain key employees, provide better alignment of their interests with both clients and the business, and to manage potential, currently unknown, future risks.
S-88
Deferred bonus awards are made in the form of a combination of investments into:
• Investment funds managed by Ninety One, with specific allocations (normally 50%) for portfolio managers and analysts into the funds for which they are responsible; and
• Listed shares in Ninety One (normally allocations of at least 25%).
Ninety One believes this compensation structure is balanced and competitive and positions Ninety One to attract and retain the best industry skills.
Ownership of Fund Shares. As of September 30, 2023, Ninety One's portfolio managers did not beneficially own any shares of the Emerging Markets Debt Fund.
Other employee ownership: Several senior managers and investment professionals own an equity stake in the business, ultimately through a trust structure with each participant funding their portions through a combination of existing deferred compensation (for which vesting was accelerated), personal debt and personal cash.
Other Accounts. As of September 30, 2023, in addition to the Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Ninety One's portfolio managers were responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as follows:
Registered Investment Companies |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio Manager |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Antoon De Klerk |
0 |
$ |
0 |
8 |
$ |
5,788 |
8 |
$ |
3,036 |
||||||||||||||||||
Werner Gey van Pittius |
0 |
$ |
0 |
8 |
$ |
4,804 |
15 |
$ |
5,949 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
1 |
* |
$ |
540 |
||||||||||||||||||
Christine Reed |
0 |
$ |
0 |
4 |
$ |
2,617 |
6 |
$ |
2,441 |
* These accounts, which are a subset of the accounts in preceding row, are subject to a performance-based advisory fee.
The value of assets managed by Antoon De Klerk, Werner Gey van Pittius and Christine Reed includes the assets managed within the Emerging Markets Debt strategy of which Mr. De Klerk, Mr. Gey van Pittius and Ms. Reed are co-portfolio managers.
Conflicts of Interest. Real, potential or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a portfolio manager has day-to-day portfolio management responsibilities with respect to more than one fund or account.
Ninety One is governed by all the rules and regulations of the relevant regulatory bodies in the jurisdictions in which it operates.
Ninety One strongly believes in its fiduciary duty to clients and will always seek to manage any possible conflicts that may occur through its normal business activities so that there is no material risk of damage to clients. Ninety One employs companywide measures to eliminate any potential conflicts of interest which may arise and maintains a Compliance Manual and a Code of Ethics (titled "Do the Right Thing"), which incorporate many of Ninety One requirements on conflicts of interest. These documents are bound into employees' contracts of employment and a breach would therefore provide grounds for disciplinary action or dismissal.
An example of how Ninety One manages/mitigates conflicts of interest is shown by the fact that Ninety One's portfolio managers focus entirely on portfolio management, while Ninety One's dedicated Trading Desk focuses on best execution of client orders; this avoids conflicts of interest between the two roles. The portfolio manager authorizes all orders which are then routed to the Trading Desk. This segregation of duties also removes any conflict of interest between the execution of trades on behalf of different portfolios. Ninety One's investment allocation policy aims to ensure that investment opportunities are allocated fairly among Ninety One's clients. This means Ninety One regularly aggregates client orders. Allocation is carried out strictly on a pro rata basis except where allocation is too small to split. If an allocation is so small that it makes it uneconomic for Ninety One clients to split, then the Trading Desk has the discretion to allocate to a single client on a fair basis.
S-89
Pzena
Compensation. SIMC pays Pzena a fee based on the assets under management of the International Equity Fund as set forth in an investment sub-advisory agreement between Pzena and SIMC. Portfolio managers and other investment professionals at Pzena are compensated through a combination of fixed base salary, annual performance bonus and equity ownership, if appropriate due to superior performance. Pzena avoids the compensation model that is driven by individual security performance, as this can lead to short-term thinking which is contrary to the firm's value investment philosophy. The portfolio managers' bonuses are not specifically dependent upon the performance of the portfolios relative to the performance of the portfolios' benchmarks. For investment professionals, we examine such things as effort, efficiency, ability to focus on the correct issues, stock modeling ability, and ability to successfully interact with company management. However, Pzena always looks at the person as a whole and the contributions that they have made and are likely to make in the future. Longer-term success is required for equity ownership consideration. Ultimately, equity ownership is the primary tool used by Pzena for attracting and retaining the best people.
Ownership of Fund Shares. As of September 30, 2023, Pzena's portfolio managers did not beneficially own any shares of the International Equity Fund.
Other Accounts. As of September 30, 2023, in addition to the International Equity Fund, Pzena's portfolio managers were responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as follows:
Registered Investment Companies |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio Manager |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Rakesh Bordia |
13 |
$ |
7,391 |
28 |
$ |
2,459 |
37 |
$ |
7,252 |
||||||||||||||||||
1 |
* |
$ |
195 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
||||||||||||||||||
Caroline Cai |
14 |
$ |
9,145 |
52 |
$ |
17,702 |
57 |
$ |
10,698 |
||||||||||||||||||
2 |
* |
$ |
1,949 |
3 |
* |
$ |
251 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
|||||||||||||||||
Allison Fisch |
13 |
$ |
7,391 |
28 |
$ |
2,459 |
37 |
$ |
7,252 |
||||||||||||||||||
1 |
* |
$ |
195 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
||||||||||||||||||
John Goetz |
10 |
$ |
7,258 |
48 |
$ |
17,582 |
45 |
$ |
7,996 |
||||||||||||||||||
1 |
* |
$ |
1,754 |
3 |
* |
$ |
251 |
2 |
* |
$ |
223 |
* These accounts, which are a subset of the accounts in preceding row, are subject to a performance-based advisory fee.
Conflicts of Interest. In Pzena's view, conflicts of interest may arise in managing the Fund's portfolio investments, on the one hand, and the portfolios of the firm's other clients and/or accounts (together "Accounts"), on the other. Set forth below is a brief description of some of the material conflicts that may arise and Pzena's policy or procedure for handling such conflicts. Although Pzena has designed such procedures to prevent and address conflicts, there is no guarantee that these procedures will detect every situation in which a conflict could arise.
The management of multiple Accounts inherently means there may be competing interests for the portfolio management team's time and attention. Pzena seeks to minimize this by utilizing one investment approach (i.e., classic value investing), and by managing all Accounts on a product specific basis. Thus, all small cap value Accounts, whether they be institutional accounts or individual accounts, are managed using the same investment discipline, strategy and proprietary investment model.
Pzena has adopted procedures for allocating portfolio transactions across Accounts so that each Account is treated fairly. First, all orders are allocated among portfolios of the same or similar mandates at the time of trade creation/ initial order preparation. Factors affecting allocations include availability of cash to existence of client-imposed trading restrictions or prohibitions, and the tax status of the Account. Depending upon the size of the execution, Pzena may choose to allocate the executed shares through pro-rata breakdown, or on a random basis. As with all trade allocations each Account generally receives pro rata allocations of any new issue or IPO security that is appropriate for its investment objective. Permissible reasons for excluding an account
S-90
from an otherwise acceptable IPO or new issue investment include the account having FINRA restricted person status, lack of available cash to make the purchase, or a client imposed trading prohibition on IPOs or on the business of the issuer.
With respect to securities transactions for the Accounts, Pzena determines which broker to use to execute each order, consistent with its duty to seek best execution. Pzena will aggregate like orders where to do so will be beneficial to the Accounts. However, with respect to certain Accounts, Pzena may be limited by the client with respect to the selection of brokers or may be instructed to direct trades through a particular broker. In these cases, Pzena may place separate, non-simultaneous, transactions for the Accounts, which may temporarily affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction to the detriment one or the other.
Conflicts of interest may arise when members of the portfolio management team transact personally in securities investments made or to be made for Accounts. To address this, Pzena has adopted a written Code of Business Conduct and Ethics designed to prevent and detect personal trading activities that may interfere or conflict with client interests or its current investment strategy. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics generally requires that most transactions in securities by Pzena's Access Persons and certain related persons, whether or not such securities are purchased or sold on behalf of the Accounts, be cleared prior to execution by appropriate approving parties and compliance personnel. Securities transactions for Access Persons' personal accounts also are subject to ongoing reporting requirements, and annual and quarterly certification requirements. An Access Person is defined to include any employee or officer of Pzena. In addition, no Access Person shall be permitted to effect a short-term trade (i.e., to purchase and subsequently sell, or to sell and subsequently purchase, within 60 calendar days) of non-exempt securities. Finally, orders for proprietary Accounts (i.e., accounts of Pzena's principals, affiliates or employees or their immediate family which are managed by Pzena) are subject to written trade allocation procedures designed to ensure fair treatment to client accounts.
Proxy voting for Accounts' securities holdings may also pose certain conflicts. A potential material conflict of interest could exist in the following situations: (i) Pzena manages any pension or other assets affiliated with a publicly traded company, and also holds that company's or an affiliated company's securities in one or more client portfolios; (ii) Pzena has a client relationship with an individual who is a corporate director, or a candidate for a corporate directorship of a public company whose securities are in one or more client portfolios; or (iii) A Pzena officer, director or employee, or an immediate family member thereof is a corporate director, or a candidate for a corporate directorship of a public company whose securities are in one or more client portfolios. For purposes hereof, an immediate family member is generally defined as a spouse, child, parent, or sibling. Its proxy voting policies provide for various methods of dealing with these and any other conflict scenarios subsequently identified by the firm.
Pzena manages some Accounts under performance-based fee arrangements. Pzena recognizes that this type of incentive compensation creates the risk for potential conflicts of interest. This structure may create an inherent pressure to allocate investments having a greater potential for higher returns to accounts of those clients paying a performance fee. To prevent conflicts of interest associated with managing accounts with different compensation structures, Pzena generally requires portfolio decisions to be made on a product-specific basis. Pzena also requires pre-allocation of all client orders based on specific fee- neutral criteria set forth above. Additionally, Pzena requires average pricing of all aggregated orders. Finally, Pzena has adopted a policy prohibiting portfolio managers (and all employees) from placing the investment interests of one client or a group of clients with the same investment objectives above the investment interests of any other client or group of clients with the same or similar investment objectives.
Qtron
Compensation. SIMC pays Qtron a fee based on the assets under management of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund as set forth in an investment sub-advisory agreement between Qtron and SIMC. Qtron pays its investment professionals out of its total revenues and other resources, including the sub-advisory fees earned with respect to the Emerging Markets Equity Fund. The following information relates to the period ended September 30, 2023.
S-91
Qtron's compensation package for investment professionals consists of a competitive base salary, performance-based bonuses, and equity incentives. The base salaries and performance bonus account for the majority of employees' remuneration. At the discretion of the management team, performance bonus elements may comprise of cash and/or equity incentives, in which the amounts are generally based on employees' individual performance metrics and Qtron's overall operating results. To mitigate the risk of short-term risk taking, Qtron does not apply a formulaic link between the performance of client accounts and performance bonuses.
Ownership of Fund Shares. As of September 30, 2023, Qtron's portfolio managers did not beneficially own any shares of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund.
Other Accounts. As of September 30, 2023, in addition to the Emerging Markets Equity Fund, Qtron's portfolio managers were responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as follows:
Registered Investment Companies |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio Manager |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Dmitri Kantsyrev, Ph.D., CFA |
0 |
$ |
0 |
3 |
$ |
467 |
5 |
$ |
389 |
||||||||||||||||||
Ronald Hua, CFA |
0 |
$ |
0 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
3 |
$ |
14 |
None of the accounts listed above are subject to a performance-based advisory fee.
Conflicts of Interest. A conflict of interest may arise as a result of the portfolio manager being responsible for multiple accounts, including the Emerging Markets Equity Fund, which may have different investment guidelines and objectives. In addition to the Emerging Markets Equity Fund, these accounts may include accounts of registered investment companies, private pooled investment vehicles and other accounts. In particular, this conflict of interest may arise as a result of Qtron's management of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund and other accounts, which, in theory, may allow Qtron to allocate investment opportunities in a way that favors other accounts over the Emerging Markets Equity Fund. This conflict of interest may be exacerbated to the extent that Qtron or the portfolio manager receive, or expect to receive, greater compensation from their management of the other accounts (some of which may receive fixed management fees and/or performance-based advisory fees) than the Emerging Markets Equity Fund. Qtron (or its members, employees and affiliates) may give advice or take action with respect to the other accounts that differs from the advice given with respect to the Emerging Markets Equity Fund. To the extent a particular investment is suitable for both the Emerging Markets Equity Fund and the other accounts, such investments will be allocated between the Emerging Markets Equity Fund and the other accounts in a manner that Qtron determines is fair and equitable under the circumstances to all clients, including the Emerging Markets Equity Fund.
To address and manage these potential conflicts of interest, Qtron has adopted compliance policies and procedures to allocate investment opportunities and to ensure that each of their clients is treated on a fair and equitable basis.
Further, Qtron's personal trading policy does not permit Access Persons to purchase any equity securities for Covered Accounts other than broad-based ETFs or mutual funds.
Robeco
Compensation. SIMC pays Robeco a fee based on the assets under management of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund as set forth in an investment sub-advisory agreement between Robeco and SIMC. Robeco pays its investment professionals out of its total revenues and other resources, including the sub-advisory fees earned with respect to the Emerging Markets Equity Fund. The following information relates to the period ended December 31, 2023.
The members of the Emerging Markets team receive a market-based salary package comprising a base salary and variable compensation. Every employee's base salary is based on their position and experience, according to Robeco's salary ranges and using appropriate local industry benchmarks. In addition, specific temporary allowances may be granted for a maximum of three to five years:
S-92
• Strategic capability allowance to retain key investment professionals in strategic product capabilities
• Market-based scarcity allowance in tight labor markets
• New business market allowance to set up activities in new countries or markets
The granting of temporary allowance is entirely role-based and not related to the performance of the employee or the firm.
Variable compensation
The variable compensation serves as a performance-driven remuneration component and is at the manager's discretion. It is based on the following factors:
• Achievement on business objectives. For investment professionals, these typically include risk-adjusted returns over one, three and five years.
• Business conduct and professional behavior, which includes acting in the best interest of the client and appropriate risk taking.
• Financial results of the company as measured by EBIT.
The award of variable compensation in excess of EUR 50,000 to regular employees is subject to a deferral scheme. This means that 60% of the total variable compensation is paid in cash in year one and the remaining 40% is deferred equally over the next three years and converted into 'Robeco Cash Appreciation Rights' (R-CARs). The value of these rights reflects the financial results of the firm.
Robeco uses a 'total compensation' approach. The award of overall compensation is assessed against local market remuneration practices for specific functions.
Robeco benchmarks the remuneration levels for all employees on an annual basis with McLagan, a primary market data provider. For specific teams or functions, we occasionally also request tailor made assessments.
Robeco aims to reward staff in an externally competitive and internally fair manner, with ample room for differentiation, based on relative market value and performance, using an integrated assessment of results and behavior. The reward framework reflects its aim for long-term relationships with its clients and its staff.
Ownership of Fund Shares. As of December 31, 2023, Robeco's portfolio managers did not beneficially own any shares of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund.
Other Accounts. As of September 30, 2023, in addition to the Emerging Markets Equity Fund, Robeco's portfolio managers were responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as follows:
Registered Investment Companies |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio Manager |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets* (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets* (in millions) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Jaap van der Hart |
0 |
$ |
0 |
2 |
$ |
1,675 |
8 |
$ |
2,060 |
||||||||||||||||||
Karnail Sangha |
0 |
$ |
0 |
2 |
$ |
1,675 |
8 |
$ |
2,060 |
* Assets reflected in the table above represent the assets under management for both Robeco and its affiliate, Robeco Institutional Asset Management BV ("Robeco BV"). Jaap van der Hart and Karnail Sangha are employees of Robeco BV and as such also manage assets on behalf of Robeco BV.
None of the accounts listed above are subject to a performance-based advisory fee.
Conflicts of Interest.
Robeco has identified the following potential conflicts of interest:
• An investment opportunity may be suitable for the Emerging Markets Equity Fund as well as for the portfolios of the other accounts managed by the portfolio manager. However, the investment opportunity may not be available in sufficient quantity for all of the accounts to participate fully.
S-93
• There may be limited opportunity to sell an investment held by both the Emerging Markets Equity Fund and the other accounts managed by the portfolio manager.
• The other accounts may have similar investment objectives or strategies as the Emerging Markets Equity Fund and may sell securities that are eligible to be held, purchased or sold by the Emerging Markets Equity Fund.
• A portfolio manager may be responsible for accounts that have different advisory fee schedules which may create the incentive for the portfolio manager to favor one account over another in terms of access to investment opportunities.
• A portfolio manager may also manage accounts whose investment objectives and policies differ from those of the Emerging Markets Equity Fund, which may cause the portfolio manager to effect trading in one account that may have an adverse effect on the value of the holdings within another account, including the Emerging Markets Equity Fund.
To address and manage these potential conflicts of interest, Robeco has adopted compliance policies and procedures to allocate investment opportunities and to ensure that each of their clients is treated on a fair and equitable basis.
WCM
Compensation. SIMC pays WCM a fee based on the assets under management of the International Equity Fund as set forth in an investment sub-advisory agreement between WCM and SIMC. WCM pays its professionals out of its total revenues and other resources, including the sub-advisory fees earned with respect to the International Equity Fund. The following information relates to the period ended September 30, 2023.
WCM's portfolio managers are compensated with a fixed base salary and share in the profitability of WCM from their equity ownership. On occasion, WCM has agreed to a performance-based fee arrangement. In these arrangements, the fee is generally the greater of a "base" component or a "performance" component as measured against a benchmark. Performance fees are charged only in compliance with Rule 205-3 under the Advisers Act, and only to "qualified clients" as defined in that rule. Portfolio managers' compensation arrangements are not directly linked to any such arrangement.
Ownership of Fund Shares. As of September 30, 2023, WCM's portfolio managers did not beneficially own any shares of the International Equity Fund.
Other Accounts. As of September 30, 2023, in addition to the International Equity Fund, WCM's portfolio managers were responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as follows:
Registered Investment Companies |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio Manager |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Paul R. Black |
18 |
$ |
22,959.51 |
26 |
$ |
8,431.77 |
470 |
$ |
36,168.37 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
4 |
* |
$ |
544.96 |
7 |
* |
$ |
1,699.72 |
|||||||||||||||||
Michael B. Trigg |
20 |
$ |
24,430.64 |
30 |
$ |
8,820.95 |
470 |
$ |
36,168.37 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
4 |
* |
$ |
544.96 |
7 |
* |
$ |
1,699.72 |
|||||||||||||||||
Jon Tringale |
18 |
$ |
22,959.51 |
25 |
$ |
8,357.73 |
470 |
$ |
36,168.37 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
3 |
* |
$ |
470.92 |
7 |
* |
$ |
1,699.72 |
|||||||||||||||||
Sanjay Ayer |
23 |
$ |
25,004.44 |
35 |
$ |
9,431.32 |
477 |
$ |
36,403.07 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
5 |
* |
$ |
588.98 |
7 |
* |
$ |
1,699.72 |
* These accounts, which are a subset of the accounts in the preceding row, are subject to a performance-based advisory fee.
Conflicts of Interest. The management of multiple funds and accounts may give rise to potential conflicts of interest if the funds and other accounts have different objectives, benchmarks, time horizons, and fees
S-94
(including performance-based fees) as the portfolio manager must allocate his time and investment ideas across multiple funds and accounts. WCM seeks to manage such competing interests for the time and attention of portfolio managers by having portfolio managers focus on a particular investment discipline. Most other accounts managed by a portfolio manager are managed using the same investment strategies that are used in connection with the management of the fund. Accordingly, portfolio holdings, position sizes, and industry and sector exposures tend to be similar across similar portfolios, which may minimize the potential for conflicts of interest. The separate management of the trade execution and valuation functions from the portfolio management process also helps to reduce potential conflicts of interest. However, securities selected for funds or accounts other than the fund may outperform the securities selected for the fund. Moreover, if a portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity that may be suitable for more than one fund or other account, the fund may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity due to an allocation of that opportunity across all eligible funds and other accounts. The firm seeks to manage such potential conflicts by using procedures intended to provide a fair allocation of buy and sell opportunities among funds and other accounts.
The management of personal accounts by a portfolio manager may give rise to potential conflicts of interest. While WCM has adopted a code of ethics that contains provisions reasonably necessary to prevent a wide range of prohibited activities by portfolio managers and others with respect to their personal trading activities, there can be no assurance that the code of ethics addresses all individual conduct that could result in conflicts of interest.
In addition, WCM has adopted certain compliance procedures that are designed to address these, and other, types of conflicts. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation where a conflict arises.
Wellington Management
Compensation. Wellington Management receives a fee based on the assets under management of the International Fixed Income Fund as set forth in an investment sub-advisory agreement between Wellington Management and SIMC. Wellington Management pays its investment professionals out of its total revenues, including the advisory fees earned with respect to the International Fixed Income Fund. The following information relates to the period ended September 30, 2023.
Wellington Management's compensation structure is designed to attract and retain high-caliber investment professionals necessary to deliver high quality investment management services to its clients. Wellington Management's compensation of the Portfolio's managers listed in the prospectus who are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Portfolio (the "Investment Professionals") includes a base salary and incentive components. The base salary for the other Investment Professional is determined by the Investment Professional's experience and performance in his role as an Investment Professional. Base salaries for Wellington Management's employees are reviewed annually and may be adjusted based on the recommendation of an Investment Professional's manager, using guidelines established by Wellington Management's Compensation Committee, which has final oversight responsibility for base salaries of employees of the firm. Each Investment Professional is eligible to receive an incentive payment based on the revenues earned by Wellington Management from the Portfolio and generally each other account managed by such Investment Professional. Each Investment Professional's incentive payment relating to the Portfolio is linked to the gross pre-tax performance of the portion of the Portfolio managed by the Investment Professional compared to the benchmark index and/or peer group identified below over one, three and five year periods, with an emphasis on five year results. Wellington Management applies similar incentive compensation structures (although the benchmarks or peer groups, time periods and rates may differ) to other accounts managed by the Investment Professionals, including accounts with performance fees.
Portfolio-based incentives across all accounts managed by an investment professional can, and typically do, represent a significant portion of an investment professional's overall compensation; incentive compensation varies significantly by individual and can vary significantly from year to year. The Investment Professionals may also be eligible for bonus payments based on their overall contribution to Wellington Management's business
S-95
operations. Senior management at Wellington Management may reward individuals as it deems appropriate based on other factors.
Ownership of Fund Shares. As of September 30, 2023, Wellington Management's Portfolio Manager did not beneficially own any shares of the International Fixed Income Fund.
Other Accounts. As of September 30, 2023, in addition to the International Fixed Income Fund, Wellington Management's portfolio manager was responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as follows:
Registered Investment Companies |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio Manager |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets (in millions) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Ed Meyi, FRM |
8 |
$ |
1,781 |
23 |
$ |
6,546 |
34 |
$ |
14,671 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
1 |
* |
$ |
211 |
8 |
* |
$ |
4,767 |
|||||||||||||||||
Martin Harvey, CFA |
7 |
$ |
4,031 |
22 |
$ |
6,241 |
32 |
$ |
14,691 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
1 |
* |
$ |
211 |
8 |
* |
$ |
4,767 |
|||||||||||||||||
Sam Hogg, CFA |
0 |
$ |
0 |
9 |
$ |
2,624 |
27 |
$ |
13,814 |
||||||||||||||||||
0 |
$ |
0 |
0 |
$ |
0 |
7 |
* |
$ |
4,654 |
* These accounts, which are a subset of the accounts in the preceding row, are subject to a performance-based advisory fee.
Conflicts of Interest. Individual investment professionals at Wellington Management manage multiple accounts for multiple clients. These accounts may include mutual funds, separate accounts (assets managed on behalf of institutions, such as pension funds, insurance companies, foundations or separately managed account programs sponsored by financial intermediaries), bank common trust accounts and hedge funds.
The International Fixed Income Fund's manager listed in the prospectuses, who is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the International Fixed Income Fund, generally manages accounts in several different investment styles. These accounts may have investment objectives, strategies, time horizons, tax considerations and risk profiles that differ from those of the International Fixed Income Fund. The Portfolio Manager makes investment decisions for each account, including the International Fixed Income Fund, based on the investment objectives, policies, practices, benchmarks, cash flows, tax and other relevant investment considerations applicable to that account. Consequently, the Portfolio Manager may purchase or sell securities, including initial public offerings, for one account and not another account, and the performance of securities purchased for one account may vary from the performance of securities purchased for other accounts. Alternatively, these accounts may be managed in a similar fashion to the International Fixed Income Fund and thus the accounts may have similar, and in some cases nearly identical, objectives, strategies and/or holdings to that of the International Fixed Income Fund.
The Portfolio Manager or other investment professionals at Wellington Management may place transactions on behalf of other accounts that are directly or indirectly contrary to investment decisions made on behalf of the International Fixed Income Fund or make investment decisions that are similar to those made for the International Fixed Income Fund, both of which have the potential to adversely impact the International Fixed Income Fund depending on market conditions. For example, an investment professional may purchase a security in one account while appropriately selling that same security in another account. Similarly, the Portfolio Manager may purchase the same security for the International Fixed Income Fund and for one or more other accounts at or at about the same time. In those instances, the other accounts will have access to their respective holdings prior to the public disclosure of the International Fixed Income Fund's holdings. In addition, some of these accounts have fee structures, including performance fees, which are or have the potential to be higher, in some cases significantly higher, than the fees Wellington Management receives for managing the International Fixed Income Fund. Mr. Meyi, Mr. Harvey, and Mr. Hogg also manage accounts which pay performance allocations to Wellington Management or its affiliates. Because incentive payments paid by Wellington Management to the Portfolio Managers are tied to revenues earned by Wellington Management and, where noted, to the
S-96
performance achieved by the manager in each account, the incentives associated with any given account may be significantly higher or lower than those associated with other accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers. Finally, the Portfolio Managers may hold shares or investments in the other pooled investment vehicles and/or other accounts identified above.
Wellington Management's goal is to meet its fiduciary obligation to treat all clients fairly and provide high quality investment services to all of its clients. Wellington Management has adopted and implemented policies and procedures, including brokerage and trade allocation policies and procedures that it believes address the conflicts associated with managing multiple accounts for multiple clients. In addition, Wellington Management monitors a variety of areas, including compliance with primary account guidelines, the allocation of initial public offerings and compliance with the firm's Code of Ethics and places additional investment restrictions on investment professionals who manage hedge funds and certain other accounts. Furthermore, senior investment and business personnel at Wellington Management periodically review the performance of Wellington Management's investment professionals. Although Wellington Management does not track the time an investment professional spends on a single account, Wellington Management does periodically assess whether an investment professional has adequate time and resources to effectively manage the investment professional's various client mandates.
DISTRIBUTION, SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICING
General. SEI Investments Distribution Co. (the "Distributor") serves as each Fund's distributor. The Distributor, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SEI, has its principal business address at One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456.
Distribution Agreement, Shareholder Servicing and Administrative Servicing Plans. The Distributor serves as each Fund's distributor pursuant to a distribution agreement (the "Distribution Agreement") with the Trust.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the Funds did not incur any 12b-1 expenses.
Pursuant to a Shareholder Service Plan (the "Service Plan"), the various classes of Shares are authorized to pay service providers a fee in connection with the ongoing servicing of shareholder accounts owning such Shares at the annual rate of up to 0.25% of the value of the average daily net assets attributable to each of the Class F and I Shares of the Fund, which is calculated daily and payable monthly.
The service fees payable under the Service Plan are intended to compensate service providers for the provision of shareholder services and may be used to provide compensation to financial intermediaries for ongoing service and/or maintenance of shareholder accounts with respect to Shares of the applicable Funds. Shareholder services under the Service Plan may include: (i) maintaining accounts relating to Clients; (ii) arranging for bank wires; (iii) responding to Client inquiries relating to the services performed by service providers; (iv) responding to inquiries from Clients concerning their investment in Shares; (v) assisting Clients in changing dividend options, account designations and addresses; (vi) providing information periodically to Clients showing their position in Shares; (vii) forwarding shareholder communications from the Funds such as proxies, shareholder reports, annual reports, and dividend distribution and tax notices to Clients; (viii) processing purchase, exchange and redemption requests from Clients and placing orders with the Funds or their service providers; (ix) providing sub-accounting with respect to Shares beneficially owned by Clients; (x) processing dividend payments from the Funds on behalf of Clients; and (xi) providing such other similar services as a Fund may reasonably request to the extent the service provider is permitted to do so under applicable statutes, rules and regulations.
Pursuant to an Administrative Service Plan (the "Administrative Service Plan"), Class I Shares are authorized to pay administrative service providers a fee in connection with the ongoing provision of administrative services at the annual rate of up to 0.25% of the value of the average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares of the Fund, which is calculated daily and payable monthly. The administrative service fees payable under the Administrative Service Plan are intended to compensate administrative service providers for the provision of administrative services and may be used to provide compensation to other service providers for the provision
S-97
of administrative services with respect to the Class I Shares of the applicable Funds. Administrative services under the Administrative Service Plan may include: (i) providing sub accounting with respect to shares beneficially owned by clients; (ii) providing information periodically to Clients showing their positions in Shares; (iii) forwarding shareholder communications from a Fund (such as proxies, shareholder reports, annual and semi-annual financial statements and dividend, distribution and tax notices) to clients; (iv) processing purchase, exchange and redemption requests from clients and placing such orders with a Fund or its service providers; (v) processing dividend payments from a Fund on behalf of its clients; and (vi) providing such other similar services as a Fund may, through the Distributor, reasonably request to the extent that the service provider is permitted to do so under applicable laws or regulations.
Distribution Expenses Incurred by Adviser. The Funds are sold primarily through independent registered investment advisers, financial planners, bank trust departments and other financial advisors ("Financial Advisors") who provide their clients with advice and services in connection with their investments in the SEI Funds. SEI Funds are typically combined into complete investment portfolios and strategies using asset allocation techniques to serve investor needs. In connection with its distribution activities, SIMC and its affiliates may provide Financial Advisors, without charge, asset allocation models and strategies, custody services, risk assessment tools and other investment information and services to assist the Financial Advisor in providing advice to investors.
SIMC may hold conferences, seminars and other educational and informational activities for Financial Advisors for the purpose of educating Financial Advisors about the Funds and other investment products offered by SIMC or its affiliates. SIMC may pay for lodging, meals and other similar expenses incurred by Financial Advisors in connection with such activities. SIMC also may pay expenses associated with joint marketing activities with Financial Advisors, including, without limitation, seminars, conferences, client appreciation dinners, direct market mailings and other marketing activities designed to further the promotion of the Funds. In certain cases, SIMC may make payments to Financial Advisors or their employer in connection with their solicitation or referral of investment business, subject to any regulatory requirements for disclosure to and consent from the investor. All such marketing expenses and solicitation payments are paid by SIMC or its affiliates out of its past profits or other available resources and are not charged to the Funds.
Many Financial Advisors may be affiliated with broker-dealers. SIMC and its affiliates may pay compensation to broker-dealers or other financial institutions for services such as, without limitation, providing the Funds with "shelf space" or a higher profile for the firm's associated Financial Advisors and their customers, placing the Funds on the firm's preferred or recommended fund list, granting the Distributor access to the firm's associated Financial Advisors, providing assistance in training and educating the firm's personnel, allowing sponsorship of seminars or informational meetings and furnishing marketing support and other specified services. These payments may be based on average net assets of SEI Funds attributable to that broker-dealer, gross or net sales of SEI Funds attributable to that broker-dealer, a negotiated lump sum payment or other appropriate compensation for services rendered.
Payments may also be made by SIMC or its affiliates to financial institutions to compensate or reimburse them for administrative or other client services provided, such as sub-transfer agency services for shareholders or retirement plan participants, omnibus accounting or sub-accounting, participation in networking arrangements, account set-up, recordkeeping and other shareholder services. These fees may be used by the financial institutions to offset or reduce fees that would otherwise be paid directly to them by certain account holders, such as retirement plans.
The payments discussed above may be significant to the financial institutions receiving them and may create an incentive for the financial institutions or its representatives to recommend or offer shares of the SEI Funds to its customers rather than other funds or investment products. These payments are made by SIMC and its affiliates out of their past profits or other available resources.
Although the Funds may use broker-dealers that sell Fund shares to effect transactions for the Funds' portfolio, the Funds and SIMC and the Funds' Sub-Advisers will not consider the sale of Fund shares as a factor
S-98
when choosing broker-dealers to effect those transactions and will not direct brokerage transactions to broker-dealers as compensation for the sales of Fund shares.
SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITY
The table below sets forth the gross income received by certain Funds from securities lending activities during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. The table also shows the fees and/or other compensation paid by the applicable Funds, any other fees or payments incurred by each Fund resulting from lending securities providers, and the net income earned by the Funds for securities lending activities.
International Equity Fund |
Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
Emerging Markets Debt Fund |
|||||||||||||
Gross Income from securities lending activities (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) |
$ |
2,820,987 |
$ |
611,711 |
$ |
1,904,676 |
|||||||||
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services: |
|||||||||||||||
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split |
$ |
84,942 |
$ |
21,278 |
$ |
29,381 |
|||||||||
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split |
$ |
30,069 |
$ |
6,216 |
$ |
20,605 |
|||||||||
Administrative fees not included in revenue split |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
|||||||||
Indemnification fee not included in revenue split |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
|||||||||
Rebate (paid to borrower) |
$ |
2,051,612 |
$ |
410,655 |
$ |
1,649,184 |
|||||||||
Other fees not included in revenue split |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
|||||||||
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities |
$ |
2,166,623 |
$ |
438,149 |
$ |
1,699,170 |
|||||||||
Net Income from securities lending activities |
$ |
654,364 |
$ |
173,562 |
$ |
205,506 |
Securities Finance Trust Company (eSecLending) acts as securities lending agent for certain Funds. In addition, the Funds have the ability to conduct securities lending activities with Goldman Sachs Bank USA, d/b/a Goldman Sachs Agency Lending (Goldman Sachs) as securities lending agent.
The services provided by eSecLending include conducting an auction process to determine optimal lending execution strategy for each portfolio or market (exclusive or discretionary); exclusive lending; discretionary lending; the coordination of cash collateral management with the Adviser; full administration and operational support of all lending activities and coordination with the Funds' custodians; monitoring of program risk exposures; complete reporting of daily loan activity and exposure; compliance monitoring of all loan activity to satisfy the Funds guidelines and parameters; reporting of income accruals and distribution of income to Funds; tracking and reporting on "Qualified Dividend Income" (QDI) customized to Funds' requirements; and assisting the Funds to satisfy regulatory reporting requirements.
During the most recent fiscal year, the International Fixed Income Fund did not engage in securities lending.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE TRUST
Board Responsibilities. The management and affairs of the Trust and its series, including the Funds described in this SAI, are overseen by the Trustees. The Board has approved contracts, as described above, under which certain companies provide essential management services to the Trust.
Like most mutual funds, the day-to-day business of the Trust, including the management of risk, is performed by third party service providers, such as SIMC, the Distributor and the Administrator. The Trustees are responsible for overseeing the Trust's service providers and, thus, have oversight responsibility with respect to risk management performed by those service providers. Risk management seeks to identify and address risks, i.e., events or circumstances that could have material adverse effects on the business, operations, shareholder services, investment performance or reputation of the Funds. The Funds and their service providers employ a variety of processes, procedures and controls to identify risks, to lessen the probability of their occurrence and/or to mitigate the effects of such risks if they do occur. Each service provider is responsible for one or more discrete aspects of the Trust's business (e.g., SIMC is responsible for the investment performance
S-99
of the Funds and, along with the Board, is responsible for the oversight of the Funds' Sub-Advisers, which, in turn, are responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds' portfolio investments) and, consequently, for managing the risks associated with that business. The Board has emphasized to the Funds' service providers the importance of maintaining vigorous risk management.
The Trustees' role in risk oversight begins before the inception of a Fund, at which time SIMC presents the Board with information concerning the investment objectives, strategies and risks of the Fund as well as proposed investment limitations for the Fund. Additionally, each Sub-Adviser and SIMC provides the Board with an overview of, among other things, its investment philosophy, brokerage practices and compliance infrastructure. Thereafter, the Board continues its oversight function as various personnel, including the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer, as well as personnel of SIMC and other service providers such as the Funds' independent accountants, make periodic reports to the Audit Committee or to the Board with respect to various aspects of risk management. The Board and the Audit Committee oversee efforts by management and service providers to manage risks to which the Funds may be exposed.
The Board is responsible for overseeing the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Funds by the Adviser and Sub-Advisers and receives information about those services at its regular meetings. In addition, in connection with its consideration of whether to annually renew the Advisory Agreement between the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and SIMC and the various Sub-Advisory Agreements between SIMC and the Sub-Advisers with respect to the Funds, the Board annually meets with SIMC and, at least every other year, meets with the Sub-Advisers to review such services. Among other things, the Board regularly considers the Sub-Advisers' adherence to the Funds' investment restrictions and compliance with various Fund policies and procedures and with applicable securities regulations.
The Trust's Chief Compliance Officer regularly reports to the Board to review and discuss compliance issues and Fund, Adviser and Sub-Adviser risk assessments. At least annually, the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer provides the Board with a report reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the Trust's policies and procedures and those of its service providers, including the Adviser and Sub-Advisers. The report addresses the operation of the policies and procedures of the Trust and each service provider since the date of the last report; any material changes to the policies and procedures since the date of the last report; any recommendations for material changes to the policies and procedures; and any material compliance matters since the date of the last report.
The Board receives reports from the Valuation Designee and the Funds' service providers regarding operational risks and risks related to the valuation and liquidity of portfolio securities. The Trust's Valuation Designee provides quarterly reports to the Board concerning investments for which market prices are not readily available or may be unreliable. Annually, the independent registered public accounting firm reviews with the Audit Committee its audit of the Funds' financial statements, focusing on major areas of financial statement risk encountered by the Funds and noting any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses that were identified in the Funds' internal controls. Additionally, in connection with its oversight function, the Board oversees Fund management's implementation of disclosure controls and procedures, which are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Trust in its periodic reports with the SEC are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the required time periods. The Board also oversees the Trust's internal controls over financial reporting, which comprise policies and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of the Trust's financial reporting and the preparation of the Trust's financial statements.
From their review of these reports and discussions with SIMC, the Sub-Advisers, the Chief Compliance Officer, the independent registered public accounting firm and other service providers, the Board and the Audit Committee learn about the material risks of the Funds, thereby facilitating a dialogue about how management and service providers identify and mitigate those risks.
The Board recognizes that not all risks that may affect the Funds can be identified and/or quantified, that it may not be practical or cost-effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, that it may be necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve the Funds' goals and that the processes, procedures and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness. Reports received by the
S-100
Trustees as to risk management matters are typically summaries of the relevant information. Most of the Funds' investment management and business affairs are carried out by or through SIMC, the Sub-Advisers and the Funds' other service providers, each of which has an independent interest in risk management and each of which has policies and methods by which one or more risk management functions are carried out. These risk management policies and methods may differ in the setting of priorities, the resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the Board's ability to monitor and manage risk, as a practical matter, is subject to limitations.
Members of the Board. There are eight members of the Board, six of whom are not interested persons of the Trust, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act ("independent Trustees"). Robert A. Nesher, an interested person of the Trust, serves as Chairman of the Board. James M. Williams, an independent Trustee, serves as the lead independent Trustee. The Trust has determined its leadership structure is appropriate given the specific characteristics and circumstances of the Trust. The Trust made this determination in consideration of, among other things, the fact that the chairperson of each Committee of the Board is an independent Trustee, the amount of assets under management in the Trust and the number of Funds (and classes of shares) overseen by the Board. The Board also believes that its leadership structure facilitates the orderly and efficient flow of information to the independent Trustees from Fund management.
The Board has two standing committees: the Audit Committee and the Governance Committee. The Audit Committee and Governance Committee are each chaired by an independent Trustee and composed of all of the independent Trustees.
In his role as lead independent Trustee, Mr. Williams, among other things: (i) presides over Board meetings in the absence of the Chairman of the Board; (ii) presides over executive sessions of the independent Trustees; (iii) along with the Chairman of the Board, oversees the development of agendas for Board meetings; (iv) facilitates dealings and communications between the independent Trustees and management, and among the independent Trustees; and (v) has such other responsibilities as the Board or independent Trustees determine from time to time.
Set forth below are the names, years of birth, position with the Trust, the year in which the Trustee was elected and the principal occupations and other directorships held during at least the last five years of each of the persons currently serving as a Trustee of the Trust. There is no stated term of office for the Trustees of the Trust. However, each Trustee who is not an interested person of the Trust must retire from the Board by the end of the calendar year in which the Trustee attains the age of 75 years. Current members of the Board may, upon the unanimous vote of the Governance Committee and a majority vote of the full Board, continue to serve on the Board for a maximum of five successive one calendar year terms after attaining the age of 75 years. Unless otherwise noted, the business address of each Trustee is SEI Investments Company, One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456.
Interested Trustees.
ROBERT A. NESHER (Born: 1946)—Chairman of the Board of Trustees* (since 1989)—President and Chief Executive Officer of the Trust since December 2005. SEI employee since 1974; currently performs various services on behalf of SEI Investments for which Mr. Nesher is compensated. President and Director of SEI Structured Credit Fund, LP. Director of SEI Global Master Fund plc, SEI Global Assets Fund plc, SEI Global Investments Fund plc, SEI Investments—Global Funds Services, Limited, SEI Investments Global, Limited, SEI Investments (Europe) Ltd., SEI Investments—Unit Trust Management (UK) Limited, SEI Multi-Strategy Funds PLC and SEI Global Nominee Ltd. Trustee of The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund, The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund II, Bishop Street Funds, Frost Family of Funds and Catholic Responsible Investments Funds. President, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee of SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust, SEI Institutional Managed Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust, SEI Asset Allocation Trust, Adviser Managed Trust, New Covenant Funds, SEI Catholic Values
* Messrs. Nesher and Doran are Trustees who may be deemed to be "interested" persons of the Funds (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) by virtue of their relationship with the Distributor and SEI.
S-101
Trust, SEI Exchange Traded Funds and SEI Alternative Income Fund. President, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee of SEI Insurance Products Trust from 2013 to 2020. Trustee of The KP Funds from 2013 to 2020. Vice Chairman of Schroder Series Trust and Schroder Global Series Trust from 2017 to 2018. Vice Chairman of Gallery Trust from 2015 to 2018. Vice Chairman of Winton Diversified Opportunities Fund from 2014 to 2018. Vice Chairman of The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund III from 2014 to 2018. Vice Chairman of Winton Series Trust from 2014 to 2017. Vice Chairman of O'Connor EQUUS (closed-end investment company) from 2014 to 2016. President, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee of SEI Liquid Asset Trust from 1989 to 2016. President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of SEI Alpha Strategy Portfolios, LP, from 2007 to 2013.
WILLIAM M. DORAN (Born: 1940)—Trustee* (since 1988)—Self-employed consultant since 2003. Counsel to the Trust, SEI Investments, SIMC, the Administrator and the Distributor. Director of the Distributor since 2003. Director of SEI Investments since 1985. Secretary of SEI since 1978. Director of SEI Investments—Global Funds Services, Limited, SEI Investments Global, Limited, SEI Investments (Europe), Limited, SEI Investments (Asia) Limited, SEI Global Nominee Ltd. and SEI Investments—Unit Trust Management (UK) Limited. Trustee of The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund III, Gallery Trust, Delaware Wilshire Private Markets Fund, Delaware Wilshire Private Markets Master Fund, Delaware Wilshire Private Markets Tender Fund, SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust, SEI Institutional Managed Trust, SEI Asset Allocation Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust, Adviser Managed Trust, New Covenant Funds, SEI Catholic Values Trust and SEI Exchange Traded Funds. Trustee of Schroder Global Series Trust and Schroder Series Trust from 2017 to 2021. Trustee of SEI Insurance Products Trust from 2013 to 2020. Trustee of Winton Diversified Opportunities Fund (closed-end investment company) from 2014 to 2018. Trustee of The KP Funds from 2013 to 2018. Trustee of Bishop Street Funds from 2006 to 2018. Trustee of The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund and The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund II from 1991 to 2018. Trustee of Winton Series Trust from 2014 to 2017. Trustee of O'Connor EQUUS (closed-end investment company) from 2014 to 2016. Trustee of SEI Liquid Asset Trust from 1982 to 2016. Director of SEI Alpha Strategy Portfolios, LP from 2007 to 2013. Partner of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP (law firm) from 1976 to 2003.
Independent Trustees.
NINA LESAVOY (Born: 1957)—Trustee (since 2003)—Founder and Managing Director, Avec Capital (strategic fundraising firm), since April 2008. Trustee/Director of SEI Structured Credit Fund, LP, SEI Asset Allocation Trust, SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust, SEI Institutional Managed Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust, Adviser Managed Trust, New Covenant Funds, SEI Catholic Values Trust, SEI Exchange Traded Funds and SEI Alternative Income Fund. Trustee of SEI Insurance Products Trust from 2013 to 2020. Trustee of SEI Liquid Asset Trust from 2003 to 2016. Director of SEI Alpha Strategy Portfolios, LP from 2007 to 2013. Managing Director, Cue Capital (strategic fundraising firm) from March 2002 to March 2008.
JAMES M. WILLIAMS (Born: 1947)—Trustee (since 2004)—Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, J. Paul Getty Trust, Non Profit Foundation for Visual Arts, since December 2002. Trustee/Director of Ariel Mutual Funds, SEI Structured Credit Fund, LP, SEI Asset Allocation Trust, SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust, SEI Institutional Managed Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust, Adviser Managed Trust, New Covenant Funds, SEI Catholic Values Trust, SEI Exchange Traded Funds and SEI Alternative Income Fund. Trustee/Director of SEI Insurance Products Trust from 2013 to 2020. Trustee of SEI Liquid Asset Trust from 2004 to 2016. Director of SEI Alpha Strategy Portfolios, LP from 2007 to 2013. President of Harbor Capital Advisors and Harbor Mutual Funds from 2000 to 2002. Manager of Pension Asset Management for Ford Motor Company from 1997 to 1999.
SUSAN C. COTE (Born: 1954)—Trustee (since 2016)—Retired since July 2015. Trustee/Director of SEI Structured Credit Fund, LP, SEI Tax Exempt Trust, SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Institutional Managed Trust, SEI Asset Allocation Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust, Adviser Managed Trust, New Covenant Funds, SEI Catholic Values Trust, SEI Exchange Traded Funds and SEI Alternative Income Fund. Trustee of SEI Insurance
* Messrs. Nesher and Doran are Trustees who may be deemed to be "interested" persons of the Funds (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) by virtue of their relationship with the Distributor and SEI.
S-102
Products Trust from 2015 to 2020. Treasurer and Chair of Finance of the Investment and Audit Committee of the New York Women's Foundation from 2012 to 2017. Member of the Ernst & Young LLP Retirement Investment Committee from 2009 to 2015. Global Asset Management Assurance Leader, Ernst & Young LLP from 2006 to 2015. Partner of Ernst & Young LLP from 1997 to 2015. Americas Director of Asset Management of Ernst & Young LLP from 2006 to 2013. Employee of Prudential from 1983 to 1997.
JAMES B. TAYLOR (Born: 1950)—Trustee (since 2018)—Retired since December 2017. Trustee of SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust, SEI Institutional Managed Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust, SEI Asset Allocation Trust, Adviser Managed Trust, New Covenant Funds, SEI Catholic Values Trust and SEI Exchange Traded Funds. Trustee of SEI Insurance Products Trust from 2018 to 2020. Chief Investment Officer, Georgia Tech Foundation from 2008 to 2017. Director, Assistant Vice President, and Chief Investment Officer, Delta Air Lines from 1983 to 2007. Member of the Investment Committee of Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers from 1999 to 2004. President, Vice President and Treasurer for Southern Benefits Conference from 1998 to 2000.
CHRISTINE REYNOLDS (Born: 1958)—Trustee (since 2019)—Retired since December 2016. Trustee of SEI Tax Exempt Trust, SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Institutional Managed Trust, SEI Asset Allocation Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust, Adviser Managed Trust, New Covenant Funds, SEI Catholic Values Trust and SEI Exchange Traded Funds. Trustee of SEI Insurance Products Trust from 2019 to 2020. Executive Vice President at Fidelity Investments from 2014 to 2016. President at Fidelity Pricing and Cash Management Services ("FPCMS") and Chief Financial Officer of Fidelity Funds from 2008 to 2014. Chief Operating Officer of FPCMS from 2007 to 2008. President, Treasurer at Fidelity Funds from 2004 to 2007. Anti-Money Laundering Officer at Fidelity Funds in 2004. Executive Vice President at Fidelity Funds from 2002 to 2004. Audit Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers from 1992 to 2002.
THOMAS MELENDEZ (Born 1959)—Trustee (since 2021)—Trustee of SEI Tax Exempt Trust, SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Institutional Managed Trust, SEI Asset Allocation Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust, Adviser Managed Trust and SEI Exchange Traded Funds. Independent Consultant of New Covenant Funds and SEI Catholic Values Trust. Trustee of Boston Children's Hospital, The Partnership Inc. (non-profit organizations) and Brae Burn Country Club. Investment Officer and Institutional Equity Portfolio Manager at MFS Investment Management from 2002 to 2019. Director of Emerging Markets Group, General Manager of Operations in Argentina and Portfolio Manager for Latin America at Schroders Investment Management from 1994 to 2002.
There are currently 4 Funds in the Trust and 98 funds in the Fund Complex.
Individual Trustee Qualifications. The Trust has concluded that each of the Trustees should serve on the Board because of their ability to review and understand information about the Funds provided to them by management, to identify and request other information they may deem relevant to the performance of their duties, to question management and other service providers regarding material factors bearing on the management and administration of the Funds and to exercise their business judgment in a manner that serves the best interests of the Funds' shareholders. The Trust has concluded that each of the Trustees should serve as a Trustee based on their own experience, qualifications, attributes and skills as described below.
The Trust has concluded that Mr. Nesher should serve as Trustee because of the experience he has gained in his various roles with SEI Investments Company, which he joined in 1974, his knowledge of and experience in the financial services industry and the experience he has gained serving as Trustee of the various SEI Trusts since 1989.
The Trust has concluded that Mr. Doran should serve as Trustee because of the experience he gained serving as a Partner in the Investment Management and Securities Industry Practice of a large law firm, his experience in and knowledge of the financial services industry and the experience he has gained serving Trustee of the various SEI Trusts since 1988.
The Trust has concluded that Ms. Lesavoy should serve as Trustee because of the experience she gained as a Director of several private equity fundraising firms and marketing and selling a wide range of investment products to institutional investors, her experience in and knowledge of the financial services industry and the
S-103
experience she has gained serving as Trustee of the various SEI Trusts since 2003 and the various SEI Trusts' Governance Chair since 2014.
The Trust has concluded that Mr. Williams should serve as Trustee because of the experience he gained as Chief Investment Officer of a non-profit foundation, the President of an investment management firm, the President of a registered investment company and the Manager of a public company's pension assets, his experience in and knowledge of the financial services industry and the experience he has gained serving as Trustee of the various SEI Trusts since 2004.
The Trust has concluded that Ms. Cote should serve as Trustee because of her education, knowledge of financial services and investment management, and the experience she has gained as a partner at a major accounting firm, where she served as both the Global Asset Management Assurance Leader and the Americas Director of Asset Management, and other professional experience gained through her prior employment and directorships.
The Trust has concluded that Mr. Taylor should serve as Trustee because of his education, knowledge of financial services and investment management, and the experience he has gained as a Chief Investment Officer at an endowment of a large university, and other professional experience gained through his prior employment and leadership positions.
The Trust has concluded that Ms. Reynolds should serve as Trustee because of the experience she has gained in her various roles with Fidelity, which she joined in 2002, including Chief Financial Officer of Fidelity Funds, her experience as a partner of a major accounting firm, and her experience in and knowledge of the financial services industry.
The Trust has concluded that Mr. Melendez should serve as Trustee because of the experience he has gained as an executive and portfolio manager of an investment management firm, his experience in and knowledge of the financial services industry, and other professional experience gained through his prior employment and leadership positions.
In its periodic assessment of the effectiveness of the Board, the Board considers the complementary individual skills and experience of the individual Trustees primarily in the broader context of the Board's overall composition so that the Board, as a body, possesses the appropriate (and appropriately diverse) skills and experience to oversee the business of the Funds. Moreover, references to the qualifications, attributes and skills of Trustees are pursuant to requirements of the SEC, do not constitute holding out of, or a Board conclusion that, the Board or any Trustee has any special expertise or experience and shall not be deemed to impose any greater responsibility or liability on any such person or on the Board by reason thereof.
Board Standing Committees. The Board has established the following standing committees:
• Audit Committee. The Board has a standing Audit Committee that is composed of each of the independent Trustees of the Trust. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter approved by the Board. The principal responsibilities of the Audit Committee include: (i) recommending which firm to engage as the Trust's independent auditor and whether to terminate this relationship; (ii) reviewing the independent auditor's compensation, the proposed scope and terms of its engagement and the firm's independence; (iii) pre-approving audit and non-audit services provided by the Trust's independent auditor to the Trust and certain other affiliated entities; (iv) serving as a channel of communication between the independent auditor and the Trustees; (v) reviewing the results of each external audit, including any qualifications in the independent auditor's opinion, any related management letter, management's responses to recommendations made by the independent auditor in connection with the audit, reports submitted to the Audit Committee by the internal auditing department of the Trust's Administrator that are material to the Trust as a whole, if any, and management's responses to any such reports; (vi) reviewing the Trust's audited financial statements and considering any significant disputes between the Trust's management and the independent auditor that arose in connection with the preparation of those financial statements; (vii) considering, in consultation with the independent auditor and the Trust's senior internal accounting executive, if any,
S-104
the independent auditor's report on the adequacy of the Trust's internal financial controls; (viii) reviewing, in consultation with the Trust's independent auditor, major changes regarding auditing and accounting principles and practices to be followed when preparing the Trust's financial statements; and (ix) other audit related matters. In addition, the Audit Committee is responsible for the oversight of the Trust's compliance program. Messrs. Williams, Taylor and Melendez and Mmes. Lesavoy, Cote and Reynolds currently serve as members of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee meets periodically, as necessary, and met four (4) times during the Trust's most recently completed fiscal year.
• Governance Committee. The Board has a standing Governance Committee that is composed of each of the Independent Trustees of the Trust. The Governance Committee operates under a written charter approved by the Board. The principal responsibilities of the Governance Committee include: (i) considering and reviewing Board governance and compensation issues; (ii) conducting a self-assessment of the Board's operations; (iii) selecting and nominating all persons to serve as Independent Trustees and evaluating the qualifications of "interested" (as that term is defined under the 1940 Act) Trustee candidates; and (iv) reviewing shareholder recommendations for nominations to fill vacancies on the Board if such recommendations are submitted in writing and addressed to the Governance Committee at the Trust's offices, which are located at One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456. Messrs. Williams, Taylor and Melendez and Mmes. Lesavoy, Cote and Reynolds currently serve as members of the Governance Committee. The Governance Committee shall meet at the direction of its Chair as often as appropriate to accomplish its purpose. In any event, the Governance Committee shall meet at least once each year and shall conduct at least one meeting in person. The Governance Committee met four (4) times during the Trust's most recently completed fiscal year.
Fund Shares Owned by Board Members. The following table shows the dollar amount range of each Trustee's "beneficial ownership" of shares of each of the Funds as of the end of the most recently completed calendar year. Dollar amount ranges disclosed are established by the SEC. "Beneficial ownership" is determined in accordance with Rule 16a-1(a)(2) of the 1934 Act. The Trustees and officers of the Trust own less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Trust.
Name |
Dollar Range of Fund Shares (Fund)* |
Aggregate Dollar Range of Shares (Fund Complex)** |
|||||||||
Interested |
|||||||||||
Mr. Nesher |
None |
Over $100,000 |
|||||||||
Mr. Doran |
None |
Over $100,000 |
|||||||||
Independent |
|||||||||||
Ms. Lesavoy |
$50,001-$100,000 |
Over $100,000 |
|||||||||
Mr. Williams |
$50,001-$100,000 | $50,001-$100,000 | |||||||||
Ms. Cote |
None |
None |
|||||||||
Mr. Taylor | $50,001-$100,000 | $50,001-$100,000 | |||||||||
Ms. Reynolds |
None |
Over $100,000 |
|||||||||
Mr. Melendez |
None |
None |
* Valuation date is December 31, 2023.
** The Fund Complex currently consists of 98 portfolios of the following trusts: SEI Asset Allocation Trust, SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Institutional International Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust, SEI Institutional Managed Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust, Adviser Managed Trust, New Covenant Funds, SEI Catholic Values Trust and SEI Exchange Traded Funds.
S-105
Board Compensation. The Trust and the Fund Complex paid the following fees to the Trustees during its most recently completed fiscal year.
Name |
Aggregate Compensation |
Pension or Retirement Benefits Accrued as Part of Fund Expenses |
Estimated Annual Benefits Upon Retirement |
Total Compensation From the Trust and Fund Complex* |
|||||||||||||||
Interested |
|||||||||||||||||||
Mr. Nesher |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
|||||||||||
Mr. Doran |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
|||||||||||
Independent |
|||||||||||||||||||
Ms. Lesavoy |
$ |
24,170 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
342,500 |
|||||||||||
Mr. Williams |
$ |
24,875 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
352,500 |
|||||||||||
Mr. Johnson^ |
$ |
5,195 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
77,500 |
|||||||||||
Mr. Harris^^ |
$ |
22,406 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
317,500 |
|||||||||||
Ms. Cote |
$ |
24,170 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
342,500 |
|||||||||||
Mr. Taylor |
$ |
22,406 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
317,500 |
|||||||||||
Ms. Reynolds |
$ |
22,406 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
317,500 |
|||||||||||
Mr. Melendez |
$ |
22,406 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
317,500 |
* The Fund Complex currently consists of 98 portfolios of the following trusts: SEI Asset Allocation Trust, SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Institutional International Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust, SEI Institutional Managed Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust, Adviser Managed Trust, New Covenant Funds, SEI Catholic Values Trust and SEI Exchange Traded Funds.
^ Mr. Mitchell A. Johnson retired from the Board of Trustees effective December 31, 2022, after having dutifully served on the SEI Funds' Board since 2007.
^^ Mr. Hubert L. Harris retired from the Board of Trustees effective December 31, 2023, after having dutifully served on the SEI Funds' Board since 2008.
Trust Officers. Set forth below are the names, dates of birth, position with the Trust, length of term of office and the principal occupations for the last five years of each of the persons currently serving as officers of the Trust. Unless otherwise noted, the business address of each officer is SEI Investments Company, One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456. None of the officers, except for Stephen Panner, the Chief Compliance Officer ("CCO") of the Trust, receives compensation from the Trust for his or her services. The Trust's CCO serves in the same capacity for the other SEI trusts included in the Fund Complex, and the Trust pays its pro rata share of the aggregate compensation payable to the CCO for his services.
Certain officers of the Trust also serve as officers to one or more mutual funds to which SEI or its affiliates act as investment adviser, administrator or distributor.
The officers of the Trust have been elected by the Board. Each officer shall hold office until the election and qualification of his or her successor or until earlier resignation or removal.
ROBERT A. NESHER (Born: 1946)—President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2005)—See biographical information above under the heading "Interested Trustees."
TIMOTHY D. BARTO (Born: 1968)—Vice President and Secretary (since 2002)—Vice President and Secretary of SEI Institutional Transfer Agent, Inc. since 2009. General Counsel and Secretary of SIMC since 2004. Vice President and Assistant Secretary of SEI since 2001. Vice President of SIMC and the Administrator since 1999.
GLENN R. KURDZIEL (Born: 1974)—Controller and Chief Financial Officer (since 2023)—Controller and Chief Financial Officer of SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust, SEI Institutional Managed Trust, SEI Asset Allocation Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust, Adviser Managed Trust, New Covenant Funds, SEI Catholic Values Trust, SEI Exchange Traded Funds and SEI Alternative Income Fund since August 2023. Assistant Controller of SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust, SEI Institutional Managed Trust, SEI Institutional International Trust, SEI Asset Allocation Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust, Adviser Managed Trust, New
S-106
Covenant Funds and SEI Catholic Values Trust from 2017 to 2023. Assistant Controller of SEI Exchange Traded Funds from 2022 to 2023. Senior Manager of Funds Accounting of SEI Investments Global Funds Services from 2005 to 2023.
STEPHEN G. MACRAE (Born: 1967)—Vice President (since 2012)—Director of Global Investment Product Management, January 2004 to present. Vice President of SEI Insurance Products Trust from 2013 to 2020.
STEPHEN F. PANNER (Born: 1970)—Chief Compliance Officer (since 2022)—Chief Compliance Officer of SEI Asset Allocation Trust, SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust, SEI Institutional Managed Trust, Adviser Managed Trust, New Covenant Funds, SEI Catholic Values Trust, SEI Exchange Traded Funds, SEI Structured Credit Fund LP, The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund, The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund II, Bishop Street Funds, Frost Family of Funds, The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund III, Gallery Trust, Delaware Wilshire Private Markets Fund, Delaware Wilshire Private Markets Master Fund, Delaware Wilshire Private Markets Tender Fund and Catholic Responsible Investments Funds since September 2022. Chief Compliance Officer of SEI Alternative Income Fund since 2023. Fund Compliance Officer of SEI Investments Company from February 2011 to September 2022. Fund Accounting Director and CFO and Controller for the SEI Funds from July 2005 to February 2011.
KATHERINE MASON (Born: 1979)—Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since 2022)—Consulting Attorney at Hirtle, Callaghan & Co. (investment company) from October 2021 to June 2022. Attorney at Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP (law firm) from September 2007 to July 2012.
DAVID F. MCCANN (Born: 1976)—Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since 2009)—General Counsel and Secretary of SEI Institutional Transfer Agent, Inc. from 2020 to 2023. Vice President and Assistant Secretary of SIMC since 2008. Vice President and Assistant Secretary of SEI Insurance Products Trust from 2013 to 2020. Attorney at Drinker Biddle & Reath, LLP (law firm) from May 2005 to October 2008.
DONALD DUNCAN (Born: 1964)—Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer and Privacy Officer (since 2023)—Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer and Privacy Officer of SEI Asset Allocation Trust, SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust, SEI Institutional Managed Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust, Adviser Managed Trust, New Covenant Funds, SEI Catholic Values Trust, SEI Exchange Traded Funds and SEI Alternative Income Fund since 2023. Chief Compliance Officer and Global Head of Anti-Money Laundering Strategy of SEI Investments Company since January 2023. Head of Global Anti-Money Laundering Program for Hamilton Lane Advisors, LLC from August 2021 to December 2022. Senior VP and Supervising Principal of Hamilton Lane Securities, LLC from June 2016 to August 2021. Senior Director at AXA-Equitable from June 2011 to May 2016. Senior Director at PRUCO Securities, a subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. October 2005 to December 2009.
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The Funds have delegated proxy voting responsibilities to SIMC, subject to the Board's general oversight. As required by applicable regulations, SIMC must vote proxies in a manner consistent with the best interest of each investment advisory client who delegates voting responsibility to SIMC, which includes the Funds (each a "Client") and must not place its own interests above those of its Clients. SIMC has adopted its own written proxy voting policies, procedures and guidelines that are reasonably designed to meet this purpose (the "Procedures"). The Procedures may be changed as necessary to remain current with regulatory requirements and internal policies and procedures.
SIMC has elected to retain an independent proxy voting service (the "Service") to vote proxies with respect to its Clients. The Service votes proxies in accordance with guidelines (the "Proxy Guidelines") approved by SIMC's Proxy Voting Committee (the "Proxy Committee") with certain limited exceptions as outlined below. The Proxy Guidelines set forth the manner in which SIMC will vote, or the manner in which SIMC shall determine how to vote, with respect to matters that may come up for shareholder vote. The Service will review each matter on a case-by-case basis and, in most cases, vote the proxies in accordance with the Proxy Guidelines.
S-107
Prior to voting a proxy, the Service makes available to SIMC its recommendation on how to vote in light of the Proxy Guidelines. SIMC retains the authority to overrule the Service's recommendation in certain scenarios (as listed below) and instruct the Service to vote in a manner in variance with the Service's recommendation:
• Requests by Sub-Advisers to Direct Proxy Votes. Sub-Advisers retained by SIMC to manage the Funds may contact SIMC with requests that SIMC direct a proxy vote in a particular solicitation which would differ from the Service's recommendation.
• Recommendations by Engagement Vendor. In addition to retaining the Service, SIMC has also engaged a third party vendor to assist with engagement services (the "Engagement Service"). The Engagement Service strives to help investors manage reputational risk and increase corporate accountability through proactive, professional and constructive engagement. It does so by collaborating with investors, facilitating avenues of active ownership (including direct, constructive dialogue with companies) and assisting with shareholder resolutions and proxy voting decisions. As a result of this process, the Engagement Service will at times provide SIMC with proxy voting recommendations that may conflict with the Proxy Guidelines. Recommendations from the Engagement Service to potentially override the Service's recommendation are expected to be limited to companies with which the Engagement Service is engaged on SIMC's behalf, and limited to proxy matters that bear on the subject of the engagement with that issuer.
In all circumstances identified above, the Proxy Committee shall convene and adhere to the conflicts provisions of the Procedures. For any proposal where the Proxy Committee determines that SIMC does not have a material conflict of interest, the Proxy Committee may overrule the Service's recommendation if the Proxy Committee reasonably determines that doing so is in the best interest of the Clients. For any proposal where the Proxy Committee determines that SIMC has a material conflict of interest, SIMC must vote in accordance with the Service's recommendation unless it has first fully disclosed to each Client holding the security at issue the nature of the conflict and obtained each Client's consent as to how SIMC will vote on the proposal. If the Proxy Committee decides to overrule the Service's recommendation, the Proxy Committee shall maintain a written record setting forth the basis of its decision.
In some circumstances, SIMC may determine it is in the best interest of its Clients to abstain from voting certain proxies. These include (but are not necessarily limited to) the following circumstances:
• Proxy Guidelines do not cover an issue;
• The Service does not make a recommendation on the issue;
• SIMC determines that the costs of voting exceed the expected benefits to Clients;
• The accounts engage in securities lending;
• The vote is subject to "share blocking," which requires investors who intend to vote to surrender the right to dispose of their shares until after the shareholder meeting, potentially creating liquidity issues; and
• The Proxy Committee is unable to convene to determine whether the proposal would be in the Client's best interests.
With respect to proxies of an affiliated investment company or series thereof, SIMC will vote such proxies in the same proportion as the vote of all other shareholders of the investment company or series thereof (i.e., "echo vote" or "mirror vote").
With respect to proxies in foreign jurisdictions, certain countries or issuers may require SIMC to have a duly executed power of attorney in place with such country or issuer in order to vote a proxy. The Service may execute, on behalf of SIMC, power of attorney requirements in order to satisfy these requirements. Under circumstances where the issuer, not the jurisdiction, requires an issuer-specific, shareholder-specific or other limited power of attorney in order to vote a proxy, the Service will coordinate with SIMC in order to execute
S-108
such power of attorney. In these instances, it may not be convenient or practicable to execute a power of attorney in sufficient time to vote proxies in that meeting, and SIMC may abstain from voting.
For each proxy, SIMC maintains all related records as required by applicable law. The Trust is required to file how all proxies were voted with respect to portfolio securities held by the Funds. A Client may obtain, without charge, a copy of SIMC's Procedures and Proxy Guidelines, or information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, by calling SIMC at 1-800-DIAL-SEI, by writing to SIMC at One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456 or on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Shares of a Fund may be purchased in exchange for securities included in the Fund subject to the Administrator's determination that the securities are acceptable. Securities accepted in an exchange will be valued at market value. All accrued interest and subscription of other rights that are reflected in the market price of accepted securities at the time of valuation become the property of the Trust and must be delivered by the shareholder to the Trust upon receipt from the issuer. A shareholder may recognize a gain or a loss for federal income tax purposes in making the exchange.
The Administrator will not accept securities for a Fund unless: (i) such securities are appropriate in the Fund at the time of the exchange; (ii) such securities are acquired for investment and not for resale; (iii) the shareholder represents and agrees that all securities offered to the Trust for the Fund are not subject to any restrictions upon their sale by the Fund under the 1933 Act, or otherwise; (iv) such securities are traded on the American Stock Exchange, the NYSE or on NASDAQ in an unrelated transaction with a quoted sales price on the same day the exchange valuation is made or, if not listed on such exchanges or on NASDAQ, have prices available from an independent pricing service approved by the Board; and (v) the securities may be acquired under the investment restrictions applicable to the Fund.
The Trust reserves the right to suspend the right of redemption and/or to postpone the date of payment upon redemption for any period during which trading on the NYSE is restricted, or during the existence of an emergency (as determined by the SEC by rule or regulation) as a result of which disposal or evaluation of the portfolio securities is not reasonably practicable, or for such other periods as the SEC may by order permit. The Trust also reserves the right to suspend sales of shares of the Funds for any period during which the NYSE, the Administrator, SIMC or the Funds' Sub-Advisers, the Distributor and/or the custodian are not open for business. Currently, the following holidays are observed by the Trust: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
It is currently the Trust's policy to pay for all redemptions in cash. The Trust retains the right, however, to alter this policy to provide for redemptions in whole or in part by a distribution in kind of securities held by a Fund in lieu of cash. Shareholders may incur brokerage charges in connection with the sale of such securities. However, a shareholder will at all times be entitled to aggregate cash redemptions from a Fund of the Trust during any 90-day period of up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Trust's net assets in cash. A gain or loss for federal income tax purposes would be realized by a shareholder subject to taxation upon an in-kind redemption depending upon the shareholder's basis in the shares of the Fund redeemed.
Fund securities may be traded on foreign markets on days other than a Business Day or the NAV of a Fund may be computed on days when such foreign markets are closed. In addition, foreign markets may close at times other than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. As a consequence, the NAV of a share of a Fund may not reflect all events that may affect the value of the Fund's foreign securities unless the Adviser determines that such events materially affect NAV, in which case NAV will be determined by consideration of other factors.
Certain shareholders in one or more of the Funds may obtain asset allocation services from SIMC and other financial intermediaries with respect to their investments in such Funds. If a sufficient amount of a Fund's assets are subject to such asset allocation services, the Fund may incur higher transaction costs and a higher portfolio turnover rate than would otherwise be anticipated as a result of redemptions and purchases of Fund
S-109
shares pursuant to such services. Further, to the extent that SIMC is providing asset allocation services and providing investment advice to the Funds, it may face conflicts of interest in fulfilling its responsibilities because of the possible differences between the interests of its asset allocation clients and the interest of the Funds.
TAXES
The following is only a summary of certain additional U.S. federal income tax considerations generally affecting the Funds and their shareholders that is intended to supplement the discussion contained in the Prospectuses. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the federal, state, local or foreign tax treatment of the Funds or their shareholders, and the discussion here and in the Prospectuses is not intended to be a substitute for careful tax planning. You are urged to consult your own tax advisor.
This discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences is based on the Code and the regulations issued thereunder as in effect on the date of this SAI. New legislation, as well as administrative changes or court decisions, may significantly change the conclusions expressed herein and may have a retroactive effect with respect to the transactions contemplated herein.
Qualification as a Regulated Investment Company
Each Fund intends to qualify to be treated as a RIC as defined under Subchapter M of the Code. By following such policy, each Fund expects to eliminate or reduce to a nominal amount the federal taxes to which it may be subject. A Fund that qualifies as a RIC will generally not be subject to federal income taxes on the net investment income and net realized capital gains that the Fund timely distributes to its shareholders. The Board reserves the right not to maintain the qualification of each Fund as a RIC if it determines such course of action to be beneficial to shareholders.
If a Fund qualifies as a RIC, it will generally not be subject to federal income tax on that part of its net investment income and net realized capital gains that are timely distributed to shareholders. In order to qualify for treatment as a RIC, the Funds must distribute annually to their shareholders at least 90% of their net investment income (which, includes dividends, taxable interest, and the excess, if any, of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses, less operating expenses) ("Distribution Requirement") and also must meet certain additional requirements. Among these requirements are the following: (i) at least 90% of each Fund's gross income each taxable year must be derived from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, and 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 or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership (the "Qualifying Income Test"); (ii) at the close of each quarter of each Fund's taxable year: (A) at least 50% of the value of its total assets must be represented by cash and cash items, United States Government securities, securities of other RICs and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount that does not exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and that does not represent more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer; and (B) not more than 25% of the value of its total assets may be invested, including through corporations in which a Fund owns a 20% or more voting stock interest, in securities (other than United States Government securities or the securities of other RICs) of any one issuer or the securities (other than the securities of another RIC) of two or more issuers which the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships (the "Asset Diversification Test").
If a Fund fails to satisfy the Qualifying Income Test or Asset Diversification Test in any taxable year, such Fund may be eligible for relief provisions if the failures are due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect and if a penalty tax is paid with respect to each failure to satisfy the applicable requirements. Additionally, relief is provided for certain de minimis failures of the diversification requirements where a Fund corrects the failure within a specified period of time. If a Fund fails to qualify as a RIC and these relief provisions are not available, such Fund will be subject to federal income tax at the regular corporate rate (currently 21%). In such an event, all distributions (including capital gains distributions) will be taxable as ordinary dividends to the extent of the
S-110
Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits, subject to the dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders and (subject to certain limitations) the lower tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income distributed to individuals. In addition, a Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest and make substantial distributions before re-qualifying as a RIC.
Although the Funds intend to distribute substantially all of their net investment income and may distribute their capital gains for any taxable year, the Funds will be subject to federal income taxation to the extent any such income or gains are not distributed. Each Fund is treated as a separate corporation for federal income tax purposes. A Fund therefore is considered to be a separate entity in determining its treatment under the rules for RICs described herein. Losses in one Fund do not offset gains in another and the requirements (other than certain organizational requirements) for qualifying RIC status are determined at the Fund level rather than at the Trust level.
A Fund may elect to treat part or all of any "qualified late year loss" as if it had been incurred in the succeeding taxable year in determining such Fund's taxable income, net capital gain, net short-term capital gain and earnings and profits. The effect of this election is to treat any such "qualified late year loss" as if it had been incurred in the succeeding taxable year in characterizing Fund distributions for any calendar year. A "qualified late year loss" generally includes net capital loss, net long-term capital loss, or net short-term capital loss incurred after October 31 of the current taxable year (commonly referred to as "post-October losses"), and certain other late-year losses.
The treatment of capital loss carryovers for RICs is similar to the rules that apply to capital loss carryovers of individuals and provide that such losses are carried over by a Fund indefinitely. Thus, if a Fund has a "net capital loss" (that is capital losses in excess of capital gains) the excess of such Fund's net short-term capital losses over its net long-term capital gains is treated as a short-term capital loss arising on the first day of the Fund's next taxable year, and the excess (if any) of the Fund's net long-term capital losses over its net short-term capital gains is treated as a long-term capital loss arising on the first day of the Fund's next taxable year. In addition, the carryover of capital losses may be limited under the general loss limitation rules if a Fund experiences an ownership change as defined in the Code.
Federal Excise Tax
Notwithstanding the distribution requirement described above, which only requires a Fund to distribute at least 90% of its annual investment company taxable income and does not require any minimum distribution of net capital gain, a Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax to the extent it fails to distribute by the end of any calendar year at least 98% of its ordinary income for that year and 98.2% of its capital gain net income for the one-year period ending on October 31, of that year, plus certain other amounts. Each Fund intends to make sufficient distributions to avoid liability for the federal excise tax applicable to RICs, but can make no assurances that such tax will be completely eliminated. For example, a Fund may receive delayed or corrected tax reporting statements from its investments that cause such Fund to accrue additional income and gains after such Fund has already made its excise tax distributions for the year. In such a situation, a Fund may incur an excise tax liability resulting from such delayed receipt of such tax information statements. In addition, a Fund may in certain circumstances be required to liquidate Fund investments in order to make sufficient distributions to avoid federal excise tax liability at a time when the investment adviser might not otherwise have chosen to do so, and liquidation of investments in such circumstances may affect the ability of the Fund to satisfy the requirements for qualification as a RIC.
Distributions to Shareholders
Each Fund receives income generally in the form of dividends and interest on its investment. Each Fund's income (including short-term capital gain), less expenses incurred in the operation of such Fund, constitutes the Fund's net investment income from which dividends may be paid to you. Any distributions of dividends by a Fund will be taxable as ordinary income, whether you take them in cash or additional shares. All or a portion of such dividends may be treated as qualified dividend income (currently eligible for the reduced maximum tax rate to individuals of 20% (lower rates apply to individuals in lower tax brackets)) to the extent that a Fund
S-111
receives and reports such amounts as qualified dividend income. Qualified dividend income includes, in general, subject to certain requirements, dividend income from taxable U.S. corporations and certain foreign corporations (e.g., foreign corporations incorporated in possessions of the United States or in certain countries with comprehensive tax treaties with the United States and those corporations' whose stock is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States). A dividend will not be treated as qualified dividend income to the extent that (i) the shareholder has not held the shares of the Fund on which the dividend was paid for more than 60 days during the 121-day period that begins on the date that is 60 days before the date on which the shares of the Fund become "ex-dividend" (which is the day on which declared distributions (dividends or capital gains) are deducted from each Fund's assets before it calculates the NAV) with respect to such dividend, (ii) each Fund has not satisfied similar holding period requirements with respect to the securities it holds that paid the dividends distributed to the shareholder), (iii) the shareholder is under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to substantially similar or related property, or (iv) the shareholder elects to treat such dividend as investment income under section 163(d)(4)(B) of the Code. Therefore, if you lend your shares in a Fund, such as pursuant to a securities lending arrangement, you may lose the ability to treat dividends (paid while the shares are held by the borrower) as qualified dividend income. Distributions received by a Fund from an underlying fund that is taxable as a RIC will be treated as qualified dividend income only to the extent so designated by such RIC. Certain investment strategies of the Funds may limit their ability to make distributions that are eligible for the lower tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income.
Because the Funds' income is derived primarily from investments in foreign rather than domestic U.S. securities, their distributions are generally not expected to be eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporate shareholders.
A RIC that receives business interest income may pass through its net business interest income for purposes of the tax rules applicable to the interest expense limitations under Section 163(j) of the Code. A RIC's total "Section 163(j) Interest Dividend" for a tax year is limited to the excess of the RIC's business interest income over the sum of its business interest expense and its other deductions properly allocable to its business interest income. A RIC may, in its discretion, designate all or a portion of ordinary dividends as Section 163(j) Interest Dividends, which would allow the recipient shareholder to treat the designated portion of such dividends as interest income for purposes of determining such shareholder's interest expense deduction limitation under Section 163(j). This can potentially increase the amount of a shareholder's interest expense deductible under Section 163(j). In general, to be eligible to treat a Section 163(j) Interest Dividend as interest income, you must have held your shares in a Fund for more than 180 days during the 361-day period beginning on the date that is 180 days before the date on which the share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend. Section 163(j) Interest Dividends, if so designated by a Fund, will be reported to your financial intermediary or otherwise in accordance with the requirements specified by the IRS.
A Fund may derive capital gains and losses in connection with sale or other dispositions of its portfolio securities. Distributions by the Fund of their net short-term capital gains will be taxable to you as ordinary income. Capital gain distributions consisting of a Fund's net capital gains will be taxable to you at long-term capital gains rates, regardless of how long you have held your shares in a Fund. Long-term capital gains are currently taxed at a maximum rate of 20%. Distributions from capital gains are generally made after applying any available capital loss carryforwards.
To the extent that a Fund makes a distribution of income received by such Fund in lieu of dividends (a "substitute payment") with respect to securities on loan pursuant to a securities lending transaction, such income will not constitute qualified dividend income to individual shareholders and will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders.
A dividend or distribution received shortly after the purchase of shares reduces the net asset value of the shares by the amount of the dividend or distribution and, although in effect a return of capital, will be taxable to the shareholder. If the net asset value of shares were reduced below the shareholder's cost by dividends or distributions representing gains realized on sales of securities, such dividends or distributions would be a return of investment though taxable to the shareholder in the same manner as other dividends or distributions.
S-112
If a Fund's distributions exceed its current accumulated earnings and profits for the taxable year, all or a portion of the distributions made in the same taxable year may be recharacterized as a return of capital to shareholders. A return of capital distribution will generally not be taxable, but will reduce each shareholder's cost basis in a Fund and result in a higher reported capital gain or lower reported capital loss when those shares on which the distribution was received are sold.
Each Fund's shareholders will be notified annually by the Fund (or its administrative agent) as to the federal tax status of all distributions made by the Fund.
Dividends declared to shareholders of record in October, November or December and actually paid in January of the following year will be treated as having been received by shareholders on December 31 of the calendar year in which declared. Under this rule, therefore, a shareholder may be taxed in one year on dividends or distributions actually received in January of the following year.
Sale, Exchange or Redemption of Shares
Sales and redemptions of Fund shares may be taxable transactions for federal and state income tax purposes. Any gain or loss recognized on a sale or redemption of shares of a Fund by a shareholder who holds Fund shares as a capital asset will generally be treated as a long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than twelve months and otherwise will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. However, if shares on which a shareholder has received a net capital gain distribution are subsequently sold, exchanged or redeemed and such shares have been held for six months or less, any loss recognized will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of the net capital gain distribution. All or a portion of any loss that you realize upon the redemption of a Fund's shares will be disallowed to the extent that you buy other shares in such Fund (through reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within 30 days before or after your share redemption. Any loss disallowed under these rules will be added to your tax basis in the new shares you buy. For tax purposes, an exchange of your Fund shares for shares of a different fund is the same as a sale. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an upward adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.
Each Fund (or their administrative agents) must report to the IRS and furnish to Fund shareholders the cost basis information for Fund shares. In addition to the requirement to report the gross proceeds from the sale of Fund shares, each Fund (or its administrative agent) is also required to report the cost basis information for such shares and indicate whether these shares have a short-term or long-term holding period. For each sale of Fund shares, each Fund will permit its shareholders to elect from among several IRS-accepted cost basis methods, including the average cost basis method. In the absence of an election, each Fund will use the average cost basis method as its default cost basis method. The cost basis method elected by shareholders (or the cost basis method applied by default) for each sale of a Fund's shares may not be changed after the settlement date of each such sale of a Fund's shares. If your shares are held in a brokerage account, your broker may use a different method and you should contact your broker to determine which method it will use. Fund shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation and to obtain more information about cost basis reporting. Shareholders also should carefully review any cost basis information provided to them and make any additional basis, holding period or other adjustments that are required when reporting these amounts on their federal income tax returns.
Net Investment Income Tax
U.S. individuals with income exceeding $200,000 ($250,000 if married and filing jointly) are subject to a 3.8% tax on their "net investment income," including interest, dividends and capital gains (including capital gains realized on the sale or exchange of shares of a Fund).
Foreign Taxes
Dividends and interest received by a Fund may be subject to income, withholding or other taxes imposed by foreign countries and United States possessions that would reduce the yield on a Fund's securities. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate these taxes. Foreign
S-113
countries generally do not impose taxes on capital gains with respect to investments by foreign investors. If more than 50% of the value of a Fund's total assets at the close of its taxable year consists of stock or securities of foreign corporations, a Fund will be eligible to, and intends to, file an election with the IRS that will enable shareholders, in effect, to receive the benefit of the foreign tax credit with respect to any foreign and United States possessions income taxes paid by a Fund. Pursuant to the election, a Fund will treat those taxes as dividends paid to its shareholders. Each shareholder will be required to include a proportionate share of those taxes in gross income as income received from a foreign source and must treat the amount so included as if the shareholder had paid the foreign tax directly. The shareholder may then either deduct the taxes deemed paid by him or her in computing his or her taxable income or, alternatively, use the foregoing information in calculating the foreign tax credit (subject to significant limitations) against the shareholder's federal income tax. If a Fund makes the election, it will report annually to its shareholders the respective amounts per share of a Fund's income from sources within, and taxes paid to, foreign countries and United States possessions. If a Fund does not hold sufficient foreign securities to meet the above threshold, then shareholders will not be entitled to claim a credit or further deduction with respect to foreign taxes paid by the Fund.
A shareholder's ability to claim a foreign tax credit or deduction in respect of foreign taxes paid by a Fund may be subject to certain limitations imposed by the Code, which may result in a shareholder not receiving a full credit or deduction (if any) for the amount of such taxes. In particular, shareholders must hold their Fund shares (without protection from risk of loss) on the ex-dividend date and for at least 15 additional days during the 30-day period surrounding the ex-dividend date to be eligible to claim a foreign tax credit with respect to a given dividend. Shareholders who do not itemize on their federal income tax returns may claim a credit (but no deduction) for such foreign taxes. Even if a Fund were eligible to make such an election for a given year, it may determine not to do so. Shareholders that are not subject to U.S. federal income tax, and those who invest in a Fund through tax-advantaged accounts (including those who invest through individual retirement accounts or other tax-advantaged retirement plans), generally will receive no benefit from any tax credit or deduction passed through by a Fund. Under certain circumstances, if a Fund receives a refund of foreign taxes paid in respect of a prior year, the value of Fund shares could be affected or any foreign tax credits or deductions passed through to shareholders in respect of the Fund's foreign taxes for the current year could be reduced.
Tax Treatment of Complex Securities
Each Fund may invest in complex securities. These investments may be subject to numerous special and complex provisions of the Code that, among other things, may affect a Fund's ability to qualify as a RIC, affect whether gains and losses recognized by a Fund are treated as ordinary income or capital gain, accelerate the recognition of income to the Fund and/or defer the Fund's ability to recognize losses, and in limited cases, subject to the Fund to U.S. federal income tax on income from certain of its foreign securities. These rules could affect the amount, timing or character of the income distributed to shareholders.
A Fund's transactions in foreign currencies and forward foreign currency contracts will generally be subject to special provisions of the Code that, among other things, may affect the character of gains and losses realized by the Funds (i.e., may affect whether gains or losses are ordinary or capital), accelerate recognition of income to the Fund and defer losses. These rules could therefore affect the character, amount and timing of distributions to shareholders. These provisions also may require a Fund to mark-to-market certain types of positions in its portfolio (i.e., treat them as if they were closed out), which may cause the Fund to recognize income without receiving cash with which to make distributions in amounts necessary to satisfy the distribution requirements and for avoiding the excise tax discussed above. The Funds intend to monitor their transactions, intend to make the appropriate tax elections and intend to make the appropriate entries in their books and records when they acquire any foreign currency or forward foreign currency contract in order to mitigate the effect of these rules so as to prevent disqualification of a Fund as a RIC and minimize the imposition of income and excise taxes. Accordingly, a Fund may be required to liquidate its investments at a time when the Adviser might not otherwise have chosen to do so.
If a Fund owns shares in certain foreign investment entities, referred to as "passive foreign investment companies" or "PFICs," such Fund will be subject to one of the following special tax regimes: (i) the Fund is
S-114
liable for U.S. federal income tax, and an additional interest charge, on a portion of any "excess distribution" from such foreign entity or any gain from the disposition of such shares, even if the entire distribution or gain is paid out by the Fund as a dividend to its shareholders; (ii) if the Fund were able and elected to treat a PFIC as a "qualifying electing fund" or "QEF," the Fund would be required each year to include in income, and distribute to shareholders in accordance with the Distribution Requirements set forth above, the Fund's pro rata share of the ordinary earnings and net capital gains of the PFIC, whether or not such earnings or gains are distributed to the Fund; or (iii) the Fund may be entitled to mark-to-market annually shares of the PFIC and in such event would be required to distribute to shareholders any such mark-to-market gains in accordance with the distribution requirements set forth above. A Fund may have to distribute to its shareholders certain "phantom" income and gain such Fund accrues with respect to its investment in a PFIC in order to satisfy the distribution requirement and to avoid imposition of the 4% excise tax described above. The Funds intend to make the appropriate tax elections, if possible, and take any additional steps that are necessary to mitigate the effect of these rules. Amounts included in income each year by a Fund arising from a QEF election will be "qualifying income" under the Qualifying Income Test (as described above) even if not distributed to a Fund, if the Fund derives such income from its business of investing in stock, securities or currencies.
The use of hedging strategies, such as entering into forward foreign currency contracts, involves complex rules that will determine for income tax purposes the character and timing of recognition of the income received in connection therewith by a Fund. These complex tax rules could also affect whether gains and losses recognized by a Fund are treated as ordinary income or capital gains, accelerate the recognition of income to a Fund and/or defer a Fund's ability to recognize losses. Income from foreign currencies and income from transactions in certain forward contracts that are directly related to a Fund's business of investing in securities or foreign currencies are likely to qualify for purposes of the Qualifying Income Test.
With respect to investments in STRIPS, TRs, TIGRs, LYONs, CATS and other zero coupon securities that are sold at original issue discount and thus do not make periodic cash interest payments, a Fund will be required to include as part of its current income the imputed interest on such obligations even though a Fund has not received any interest payments on such obligations during that period. Because each Fund intends to distribute all of its net investment income to its shareholders, a Fund may have to sell Fund securities to distribute such imputed income, which may occur at a time when SIMC or the Funds' Sub-Advisers would not have chosen to sell such securities and which may result in taxable gain or loss.
Any market discount recognized on a bond is taxable as ordinary income. A market discount bond is a bond acquired in the secondary market at a price below redemption value or adjusted issue price if issued with original issue discount. Absent an election by a Fund to include the market discount in income as it accrues, gain on such Fund's disposition of such an obligation will be treated as ordinary income rather than capital gain to the extent of the accrued market discount.
A Fund may invest in inflation-linked debt securities. Any increase in the principal amount of an inflation-linked debt security will be original interest discount, which is taxable as ordinary income and is required to be distributed, even though the Fund will not receive the principal, including any increase thereto, until maturity. As noted above, if a Fund invests in such securities it may be required to liquidate other investments, including at times when it is not advantageous to do so, in order to satisfy its distribution requirements and to eliminate any possible taxation at the Fund level.
Each Fund is required for federal income tax purposes to mark-to-market and recognize as income for each taxable year its net unrealized gains and losses on certain futures and options contracts subject to section 1256 of the Code ("Section 1256 Contracts") as of the end of the year as well as those actually realized during the year. Gain or loss from Section 1256 Contracts on broad-based indexes required to be marked to market will be 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. Application of this rule may alter the timing and character of distributions to shareholders. A Fund may be required to defer the recognition of losses on Section 1256 Contracts to the extent of any unrecognized gains on offsetting positions held by the Fund. Net gain realized from the closing out of certain futures or options contracts may be considered gain from the sale of securities and therefore will be qualifying income for purposes of the Qualifying Income Test. Each Fund intends to distribute to shareholders at least annually any net capital gains that have been recognized for federal
S-115
income tax purposes, including unrealized gains at the end of the Funds' fiscal year on futures or options transactions. Such distributions are combined with distributions of capital gains realized on each Fund's other investments and shareholders are advised on the nature of the distributions.
In addition, the Funds may invest in certain exchange-traded products, which may not produce qualifying income for purposes of the Qualifying Income Test. The Funds intend to monitor such investments to ensure that any non-qualifying income does not exceed permissible limits, but the Funds may not be able to accurately predict the non-qualifying income from these investments.
Certain Foreign Currency Tax Issues
As described above, gains from the sale or other disposition of foreign currencies and other income (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived from investing in stock, securities or foreign currencies generally are included as qualifying income in applying the Qualifying Income Test. It should be noted, however, that for purposes of the Qualifying Income Test, the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to issue regulations that would exclude from qualifying income foreign currency gains that are not directly related to the RIC's principal business of investing in stock or securities (or options and futures with respect to stock or securities). No regulations have been issued pursuant to this authorization. It is possible, however, that such regulations may be issued in the future. It is possible that under such future regulations a Fund may no longer satisfy the Qualifying Income Test and might fail to qualify as a RIC.
It is also possible that a Fund's strategy of investing in foreign currency-related financial instruments might cause the Funds to fail to satisfy the Asset Diversification Test, resulting in their failure to qualify as a RIC. Failure of the Asset Diversification Test might result from a determination by the IRS that financial instruments in which the Funds invest are not securities. Moreover, even if the financial instruments are treated as securities, a determination by the IRS regarding the identity of the issuers of the securities or the fair market values of the securities that differs from the determinations made by the Funds could result in the failure by the Funds to diversify their investments in a manner necessary to satisfy the Asset Diversification Test. It is also currently unclear who will be treated as the issuer of a foreign currency instrument for purposes of the Asset Diversification Test.
Backup Withholding
A Fund will be required in certain cases to withhold at a 24% rate and remit to the United States Treasury the amount withheld on amounts payable to any shareholder who: (i) has provided a Fund either an incorrect tax identification number or no number at all; (ii) is subject to backup withholding by the IRS for failure to properly report payments of interest or dividends; (iii) has failed to certify to a Fund that such shareholder is not subject to backup withholding; or (iv) has not certified that such shareholder is a U.S. person (including a U.S. resident alien).
Non-U.S. Investors
Non-U.S. investors in a Fund may be subject to U.S. withholding and estate tax and are encouraged to consult their tax advisor prior to investing in a Fund. Foreign shareholders (i.e., nonresident alien individuals and foreign corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates) are generally subject to U.S. withholding tax at the rate of 30% (or a lower tax treaty rate) on distributions derived from taxable ordinary income. The Fund may, under certain circumstances, report all or a portion of a dividend as an "interest-related dividend" or a "short-term capital gain dividend," which would generally be exempt from this 30% U.S. withholding tax, provided certain other requirements are met. Short-term capital gain dividends received by a nonresident alien individual who is present in the U.S. for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the taxable year are not exempt from this 30% withholding tax. Gains realized by foreign shareholders from the sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund generally are not subject to U.S. taxation, unless the recipient is an individual who is physically present in the U.S. for 183 days or more per year. Foreign shareholders who fail to provide an applicable IRS form may be subject to backup withholding on certain payments from the Fund. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that are subject to the 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) withholding tax
S-116
described in this paragraph. Different tax consequences may result if the foreign shareholder is engaged in a trade or business within the United States. In addition, the tax consequences to a foreign shareholder entitled to claim the benefits of a tax treaty may be different than those described above.
Under legislation generally known as "FATCA" (the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act), a Fund is required to withhold 30% of certain ordinary dividends it pays to shareholders that fail to meet prescribed information reporting or certification requirements. In general, no such withholding will be required with respect to a U.S. person or non-U.S. person that timely provides the certifications required by a fund or its agent on a valid IRS Form W-9 or applicable series of IRS Form W-8, respectively. Shareholders potentially subject to withholding include foreign financial institutions ("FFIs"), such as non-U.S. investment funds, and non-financial foreign entities ("NFFEs"). To avoid withholding under FATCA, an FFI generally must enter into an information sharing agreement with the IRS in which it agrees to report certain identifying information (including name, address, and taxpayer identification number) with respect to its U.S. account holders (which, in the case of an entity shareholder, may include its direct and indirect U.S. owners), and an NFFE generally must identify and provide other required information to a Fund or other withholding agent regarding its U.S. owners, if any. Such non-U.S. shareholders also may fall into certain exempt, excepted or deemed compliant categories as established by regulations and other guidance. A non-U.S. shareholder resident or doing business in a country that has entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the U.S. to implement FATCA will be exempt from FATCA withholding provided that the shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of the agreement.
A non-U.S. entity that invests in a Fund will need to provide such Fund with documentation properly certifying the entity's status under FATCA in order to avoid FATCA withholding. Non-U.S. investors in the Funds should consult their tax advisors in this regard.
Tax Shelter Reporting Regulations
Under U.S. Treasury regulations, generally if a shareholder recognizes a loss 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 RIC such as a Fund are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all RICs. 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 advisors to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.
Tax-Exempt Shareholders
Certain tax-exempt shareholders, including qualified pension plans, individual retirement accounts, salary deferral arrangements, 401(k)s and other tax-exempt entities, generally are exempt from federal income taxation except with respect to their unrelated business taxable income ("UBTI"). Under the Code, tax-exempt entities are not permitted to offset losses from one trade or business against the income or gain of another trade or business. Certain net losses incurred prior to January 1, 2018 are permitted to offset gain and income created by an unrelated trade or business, if otherwise available. Under current law, the Funds serve to block UBTI from being realized by their tax-exempt shareholders. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, tax-exempt shareholders could realize UBTI by virtue of an investment in a Fund where, for example: (i) the Fund invests in residual interests of REMICs; (ii) the Fund invests in a REIT that is a taxable mortgage pool ("TMP") or that has a subsidiary that is TMP or that invests in the residual interest of a REMIC; or (iii) shares in the Fund constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of section 514(b) of the Code. Charitable remainder trusts are subject to special rules and should consult their tax advisors. The IRS has issued guidance with respect to these issues and prospective shareholders, especially charitable remainder trusts, are strongly encouraged to consult their tax advisors regarding these issues.
The Funds' shares held in a tax-qualified retirement account will generally not be subject to federal taxation on income and capital gains distributions from a Fund until a shareholder begins receiving payments from their
S-117
retirement account. Because each shareholder's tax situation is different, shareholders should consult their tax advisor about the tax implications of an investment in the Funds.
State Taxes
It is expected that the Funds will not be liable for any corporate excise, income or franchise tax in Massachusetts if they qualify as a RIC for federal income tax purposes. Rules of state and local taxation of dividend and capital gains distributions from RICs often differ from the rules for federal income taxation described above. Many states grant tax-free status to ordinary income distributions that a Fund pays to you, which are derived from interest on direct obligations of the U.S. Government. Some states have minimum investment requirements for this tax-free status that must be met by a Fund. Investments in GNMA or Fannie Mae securities, bankers' acceptances, commercial paper and repurchase requirements collateralized by U.S. Government securities do not generally qualify for state tax-free treatment. The rules or exclusion of this income are different for corporate shareholders. Depending upon state and local law, distributions by a Fund to shareholders and the ownership of shares may be subject to state and local taxes.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
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. Money market securities and other debt securities are usually bought and sold directly from the issuer or an underwriter or market maker for the securities. Generally, the Funds will not pay brokerage commissions for such purchases. When a debt security is bought from an underwriter, the purchase price will usually include an underwriting commission or concession. 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 a Fund executes transactions in the over-the-counter market, it will generally deal with primary market makers unless prices that are more favorable are otherwise obtainable.
Brokerage Selection. The Trust has no obligation to deal with any dealer or group of brokers or dealers in the execution of transactions in portfolio securities. Subject to policies established by the Trustees, SIMC and the Funds' Sub-Advisers are responsible for placing orders to execute Fund transactions. In placing brokerage orders, it is the Trust's policy to seek to obtain the best net results taking into account such factors as price (including the applicable dealer spread), size, type and difficulty of the transaction involved, the firm's general execution and operational facilities and the firm's risk in positioning the securities involved. While SIMC and the Sub-Advisers generally seek reasonably competitive spreads or commissions, the Trust will not necessarily be paying the lowest spread or commission available. The Trust will not purchase portfolio securities from any affiliated person acting as principal except in conformity with the regulations of the SEC.
The Trust does not expect to use one particular broker or dealer, and when one or more brokers is believed capable of providing the best combination of price and execution, SIMC or a Sub-Adviser, as applicable, may cause the Trust to select a broker based upon brokerage or research services provided to SIMC or a Sub-Adviser. SIMC or a Sub-Advisers may pay a higher commission than otherwise obtainable from other brokers in return for such services only if a good faith determination is made that the commission is reasonable in relation to the services provided.
Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act ("Section 28(e)") permits SIMC or a Sub-Adviser, under certain circumstances, to cause a 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. Brokerage and research services include: (i) 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; (ii) furnishing analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy and the performance of accounts; and (iii) effecting securities transactions and performing functions incidental thereto (such as clearance, settlement and custody). In the case of research services, SIMC and the Sub-Advisers believe
S-118
that access to independent investment research is beneficial to their investment decision-making processes and, therefore, to the Funds. In addition to agency transactions, SIMC or a Sub-Adviser may receive brokerage and research services in connection with certain riskless principal transactions, in accordance with applicable SEC guidance.
To the extent 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 that assist in the valuation and pricing of investments. Examples of research-oriented services for which SIMC or a 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. SIMC or a 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 SIMC or a Sub-Adviser will be in addition to and not in lieu of the services required to be performed by SIMC or a Sub-Adviser under their Investment Advisory Agreements. Any advisory or other fees paid to SIMC or a Sub-Adviser are not reduced as a result of the receipt of research services.
In some cases SIMC or a Sub-Adviser may receive a service from a broker that has both a "research" and a "non-research" use. When this occurs, SIMC or a Sub-Adviser, as applicable, 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 SIMC or a Sub-Adviser will use their own funds to pay for the percentage of the service that is used for non-research purposes. In making this good faith allocation, SIMC and the Sub-Advisers face a potential conflict of interest, but SIMC and the Sub-Advisers believe that their respective allocation procedures are reasonably designed to ensure that they appropriately allocate the anticipated use of such services to their research and non-research uses.
From time to time, the Funds may purchase new issues of securities for clients 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 SIMC or a Sub-Adviser with research services. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority 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).
The research services received from a broker-dealer may be complicated by MiFID II, which places restrictions on the receipt of research services by EU authorized investment firms and certain affiliated US asset managers.
SIMC also from time to time executes trades with the Distributor, acting as introducing broker, in connection with the transition of the securities and other assets included in a Fund's portfolio when there is a change in sub-advisers in the Fund or a reallocation of assets among the Fund's Sub-Advisers. An unaffiliated third-party broker selected by SIMC or the relevant Sub-Adviser provides execution and clearing services with respect to such trades and is compensated for such services out of the commission paid to the Distributor on the trades. All such transactions effected using the Distributor as introducing broker must be accomplished in a manner that is consistent with the Trust's policy to achieve best net results and must comply with the Trust's procedures regarding the execution of Fund transactions through affiliated brokers.
The Funds do not direct brokerage to brokers in recognition of, or as compensation for, the promotion or sale of Fund shares.
S-119
For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2021, 2022 and 2023, the Funds paid the following brokerage fees:
Total $ Amount of Brokerage Commissions Paid (000) |
Total $ Amount of Brokerage Commissions Paid to Affiliated Brokers (000) |
% of Total Brokerage Commissions Paid to Affiliated Brokers |
% of Total Brokerage Transactions Effected Through Affiliated Brokers |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fund |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2023 |
2023 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
International Equity Fund |
$ |
3,881 |
$ |
3,326 |
$ |
2,533 |
$ |
325 |
$ |
260 |
$ |
0 |
0 |
% |
0 |
% |
|||||||||||||||||||
Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
$ |
2,836 |
$ |
2,055 |
$ |
1,909 |
$ |
160 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
37 |
2 |
% |
2 |
% |
|||||||||||||||||||
International Fixed Income Fund |
$ |
30 |
$ |
40 |
$ |
37 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
0 |
% |
0 |
% |
|||||||||||||||||||
Emerging Markets Debt Fund |
$ |
14 |
$ |
17 |
$ |
14 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
0 |
% |
0 |
% |
The portfolio turnover rates for the International Equity, Emerging Markets Equity, International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2022 and 2023 were as follows:
Turnover Rate |
|||||||||||
Fund |
2022 |
2023 |
|||||||||
International Equity Fund |
108 |
% |
87 |
% |
|||||||
Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
93 |
% |
95 |
% |
|||||||
International Fixed Income Fund |
47 |
% |
44 |
% |
|||||||
Emerging Markets Debt Fund |
88 |
% |
95 |
% |
The Trust is required to identify any securities of its "regular broker dealers" (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) that the Trust has acquired during its most recent fiscal year. As of September 30, 2023, the Trust held securities from the following issuers:
Fund |
Type of Security |
Name of Issuer |
Amount (000) |
||||||||||||
International Equity Fund |
Equity |
UBS Securities LLC |
$ |
35,067 |
|||||||||||
Equity |
HSBC |
$ |
23,574 |
||||||||||||
Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
Fixed Income |
Morgan Stanley & Co, Inc |
$ |
1,814 |
|||||||||||
Fixed Income |
Merrill Lynch |
$ |
1,114 |
||||||||||||
Fixed Income |
UBS Securities LLC |
$ |
706 |
||||||||||||
Fixed Income |
Goldman Sachs & Co. |
$ |
571 |
||||||||||||
Fixed Income |
HSBC |
$ |
525 |
||||||||||||
Fixed Income |
J.P. Morgan Securities |
$ |
237 |
Brokerage with Fund Affiliates. It is expected that certain of the Funds may execute brokerage or other agency transactions through the Distributor, a registered broker-dealer, for a commission, in conformity with the 1940 Act, the 1934 Act and rules, or any orders of the SEC. These provisions require that commissions paid to the Distributor by the Trust for exchange transactions not exceed "usual and customary" brokerage commissions. The rules define "usual and customary" commissions to include amounts that 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." In addition, the Funds may direct commission business to one or more designated broker-dealers, including the Distributor, in connection with payment of certain of the Funds' expenses by such broker-dealers. The Trustees, including those who are not "interested persons" of the Trust, have adopted procedures for evaluating the reasonableness of commissions paid to the Distributor and will review these procedures periodically. The Trust will not purchase portfolio securities from any affiliated person acting as principal except in conformity with the regulations or any orders of the SEC.
S-120
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION
The Funds' portfolio holdings can be obtained on the Internet at the following address: http://www.seic.com/holdings (the "Portfolio Holdings Website"). The Board has approved a policy that provides that portfolio holdings may not be made available to any third party until after such information has been posted on the Portfolio Holdings Website, with limited exceptions noted below. This policy seeks to ensure that the disclosure of information regarding the Funds' portfolio securities is in the best interests of Fund shareholders, and includes procedures to address conflicts of interest.
Five calendar days after each month end, a list of all portfolio holdings in each Fund as of the end of such month shall be made available on the Portfolio Holdings Website. Beginning on the day after any portfolio holdings information is posted on the Portfolio Holdings Website, such information will be delivered directly to any person that requests it, through electronic or other means. The portfolio holdings information placed on the Portfolio Holdings Website shall remain there until the fifth calendar day of the thirteenth month after the date to which the data relates, at which time it will be permanently removed from the site.
Portfolio holdings information may be provided to independent third-party fund reporting services (e.g., Lipper, Broadridge or Morningstar) for a legitimate business purpose, but will be delivered no earlier than the date such information is posted on the Portfolio Holdings Website, unless the reporting service executes a confidentiality agreement with the Trust that is satisfactory to the Trust's officers and that provides that the reporting service will not trade on the information.
Portfolio holdings information may also be provided at any time and as frequently as daily to the Funds' Trustees, SIMC, the Sub-Advisers, the Distributor, the Administrator and certain other service providers, as well as additional contractors and vendors that may include, but are not limited to: the custodian and sub-custodian, the transfer agent, attorneys, independent auditors, securities lending agents, tax filing and reclamation vendors, class-action monitoring and filing vendors, printing and filing vendors, proxy vendors and providers of portfolio monitoring and analytical tools. Service providers will be subject to a duty of confidentiality with respect to any portfolio holdings information, whether imposed by a confidentiality agreement, the provisions of the service provider's contract with the Trust, or by the nature of its relationship with the Trust, and such service providers will be prohibited from trading on the information.
Portfolio holdings of a Fund may also be provided to a prospective service provider for that Fund, so long as the prospective service provider executes a confidentiality agreement with the Fund in such form as deemed acceptable by an officer of the Fund. Additionally, a Sub-Adviser may provide portfolio holdings information to third-party service providers in connection with its duties as a Sub-Adviser, provided that the Sub-Adviser is responsible for such third-party's confidential treatment of such data. The Sub-Adviser is also obligated, pursuant to its fiduciary duty to the relevant Fund, to ensure that any third-party service provider will keep the information confidential and has a duty not to trade on any portfolio holdings information it receives other than subject to the Sub-Adviser's instruction.
The Board exercises on-going oversight of the disclosure of Fund portfolio holdings by overseeing the implementation of the Funds' policies and procedures by the CCO.
Neither the Funds, SIMC, nor any other service provider to the Funds may receive compensation or other consideration for providing portfolio holdings information.
The Trust files a complete schedule of the Funds' investments within 60 days after the end of each fiscal quarter pursuant to Form N-PORT and/or as part of the Funds' annual or semi-annual shareholder report.
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES
The Declaration of Trust authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of shares of each Fund, each of which represents an equal proportionate interest in that Fund. Each share upon liquidation entitles a shareholder to a pro rata share in the net assets of that Fund. Shareholders have no preemptive rights. The Declaration of Trust provides that the Trustees of the Trust may create additional portfolios of shares or classes of portfolios. Share certificates representing the shares will not be issued.
S-121
LIMITATION OF TRUSTEES' LIABILITY
The Declaration of Trust provides that a Trustee shall be liable only for his own willful defaults and, if reasonable care has been exercised in the selection of officers, agents, employees or administrators, shall not be liable for any neglect or wrongdoing of any such person. The Declaration of Trust also provides that the Trust will indemnify its Trustees and officers against liabilities and expenses incurred in connection with actual or threatened litigation in which they may be involved because of their offices with the Trust unless it is determined in the manner provided in the Declaration of Trust that they have not acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that their actions were in the best interests of the Trust. However, nothing in the Declaration of Trust shall protect or indemnify a Trustee against any liability for his willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his duties.
CODES OF ETHICS
The Board has adopted a Code of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act. In addition, SIMC, the Sub-Advisers and the Distributor have 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 reasonably designed to prevent unlawful practices in connection with the purchase or sale of securities by access persons. Under each Code of Ethics, access persons at most Sub-Advisers are permitted to engage in personal securities transactions, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Funds but are required to report their personal securities transactions for monitoring purposes. 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. Access persons at certain Sub-Advisers may be prohibited from engaging in personal securities transactions entirely. Copies of these Codes of Ethics are on file with the SEC and are available to the public.
VOTING
Each share held entitles the shareholder of record to one vote. Shareholders of each Fund or class will vote separately on matters pertaining solely to that Fund or class, such as any distribution plan. As a Massachusetts business trust, the Trust is not required to hold annual meetings of shareholders, but approval will be sought for certain changes in the operation of the Trust and for the election of Trustees under certain circumstances. In addition, a Trustee may be removed by the remaining Trustees or by shareholders at a special meeting called upon written request of shareholders owning at least 10% of the outstanding shares of the Trust. In the event that such a meeting is requested, the Trust will provide appropriate assistance and information to the shareholders requesting the meeting.
Where the Prospectuses for the Funds or SAI state that an investment limitation or a fundamental policy may not be changed without shareholder approval, such approval means the vote of: (i) 67% or more of a Fund's shares present at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or represented by proxy; or (ii) more than 50% of a Fund's outstanding shares, whichever is less.
SHAREHOLDER LIABILITY
The Trust is an entity of the type commonly known as a "Massachusetts business trust." Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of such a Trust could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable as partners for the obligations of the Trust. Even if, however, the Trust were held to be a partnership, the possibility of the shareholders incurring financial loss for that reason appears remote because the Trust's Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for obligations of the Trust and requires that notice of such disclaimer be given in each agreement, obligation or instrument entered into or executed by or on behalf of the Trust or the Trustees, and because the Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of the Trust property for any shareholders held personally liable for the obligations of the Trust.
S-122
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
As of January 3, 2024, the following persons were the only persons who were record owners (or to the knowledge of the Trust, beneficial owners) of 5% or more of the shares of a Fund. Persons who owned of record or beneficially more than 25% of a Fund's outstanding shares may be deemed to control the Fund within the meaning of the 1940 Act. Shareholders controlling the Fund could have the ability to vote a majority of the shares of the Fund on any matter requiring the approval of shareholders of the Fund. The Trust believes that most of the shares referred to below were held by the below persons in accounts for their fiduciary, agency or custodial customers.
Name and Address |
Number of Shares |
Percent of Fund/Class |
|||||||||
International Equity Fund—Class F Shares |
|||||||||||
SEI Private Trust Company c/o GWP US Advisors One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456-9989 |
267,876,912.909 |
86.41 |
% |
||||||||
SEI Private Trust Company c/o GWP US Advisors One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456-9989 |
22,532,498.313 |
7.27 |
% |
||||||||
Emerging Markets Equity Fund—Class F Shares |
|||||||||||
SEI Private Trust Company c/o GWP US Advisors One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456-9989 |
95,461,369.810 |
77.41 |
% |
||||||||
SEI Private Trust Company One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456-9989 |
12,917,298.669 |
10.47 |
% |
||||||||
SEI Private Trust Company c/o GWP US Advisors One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456-9989 |
9,520,819.545 |
7.72 |
% |
||||||||
Emerging Markets Debt Fund—Class F Shares |
|||||||||||
SEI Private Trust Company c/o GWP US Advisors One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456-9989 |
115,529,080.913 |
86.97 |
% |
||||||||
SEI Private Trust Company c/o GWP US Advisors One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456-9989 |
13,016,262.335 |
9.80 |
% |
S-123
Name and Address |
Number of Shares |
Percent of Fund/Class |
|||||||||
International Fixed Income Fund—Class F Shares |
|||||||||||
SEI Private Trust Company c/o GWP US Advisors One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456-9989 |
41,039,942.593 |
90.44 |
% |
||||||||
SEI Private Trust Company c/o GWP US Advisors One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456-9989 |
3,243,649.257 |
7.15 |
% |
||||||||
International Fixed Income Fund—Class Y Shares |
|||||||||||
SEI Private Trust Company c/o GWS US Advisors Y Shares One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, PA 19456-9989 |
5,430,355.002 |
94.40 |
% |
||||||||
International Equity Fund—Class I Shares |
|||||||||||
DCGT AS TTEE and/or CUST FBO PLIC Various Retirement Plans Omnibus Attn: NPIO Trade Desk 711 High Street Des Moines, IA 50382-0001 |
43,124.360 |
50.12 |
% |
||||||||
Maril & Co. FBO JH c/o Reliance Trust Company Attn: MF 4900 W. Brown Deer Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53223-2422 |
39,726.367 |
46.17 |
% |
||||||||
International Equity Fund—Class Y Shares |
|||||||||||
SEI Private Trust Company c/o GWS US Advisors Y Shares One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, PA 19456-9989 |
14,960,299.612 |
45.33 |
% |
||||||||
Charles Schwab & Co Inc Special Custody A/C FBO Customers Attn: Mutual Funds 211 Main Street San Francisco, CA 94105-1901 |
5,264,151.866 |
15.95 |
% |
||||||||
SEI Private Trust Company c/o GWS US Advisors Y Shares One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, PA 19456-9989 |
1,990,904.795 |
6.03 |
% |
S-124
Name and Address |
Number of Shares |
Percent of Fund/Class |
|||||||||
SEI Asset Allocation Trust Aggressive Strategy Fund Attn: Jack McCue—IMU One Freedom Valley Drive Oaks, PA 19456-9989 |
1,846,554.740 |
5.60 |
% |
||||||||
SEI Asset Allocation Trust Tax-Managed Market Growth Strategy Fund One Freedom Valley Drive Oaks, PA 19456-9989 |
1,701,845.050 |
5.16 |
% |
||||||||
Emerging Markets Equity Fund—Class Y Shares |
|||||||||||
SEI Private Trust Company c/o GWS US Advisors Y Shares One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, PA 19456-9989 |
7,525,789.710 |
55.57 |
% |
||||||||
Charles Schwab & Co Inc Special Custody A/C FBO Customers Attn: Mutual Funds 211 Main Street San Francisco, CA 94105-1901 |
2,013,865.904 |
14.87 |
% |
||||||||
SEI Private Trust Company c/o GWS US Advisors Y Shares One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, PA 19456-9989 |
847,580.918 |
6.26 |
% |
||||||||
SEI Asset Allocation Trust Aggressive Strategy Fund Attn: Jack McCue—IMU One Freedom Valley Drive Oaks, PA 19456-9989 |
765,389.348 |
5.65 |
% |
||||||||
Emerging Markets Debt Fund—Class Y Shares |
|||||||||||
SEI Private Trust Company c/o GWS US Advisors Y Shares One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, PA 19456-9989 |
6,479,384.945 |
58.38 |
% |
||||||||
SEI Private Trust Company c/o GWS US Advisors Y Shares One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, PA 19456-9989 |
1,135,373.669 |
10.23 |
% |
||||||||
SEI Asset Allocation Trust Market Growth Strategy Fund One Freedom Valley Drive Oaks, PA 19456-9989 |
622,195.457 |
5.61 |
% |
S-125
Name and Address |
Number of Shares |
Percent of Fund/Class |
|||||||||
SEI Asset Allocation Trust Tax-Managed Market Growth Strategy Fund One Freedom Valley Drive Oaks, PA 19456-9989 |
570,178.659 |
5.14 |
% |
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
KPMG LLP, located at 1601 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, serves as the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm.
CUSTODIAN
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., 40 Water Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109-3661, serves as custodian for the assets of the Funds (the "Custodian"). The Custodian holds cash, securities and other assets of the Trust as required by the 1940 Act. U.S. Bank National Association, 425 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, acts as wire agent of the Trust's assets.
LEGAL COUNSEL
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, located at 2222 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, serves as counsel to the Trust.
S-126
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 28. Exhibits:
(a) Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, dated March 30, 2016
(b) Amended and Restated By-Laws, dated September 13, 2011
(c) Not Applicable
1
(d)(15) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated January 23, 2023, between SIMC and JOHCM (USA) Inc. with respect to the Emerging Markets Equity Fund
(d)(20) Amendment, dated January 1, 2016, to the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated December 12, 2013, with Amended Schedule A, dated January 1, 2016, between SIMC and Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC with respect to the Emerging Markets Debt Fund
2
(f) Not Applicable
(g)(1) Custodian Agreement, dated August 23, 2011, between the Registrant and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
(g)(3) Custodian Agreement, dated August 16, 2006, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank N.A.
(h)(4) Form of Class I Shareholder Service Plan and Agreement, between the Registrant and SIDCo.
(h)(5) Administrative Services Plan and Agreement with respect to Class I shares, dated October 4, 2001
(i) Opinion and Consent of Counsel (filed herewith)
(j) Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (filed herewith)
(k) Not Applicable.
(l) Not Applicable.
(m) Not Applicable.
(n) Second Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Multiple Class Plan, dated August 7, 2014
(o) Not Applicable.
(p)(1) The Code of Ethics for SIMC, dated August 14, 2023 (filed herewith)
(p)(2) The Code of Ethics for SIDCo., dated June 30, 2022 (filed herewith)
(p)(3) The Code of Ethics for SIGFS, dated October 11, 2022 (filed herewith)
3
(p)(4) The Code of Ethics for SEI Institutional International Trust, as last revised March 2022
(p)(5) The Code of Ethics for Acadian Asset Management LLC, revised as of August 2023 (filed herewith)
(p)(6) The Code of Ethics for Aikya Investment Management Ltd., dated June 2023 (filed herewith)
(p)(7) The Code of Ethics for AllianceBernstein L.P., revised as of January 2023
(p)(8) The Code of Ethics for Causeway Capital Management LLC, revised as of December 2022
(p)(13) The Code of Ethics for KBI Global Investors (North America) Ltd, dated November 2017
(p)(14) The Code of Ethics for Lazard Asset Management LLC, dated July 2020
(p)(15) The Code of Ethics for Marathon Asset Management, L.P., dated December 2021
(p)(17) The Code of Ethics for Ninety One UK Ltd., dated December 2021
(p)(18) The Code of Ethics for Pzena Investment Management, revised as of March 2023 (filed herewith)
(p)(19) The Code of Ethics for Qtron Investments LLC, dated August 1, 2018
(p)(20) The Code of Ethics for Robeco Institutional Asset Management US Inc. dated December 2020
(p)(21) The Code of Ethics for WCM Investment Management, LLC, dated December 31, 2013
(p)(22) The Code of Ethics for Wellington Management Company, LLP, dated November 2022
(q)(2) Power of Attorney, dated March 28, 2018, for James B. Taylor
(q)(3) Power of Attorney, dated December 4, 2019, for Christine Reynolds
(q)(4) Power of Attorney, dated September 23, 2021, for Thomas Melendez
4
Item 29. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant:
See the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information regarding the Registrant’s control relationships. SIMC is a subsidiary of SEI Investments Company, which also controls the Distributor of the Registrant (SIDCo.) and other corporations engaged in providing various financial and record keeping services, primarily to bank trust departments, pension plan sponsors and investment managers.
Item 30. Indemnification:
Article VIII of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust filed as Exhibit (a)(1) to the Registration Statement is incorporated by reference. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) may be permitted to trustees, directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant by the Registrant pursuant to the Registrant’s Agreement and 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 1933 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, directors, officers or controlling persons of the Registrant in connection with the successful defense of any act, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustees, directors, 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 1933 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
Item 31. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser:
The following tables describe other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each director, officer or partner of the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser is or has been, at any time during the last two fiscal years, engaged for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee. The Adviser’s and each Sub-Adviser’s table was provided to the Registrant by the Adviser or respective Sub-Adviser for inclusion in this Registration Statement.
SEI Investments Management Corporation
SIMC is the Adviser for the Registrant’s Funds. The principal business address of SIMC is One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456. SIMC is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”).
Unless otherwise noted, the address of all the companies listed below is One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456.
Name
and Position |
Name of Other Company | Connection With Other Company |
Michael
Peterson Director, Senior Vice President |
SEI Investments Company | Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Secretary |
SEI Trust Company | Director, Vice President | |
SEI Funds, Inc. | Vice President, Secretary | |
SEI Investments, Inc. | Vice President, Secretary | |
SEI Global Investments Corp. | Director, Vice President, Secretary | |
SEI Advanced Capital Management, Inc. | Director, Vice President, Secretary | |
SEI Primus Holding Corp. | Vice President, Secretary | |
SEI Global Services, Inc. | Director, Senior Vice President, Secretary | |
SIMC Holdings, LLC | Manager |
5
SEI Investment Strategies, LLC | Director, Senior Vice President, Secretary | |
LSV Asset Management | Management Committee | |
SEI Global Capital Investments, Inc. | Vice President, Secretary | |
SEI Investments (Asia), Limited | Director | |
SEI Global Holdings (Cayman) Inc. | Director, Vice President, Secretary | |
SEI Investments (South Africa) (PTY) Limited | Director | |
SEI Investments Canada Company | Director, Secretary | |
SEI Custodial Operations Company, LLC | Manager | |
SEI Institutional Transfer Agent, Inc. | Director, Senior Vice President | |
SIMC Subsidiary, LLC | Manager | |
SEI Ventures, Inc. | Vice President, Secretary | |
SEI Investments Developments, Inc. | Vice President, Secretary | |
SEI Investments Global Funds Services | Vice President, Assistant Secretary | |
SEI Keystone Capital Holdings, LLC | Senior Vice President | |
SEI Archway Finance & Operations LLC | Manager, Senior Vice President | |
SEI Archway Technology Partners LLC | Manager, Senior Vice President | |
SEI Novus, LLC | Senior Vice President, Secretary | |
SEI Acquisition Sub, LLC | Senior Vice President, Secretary | |
SEI Radar Holding Company LLC | Senior Vice President, Secretary | |
SEI Novus Switzerland | Director | |
SEI Novus UK Ltd. | Director | |
SEI Insurance Group, Inc. | Director, Vice President and Assistant Secretary | |
James
Smigiel Vice President |
SEI Investment Strategies, LLC | Vice President |
Wayne
M. Withrow |
SEI Investments Company | Executive Vice President |
SEI Investments Distribution Co. | Director, President & Chief Executive Officer | |
SEI Global Services, Inc. | Director, President | |
SEI Investments Canada Company | Director, Vice President | |
SEI Investment Strategies, LLC | Director, President | |
Mark
Warner |
SEI Investments Company | Vice President, Controller & Chief Accounting Officer |
SEI Funds Inc. | Director, Vice President, Treasurer | |
SEI Investments, Inc. | Director, Vice President, Treasurer | |
SEI Global Investments Corp. | Director, Vice President & Treasurer | |
SEI Advanced Capital Management, Inc. | Director, Vice President, Treasurer | |
SEI Primus Holding Corp. | Director, Vice President, Treasurer | |
SEI Investment Strategies, LLC | Vice President, Treasurer |
6
SEI Global Capital Investments, Inc. | Director, Vice President, Treasurer | |
SEI Investments Global (Cayman), Limited | Vice President, Treasurer | |
SEI Global Holdings (Cayman) Inc. | Vice President, Assistant Secretary & Treasurer | |
SEI Investments Canada Company | Vice President | |
SEI Investments Developments, Inc. | Director, Vice President, Treasurer | |
SEI Keystone Capital Holdings, LLC | Vice President | |
SEI Archway Finance & Operations LLC | Vice President | |
SEI Archway Technology Partners LLC | Vice President | |
SEI Novus, LLC | Treasurer | |
SEI Acquisition Sub, LLC | Vice President, Treasurer | |
SEI Radar Holding Company LLC | Treasurer | |
SEI Trust Company | Vice President, Treasurer | |
SEI Insurance Group, Inc. | Vice President, Treasurer | |
SEI Private Trust Company | Vice President, Treasurer | |
SEI Custodial Operations Company, LLC | Vice President, Treasurer | |
SEI Global Services Inc. | Vice President | |
Timothy
D. Barto |
SEI Investments Company | Vice President-Legal & Assistant Secretary |
SEI Funds, Inc. | Vice President | |
SEI Global Services, Inc. | Vice President | |
SIMC Holdings, LLC | Manager | |
SEI Investment Strategies, LLC | General Counsel, Vice President, Secretary | |
SIMC Subsidiary, LLC | Manager | |
David
McCann |
SEI Investment Strategies, LLC | Vice President, Assistant Secretary |
Kevin
Crowe |
SEI Global Services, Inc. | Vice President |
Paul
F. Klauder |
SEI Investments Company | Executive Vice President |
SEI Investments Distribution Co. | Director | |
SEI Global Services, Inc. | Vice President | |
SEI Trust Company | Director, Vice President | |
SEI Investments Strategies, LLC | Director | |
SEI Investments (Asia), Limited | Director | |
SEI Global Holdings (Cayman) Inc. | Director, Vice President | |
SEI Investments (South Africa) (PTY) Limited | Director | |
SEI Investments Canada Company | Director, Vice President | |
SEI Novus, LLC | Chief Executive Officer |
7
SEI Acquisition Sub, LLC | Chief Executive Officer | |
SEI Novus Switzerland | Director | |
SEI Novus UK Ltd. | Director | |
Raquell
Baker |
SEI Global Services, Inc. | Vice President |
SEI Investments Canada Company | Vice President | |
SEI Keystone Capital Holdings, LLC | Vice President | |
SEI Archway Finance & Operations LLC | Vice President | |
SEI Archway Technology Partners, LLC | Vice President | |
John
W. Lau |
SEI Investments (Asia), Limited | Director, FATCA Responsible Officer |
Stephen
G. MacRae |
SEI Global Services, Inc. | Vice President |
SEI Investment Strategies, LLC | Vice President | |
Radoslav
K. Koitchev |
SEI Investment Strategies, LLC | Vice President |
Michael
Farrell |
SEI Global Services, Inc. | Vice President |
Kevin
Matthews |
SEI Global Services, Inc. | Vice President |
SEI Investment Strategies, LLC | Director | |
SEI Novus, LLC | Vice President | |
SEI Acquisition Sub, LLC | Vice President | |
SEI Investments Canada Company | Vice President | |
Patrick
DiLello Vice President & FATCA Responsible Officer |
SEI Investments Company | Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer |
SEI Trust Company | Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI Funds, Inc. | Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI Investments, Inc. | Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI Global Investments Corp. | Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI Advanced Capital Management, Inc. | Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI Primus Holding Corp. | Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI Global Services, Inc. | Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI Private Trust Company | Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SIMC Holdings, LLC | Manager, Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI Investment Strategies, LLC | Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
LSV Asset Management | Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI Global Capital Investments, Inc. | Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI Investments (Europe) Ltd. | FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI Global Nominee Ltd. | FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI Trustees Limited | FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI European Services Limited | FATCA Responsible Officer |
8
SEI Global Holdings (Cayman) Inc. | Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI Investments (South Africa) (PTY) Limited | Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI Investments Global, Limited | Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI Investments Global Fund Services, Limited | Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI Investments Depositary and Custodial Services (Ireland) Limited | Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI Investments Canada Company | Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI Custodial Operations Company, LLC | Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI Institutional Transfer Agent, Inc. | Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SIMC Subsidiary, LLC | Manager, Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI Ventures, Inc. | Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI Investments Developments, Inc. | Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI Investments Global Funds Services | Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI Investments-Guernsey Limited | Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI Keystone Capital Holdings, LLC | Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI Archway Finance & Operations LLC | Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI Archway Technology Partners LLC | Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI Novus, LLC | Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI Acquisition Sub, LLC | Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI Radar Holding Company LLC | Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI Novus UK Ltd. | FATCA Responsible Officer | |
SEI Insurance Group, Inc. | Vice President, FATCA Responsible Officer | |
Sean
Simko Vice President |
SEI Global Services, Inc. | Vice President |
Aaron
Von Alst |
SEI Global Services, Inc. | Vice President |
Jennifer
Campisi |
SEI Investments Distribution Co. | Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary |
Erich
Holland |
SEI Global Services, Inc. | Vice President |
Karen
Sullivan |
SEI Global Services, Inc. | Vice President |
9
Katherine
Mason |
SEI Investment Strategies, LLC | Vice President, Assistant Secretary |
Michael
Cagnina |
SEI Novus, LLC | Vice President |
Brian
Vargo |
SEI Investment Strategies, LLC | Vice President, Assistant Secretary |
Jay
Cipriano |
SEI Global Services, Inc. | Vice President |
SEI Investment Strategies, LLC | Senior Vice President | |
SEI Trust Company | Vice President | |
SEI Investments Company | Executive Vice President | |
J.
Womack |
SEI Investment Strategies, LLC | Vice President |
Acadian Asset Management LLC
Acadian Asset Management LLC (“Acadian”) is a Sub-Adviser for the Registrant’s International Equity Fund. The principal business address of Acadian is 260 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. Acadian is a registered investment adviser under the Advisers Act.
Name
and Position With Investment Adviser |
Name
and Principal Business Address of Other Company |
Connection With Other Company |
Kelly Young, CEO | Acadian
Asset Management (Australia) Ltd 20 Martin Place Level 9, Suite 3 Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia |
Affiliated Directorships |
Acadian
Asset Management (UK) Ltd 24 King William Street, 6th Floor London EC4R 9AT United Kingdom |
Affiliated Directorships | |
Acadian
Asset Management (Singapore) Pte Ltd 8 Marina View, #40-01 Asia Square Tower Singapore, 018960 |
Affiliated Directorships |
10
Brendan Bradley, Executive Vice President, CIO | Acadian
Asset Management (UK) Ltd; 24 King William Street, 6th Floor London EC4R 9AT United Kingdom |
Affiliated Directorships |
Acadian
Asset Management (Australia) Ltd 20 Martin Place Level 9, Suite 3 Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia |
Affiliated Directorships | |
Acadian
Asset Management (Singapore) Pte Ltd 8 Marina View, #40-01 Asia Square Tower Singapore, 018960 |
Affiliated Directorships | |
Suren Rana, Member of Board of Managers | BrightSphere
Investment Group, Inc (“BSIG”-a public company traded on the NYSE) 200 Clarendon Street, 53rd Floor Boston, MA 02116 |
Executive Vice President, Chief Executive Officer |
Acadian
Asset Management LLC (an investment advisor) 260 Franklin Street Boston, MA 02110 |
Affiliated Directorships | |
Melody Huang, Member of Board of Manager | BrightSphere
Investment Group, Inc (“BSIG”-a public company traded on the NYSE) |
Director of Finance and Investor Relations |
Acadian
Asset Management LLC (an investment advisor) 260 Franklin Street Boston, MA 02110 |
Affiliated Directorships | |
Richard Hart, Member of Board of Managers | BrightSphere
Investment Group, Inc (“BSIG”-a public company traded on the NYSE) |
Chief Legal Officer |
Acadian
Asset Management LLC (an investment advisor) 260 Franklin Street Boston, MA 02110 |
Affiliated Directorships |
Aikya Investment Management Limited
Aikya Investment Management Limited ("Aikya") is a Sub-Adviser for the Registrant’s Emerging Markets Equity Fund. The principal business address of Aikya is Octagon Point 5 Cheapside, London, United Kingdom EC2V 6AA. Aikya is a registered investment adviser under the Advisers Act.
11
During the last two fiscal years, no director, officer or partner of Aikya has engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.
AllianceBernstein L.P.
AllianceBernstein is a Delaware limited partnership, the majority limited partnership units in which are held, directly and indirectly, by its parent company Equitable Holdings, Inc. (“EQH”), a publicly traded holding company for a diverse group of financial services companies. AllianceBernstein Corporation, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of EQH, is the general partner of both AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein Holding L.P., a publicly traded partnership. AllianceBernstein’s principal place of business is located at 501 Commerce St. Nashville, TN 37203.
Listed below are the names and principal occupations of the directors and principal executive officers of AllianceBernstein. The principal business address of each director and officer, as it relates to his or her duties to AllianceBernstein, is the same as that of AllianceBernstein (except as otherwise noted below).
Information as to the directors and executive officers of AllianceBernstein set forth in its Form ADV filed with the SEC (File No. 801-56720), and amended through the date hereof, is incorporated by reference.
Name
and Position with Investment Adviser |
Name
and Principal Business Address of Other Company |
Connection with Other Company |
Board of Directors | ||
Joan Lamm-Tennant Independent Chair |
Equitable Holdings, Inc. 1290 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 101 | Chair of the Board |
Jeffrey
Hurd Affiliated Director |
Equitable Holdings, Inc. 1290 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 101 | Chief Operating Officer |
Daniel
G. Kaye Independent Director |
Equitable Holdings, Inc. Equitable Life Insurance Company 1290 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10 | Director |
CME Group, Inc. Chicago, I | Director | |
Nicholas
Lane Affiliated Director |
Equitable Holdings, Inc. 1290 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 101 | Senior Executive Vice President and Head of U.S. Life, Retirement and Wealth Management |
Equitable Life Insurance Company 1290 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 101 | President | |
Das
Narayandas Independent Director |
Harvard Business School Cambridge, M | Edsel Bryant Ford Professor of Business Administration |
12
Mark
Pearson Affiliated Director |
Equitable Holdings, Inc. 1290 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 101 | Director, President and Chief Executive Officer |
Equitable Life Insurance Company 1290 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 101 | Chairman and Chief Executive Officer | |
Charles
Stonehill Independent Director |
Equitable Holdings, Inc. Equitable Life Insurance Company 1290 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10 | Director |
Green & Blue Advisors LLC New York, N | Founding Partner | |
PlayMagnus A/S Oslo, Norway CommonBond, LLC New York, | Director | |
Todd Walthall Independent Director |
United Health Group | Executive Vice President, Enterprise Growth |
Executive Team | ||
Seth
P. Bernstein Affiliated Director, President and Chief Executive Officer |
AllianceBernstein
L.P. 1345 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10105 |
|
Bill
Siemers Interim Chief Financial Officer and Controller |
AllianceBernstein
L.P. 501 Commerce St. Nashville, TN 37203 |
|
Karl
Sprules Chief Operating Officer |
AllianceBernstein
L.P. 501 Commerce St. Nashville, TN 37203 |
|
Mark
R. Manley Global Head of Compliance and General Counsel |
AllianceBernstein
L.P. 501 Commerce St. Nashville, TN 37203 |
|
Onur
Erzan Head of Global Client Group and Head of Private Wealth |
AllianceBernstein
L.P. 501 Commerce St. Nashville, TN 37203 |
13
Causeway Capital Management LLC
Causeway Capital Management LLC (“Causeway”) is a Sub-Adviser for the Registrant’s International Equity Fund. The principal business address of Causeway is 11111 Santa Monica Boulevard, 15th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90025. Causeway is a registered investment adviser under the Advisers Act.
During the last two fiscal years, no director, officer or partner of Causeway has engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.
Colchester Global Investors Ltd
Colchester Global Investors Ltd (“Colchester”) is a Sub-Adviser for the Registrant’s International Fixed Income and Emerging Markets Debt Funds. The principal business address of Colchester is Heathcoat House, 20 Savile Row, London, United Kingdom W1S 3PR. Colchester is a registered investment adviser under the Advisers Act.
During the last two fiscal years, no director, officer or partner of Colchester has engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.
Delaware Investments Fund Advisers, a series of Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust
Delaware Investments Fund Advisers (“DIFA”), with principal offices at 100 Independence, 610 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, is a series of Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust (“MIMBT”). MIMBT is a registered investment adviser under the Advisers Act.
Unless otherwise noted, the following persons serving as directors or officers of DIFA have held the following positions during the past two fiscal years. The principal business address of Macquarie Asset Management, Delaware Funds by Macquarie®, and Optimum Fund Trust is 100 Independence, 610 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106.
Name and Position with Adviser | Other Company | Position with Other Company |
Shawn
Lytle |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | President/Chief Executive Officer |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various executive capacities | |
Optimum Fund Trust | President/Chief Executive Officer | |
Gregory
A. Gizzi |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Senior Vice President/Head of US Fixed Income |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
J.
David Hillmeyer |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Senior Vice President/Head of Global and Multi-Asset Credit |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various executive capacities | |
John
Leonard Executive Vice President/Global Head of Equities/Executive Director |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Executive Vice President/Global Head of Equities |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various executive capacities | |
Optimum Fund Trust | President/Chief Executive Officer | |
Francis
X. Morris |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Senior Vice President/Chief Investment Officer - Core Equity |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various executive capacities |
14
Neil
Siegel |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Senior Vice President/Global Head of Marketing and Product |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various executive capacities | |
Alexander
Alston Senior Vice President/Co-Head of Private Placements/Division Director |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Senior Vice President/Co-Head of Private Placements |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various executive capacities | |
Erik
R. Becker |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Vice President |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Adam
H. Brown |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Senior Vice President/Co-Head of High Yield |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Nathan
A. Brown |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Vice President |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Stephen
J. Busch |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Senior Vice President/Managing Director, Investments Business Management |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Optimum Fund Trust | Senior Vice President/Investment Accounting | |
Michael
F. Capuzzi |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Senior Vice President/US Chief Operations Officer |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Liu-Er
Chen |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Senior Vice President/Chief Investment Officer - Emerging Markets and Healthcare |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Anthony
G. Ciavarelli |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Senior Vice President/Associate General Counsel/Assistant Secretary/ |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Optimum Fund Trust | Senior Vice President/General Counsel/Assistant Secretary | |
David
F. Connor |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Senior Vice President/General Counsel/Secretary |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Optimum Fund Trust | Senior Vice President/Secretary | |
Michael
E. Dresnin |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Senior Vice President/Associate General Counsel/Assistant Secretary |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Optimum Fund Trust | Senior Vice President/Associate General Counsel/Assistant Secretary |
15
Brad
Frishberg |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities |
Daniel
V. Geatens |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Senior Vice President/Treasurer |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Optimum Fund Trust | Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer | |
Derek
L. Hamilton |
Macquarie Asset Management |
Various capacities |
James
L. Hinkley |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities |
Kashif
Ishaq |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Senior Vice President/Head of Investment Grade Corporate Bond Trading |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Bradley
M. Klapmeyer |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Vice President |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Michael
Kopfler |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Senior Vice President/Global Head of Equity Trading |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Alex
Kozhemiakin |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Senior Vice President/Head of Emerging Markets Debt |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Nik
Lalvani |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Senior Vice President/Chief Investment Officer – Large Cap Value |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Michael
Q. Mahoney |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Vice President/Head of US Service Provider Management |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Daniela
Mardarovici |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Senior Vice President/Co-Head of US Multisector/Core Plus Fixed Income |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
John
P. McCarthy |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Senior Vice President/Co-Head of High Yield |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities |
16
Carleen
Michalski |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities |
Optimum Fund Trust |
Senior Vice President/Head of Global Product Development | |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Senior Vice President/Head of Global Product Development | |
Susan
L. Natalini |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Senior Vice President/Chief Operations Officer-Equity and Fixed Income Operations |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Terrance
M. O’Brien |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Senior Vice President/US Head of Quantitative and Markets Research |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Illysse
Pratter |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities |
Mansur
Z. Rasul |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Senior Vice President/Head of Emerging Markets Credit Trading |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Richard
Salus |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Optimum Fund Trust | Senior Vice President | |
Daniel
G. Scherman |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities |
Gilbert
C. Scott |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities |
William
Speacht |
Delaware Funds® by Macquarie |
Senior Vice President/Chief Compliance Officer |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Optimum Fund Trust | Senior Vice President/Chief Compliance Officer | |
Emilia
P. Wang |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Senior Vice President/Associate General Counsel/Assistant Secretary |
Macquarie Asset Management |
Various capacities | |
Optimum Fund Trust | Senior Vice President/Associate General Counsel/Assistant Secretary | |
Kathryn
R. Williams |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Senior Vice President/Deputy General Counsel/Assistant Secretary |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Optimum Fund Trust | Senior Vice President/Deputy General Counsel/Assistant Secretary | |
Robert
Wolfangel |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities |
17
Douglas
K. Briggs |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities |
Kishor
K. Daga Vice President/Associate Director of US Portfolio Administration/ Associate Director |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Vice President/ Associate Director of US Portfolio Administration |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Catherine
DiValentino |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Assistant Vice President/Associate General Counsel/Assistant Secretary |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Joseph
A. Fiorilla Vice President/Head of US Trading Operations/Associate Director |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Vice President/Head of US Trading Operations |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Stephen
Hoban Vice President/Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer/Associate Director |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Vice President/Financial Management |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Earthen
Johnson |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Vice President/Associate General Counsel/Assistant Secretary |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Optimum Fund Trust | Vice President/Assistant General Counsel/Assistant Secretary | |
Francis
Magee |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Vice President/Financial Administration |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Optimum Fund Trust | Vice President/Investment Accounting | |
Andrew
McEvoy Vice President/Associate Director of US Transaction Management/ Associate Director |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Vice President/Associate Director of US Transaction Management |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Optimum Fund Trust | Vice President/Trade Settlements | |
Lauren
Weintraub Vice President/Senior Equity Trader/Associate Director |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities |
Aaron
D. Young |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Vice President |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Joseph
Zalewski Vice President/Senior Credit Analyst – Distressed Debt/Associate Director |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities |
Joel
A. Ettinger |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Vice President/Taxation |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Optimum Fund Trust | Vice President/Taxation | |
James
Gray |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities |
18
Jamie
Marley |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities |
Ron
Rabkin |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities |
Antoinette
Robbins |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities |
Alexander
Lenoir |
Delaware Funds by Macquarie® | Anti-Money Laundering Officer |
Macquarie Asset Management | Various capacities | |
Optimum Fund Trust | Anti-Money Laundering Officer |
19
Grantham, Mayo, Van Otterloo & Co. LLC
Grantham, Mayo, Van Otterloo & Co. LLC (“GMO”) is a Sub-Adviser for the Registrant’s Emerging Markets Debt Fund. The principal business address of GMO is 53 State Street, 33rd Floor Boston, MA 02109. GMO is a registered investment adviser under the Advisers Act.
Name
and Position with Investment Adviser |
Name
and Principal Business Address of Other Company |
Connection with Other Company |
R.
Jeremy Grantham |
Divecha Centre for Climate Change, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India | Advisor |
Imperial College of London – Grantham Institute for Climate Change, London SW7 2AZ | Advisory Board Member | |
London School of Economics – Grantham Institute for Climate Change, Houghton Street, London, WC2A 2AE | Steering Committee | |
The Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment, 53 State Street, Floor 33, Boston, MA 02109 | Trustee | |
The Jeremy and Hannelore Grantham Environmental Trust, 53 State Street, Floor 33, Boston, MA 02109 | Trustee | |
Koop Family Office, 2200 Geng Rd., Suite 100, Palo Alto, CA 94303 | Advisory Member | |
Society for the Protection of Underground Networks, Dover, Delaware; | Governing Board | |
Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN | Advisory Board | |
Scott
L. Hayward |
The Christine and Scott Hayward Charitable Fund, Vanguard, 100 Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, PA 19355 | Trustee |
Give to the World, P.O. Box 6183, Arlington, VA 22206 | Advisory Board Member | |
Boston College Board of Regents; Mass General Children’s Hospital Advisory Board | Advisory Board Member | |
The Kenan Institute for Ethics at Duke University, 1364 Campus Drive, Durham, NC 27705. | Advisory Board Member | |
Stephen
P. Casper |
MarketAxess, 299 Park Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10171. | Lead Independent Director |
20
Anthony
Hene |
N/A | N/A |
Ben
Inker |
Jewish Vocational Services of Boston, 75 Federal Street, Boston, MA 0211 | Board Member |
Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520 | Member of Investment Committee | |
Open Society Foundation, 224 W 57 Street, New York, NY 10019. | Investment Committee | |
Margaret
McGetrick |
Save the Children US, 501 Kings Highway East, Suite 400, Fairfield CT 06825 | Board of Trustees and Chairman of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committees and Member of the Investment Committee |
Save the Children International, St. Vincent House, 30 Orange Street, London WC2H 7HH, United Kingdom. | Board of Trustees, member of Finance Committee | |
Andrea
Muller |
Buford Capital Limited, 350 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10017 | Board Member |
Georgetown University Law Center Business Law Scholar’s Program, 600 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001. | Advisory Board Member | |
Mark
Nitzberg |
Akvo Foundation, USA, 1168 Arch St, Berkeley, CA 94708 | Board Member, |
Cambrian Group, 1429 Euclid Ave., Berkeley, CA 94708 | Advisory Board Member | |
Grabango Co., 2105 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, CA 94704 | Advisory Board Member | |
CHAI, The University of California, Berkeley, 253 Cory Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720 | Executive Director | |
BAIR, The University of California, Berkeley, 253 Cory Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720 | Head of Strategic Outreach |
21
Krypton Medical Inc., 50 Lafayette Place, Unit 3G, Greenwich, CT 06830 | Board Member | |
Kinoo, Inc., 455 West Evelyn Ave., Mountain View, CA 9404 | Advisor | |
Eyk
Van Otterloo |
Stichting Administratiekantoor Houthavens Beheer BV, Stichting Administratiekantoor Old Masters Real Estate BV (formerly Stichting Administratiekantoor Investment 1926 BV), Stichting Administratiekantoor Hot Item Onroerend Goed BV, Stichting Administratiekantoor Decca Vastgoed BV, Danzigerkade 69, 1013 AP Amsterdam, NL | Board Member |
Artory Inc., 41 East 11th Street, 11th Floor, New York, New York 10003 | Board Member | |
GCTH Ipswich LLC, 351 Topsfield Rd., Ipswich, MA 01938. | Board Member |
JOHCM (USA) Inc.
JOHCM (USA) Inc. (“JOHCM”) is a Sub-Adviser for the Registrant’s Emerging Markets Equity Fund. The principal business address of JOHCM is 53 State Street, Suite 1302 13th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. JOHCM is a registered investment adviser under the Advisers Act.
Name
and Position with Investment Adviser |
Name
and Principal Business Address of Other Company |
Connection with Other Company |
Jonathan
Weitz |
Pendal USA 53 State Street, 13th Floor Boston, MA 02109 |
Director & Chief Operating Officer |
JOHCM Funds Trust 53 State Street, 13th Floor Boston, MA 02109 |
President | |
Mickey
Janvier |
Perpetual, Americas 155 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 4250 |
Head of Distribution, Americas |
Allan
Lo Proto
|
Perpetual Investment Manager Limited* Level 18, 123 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia |
Director |
Perpetual Asia-Hong Kong Limited Unit 22, Level 10/F, Boc Group Life Assurance Tower, 136 Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong |
Director | |
JOHCM USA Inc. 53 State Street, 13th Floor Boston, MA 02109 |
Director |
22
Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC 2200 Ross Avenue, 31st floor Dallas, TX 75201 |
Director | |
Perpetual US Holding Company, Inc. 155 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 4250 |
Director | |
Perpetual US Services, LLC 155 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 4250 |
Officer | |
Perpetual US TDC, LLC 155 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 4250 |
Director | |
Pendal USA Inc. 53 State Street, 13th Floor Boston, MA 02109 |
Director | |
Trillium Asset Management, LLC Level 11, 60 South Street, Boston, |
Director | |
Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC 6641 West Broad Street, Suite 600 |
Director | |
Lo Proto Pty Ltd 10 Cadman Avenue, West Hoxton |
Director and Shareholder | |
Tagasa Pty Ltd 10 Cadman Avenue, West Hoxton |
Director and Shareholder | |
Euro Breads Pty Ltd 3/13-14 Hallstrom Place Wetherill Park, NSW 2164 Australia |
Shareholder | |
Kemps Creek Investment Pty Ltd 24 Hubert Street, Fairfield NSW 2165 |
Director and Shareholder |
* Resigned in December 2023
As of September 30, 2023. No other JOHCM director has any external interests.
23
KBI Global Investors (North America) Ltd
KBI Global Investors (North America) Ltd (“KBIGI (North America)”) is a Sub-Adviser for the Registrant’s Emerging Markets Equity Fund. The principal business address of KBIGI (North America) is 3rd Floor, 2 Harbourmaster Place, IFSC, Dublin 1, Ireland D01 X5P3. KBIGI (North America) is a registered investment adviser under the Advisers Act.
Name
and Position with Investment Adviser |
Name and Principal Business |
Connection with Other Company |
Sean Hawkshaw Director & Chief Executive Officer |
KBI Global Investors Ltd 3rd Floor, 2 Harbourmaster Place, IFSC, Dublin 1,Ireland |
Chief Executive Officer, Director |
Geoff Blake Director & Head of Business Development & Client Services |
KBI Global Investors Ltd. 3rd Floor, 2 Harbourmaster Place, IFSC, Dublin 1,Ireland |
Director, Head of Clients & Business Development |
William Cotter, Non-Executive Director | KBI Global Investors Ltd. 3rd Floor, 2 Harbourmaster Place, IFSC, Dublin 1, Ireland. |
KBIGI - Non-Executive Director (Mr. Cotter is retired and has only two active, Non Executive directorships). |
Lazard Asset Management LLC
Lazard Asset Management LLC ("Lazard") is a Sub-Adviser for the Registrant's International Equity Fund. The principal business address of Lazard is 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York 10112. Lazard is a registered investment adviser under the Advisers Act.
During the last two fiscal years, no director, officer or partner of Lazard has engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.
Marathon Asset Management, L.P.
Marathon Asset Management, L.P. (“Marathon”) is a Sub-Adviser for the Registrant’s Emerging Markets Debt Fund. The principal business address of Marathon is One Bryant Park, 38th Floor, New York, New York 10036. Marathon is a registered investment adviser under the Advisers Act.
During the last two fiscal years, no director, officer or partner of Marathon has engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.
Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC
Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC ("NBIA") is a Sub-Adviser for the Registrant's Emerging Markets Debt Fund. The principal business address of NBIA is 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10104. NBIA is a registered investment adviser under the Advisers Act.
NBIA is an indirect subsidiary of Neuberger Berman Group LLC (“NBG”). NBG is a holding company that through its subsidiaries provides a broad range of global asset management services. NBG’s voting equity is owned by NBSH Acquisition, LLC (“NBSH”). NBSH is owned by current and former employees, directors and consultants and, in certain instances, their permitted transferees. Information as to the directors and executive officers of NBIA set forth in its Form ADV filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (File No. 801-61757), and amended through the date hereof, is incorporated by reference. The directors of NBIA are: Bradley Tank, Joseph Amato, Kenneth deRegt, John Douglas Kramer and Stephen Wright. These individuals have not been engaged in any other business or profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature during the past two fiscal years.
24
Ninety One UK Ltd.
Ninety One UK Ltd. (“Ninety One”) is a Sub-Adviser for the Registrant’s Emerging Markets Debt Fund. The principal business address of Ninety One is 55 Gresham Street, London, United Kingdom, EC2V 7EL. Ninety One is a registered investment adviser under the Advisers Act.
Information as to the directors and executive Officers of Ninety One set forth in its Form ADV filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and amended through the date hereof, is incorporated by reference. These individuals have not been engaged in any other business or profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature during the past two fiscal years other than in their capacities as a director or Officer of Ninety One or Ninety One’s affiliated entities.
Pzena Investment Management, LLC
Pzena Investment Management, LLC (“Pzena”) is a Sub-Adviser for the Registrant’s International Equity Fund. The principal business address of Pzena Investment Management is 320 Park Ave, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10022. Pzena Investment Management is a registered investment adviser under the Adviser Act.
In accordance with our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, employees are permitted, subject to prior written supervisory approval and departmental restrictions, to engage in outside business activities if free of any actions that could be considered a conflict of interest. Any such outside business interests must not involve use of company time, materials or resources.
Name
and Position with Investment Adviser |
Name
and Principal Business Address of Other Company |
Connection with Other Company |
Richard
Pzena |
Assura Group of NY 320 Park Ave. New York, NY 10022 |
Chairman of the Board |
UJA 130 E. 59th St New York, NY 10022 |
Member, Finance Committee | |
Protosure 5 Hanover Square New York, NY 10004 |
Board Member | |
Trade TGMP, LLC 791 Park Ave. Apt. 5B New York, NY 10021 |
Member | |
Pita Magoo, LLC 791 Park Av. Apt. 5B New York, NY 10021 |
Managing Member | |
Success Charter Network 34 West 118th St. New York, NY 10026 |
Treasurer | |
791 Park Avenue 791 Park Ave. New York, NY 10021 |
Treasurer | |
Value Quest 320 Park Ave. New York, NY 10022 |
Member |
25
John
Goetz |
The Bowery Mission 227 Bowery New York, NY 10002 |
Board Member |
Florida State Board Administration 1801 Hermitage Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 |
Advisory member of the Investment Advisory Council (IAC) | |
William Lipsey Vice Chairman, Principal |
Honey Foundation for Israel 11 Princeton Rd. Livingston, NJ 07039 |
Chair & Founder |
Evan Fire Managing Principal, Chief Operating Officer |
Foxon Media – The Summit for Asset Management Unit 40 264 Lavender Hill London, SW11 1LJ United Kingdom |
Advisory Board Member |
Jessica Doran Managing Principal, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer |
Financial Accounting Standards Board 401 Merritt 7 P.O. Box 5116 Norwalk, CT 06856 |
Committee Member |
Qtron Investments, LLC
Qtron Investments LLC (“Qtron”) is a Sub-Adviser for the Registrant's Emerging Markets Equity Fund. The principal business address of Qtron is 200 High Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02110. Qtron is a registered investment adviser under the Advisers Act.
During the last two fiscal years, no director, officer or partner of Qtron has engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.
Robeco Institutional Asset Management US Inc.
Robeco Institutional Asset Management US Inc. (“Robeco”), is a Sub-Adviser for the Registrant’s Emerging Markets Equity Fund. The principal business address of 230 Park Avenue, Suite 3330, New York, NY 10169. Robeco is a registered investment adviser under the Adviser Act.
Name
and Position with Investment Adviser |
Name
and Principal Business Address of Other Company |
Connection with Other Company |
Andrew
Cunningham |
None | None |
Marcel
Prins |
Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V.* | Chief Operating Officer* |
Malick
Badje |
Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V.* | Global Head Distribution & Marketing* |
* The information provided in the table above is for Robeco Institutional Asset Management US Inc. Note that Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V., the parent company, is a separate legal entity registered in the Netherlands.
26
WCM Investment Management, LLC
WCM Investment Management, LLC (“WCM”) is a Sub-Adviser for the Registrant’s International Equity Fund. The principal business address of WCM is 281 Brooks Street, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. WCM is a registered investment adviser under the Advisers Act.
During the last two fiscal years, no director, officer or partner of WCM has engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.
Wellington Management Company LLP
Wellington Management Company LLP (“Wellington Management”) is a Sub-Adviser for the Registrant's International Fixed Income Fund. The principal business address of Wellington Management is 280 Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210. Wellington Management is a registered investment adviser under the Advisers Act.
During the last two fiscal years, no director, officer or partner of Wellington Management has engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.
Item 32. Principal Underwriters:
(a) Furnish the name of each investment company (other than the Registrant) for which each principal underwriter currently distributing the securities of the Registrant also acts as a principal underwriter, distributor or investment adviser.
Registrant’s distributor, SIDCo., acts as distributor for:
SEI Daily Income Trust | July 15, 1982 | |
SEI Tax Exempt Trust | December 3, 1982 | |
SEI Institutional Managed Trust | January 22, 1987 | |
The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund | November 14, 1991 | |
The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund II | January 28, 1993 | |
Bishop Street Funds | January 27, 1995 | |
SEI Asset Allocation Trust | April 1, 1996 | |
SEI Institutional Investments Trust | June 14, 1996 | |
City National Rochdale Funds (f/k/a CNI Charter Funds) | April 1, 1999 | |
Causeway Capital Management Trust | September 20, 2001 | |
SEI Offshore Opportunity Fund II, Ltd. | September 1, 2005 | |
ProShares Trust | November 14, 2005 | |
Community Capital Trust (f/k/a Community Reinvestment Act Qualified Investment Fund) |
January 8, 2007 | |
SEI Offshore Advanced Strategy Series SPC | July 31, 2007 | |
SEI Structured Credit Fund, LP | July 31, 2007 | |
Global X Funds | October 24, 2008 | |
ProShares Trust II | November 17, 2008 | |
SEI Special Situations Fund, Ltd. | July 1, 2009 | |
Exchange Traded Concepts Trust (f/k/a FaithShares Trust) | August 7, 2009 | |
Schwab Strategic Trust | October 12, 2009 | |
RiverPark Funds Trust | September 8, 2010 | |
Adviser Managed Trust | December 10, 2010 | |
SEI Core Property Fund, LP | January 1, 2011 |
27
New Covenant Funds | March 23, 2012 | |
KraneShares Trust | December 18, 2012 | |
The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund III | February 12, 2014 | |
SEI Catholic Values Trust | March 24, 2015 | |
SEI Hedge Fund SPC | June 26, 2015 | |
SEI Energy Debt Fund, LP | June 30, 2015 | |
Gallery Trust | January 8, 2016 | |
City National Rochdale Select Strategies Fund | March 1, 2017 | |
Impact Shares Trust | March 1, 2018 | |
City National Rochdale Strategic Credit Fund | May 16, 2018 | |
Symmetry Panoramic Trust | July 23, 2018 | |
Frost Family of Funds | May 31, 2019 | |
SEI Vista Fund, Ltd. | January 20, 2021 | |
Delaware Wilshire Private Markets Fund | March 22, 2021 | |
Catholic Responsible Investments Funds | November 17, 2021 | |
SEI Exchange Traded Funds | May 18, 2022 | |
SEI Global Private Assets VI, L.P. | July 29, 2022 | |
Quaker Investment Trust | June 8, 2023 | |
SEI Alternative Income Fund | September 1, 2023 |
The Distributor provides numerous financial services to investment managers, pension plan sponsors, and bank trust departments. These services include portfolio evaluation, performance measurement and consulting services (“Funds Evaluation”) and automated execution, clearing and settlement of securities transactions (“MarketLink”).
(b) Furnish the Information required by the following table with respect to each director, officer or partner of each principal underwriter named in the answer to Item 25 of Part B. Unless otherwise noted, the business address of each director or officer is One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, PA 19456.
28
Name | Position
and Office |
Positions
and Offices with Registrant | ||
William M. Doran | Director | Trustee | ||
Paul F. Klauder | Director | — | ||
Wayne M. Withrow | Director, President & Chief Executive Officer | — | ||
Jason McGhin | Vice President & Chief Operations Officer | |||
John P. Coary | Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer | — | ||
Jennifer H. Campisi | Chief Compliance Officer, Anti-Money Laundering Officer & Assistant Secretary | — | ||
Donald Duncan | Anti-Money Laundering Officer | Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer and Privacy Officer | ||
John C. Munch | General Counsel & Secretary | — | ||
William M. Martin | Vice President | — | ||
Christopher Rowan | Vice President | — | ||
Judith A. Rager | Vice President | — | ||
Gary Michael Reese | Vice President | — | ||
Robert M. Silvestri | Vice President | — |
Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records:
Books or other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and the rules promulgated thereunder, are maintained as follows:
(a) With respect to Rules 31a-1(a); 31a-1(b)(1); (2)(a) and (b); (3); (6); (8); (12); and 31a-1(d), the required books and records are maintained at the off ices of the Registrant’s custodian:
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
40 Water Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
(b)/(c) With respect to Rules 31a-1(a); 31a-1(b)(1), (4); (2)(C) and (D); (4); (5); (6); (8); (9); (10); (11); and 31a-1(f), the required books and records are maintained at the off ices of Registrant’s administrator:
SEI Investments Global Funds Services
One Freedom Valley Drive
Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456
(d) With respect to Rules 31a-(b)(5); (6), (9) and (10) and 31a-1(f), the required books and records are maintained at the off ices of Registrant’s Adviser and Sub-Advisers:
SEI Investments Management Corporation
One Freedom Valley Drive
Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456
Acadian Asset Management LLC
260 Franklin Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
29
Aikya Investment Management Limited
Octagon Point 5 Cheapside
London, United Kingdom EC2V 6AA
AllianceBernstein L.P.
501 Commerce St.
Nashville, TN 37203
Causeway Capital Management LLC
11111 Santa Monica Boulevard, 15th Floor
Los Angeles, California 90025
Colchester Global Investors Ltd
Heathcoat House
20 Savile Row
London W1S 3PR
United Kingdom
Delaware Investments Fund Advisers, a series of Macquarie Asset Management
Business Trust
100 Independence
610 Market Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
Grantham, Mayo, Van Otterloo & Co. LLC
53 State Street, 33rd Floor
Boston, MA 02109
JOHCM (USA) Inc.
53 State Street
Suite 1302, 13th Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
KBI Global Investors (North America) Ltd
3rd Floor
2 Harbourmaster Place
IFSC, Dublin 1, Ireland
D01 X5P3
Lazard Asset Management LLC
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, New York 10112
Marathon Asset Management, L.P.
One Bryant Park
38th Floor
New York, New York 10036
Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC
(f/k/a Neuberger Berman Fixed Income)
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10104
30
Ninety One UK Ltd.
55 Gresham Street
London, United Kingdom
EC2V 7EL
Pzena Investment Management, LLC
320 Park Avenue
8th Floor
New York, New York 10022
Qtron Investments, LLC
200 High Street
5th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
Robeco Institutional Asset Management US Inc
230 Park Avenue, Suite 3330
New York, NY 10169
WCM Investment Management, LLC
281 Brooks Street
Laguna Beach, California 92651
Wellington Management Company, LLP
280 Congress Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02210
Item 34. Management Services:
None.
Item 35. Undertakings:
None.
31
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 81 to Registration Statement No. 033-22821 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Oaks, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on the 26th day of January, 2024.
SEI INSTITUTIONAL INTERNATIONAL TRUST | |||
By: | /s/ Robert A. Nesher | ||
Robert A. Nesher | |||
Trustee, President & Chief Executive Officer |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date(s) indicated.
* | Trustee | January 26, 2024 | ||
William M. Doran | ||||
* | Trustee | January 26, 2024 | ||
Nina Lesavoy | ||||
* | Trustee | January 26, 2024 | ||
James M. Williams | ||||
* | Trustee | January 26, 2024 | ||
Susan C. Cote | ||||
* | Trustee | January 26, 2024 | ||
James B. Taylor | ||||
* | Trustee | January 26, 2024 | ||
Christine Reynolds | ||||
* | Trustee | January 26, 2024 | ||
Thomas Melendez | ||||
/s/ Robert A. Nesher | Trustee, President & Chief Executive Officer | January 26, 2024 | ||
Robert A. Nesher | ||||
/s/ Glenn Kurdziel | Controller & Chief Financial Officer | January 26, 2024 | ||
Glenn Kurdziel |
*By: | /s/ Robert A. Nesher | ||||
Robert A. Nesher | |||||
Attorney-in-Fact |
32
EXHIBIT INDEX
33